Category: Home Improvement

Home Improvement

Cabinet Refacing Adds Sophistication to Your Kitchen

Mikayla Kelly

Cabinet refacing keeps the existing cabinet boxes and interior frames, while changing their appearance by adding new doors and drawer fronts. Cabinet Refacing Sacramento can be more cost-effective than replacing cabinets.

Cabinet Refacing

Different refacing materials require tailored care to keep them looking their best. For example, solid wood refacing suits rustic and traditional designs, while PVC vinyl is ideal for contemporary styles.

Cabinet refacing gives your kitchen an overhaul, replacing existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new components to transform the overall appearance. A wide selection of styles and finishes are available to suit your taste. It’s ideal for homeowners who want to change the look of their cabinets without a major renovation or a costly investment.

The process begins with your contractor removing the old doors and hardware, cleaning and sanding the cabinet surface, and then applying a new finish. Your options include painting or staining. The refinishing process can take several days to a couple of weeks depending on the size of your kitchen and complexity of your chosen color. Using a high-quality stain or paint is important to ensure longevity and durability. It’s also a good idea to view color samples in your home under different lighting conditions to ensure you’ll be happy with the results.

One of the most popular options for refacing cabinets is wood veneer. It’s a durable material that offers natural beauty and warmth to your kitchen. It’s also a great option for those who are looking to maintain the original design of their kitchen. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that wood veneers require tailored maintenance to preserve their luster and functionality. For example, wood veneers can be maintained with a regular wiping down with mild cleanser or by occasionally polishing them. It’s also important to keep in mind that wood cabinets may require extra care to protect them from moisture and heat damage.

Another option for cabinet refacing is laminate or thermofoil. Laminate is a durable material that is easy to clean and offers an array of color and pattern options. While it’s not as versatile as solid wood, it’s a great choice for those who don’t have a particular style in mind or prefer a simple, clean look. While refacing with laminate or thermofoil is a more cost-effective solution, it doesn’t allow for significant changes to the design of your cabinets.

If you’re considering refacing your cabinets, your contractor will help you choose the best material for your project. Whether you’re looking for a subtle update or a dramatic transformation, they will work with you to select the style that fits your taste and budget.

Veneer or Laminate

When deciding to reface your cabinets, it’s important to consider the material you want to use. Laminate offers a cost-effective option and a variety of design possibilities while wood veneer gives the look of natural wood at a more premium price. Both can add a sophisticated appearance to your kitchen but differ in durability and maintenance needs.

Cabinet refacing uses existing cabinet boxes and doors while replacing their outer shell, resulting in less disruption to your daily routine. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, this type of renovation is more environmentally friendly than a full replacement as it reduces waste.

The refacing process begins by assessing the condition of your existing elements. If there are any damaged areas, you may need to repair them before applying the new surface. This is not an easy task and requires precise application of materials like glue to ensure a strong bond. If you decide to do this yourself, it is important to have a set of tools including a putty knife, hammer, and heat source such as a hairdryer or even a wrung out towel with hot water.

Once the damaged surfaces are repaired, your refacing contractor will clean and sand the surfaces to prepare them for the new finish. They will then apply the chosen material to the cabinets and trim the edges. During this step, the refacing material will be cut to size, and any excess is trimmed away with a utility knife.

If you chose to use laminate for your refacing project, it will be applied using an adhesive. Once the adhesive has been applied, it is pressed onto the existing cabinet boxes and doors. This ensures that the material is tightly adhered and will hold up to regular use.

Laminate is a popular choice because it provides a durable and low-maintenance solution with a wide range of designs. It’s also resistant to scratches and stains, making it ideal for busy kitchens. However, laminate can warp or chip if exposed to direct sunlight or water. It’s also not as good as real wood in terms of resale value, and some potential buyers will be turned off by the plastic-like appearance.

Rigid Thermofoil

Thermofoil, or Rigid Thermoformable Foils (RTF), is a versatile material that can be used for cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and accessories. It is made by heating a flexible vinyl layer and molding it to an MDF or particle board substrate. The result is a sturdy and durable surface that can be made to resemble painted or natural wood grain. Thermofoil cabinets offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for homeowners looking to update their kitchens or bathrooms on a budget.

Moisture Resistance

Thermoformable foils are moisture-resistant, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They will not warp or swell when exposed to moisture, which can be problematic for wood cabinets in high humidity environments. Additionally, rigid thermofoil is easy to clean and won’t stain or discolor over time. This low-maintenance feature is a major selling point for many homeowners, especially those who live with small children or pets.

