Showing posts with label bathroom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bathroom. Show all posts

Friday, July 12, 2013

20 Ways to Update Your Bathroom

Are you planning a bathroom renovation this summer? Before you move too quickly, read through Real Simple's list of 20 Easy Ways to Upgrade your Bathroom:

1. Old wooden crates make smart holders for extra toilet paper and rolled bath towels.
2. Turn an unused nightstand into storage for small towels, makeup, hair tools, and toiletries.
3. A sink skirt hides a multitude of sins. You can easily make a no-sew one from a pretty bedsheet.
4. When your tub lacks wide ledges where you can store bath products, hang a multilevel fruit basket for additional space.
5. A shelf rack with hooks is a great answer to the storage problems posed by smaller spaces.
6. Separate cosmetics by category--lip colors, shadows, blushes, etc.--and store them in small drawer organizers that you can easily rearrange.
7. Make a long soak in the tub even more luxurious with bath salts, lush towels, and aromatic candles within easy reach.
8. Think of an unused sugar bowl as a decorative container, perfect for cotton balls and Q-tips.
9. Something as simple as an over-the-tub wire rack devoted to bathroom goods adds a nice touch, along with extra convenience.
10. Unused, mismatched serving pieces act as great countertop organization to keep toiletries looking neat.
11. A woven basket holds an ample supply of toilet paper, eliminating the need to hunt when you're down to the end of the roll.
12. Another approach: repurpose a tall cylindrical vase to hold extra rolls of TP.
13. A retractable mirror is a practical solution on walls that won't allow for a conventional mirror.
14. A bouquet of flowers in a bathroom feels unexpected and fresh. Even a small vase of yard-cut greens adds freshness to the room.
15. A perfumed tablet of preserved cranberries and orange slices adds a delicious note when slipped into a vanity drawer.
16. A calming color on the walls, like a rich blue-green, gives the room a sense of tranquility.
17. One lower cost solution to old bathroom tiles: blunt the behind-the-times feeling by painting the walls a complimentary color for a cheerful scheme.
18. One attractive option for window treatments is faux-wooden blinds, which offer all the elegance of real wood and none of the worries of water damage or warping.
19. On the other hand, you can let the sun stream into your bath through an oversized picture window - especially if you've got a view to show off.
20. Towel bars have been replaced by hooks next to the shower, eliminating the need for folding and just-so draping. An extra hook allows a space for the bath mat to dry.

Read all the tips from Real Simple here. 

Monday, June 24, 2013

50 Ways to Brighten Up Your Bathroom

Summer's a great time to give your bathroom a bright makeover. Perking up your bathroom doesn't have to be expensive, either. Below are 50 cheap ways to update one of the most used rooms in your home, provided by StyleatHome.com:

'1. Repaint - nothing perks up a room like a fresh coat of paint.

2. Invest in new towels to replace any that are looking worse for wear.

3. If you're running out of space to store toiletries, keep the overflow in a rustic wooden bowl or wicker basket.

4. Declutter. Clearing off the surface of your bathroom counter does wonders for making the room look fresh and clean.

5. Install new faucets for a quick upgrade.

6. Add fresh flowers.

7. Opt for colorful towels if your bathroom walls are a neutral color.

8. Play with patterns without having to turn to wallpaper or a new paint job with inexpensive wall decals.

9. Floating candles in a glass bowl on the counter add warmth.

10. Toiletries in beautiful packaging can go a long way to pretty up your counter.

11. Replace your shower curtain.

12. Place a tall vase filled with dried flowers on the floor for some rustic charm.

13. Incense in an ornate holder is functional and decorative.

14. Line the counter with matching accessories (toothbrush holder, soap dispenser) ideally from the same line, for a uniform look.

