THE GREAT ESCAPE – YOUR BATHROOM
Though your bathroom may not spring to mind as the place to
hold your next cocktail party, with the right accoutrements, your
bath can be a great place to hang out and enjoy life. And if you
live with family members, it may be the only place in your house
where you can truly be alone for a bit.
Besides just being a place to “get ready” to meet the day, it’s
also a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a long week
at work. Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress
and help tired, overworked muscles. With tons of specialized
showerheads, you can have everything from the sprinkle of a
gentle rain to an invigorating massage to bring your body back
to center. And a nice relaxing bath in a soaker tub can make the
world go away for a while.
If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing,
heating ducts and electricity, the makeover can start at around
$10,000. The choices for today’s bath are incredibly enticing.
Many homeowners are opting for larger showers that will not only
get you clean, but can also bathe you in LED lighting that changes
colors to suit your mood. You can also enjoy your favorite music
in the shower to either calm you down after a stressful day, or pep
you up for the daily routine.
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st
century. Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open to
a cavernous interior with little customization. Current options for
drawers and cabinets include specialized areas for storing your
blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage options for makeup.
And while you’re standing in front of that vanity applying your
makeup, you can watch TV in the mirror! New technology allows
your favorite TV program to be projected onto the mirror, so you
can keep up with the latest baseball scores or check the weather
before going out.
Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for bathrooms,
but one of the latest trends in baths are porcelain tiles that mimic
wood. These tiles come in sizes up to 48” and can be laid to look
like natural woodgrain, without the worry of water damage.
Laipple notes that the woodgrain appearance really warms up the
bathroom.
And speaking of warm – your toilet can be warm too.
Homeowners can opt for a “throne” with a retractable base that
comes out and heats your feet as well as the seat of the toilet. And
new touchless flushing helps prevent the spread of germs among
your family, along with a bidet, which ensures a much cleaner
experience.
You spend so much time in your bathroom every day. You owe
it to yourself to make it a more enjoyable place. And, according to
HGTV.com, bath remodels often offer a return on investment of
more than 100%!
KITCHEN CUISINE
Whether your cooking style is Chicken Cordon Bleu, or just
some great Pad Thai take-out from the corner restaurant, you
need a place to prepare your meals that’s fun, organized and feels
like home.
Even in today’s hectic lifestyle, you’ll probably spend a
significant amount of time each day in your kitchen.
Though it’s a significant investment to update your kitchen,
it’s a worthwhile endeavor from both a personal standpoint and
a financial one. And like bathrooms, HGTV.com estimates that
a kitchen remodel can offer returns that are upwards of 100% on
the resale of your house.
You can give your kitchen a whole new look in any style from
ultra‑contemporary to French country in this price range. Your
designer and builder can assist you with computer-aided design
(CAD) to help you envision your dream.
Some new trends in the kitchen include spacious farm sinks
that offer tons of space for food prep. Clean, white subway tile
can match virtually any décor, making it a popular choice for
backsplashes. Recycled glass tiles can be found in any color for a
look that’s great for your kitchen and great for the environment
as well. Mosaic tiles are frequently used and can be laid in
customized patterns for a uniquely personal look.
Although cherry wood cabinets are popular, there’s a trend
toward white cabinets. Cherry will give your kitchen a warm feel,
while white cabinets will brighten the space and have a clean
appearance.
As for flooring, natural stone and travertine are extremely
popular right now. After the stone is sealed, it’s an easy-care
option for homeowners and offers a lot of longevity.
It’s not just about the look you want to achieve in your kitchen,
it’s also about the way it makes you, your family and your friends
feel when you’re there.
ADDITION: 1 + 1 = FABULOUS!
Ever feel like your home would be perfect if only it had that
one room that’s missing? Perhaps it’s an extra bedroom for when
Mom comes to visit, or a bathroom downstairs for guests when
you’re entertaining. Maybe you already have a family room, but
it just needs to be a little larger for your needs. If this sounds
familiar, a home addition may be the perfect solution for making
life a little more comfortable.
The great thing about a new room is that you can plan it exactly
the way you want it. If you’re adding a family room or game room,
why not build a fireplace as well? This will quickly make it the
most visited room in your house. If you’re adding a bedroom
either for visiting parents or a returning college student, why not
include an ensuite bath, which will increase your home’s value as
well as make for more enjoyable visits for your guests.
As with any work done in your home, make sure that you do
your homework before contacting any contractors. It’s a good
idea to obtain estimates from three different contractors before
deciding which one to use. It helps to be as specific as possible
in your choices in order to get the most accurate estimates. Use a
spec sheet to ensure that you are giving all three contractors the
same exact information. Using local contractors is another great
way to ensure that you’re getting someone with a good reputation
in the community. Another good idea is to attend home shows
where you can actually meet the contractors face to face. It’s easier
working with someone with whom you have a good rapport.
The most important thing to remember in any home design
project is not to be too focused on the bottom line only. Many
times the lowest price does not result in the best‑quality job. Do
your research to find the best person for your particular project. ■
MCKEESPORT AREA
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SPRING 2020
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