Rigid thermofoil is also highly durable. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, impacts, and other environmental factors that can damage more delicate materials like wood. In addition, rigid thermofoil is available in a variety of colors and styles to match any aesthetic. This versatility makes it a popular choice for apartment refacing projects, as well as commercial applications like office spaces, restrooms, and trade show displays.

Although rigid thermofoil is a durable and practical option, it does have a few drawbacks that should be considered. The most significant issue is that it can melt or peel when exposed to heat, such as from a nearby stove. This is why it’s important to install rigid thermofoil cabinet doors at least five to six inches away from heat sources in the home.

Choosing the right material for your home is a personal decision that should be carefully weighed. Consider your budget, style preferences, and commitment to maintenance as you evaluate each option. Seek professional guidance if necessary to ensure that your choice aligns with your lifestyle and vision for your home.

Solid Wood

Solid wood cabinet refacing offers homeowners a natural, timeless look that adds a high level of sophistication to the kitchen. It is available in a range of styles and finishes, allowing homeowners to find a style that fits perfectly with their home’s decor. Additionally, solid wood cabinets are durable and can resist stains, scratches, and chips better than laminates.

In addition, refacing your cabinets in solid wood will help increase the value of your home. As a result, you will likely recoup more than 100% of the cost of refacing your cabinets if you ever decide to sell your home.

Although the initial upfront cost of refacing your cabinets in solid wood is more than that of laminate, the long-term benefits far outweigh this initial investment. Solid wood is durable and a more environmentally friendly material than laminates, which contain toxic chemicals. Additionally, solid wood is easy to repair, if needed, whereas laminate can crack or chip, making it difficult to fix.

Choosing a professional cabinet refacing company will ensure your project is done correctly and efficiently. A professional contractor will take accurate measurements, install the cabinets properly, and use safe tools for the job. Additionally, a cabinet refacing company will be able to guide you through the design process and provide valuable insights and recommendations that will help you achieve your dream kitchen.

The best way to find an affordable cabinet refacing contractor is to ask for referrals from friends and family members who have had their cabinets refaced recently. You can also check online reviews and look at a company’s portfolio or physical showroom to see if their work aligns with your vision for the perfect kitchen. Then, schedule a consultation and get an itemized estimate of the costs involved in your cabinet refacing project. This will give you a clear idea of the total costs for your refacing project so that you can plan accordingly and avoid any unexpected expenses. In addition, refacing your cabinets will reduce the amount of dust and downtime that is typically associated with installing new cabinetry in your home.

Home Improvement

Tile Installation – Laying and Cutting Tiles

Mikayla Kelly

Installing tiles requires special tools for cutting and laying the tiles. It’s also important to understand how the subfloor (such as plywood, cement backer board, or uncoupling membrane) must be prepared for tiling.

For best results, begin with two perpendicular chalk lines in the center of the room. Adjust these chalk lines until tile measurements at opposite walls are the same. For more information just visit Bathroom Remodelers Milwaukee.

The first step in laying tile is creating a layout plan for the project. This will help the installer estimate the product needed and identify any potential installation issues caused by architectural features like stairs or transitions. It will also give them a better sense of how the finished floor will look.

The most basic tile layout is a grid pattern, which minimizes the number of cuts and provides a neat, uniform finish. However, this can also result in a dull or sterile space if the tiles need to be more interesting or the design needs to be more complex. Mix and match different tile sizes to create a unique pattern or experiment with a more complex layout, such as herringbone.

When planning a tile layout, it’s important to start in the center of the room and work outwards. It can be tempting to pick a wall and start laying tile there, but this will leave the final product looking crooked. It is best to apply a row of tiles from the center and then move outwards, including some tile spacers between each row.

This method works well for standard tile sizes but can be challenging with larger tiles or ones with an unusual shape. In these cases, taking a piece of graph paper and sketching a detailed layout blueprint is helpful. This will allow you to see if any rows require sliver cuts, which can be difficult to correct later.

When setting irregular tiles, a grid layout is usually the best option. This will ensure that the grout lines are evenly spaced so they won’t appear squished or uneven. If you’re using a natural stone tile, consider the appearance of its unique veining patterns and color variations in your design plan. These features can add a lot of visual interest to the finished room. If you need help with your layout, ask a professional for assistance. They’ll be able to walk you through the process and suggest ways to improve the results.