15. Install a floating shelf above the toilet and line with small plants that don't require a lot of light.

16. Shampoo, conditioner, and soap dispensers eliminate clutter around the tub.

17. Place a small stool in one corner of the bathroom and neatly stack towels on it.

18. Search out some interesting hooks for bath towels.

19. Room diffusers are both decorative and do a lot to refresh the room.

20. A wall-mounted magazine rack creates space.

21. House extra rolls of toilet paper in a ceramic pot or urn.

22. Find a new use for an old chair by painting it a bright color and stacking magazines on it.

23. Line drawers with pretty wallpaper samples.

24. Fill a square, glass container with shells you or your kids have collected from various family vacations.

25. Group candles of varying sizes around the bathtub for instant ambiance.

26. Tie colorful ribbon around small groupings of rolled up neutral-colored hand towels. Display on the counter.

27. Put a small shelf behind the toilet to store books.

28. Frame a piece of corkboard and use it to house your jewelry. Chances are you're probably choosing accessories at the same time you're applying makeup.

29. Frame vacation photos of the beach or waterfalls for some aqua-themed style.

30. Clear up clutter around the tub with a simple shower caddy.

31. If there is a window in your bathroom, add plants for a nice splash of green in your space.

32. Stagger towel hooks for an asymmetrical display of bath towels, ideally in graduating shades of the same color.

33. Purge all the junk that's accumulated in the drawers of the vanity. No wonder you can't find the tweezers!

34. If you have kids, avoid countertop chaos by assigning each their own toiletries basket. There are many inexpensive options at most home decor stores.

35. Treat yourself to a bamboo bath caddy, with spots for a book, candle, and glass of wine.

36. Clean out the medicine cabinet regularly to avoid a pile-up of expired creams and capsules.

37. Do away with the ratty bath mat and replace with something plush and soft.

38. Line the back of the counter with small glass bottles and place a fresh cut flower in each.

39. Clean the bathroom from top to bottom to make it sparkle.

40. Add artwork if you have the wall space.

41. A stack of three neatly folded black or charcoal towels on a white countertop makes a style statement, so long as the counter is clear of clutter.

42. Replace an over-the-sink medicine cabinet with one that fits tightly in the corner if you have the room. Install an elegant mirror in its place.

43. Store the little things in a pretty box or basket with a lid to avoid a tidal wave of trinkets taking over the counter.

44. House makeup in a vintage-inspired jewelry box.

45. Remove the door to one cabinet and show off your prettiest toiletries and perfume bottles.

46. Get rid of any cleaning products you have lying around. Store these under the sink in the kitchen.

47. Put a small end table beside the tub (of the same height) and use it to house your bath towel while you're soaking.

48. Install new knobs or pulls on cabinets. Brushed metal is a stylish option.

49. Put dimmers on light fixtures so you can have the option of softer lighting.

50. Try to keep clutter off your counter all the time, not just when company's coming.'

Do you think any of these options can help you upgrade your own bathroom? Follow these tips to keep your bathroom looking and feeling fresh.


Friday, June 7, 2013

Bathroom Spring Cleaning Tips

Now's the time to get your spring cleaning done in the bathroom! Read these spring cleaning tips to make sure that your bathroom is in tip-top shape for summer:


  • Grab all necessary supplies (basket, mop, hamper, trash container, disinfectant wipes, glass cleaner).
  • Dust the ceiling and corners of the room.
  • Dust all vents and fans.
  • Take down draperies, curtains, or blinds to wash or have cleaned according to the directions.
  • Scrub your shower and tub.
  • Scrub down the toilet.
  • Wash the inside and outside of the medicine cabinet and linen closets.
  • Wash the sink and other bathroom fixtures.
  • Shake out bathroom rugs.
  • Sweep and mop the floor.
  • Empty and wash out the trashcan.
These tips will prepare you for summer and leave your home looking and feeling cleaner. 

Tips provided by About.com.


ABOUT BATH PLANET®
Based in Palatine, IL, Bath Planet® was created by BCI® Acrylic Bath Systems founders Tom Barzantny and Scott Rosenbach. BCI® recognized a need for greater consistency between manufacturers and dealers in the tub and shower liner industry, and established their one-stop-shop company in 1999. Bath Planet® is backed by BCI®, a privately held, manufacturer of tub and shower-liner systems with a network of more than 550 independent dealers throughout the United States and Canada. Bath Planet® has earned the coveted Good Housekeeping Seal, recognizing the exceptional quality of its liner systems. For more information about Bath Planet®, visit our website at www.bathplanet.com.


