Bathroom Remodeling NYC

Remodeling Your Bathroom with Flair

June 8, 2011

So you have this image of what your newly remodeled bathroom is going to look like and you are wondering where to start. Bathroom renovation does involve more than changing the color scheme and replacing your old toilet tank with a new one. You should also think about functionality, space, accessorizing and creating an illusion of spaciousness, especially when dealing with the quintessentially small New York City apartment bathroom. Writing down your ideas and goals prior to plunging right in to the project is always a good idea to avoid a sort of “buyer’s remorse” when it comes to actually implementing the items you have purchased.

Handy List of Bathroom Makeover Possibilities
• light fixtures
• cabinets
• flooring
• faucets
• toilet
• vanity
• shower/bath
• accessories
• plumbing fixtures

Be aware that using even slightly larger items in a small bathroom will cause it to feel and look cramped. For example, if you prefer having a laundry hamper in the bathroom, use a shorter, thinner one instead and fold clothes flat when placing them in the hamper instead of just throwing them in to save space. In addition, you could save even more space by opting for a wall-mounted sink rather than an space-hogging vanity.

About Showers and Toilets
Saving space in an apartment is the name of the game when remodeling any room, especially the bathroom. You might consider removing the tub and just having a shower stall instead to access additional space. A pale-colored shower curtain that is left slightly open will provide even more illusory spaciousness in a small bathroom. Sliding glass doors will also contribute to your bathroom exuding a larger impression. Also, check into the newer models of toilets and sinks, as they are made smaller for apartment living and are not as elevated as older types.

To Paint or Not to Paint
If you choose to repaint your bathroom, use light colors such as white or blue or light green. If this is too plain for your taste, you can complicate the simplicity by adding wallpaper borders or stenciled designs. One popular bathroom painting technique is marbling and veining, a style favored by interior designers. Also, whatever color you choose to paint your bathroom walls should be lighter than the floor tiles, as this will make the room appear more commodious. Since bathrooms are frequently humid and steamy, use a semi-gloss paint rather than a matte paint, which seals in color while preventing moisture from damaging the paint itself. For even more variety, consider tiling half the wall and only painting the upper half.

Illuminating Your Dream Bathroom
Installing a dimmer switch in your bathroom gives you both low and high lighting when desired, as well as saves energy costs. It creates a quiet, soothing illumination that makes a long soak in the tub even more relaxing. Other lighting options to think about when remodeling your bathroom are pendant or small chandelier lights; wall-mounted lights (sconces) which function well when place on either side of the vanity mirror; and using natural light during peak daytime hours. This means leaving a window that has been placed strategically curtainless, or perhaps placing several small potted plants on the sill for a warm, earthy effect.