Before beginning the tile installation, you must ensure the substrate is ready. You should use a cement backer board or a similar material that is also waterproof. It should also be able to support the weight of your tiles. This is important because too much weight on a small area could cause it to crack or even break.

The type of substrate you need will depend on the type of tile and its intended use. If your tile is installed in a moisture-prone area, you may need a special waterproof membrane or self-leveling underlayment. You should also figure out whether you need a transition at doorways available in various styles and materials.

Plywood is acceptable as a substrate for some flooring applications, but it should be exterior-grade and only in dry areas. There are better choices for wall tiles, although they can be used as a layer of underlayment for tile over wood. It is often combined with another layer of underlayment, such as a crack isolation membrane or an uncoupling membrane.

Before installing the tile, ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. Most home centers carry most of these, but you’re better off shopping at a specialty tile store, where you can get expert advice and more extensive product selections.

You will also need to choose a thinset mortar, the adhesive that holds the tile in place. Thinset typically combines Portland cement, fine sand, and water. For best results, you should use a trowel that has notches the size of your tile’s thickness to mix it and create grooves in the mortar that will improve adhesion.

Once you’ve mixed the thinset, you should allow it to “slake” for about 10 minutes, which is when it becomes thicker and denser. Then, you can begin laying the tile. Work in easy-to-manage sections, and avoid walking on the newly laid tile until it’s completely set.

Cutting tiles is an essential part of any tiling job. Even the most straightforward jobs require some cutting to fit pieces in corners or work around obstacles. Different cuts need different methods and tools, so planning for the types of cuts you’ll be making is important to ensure a professional-looking finished product and minimize wasted material.

The most common type of cut for tile is a straight cut. To make a straight cut, mark the tile where you want to make your cut with a pencil guideline. Then, use a tile cutter or wet saw to cut off the tile. When using a power tool, always insert notches into the tile before cutting it completely to lessen the chance of chipping. If you don’t have a tile cutter, use a Dremel or an angle grinder with a diamond blade. Notching your tile is also helpful if you work with curved cuts, which can’t be made with snap cutters.

If you’re using a wet saw, follow all manufacturer instructions for safety and accuracy. Also, wear safety goggles and gloves and keep water and dust out of your lungs. Using a hand tool, use industry-grade clamps to hold the tile in place and avoid accidentally chipping it. After the tile has been cut, clean up the edges with a rubbing stone to smooth them out if needed.

When it comes to curve cuts, the best way to do them is freehand, but you can also use a tool called a contour gauge or round objects like cans or lids to help you create a curved line. Then, use a tile cutter to score the tiles where you’ll need to cut them and nip off the excess with a tile nipper. If you’re working with a nipper, squeeze it firmly to make a small nip and not push too hard, or the handle will break the tile.

You can also use a Dremel tool with a diamond blade or an angle grinder with a masonry bit for smaller curved cuts. When working with a curved surface, apply slow and steady pressure to minimize the possibility of breaking the tile.

Professional tile installers work bare-handed, but you should wear gloves if you have sensitive skin. Mixing and working with cement products like thinset can draw moisture from your skin, resulting in burns requiring medical attention. Also, it would be best to consider wearing eye protection when mixing and installing tiles.

The most important step in your tile installation is establishing the layout. A good design ensures that trimmed portions of tiles are symmetrical from side to side and that grout lines are level and plumb. For wall tile projects, layout perpendicular layout lines using chalk to guide your tiling.

Before spreading your thin set, spray the backer board lightly with water to prevent it from soaking up too much of the chipset. This can cause the mortar to dry too quickly, affecting how well it bonds with the subfloor.

Apply the thinset with the notched edge of your trowel, which should be set to a size that matches your tile thickness. After you’ve spread a thin coat, comb it with your trowel to create furrows, which helps release air bubbles underneath the tile. Searching the light set in one direction is crucial because if you move in a circular motion, you’ll leave hollow points under your tiles.

Press it into the thinset with firm, even pressure when laying your first tile. After you’ve placed it, lift it and check for a solid layer of thin set with 80-90% coverage across its back surface. If you don’t have enough thin-set on the back, recheck the consistency of your thin-set and reapply it to the back of the tile.

Use plastic spacers to maintain consistent spacing between rows while laying the tiles. For example, keeping the vertical grout joints offset by exactly half of the tile width is critical if you’re using a running bond pattern.

At this point, you can see the real payoff of your planning efforts. As long as you follow the guidelines in this article, your tile project will look great and last a very long time.