Friday, April 19, 2013

Expert Tips for Spring Cleaning in your Bathroom


Spring is the perfect time to take hold of bathroom cleaning. America Now News recently featured a few expert tips to making sure your bathroom is in its best shape for the summer:
"Don't overdo it. Avoid using too many cleaners and dilute the products you do spray in the bathroom. The fumes in cleaning products can affect the lungs, Duberg explained. It's also important to open windows or turn on a fan while cleaning to avoid breathing in fumes. "These chemicals are carcinogenic, they can affect your endocrine and nervous system," she cautioned.
Don't let things go. If basic cleaning, such as removing visible dirt, occurs regularly, spring-cleaning to remove scum, mold and lime scale, which can breed bacteria, isn't as big a challenge.
Read directions. Read cleaning product labels carefully and be sure to follow the manufacturers' directions on how they should be used. "The label will have information on how long the sanitizer needs to stay on the surface and how to dilute the product," Duberg said.
Take extra precautions. When someone is sick, surface areas should be cleaned more frequently. Paper towels should be used to dry hands rather than a cloth towel to prevent the spread of germs. Toothbrushes should also be dried and put away. "If you leave it out in the bathroom, the aerosols from flushing the toilet with the lid up (there are approximately 3 million bacteria per square inch in most toilet bowls) will float over all the surfaces including your toothbrush," Duberg said. "It's time to break the cycle of infection."
Use bleach properly. Bleach is effective against germs, but it isn't safe for children or pets. When using a 10 percent bleach solution, wash the surfaces with hot, soapy water afterwards. Bleach solution must also be made fresh and used within 24 hours.
Try vinegar. Vinegar can be an effective surface cleaner. Mix one part white distilled vinegar with nine parts water to create a safe and inexpensive cleaning product. Undiluted white distilled vinegar mixed with baking soda can also be used to remove scum. "The fewer the cleaning products, the better," Duberg said. "Vinegar is inexpensive, is not harmful to kids and pets, and always leaves a shine."

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Bath Planet featured in the Daily Herald

Bath Planet was recently featured in The Daily Herald in a brief titled “Set up shop in Streamwood." The brief announces the opening of the Bath Planet in Streamwood. Dimitris Nacopoulos has had his own bathroom remodeling service since 1994, but recently joined Bath Planet. Click here to read the brief on dailyherald.com or read the full text below.


Dimitris Nacopoulos has owned his own bathroom remodeling business since 1994 and now has opened Bath Planet in Streamwood. Palatine-based Bath Planet was created in 1999 by BCI Acrylic Bath Systems founders Tom Barzantny and Scott Rosenbach. Bath Planet is backed by BCI, a privately held manufacturer of tub and shower-liner systems with a network of more than 550 independent dealers throughout the United States and Canada.


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Hidden Savings in Your Bathroom

Toilets consume about 27 percent of the water used inside the home. You can save water and money by checking your toilets for leaks, replacing your flapper and installing a fill cycle diverter or upgrading to a high- efficiency toilet.

Installing an early-closure flapper can save as much as 1.5 gallons per flush.

Investing in a high-efficiency toilet can save more than 4,000 gallons of water per person each year.

Up to a gallon of water per flush can be saved by installing a fill cycle diverter in your toilet tank. The diverter redirects water to the tank and less to the toilet bowl.

To install a toilet cycle diverter on a typical gravity-flush toilet, follow the instructions below:

  1. Pull hose out from overflow tube.
  2. Remove clip or holder, if any.
  3. Insert diverter into hose end.
  4. Push diverter onto overflow tube with one of its arms inside and one arm outside the overflow tube.
  5. In some cases, the hose may need to be cut shorter to reduce buckling or tipping.
  6. Follow these directions and soon you’ll be saving a substantial amount of water.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Make Your Home Summer Heat Ready

Summer is here, luckily we’re not quite in the triple digit temperatures just yet. Before it gets super hot, you might want to check that you and the house are ready for the summer heat. That means you start by checking your home’s heat and air-conditioning system.

