Extensive Roof Garden: A Coach Level Seat

Roofing contractors find that the easiest type of roof garden to build and maintain is the extensive roof garden. They are lightweight and can be placed on sheds, garages and other areas of the home. They don’t look as beautiful or intricate as other roof gardens, but they are a good first step for a beginning enthusiast. Extensive roof gardens can grow lichens, mosses and other symbiotic organisms. Unless the house is located in an arid region, rainwater is all that is required to maintain this time of roof garden.

Semi-extensive Roof Garden: Flying Business Class

If homeowners want to a roof garden, which can support more intricate forms of plant life without paying too much attention, then they have the option of a semi-extensive roof garden. Semi-extensive roof gardens require deep soil, which allows it to support a large variety of plants. High water capacity plants, such as sedums, do not have to be watered and looked after constantly- as long as there isn’t a drought.

Intensive Roof Garden: The VIP of Roof Gardening

This is the Versailles of roof gardening. An intensive roof garden is not compatible with every home; they tend to do well on flat concrete roofs. Seeing an intensive roof garden is a remarkable sight, much like walking into an elaborate garden. A homeowner can actually put a beautiful oasis of trees, flowers and plants in an intensive roof garden. Roofing contractors say that as long as the roof can support it, an intensive roof garden can hold it. The sky is definitely the limit with an intensive roof garden.

More Toilet Cleaning Tips and You
After that, scrub the bowl paying careful attention to the area up and under the rim as this is an excellent place for bacteria to hide. After having brushed and scrubbed everything, flush again and ensure that there is no remaining ring around the bowl. Feel free to clean the brush in the water from the second flush.

Soft geometry
“We started seeing the introduction of softened geometries over the last few years. It actually began with soft modern products, and has evolved from products to overall room architecture,” says Judy Riley, vice president of design at Moen. “Soft geometry can be seen in the edge of a counter, an arch over an entryway or in the lines of a light fixture or other bath product. It’s really about softening the angular features of a room, which are especially prevalent in bathrooms.”

To incorporate the soft geometry concept in your bath decor, Riley suggests beginning with products that are traditionally very linear – such as faucets, and lighting. Moen has a new bath collection, which launched at KBIS and falls directly into the soft geometry trend. Blending clean lines and soft curves, the Method suite makes a modern statement with its minimalist styling, available in either a single- or two-handle faucet option. To complete the look, the Method collection also has a number of coordinating accessories – including towel bars, robe hooks, a pivoting paper holder and even a toilet tank lever – which feature the same soft geometry styling as the faucets.

Scaling of elements
Another trend introduced at the show is all about scale. Scale is an important consideration in the overall composition of a kitchen or bath. Shapes, textures (both actual and implied) and thoughtful placement of fixtures are all elements that can be used to create focal points, functionality and visual appeal, according to the NKBA.

The bathroom is the perfect room to test the “scaling of elements” trend, even if you’re not in the midst of a remodeling project. Experiment by placing traditional objects in non-traditional places. For example, instead of placing a single towel ring or bar next to the sink, create a visual display of three towel rings, placed at uneven heights, on the wall directly across from the sink. Not only will it allow you to inexpensively create a focal point in the room, but it also gives you a spot to display beautiful hand towels – and change them with the seasons, or as often as a new color or pattern strikes your fancy.

Color with energy
Gone are the days when neutral tones and muted shades ruled bathroom decor. Instead, NKBA reports that bold colors are creating a vibrant splash in room palettes for 2010, with rich blues, purples, greens and citric yellows making confident appearances. Try using bold colors that act not merely as a passive backdrop for the room, but bring life to the space through lighting, wall colors and wood tones.

Incorporating bold colors is simple to accomplish in a bathroom, since it is typically a smaller place where colors can really pop. Try accent colors first – with vibrant vases, candles and hand towels. If you have a bit more time on your hands, use paint and wallpaper to quickly add a brilliant splash of color to the room.

Art integration
Finally, another trend outlined by NKBA is “art integration” – the concept of personalizing your bath space as a reflection of your own personal style to create an immediate sense of intimacy and originality. According to NKBA, many of today’s designs start with one piece – perhaps a framed painting or an antique sculpture – which becomes a springboard for colors, fixtures, finishes and theme elements.