Home Improvement

Planning a Kitchen Remodel

Briony Rivers

A kitchen remodel can increase the value of your home. It can also make your home more functional and comfortable.

Kitchen Remodel

When it comes to a kitchen renovation, it’s important to determine your goals. This will help you choose the right design and materials for your remodel. It will also help you stay within your budget. Click here to learn more.

The kitchen is the heart of most homes. It’s where people gather to cook, eat and socialize. A well-designed kitchen can improve the quality of life in your home, and increase its resale value. A remodel can be a costly project, so it’s important to plan your budget carefully.

The largest portion of any kitchen remodel budget is typically allocated to cabinetry. This is because the cabinets are one of the most visible components of the design, influencing the overall style and color palette. However, homeowners can save on cabinet costs by choosing less expensive materials or opting for a stock cabinet line instead of custom options. Another major expense is labor. This can easily consume 20 percent of the total budget. By keeping the design simple and avoiding unnecessary ornamentation, you can minimize labor costs.

Appliances are also a large component of kitchen remodel costs. By selecting energy-efficient models, you can make a big difference in your energy bills while saving money in the long run. Also consider working in unique storage options like pull-out pan racks, bins and trash containers to make the most of your space.

Depending on the scope of your kitchen remodel, it may be necessary to move plumbing or knock down walls. These projects are more expensive than simply replacing appliances or kitchen cabinets, and can quickly blow your remodeling budget. By planning ahead, you can avoid unexpected expenses and surprise setbacks.

With the right planning, a kitchen remodel can be enjoyable and rewarding. You can also ensure that your remodel is completed on time and within budget by hiring a reputable contractor. New Life Bath and Kitchen can help you make sure your kitchen remodel is successful.

Design

When planning your kitchen remodel, keep in mind the latest design and layout trends to create a contemporary space. Make sure to include enough storage and a workspace that is safe for food prep. For example, installing a GFCI outlet and moving electrical outlets away from water sources can prevent accidental shocks. Also, updating the kitchen with new appliances and lighting can improve energy efficiency and safety.

Choosing the right floor materials is another important kitchen remodel design element. The color, texture, durability, and cost of different materials can have a significant impact on the overall kitchen design. If you’re unsure which materials to choose, visit local showrooms and home renovation stores for ideas.

Other kitchen remodel design elements to consider include the kitchen floorplan and lighting. A well-lit kitchen is crucial for cooking and keeping things organized. Consider adding natural light through windows and skylights and using a combination of task-, under-cabinet, and overhead lighting to create an inviting space.

When it comes to the layout, group similar items together to make everyday tasks more efficient. For example, store coffee mugs and grounds near the coffee maker so your groggy morning self doesn’t have to hunt for them. Similarly, place dishware and flatware within reach of the dishwasher to simplify unloading. Also, placing an oven and refrigerator close to each other can save time by reducing the distance you have to walk between them.

Layout

When remodeling a kitchen, it’s important to consider the layout. You may want to make changes to the flow of the room, including relocating appliances, changing the position of cabinets, and adding or removing walls. This can have a big impact on your kitchen’s overall functionality and look.

The layout of your kitchen should be based on how you use it and the needs of your family. You should take into account things like how many people cook in your household, if you have small children or elderly family members, and what cooking and cleaning habits you have. The layout of your kitchen should also be designed to allow for an efficient work triangle. This involves placing the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular pattern. This is a great way to increase efficiency in your kitchen by making it easier to move between tasks.

You can choose from a variety of different kitchen layouts to find the best one for your home. Some of the most popular include U-shaped, L-shaped, and galley. However, it’s important to remember that the exact layout will depend on the size of your kitchen and floor plan.

A U-shaped kitchen layout is perfect for large kitchens and can accommodate a lot of counter space. It can also be used with a smaller kitchen to create an open concept floor plan.

A G-shaped kitchen layout is similar to a U-shaped layout but has a partial fourth wall, also known as a peninsula. It’s ideal for larger kitchens and works well in an open concept floor plan. You can also add upper cabinets to the side of the kitchen without a peninsula for extra storage.

Materials

The materials you choose to install in your kitchen remodel can have a major impact on your budget. Visiting specialty design showrooms can help you get a feel for what’s available and give you ideas about how different elements might work together in your kitchen. You can also talk to professionals who can answer your questions and help you find the right products to suit your needs and goals.

When planning your kitchen remodel, consider the type of material you want to use for the countertops and cabinets. There are a few popular choices that include stainless steel, granite or quartz composite, and cast iron. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so think about what’s important to you before making a decision.