Here are five ways to make sure you are prepared to handle extreme heat.
  1. To begin, change your filters in your heating/cooling system. Change them regularly, at least monthly.
  2. Next change your thermostat over to “cool” and test the system by turning the temperature down. If the air conditioner does not turn on, first check to make sure no breakers are tripped. If you can’t figure out the problem, call your heating and air-conditioning repair person. Calling now may keep you from making an “emergency” call when the temperatures are soaring and the repair people are super busy and expensive.
  3. If your cooling system turns on, make sure it is putting out adequate cooling. If it’s not, and you can’t figure out the problem, call your heating and air-conditioning repair person. Set the thermostat at 78 degrees.
  4. If your air conditioner needs replacement do it now before the triple digit temps come, that’s when heating & air-conditioning repair people get the busiest.
  5. Lastly, your air ducts may need testing for leaks and then sealed. Your attic insulation probably has compacted, so you need to add an additional 5 to 8 inches. Your windows and doors and other parts of the building envelope may need caulking and weather stripping. Think about solar window film to keep out the heat. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to kick back and stay cool!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Low Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Old Bathroom

If you want to spruce up your old, drab bathroom without breaking the bank, we’ve got some great, inexpensive ideas for you.

Designers recommend buying an extra matching shower curtain and making a simple valance out of it.


If you want something even simpler than a shade or valance, papering your windows is also an inexpensive option. Another product, called Gallery Glass lets you make a window pattern that mimics stained glass with a self-adhesive. It looks similar to a real stained glass window at a fraction of the price.

If you’re on a tight budget, but want something with a cottage feel, what about putting hinges on beautiful picture frames (or building your own frames) and using a staple gun to attach lace or a synthetic fabric to them. Voila, you’ve got shutters.

Rolling, simple white towels in a basket, will help you achieve a spa like feeling. Delicate soaps, arranged in a pretty soap dish can also help you dress up your bathroom. Add a new shower curtain, rugs and fresh paint, and you’ve transformed your old, grungy bathroom!

All of these ideas are easy, inexpensive ways to add some designer touches to your bathroom. Soon, you’ll love the feel of your space, and will never want to leave!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Why You Should Have a Nice Bathroom

Bathrooms can definitely make or break a deal. If your trying to sell your home in this market, you need to have a nice bathroom. If not, potential home buyers will move on to the next house. It’s that simple.


This is the one room where you get to totally relax and pamper yourself. The bathroom you choose can have a major effect on just how enjoyable the time you spend in it truly is. It is very rare that we get time to ourselves anymore, totally free of distractions, and the indulgence one can allow themselves at such times is what makes having a great bathroom so important.

If you’re thinking about remodeling or just simply improving your existing bathroom, lighting is key. Do you have sufficient lighting designed for your bathroom? Natural light is an important thing in bathrooms. A window, a wall or roof skylight will bring in natural light, a view or a dramatic skyscape.

Another important element to consider is ventilation. If you live in different types of weather conditions like mild to harsh, you should install an exhaust fan in bathroom. Bathrooms produce humidity and moisture that can break in ceilings, floors and countertops. Ventilate odors and humidity from your bathroom by installing a powerful ventilator or exhaust fan large enough to do the job perfectly.

Experts say, you may not need to completely gut your existing bathroom. Just determine what needs to be improved on, and do it. The rest can usually be fixed with some paint and accessories.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

A Bathroom Remodel Is The #1 Home Improvement Project You Can Do

Did you know that a bathroom remodel is the #1 rated home improvement project you can do for overall return on investment according to the Wall Street Journal? So everyone wonders, “Is it worth the money to remodel my bathroom?” Local realtors say, yes. However if you really don’t want to spend that kind of time or money, you need to fake it. Realtors say, nowadays, you can get rid of that yucky, moldy old tub with a new, beautiful walk in tub, or a wall surround. Just basically change whatever is ugly.

Paint a pretty color and get new accessories, and your bathroom can look transformed. All in about a day, for a fraction of the cost. On the other hand if you are committed to a total renovation it’s good to know that economists say remodeling a kitchen or a bathroom is always a smart investment. They even go as far as saying that all renovations should be done “where the water is.” Meaning kitchens and bathrooms.