“We’ve seen this concept quite a bit, as well – it’s a macrotrend we call ‘fingerprinting,’” says Rebecca Kolls, senior director and consumer strategist of home and garden at Iconoculture, a global consumer research and advisory company. “It’s all about self-expression and being empowered to make your own personal statement in your home decor. That might mean anything from shopping garage sales and on Craigslist to attending in-store design classes or working with virtual interior designers.”

And using art-inspired items doesn’t have to be expensive. Today, more and more homeowners are turning to artisans on websites like etsy.com, where you can select hand-made items that often have more character and style than similar store-bought items. From glassware and art to paintings and photographs, etsy has something for virtually every taste.

So, when it comes to the tile in out bathroom, it will have to stay for a while. I can’t even do it justice with words, it’s got this pink brushing through pattern with these crazy gray and pink flowers….my eyes are bleeding!

To pour salt into my already bloody eyes the previous owner painted the bathroom baby blue…WTF! There is no other blue in the bathroom! OK. What’s cheap? PAINT!

We decided we would take the gray color from the tile and paint the bathroom walls and ceiling to match that little speck of gray within the tile and wouldn’t you know it, this simple cheap paint idea really calmed the bathroom down. The tile doesn’t seem as hideous anymore and the room is almost peaceful. I plan on changing out the accessories with a dark bronze material but for right now the paint has saved my eyes!

So, if you’re faced with a really hideous bathroom take a look at something small that is tolerable, in our case the gray color, and try to expand on that.

These questions, and many others, should be at the top of your list when you start mapping out your next bathroom project. Luckily, many manufacturers have made it easier in recent years for you to answer those questions in a painless, affordable way.

“We’ve created several full bathroom suites of fixtures, furniture and faucets,” says Ed Detgen from Danze, Inc. “The elements of each collection were literally made for each other, which makes your job easier.”

So what should you look for when you’re planning your next bath or powder room project? Here are a few things to consider when choosing the key pieces:

Sink and vanity — Choices are abundant when it comes to the sink area of a bathroom. For those smaller footprint powder rooms, or where storage isn’t as critical, consider a pedestal sink. If a pedestal doesn’t match your taste or needs, furniture-style vanities can have a significant impact on a room’s decor and add extra storage.

Faucet — This can be one of the most noticeable accessories in the room and one that homeowners and guests interact with the most. Make sure you choose a style and finish that is consistent with the overall decor. A soft brushed nickel or warm oil-rub bronze finish can add a distinct detail to the feeling of the room. If green options are important to you, explore WaterSense-certified faucets that can reduce water usage by 30 percent, without affecting performance.

Toilet — This is one of the best places to go green in your bathroom. High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf), saving 2 or more gallons of water during each use compared to many toilets installed in the 1980s and prior, and saves 20 percent compared to more recent 1.6 gpf designs standard today. And, just because it’s a very utilitarian element of a bathroom, don’t skimp on design for this piece. Shape, height, styling and color greatly impact how the toilet can enhance the room’s décor.

Shower system — Years ago homeowners had a handful of choices for showerheads. Today, there are hundreds of styles, functions, finishes and components that can comprise a home’s shower system. This is a recently discovered area of the bathroom that can really show off your personality and can help you create a unique retreat. Tastes range from building a “shower spa” with wall- and ceiling-mounted shower heads, to conservation-minded shower stalls equipped with WaterSense-certified showerheads.

Bath accessories – Careful selection of bath accessories is key to creating a finished look to your project. Once again, homeowners have a huge choice. Whether it’s the ornate styling of an old-world towel ring, or the sleek lines of a contemporary towel bar, make sure to select accessories that match your room’s faucet, sink and other elements.

Storage — Homeowners can’t seem to get enough storage in most bathroom floor plans. Again, choosing a furniture-style vanity can give you extra storage space, as can many well-designed mirrors. Be sure to match the finish and styling of the vanity and other pieces in the room.

“Coordinating bathroom pieces is easier than ever,” adds Detgen. “Choosing pieces that are created as part of a collection is definitely a time-saver and a reassuring way to know the design details were taken care of for you.”

Bob Villa
Lowes
Ron Hazelton

If you have some other “how to” or instructional videos on replacing a toilet send me a link and I will add them to this list.

“Consumers today are looking to ‘remodel lite’- that is, refresh a room with only a few items and with a minimal investment,” says Jack Suvak, director of market research and insights at Moen. “But at the same time, they want their home improvement project to make a significant impact on their home, in terms of both style and functionality.”

To avoid becoming overwhelmed, break your bathroom up into smaller sections and projects. By thinking of your space in these smaller sections, goals will become more attainable.