Increasing storage space is another common reason for kitchen remodeling. Grocery stores now offer family-size product lines that won’t fit in many current cabinets, so it may be time to add more space. A remodeling professional can recommend clever storage solutions for small spaces that will increase efficiency and make your kitchen more usable.

Some homeowners also remodel their kitchens to improve safety. For example, adding a GFCI outlet and moving electrical outlets away from water sources can reduce the risk of electrical shock. These types of upgrades are easy to implement and will add value when you’re ready to sell your home.

Contractor

A kitchen remodel is a major home improvement project that increases both style and functionality. However, it can also be a complex process that requires time and patience. It’s important to hire a professional who can help you manage your renovation effectively. They can assist with design, budgeting, and acquiring permits. They can also ensure that the job is done safely and on schedule.

If you want to remodel your kitchen, the first step is to assess your needs and goals. Once you have a clear idea of what you want, the next step is to create a kitchen remodeling plan and design. This will help you decide what fixtures, appliances, and materials to use. It is recommended to visit kitchen showrooms and home renovation stores to get ideas and inspiration. You can also watch videos and read online articles about kitchen remodels.

Structural changes are a key part of any kitchen remodel. This can include removing walls, adding or removing partitions, and expanding or changing the floor plan. In addition, you may need to make structural modifications to accommodate new appliances and plumbing. This phase can be the most expensive and disruptive part of a kitchen remodel, so it is essential to find the right contractor.

When doing a kitchen remodel, it is important to consider how the final product will affect future buyers. Over-customizing a kitchen can limit its appeal to a specific market and reduce its resale value. Moreover, over-elaborating on a kitchen’s appearance can increase the cost of the overall remodel. In addition, it’s a good idea to invest in energy-efficient appliances to save money on utility bills. It’s also a good idea to install GFCI outlets and to move electrical outlets away from water sources to prevent fire hazards.

Home Improvement

How a Bathroom Remodel Can Add Value to Your Home

Beau Hebert

Bathroom Remodel Cincinnati is a significant investment that can increase the value of your home. The project is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your quality of life.

Bathroom Remodel

A remodel can eliminate safety hazards like rusty water heaters, corroded shower drains, lead paint and mold and mildew. It can also provide added storage by building linen and supply closets.

The plumbing in your bathroom is essential for everything from getting ready for the day to unwinding at night. If your bathroom isn’t meeting all of your needs, a remodel or renovation can breathe new life into the space and add value to your home.

One of the first things homeowners need to decide is whether they want to do a full-scale remodel or just renovate some of the existing elements. This will help determine costs as it will impact how much the plumber needs to work with the existing piping. Working with existing pipes means that the contractors can only do what is feasible within the piping constraints of the room, which usually means a tub-to-shower conversion or moving a toilet.

A remodel is a more extensive overhaul of the entire bathroom that can include changing the location of the toilet or shower, removing and replacing drywall, and adding or replacing cabinets, lights and paint. It can also involve installing a walk-in tub, replacing the sink and faucet, or relocating the drains.

In addition to determining the scope of work, this is also where homeowners need to think about whether they will be selling the home in the near future and what upgrades might increase functionality or appeal to buyers. For example, if you’ll be staying in the house for the long haul, it might be worth upgrading to grab bars or non-slip flooring that can make the bathroom more functional as you age.

Regardless of which type of project you’re planning, the most important consideration is to hire licensed plumbers. They are the experts who can ensure that your remodel is done correctly and safely and will continue to function properly for years to come.

Electrical

Electrical systems in the bathroom must meet specific requirements based on their exposure to moisture. Professional electricians have the expertise needed to ensure your new bathroom’s wiring and lighting are safe and up to code.

During a bathroom remodel, the electricians will install or rewire your system based on the design plan and layout changes. They will also add or relocate receptacles and light fixtures as necessary. Wiring is typically concealed within walls, ceilings, and floors for a finished look.

Bathroom remodels usually require GFCI outlets. These outlets are designed to shut off in the event of a short, which reduces the risk of electrical shock. Professionals will also ensure your home’s system is grounded, which helps prevent electrical shock and fire hazards.

You may need a dedicated circuit for your bathroom receptacles and a separate circuit for the lights, especially if you have a large whirlpool tub. The NEC suggests these circuits be on a 20-amp branch, but you should check with your local building inspections office to see what is required in your area.