So what kind of return will you get on your investment? You should not expect to fully recover the amount of the remodeling investment right away. Typically, you can expect between 80% and 90% back on your home improvement investment dollar, sometimes more, within the first year or two. With the proper remodel, you can increase and even make money on the improvement the longer you stay in the home. By being in the home a longer period of time, you give the real estate market time to increase and you leverage the remodeling investment as property values grow.

Investing in home improvement makes sense in most cases and under most economic climates. The homeowner should do their homework; use the resources available to them to help plan a budget and determine what type of changes they want to make.

Keep in mind the most important reason to renovate your bathroom is if the structural integrity of your home is being affected or damaged by excessive water, mold or moisture. The long term loss or depletion in the value of your home could be serious in this case. So if you have an old, moldy bathroom, remodeling or replacing the ugly, is always a good idea!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Bath Planet featured on KOLO-TV Reno

Bath Planet was featured in a segment that aired on KOLO-TV in Reno on Thursday, February 9, 2012 that focused on bath safety. Bath Planet of Reno owner Alan Hansen talked about the kinds of bathtub accidents that can occur for people of all ages, and explained how having Bath Planet complete a remodel is a quality of life update done on the home. There was even mention of the many different types of bathtub and shower remodel solutions available at Bath Planet and all the many safety features available as well. View the segment below, or download it here!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Bath Planet® Enters Toledo Market

Introduces affordable bath remodeling solutions with revolutionary customer experience

More people are choosing to invest money in their homes these days rather than go out and buy new ones. Bath Planet® of Ohio (a division of ABC Seamless Siding) has recognized the uptick in small renovations, which has led to its newest decision to become an exclusive authorized dealer of Bath Planet in Toledo. Bath Planet’s authorized dealers will showcase the newest bath remodeling products in the industry with exclusive colors and designs, offering stylish, affordable, low-maintenance solutions that satisfy customers by combining high-quality service with superior product offerings.

Toledo native Mike Sepanski has been in the home remodeling business for over 30 years, buying ABC Seamless Siding, located at 5511 Telegraph Road, from an old high school friend back in 2005. Under his leadership, ABC Seamless Siding has continued to be the leading provider of quality roofing and siding repairs, earning a strong reputation for providing quality work at an affordable price. While business has been steady, Sepanski and his leadership team were looking to expand their offerings, knowing that more people are staying in their homes longer. After a year of research, they found Bath Planet, a brand that fits in with their mission.

“Bath Planet made sense for us because its designs are high quality, practical, and perhaps most importantly, affordable,” said Sepanski, owner of Bath Planet Toledo. “With this product, we’re able to completely renovate a home owner’s bathroom in as little as a day, giving them a fresh new design without inconveniencing them for a long period of time.”

Sepanski said the tough economy forced him to think of ways to evolve ABC Seamless Siding’s business so that he was able to attract new customers while creating jobs in the process. His store will allow him to do just that, creating three jobs initially that will be filled by Toledo residents. With money running tight for everyone these days, Sepanski wanted to add an interior remodeling option in the form of bathroom renovations that was both cost-effective and easy to implement. Since more people are either staying in their current homes longer or investing in older homes, he says it made sense for him to offer a bathroom remodeling solution that improves people’s quality of life while adding value to the home for the long term.

“We are excited to have ABC Seamless Siding on board as our first authorized retailer in the state of Ohio. Mike and his team have established a reputation for going above and beyond for their customers,” said Rick Hirschhaut, senior vice president of Bath Planet. “In Mike, we have found someone who is committed to his community, a business leader who prides himself on doing a quality job for his neighbors at an affordable price.”

Sepanski said his dealership will be run out of ABC Seamless Siding’s existing store, with a number of products on display for customers to choose from. Bath Planet has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, which is given only after lengthy and meticulous evaluation. The credential is recognized widely as a symbol of consumer assurance and protection in the marketplace and demonstrates unparalleled level of commitment to the best products and customer service.