Storage and space
While you can’t easily add more square footage to your bathroom for extra storage, little things can make a difference. Adding new accessories, such as a towel bar, towel bar hooks, a towel ring, shelves and robe hooks can easily and inexpensively provide additional space and storage for your necessities … and add a bit of style.

“You can change the look and functionality of your bath for less than $100 just by adding accessories,” says Tim Bitterman, group marketing manager of Creative Specialties International, the accessories division of Moen Incorporated. “With designer finishes, such as brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze – and unique accessories, such as hotel shelves or new towel bar hooks – your bath can be more beautiful with more useful storage in no time.”

Moen recently introduced several new accessory collections, such as the modern Method collection and the more transitional Sage collection in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. But no matter what your style – bath accessories will add a beautiful and functional update.

Color
After focusing on new finishes for your accessories, take your bathroom from blah to beautiful with a splash of color. Cool colors can create a calm, serene environment, while darker colors can be warm and inviting. And once you’ve updated the walls, consider perking up the cabinets, trim and hardware with a touch of spray paint for a final finished look.

Sensational showers
Your shower can be many things – rejuvenating, cleansing, soothing – but it should always be enjoyable. Add more space in the shower with a curved shower rod. Switching from a straight rod to one that curves outward can add up to 7 inches of elbow room – not to mention immeasurable style. Next, finish off your shower with a multi-function showerhead, such as Moen’s Inspire (a “best buy” from a leading consumer magazine) or Home Care by Moen’s hand-held shower with innovative palm grip. Soon you’ll be singing a happier tune in the shower.

Soft and subtle touches
The bathroom is filled with hard, slick surfaces – so be sure to add a variety of plush, soft accents. Fabric shower curtains, window valances, rugs and towels in coordinating colors will be the final finishing touches for a chic and appealing look in your newly “remodeled-lite” bath.

Times are tough. Budgets are tight. But you just seen your bathroom on the History Channel!

One doesn’t have to spend thousands on a bathroom remodel. There are several things you can do to keep your remodeling efforts on the cheap side of the fence and still add a touch of modern elegance to your bathroom.

Below is a list of 5 Quick, Simple and Inexpensive things you can do to liven up that dated bathroom.

1. Lets start by removing all the pictures, accessories, rugs and toiletries from your bathroom. Really start with a blank canvass.  Now that you look at your empty bathroom, what color is it? Paint is one of the cheapest yet largest impacts you can make to a room. Since it is a bathroom go with clean crisp colors as that’s how you want to feel after a nice hot bath.
2. Bath Accessories, does your towel rack look like your grandmas did when you were a child?! Swapping our your bathroom accessories can be a great way to give your bathroom that modern sprinkle it needs. Everything from toilet handles to shower curtain rods can be found in a huge variety of colors, styles and price points today.
3. Now that you have some nice new accessories don’t throw your old dust covered hand towels back up. Head to Target and pick out a couple sets that will compliment your new paint colors. Grab a couple and rotate them to keep that sense of freshness and newness around. While there, check out a new rug and shower current as well.
4. Time to add a little color. Seldom do people put any thought into their bathroom art. They feel limited by what they find in the bathroom section of their local department store. This doesn’t have to be the case. Get creative, some of the best art can be found on greeting cards! Look through the hundreds of greeting card and you’ll be sure to find something that catches your eye. Throw a frame around it and now you have something unique and have broke the trend of sea shells or cute fish that everyone else has!
5. Now that you have all these beautiful bathroom pieces in place lets make sure people can see them. All to often older bathroom lighting does nothing to add to the overall feel of your bathroom. Lightening that was popular 10 years ago looks 50 years old. You can transform that dirty old bathroom only fan into a lightening source as well. There are a ton of solutions available today that have a fan built into a light source. Given $100 bill you are probably pick up 2 new lights for your bathroom and for under $200 you could have some top line lightening to show off your wall art, new accessories and see your face well enough to avoid all those razor nicks or heading to work with a makeup run!

Remember, shop around, wait for the sales and collect your items as you go. You may not be able to get it all done tomorrow but for just a couple hundred bucks you can really change your bathroom look and bring it forward a decade or two.

With the American Standard Outreach bathroom faucet you can simply detach the nozzle and easily wash your hair at the bathroom sink! It prices at about $100 and is a nice, quick and way to late alternative to shrinking your head to fit under your sink faucet!