Your remodeling project may also necessitate an upgrade to your electrical panel. Your electrician will let you know if this is necessary, but it is important to familiarize yourself with the location of your electrical panel before they arrive. This will allow you to better understand what they are doing, as well as to make sure it is up to date and ready for your future needs. It is also a good idea to talk with your electrician about universal design upgrades that can make your bathroom safer and more comfortable for everyone in the family. This can help you stay in your home longer, while still enjoying the comforts of a modern bath.

Flooring

Flooring is one of the most significant design decisions when remodeling a bathroom, and while there are many materials to choose from, there’s also one important factor that every homeowner must consider: moisture resistance. Since the bathroom is a high moisture area, choosing a material that can stand up to humidity and is slip-resistant should be top priority.

The best choice for high-moisture areas is tile. It’s durable, water-resistant and available in a wide range of designs and colors. Ceramic and porcelain tiles—and some manufactured options that mimic natural stone—are ideal in a bathroom. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including larger planks that create a more dramatic floor look and are easier to clean.

While solid hardwood is beautiful, it’s not recommended for bathrooms because of its sensitivity to moisture. It requires perfect installation, and even then, the smallest amount of moisture can rot the wood. To help counter this, consider engineered wood products. These are designed with a plywood base that holds up better against moisture, while the top layer is real hardwood veneer.

Another waterproof option is rigidcore vinyl, which comes in both plank and square tile formats. This is a good option if you want the look of real wood or stone but can’t afford to pay for those products. Waterproof laminate (WPC) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are a similar product, combining the durability of vinyl with the appearance of wood or stone.

Finally, cork is an eco-friendly option that’s also a great alternative to natural wood and stone. It’s made from the bark of harvested cork trees and is a renewable resource, and it also has a soft feel that’s pleasant underfoot.

Cabinetry

The bathroom cabinetry in your home is an important aspect of its design. It is not only a practical storage solution for toiletries, towels and cleaning supplies, but it can also enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom. New bathroom cabinets can be made from various materials and designed in different styles to meet your specific needs.

One option for cabinetry is solid wood, which is a durable material that can be stained or lacquered to match the rest of your bathroom’s decor. However, since wood is porous, it can swell when exposed to humidity, making it more susceptible to warping over time. An alternative to solid wood is plywood, which is a sturdy material that can be crafted into attractive designs. This is a great choice for bathrooms because it can withstand humidity and moisture.

Another way to enhance the look of your bathroom is to install floating shelves. This is a popular trend that allows homeowners to double the amount of storage space in their bathrooms without taking up valuable floor space. You can use the open shelf space for towels, baskets, vases and other decorative items. You can also place some of your cleaning products on the shelf so you always have them handy when needed.

Choosing the right type of bathroom cabinetry is important for a successful remodel project. To ensure that your new cabinets will fit properly, measure the height, length and width of the room to determine the dimensions for your new cabinetry. If you are installing a double vanity, make sure that the distance between each cabinet is adequate so you can access your products easily.

To give your bathroom a modern feel, you can opt for flat cabinetry that does not have panels and a sleek profile. This style of cabinetry is often found in contemporary bathrooms and is available in many different finishes.

Lighting

The bathroom is one of the few areas in the home that requires a careful balance of task, ambient, accent and decorative lighting. A well-lit space isn’t only functional, but more flattering — it banishes unflattering shadows. A new light fixture may be all you need to brighten up a small bathroom, but it’s important to consider the style and placement of the fixture.

Vanity lights are a popular choice for above-the-sink lighting, but there are many styles to choose from. Some are designed to be centered horizontally over the mirror, while others feature multiple lights on a bar mount that can be aimed upward or downward. Some even have the look of a chandelier.

For an overall bath lighting solution, consider recessed fixtures with diffused shades. They offer ample light, are easy to install, and blend in with the ceiling. If you’re able to incorporate lighting upgrades during your bathroom remodel, it’s wise to add a dimmer switch, as this will give you the option to set the mood for relaxing or grooming in the room later on.

When it comes to choosing the best light bulbs for your bathroom, look at their color rendering index (CRI) and kelvin rating. A CRI between 80 and 98 mimics the color of natural light and helps reduce the blue tint that can sometimes occur in artificial lighting. If you’re considering a traditional torcherier or Hollywood strip style, it’s worth remembering that these fixtures are typically exposed bulbs, so they’ll be subject to more frequent replacement than other fixture types. That being said, they offer a classic design that’s ideal for bathrooms with vintage finishes or tile work.