Together, the best minds in the industry have been brought together to research all elements of bathroom remodeling, including top tier manufacturing, installation, design and customer service. This foundation led to the development of the world’s best product value in bathroom remodeling.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Bath Planet featured in Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine

Bath Planet was featured in an article in Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine titled, “Bath Planet Launched by BCI.” The article states that Bath Planet provides a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution for people who are seeking bathroom renovations and an aging-in-place solution. BCI launched Bath Planet to bring consistency and customer service to an industry that has a reputation for being largely unreliable and by offering an outstanding experience and lifetime product warranty their dealers will stand apart from other bathroom remodeling and bathroom in a day concepts. Click here to view the article or begin reading below.

Bath Planet Launched by BCI

BCI Acrylic Bath Systems is launching a new consumer brand, Bath Planet. The brand is designed to offer homeowners cost-effective and low-maintenance bath improvements for those seeking aging-in-place solutions.

Bath Planet’s tub, shower and wall systems can be installed over an existing tub and walls, and installation can be completed quickly. Bath Planet is the first consumer brand for BCI Acrylic Bath Systems and has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.

(Read More)

Friday, November 4, 2011

Bath Planet featured in Arkansas Business Journal

Bath Planet was featured in an article in the Arkansas Business Journal titled, “Bath Planet Joins Pro Builder Supply,” where the reporter interviewed John Via and Darin Wiggs. They discussed the new entrance of Bath Planet into the Little Rock area, which provides full-service bathroom remodels. With John’s experience of the industry and Pro Builder Supply specializing in remodeling, they can now provide full service remodeling from the bathroom wet space to fixtures, hardware and lighting solutions. Click here to view the full article, or begin reading below.

Bath Planet Joins Pro Builder Supply
By Luke Jones


Bath Planet of Palatine, Ill., a full-service bathroom remodeler, has set up shop at Little Rock's Pro Builder Supply LLC.
 
John Via grew up in North Little Rock and spent eight years in Maryland remodeling bathrooms. He recently decided to join his lifelong friend and Pro Builder owner Darin Wiggs in Little Rock as sales and marketing manager for Bath Planet. The new service began Aug. 1.

(Read More)

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Bath Planet featured in Remodeling Magazine

Bath Planet was featured in an article in Remodeling Magazine titled, “In the Spotlight: Bath Planet.” The article was built from an interview and highlights the launch of Bath Planet and the “bathroom in a day” concept for the first time where you will be unveiling the new products at the Remodeling Show. The article discusses the Bath Planet life time warranty, Good Housekeeping Seal and the opportunity for existing business owners to jump on board to become exclusive dealers of Bath Planet. Click here to view the article, or begin reading it below.

In the Spotlight: Bath Planet
By: Lauren Hunter


Just months after launching in the marketplace, Bath Planet debuts its “bathroom renovation in a day” services and dealer opportunities at the Remodeling Show this fall.

The new company has some well-known competition in a segment of the market that has been gaining favor. Rick Hirschhaut, senior vice president of parent company BCI Acrylic, says that Bath Planet offers a series of guarantees and warranties that will set the brand apart from others.

(Read More)

Friday, August 26, 2011

Bath Planet: Your Aging in Place Solution

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that by 2050, the population of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double to 89 million, up from 39 million. This translates to a tremendous increase in potential clients for bathroom renovation companies as these individuals are getting to the age where they can no longer perform home repairs or do not want to spend time doing so.

We refer to this growing market as aging in place. More and more seniors want to stay in their own homes rather than going to retirement homes or communities. In order to make their homes safer and more user-accessible, bathroom renovations like grab bars, walk-in tubs, user friendly faucets and accessible shower seats must be installed. As the demographic grows, the need for trustworthy contractors to do quality work also grows.

Bath Planet is here to provide all of the necessary renovation solutions like converting a tub into a shower with seat or walk-in tub. In addition, Bath Planet can change faucets to add extendable shower heads that make bathing safer and easier for seniors. Bath Planet’s products are also backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, so seniors know they will be getting a durable, quality product.

Bath Planet is targeting this demographic as one of its fastest growing areas of business. Couple this demographic with busy dual income families and single professionals and you can soon realize the potential of owning a Bath Planet dealership.

For more information on Bath Planet, visit our website or find us on Facebook.
 
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