Rethinking bathroom design

(BPT) - As homeowners begin to dream up plans to update their kitchens and bathrooms, they can spend hours searching for inspiration on the web or one of the many home renovation television shows. There’s no shortage of beautiful ideas and designs out there, but before you make any decision, you should start with the crucial question: What is it I really want?

A recent study conducted by the home design website Houzz found that the two things homeowners want most for their bathroom are style and ease of cleaning. In effect, people want their bathrooms to exhibit both function and design.

Of course, there are the conventional bathroom remodel options, such as a new faucet, countertop or shower fixture, all of which can be stunning and transform not just your bathroom but your house. But the most commonly used bathroom component is often the most overlooked: the toilet.

Eighty-three percent of Americans claim there’s something they want to improve upon with their toilets, according to a survey by Kohler. The question is what.

This statistic should give homeowners pause and invite them to think beyond the conventional bathroom remodeling ideas and re-imagine the possibilities.

Comfort, hygiene and style

Travelers returning from Italy, Spain, Argentina and Japan often rave about the unexpected luxury of using a bidet. While popular in many other countries, bidets are only just now catching on in the United States, moving from high-end luxury bathrooms and hospitals (where they’re used for their superior hygiene) into household bathrooms across America.

As the leading manufacturer of modern bidets, Kohler has been working to incorporate the trifecta of comfort, hygiene and style into their intelligent toilets.

Built directly into an ergonomically shaped toilet seat, a stainless-steel bidet wand offers adjustable water temperature, pressure, position and shape, along with pulsating and oscillating functions to maximize the comfort of the experience.

But that’s not all. To better introduce Americans to the international phenomenon of bidets, Kohler’s intelligent toilets feature a heated seat, warm air dryer and added sanitary features such as hands-free flushing and a deodorizing seat.

A redefined bathroom

Equipped with smart technology that allows a person to fully customize their experience, such ultra-modern bidets may change how Americans go to the bathroom — but only if the look is right.

Consumers are not willing to sacrifice design for functionality; they want it all. For anyone who has used or seen a Veil Intelligent Toilet, it’s evident that the same exacting standards it brings to cleanliness and hygiene go into its crisp, clean look.

A recent survey by Kohler suggests 33 percent of homeowners would be excited to upgrade their toilets. With this latest generation of toilets and bidets, it’s likely that more people will want to redefine their bathroom with these stunning new options.

6 must-know kitchen and bathroom design trends

(BPT) - Many homeowners today wonder how they can turn their bathrooms or kitchens into something worthy of making the rounds on Pinterest or Instagram. As more people want to give their home a personal and stylish touch, home decorating and interior design is hotter than ever, and the possibilities are seemingly limitless.
The only problem is that making up your mind can be overwhelming. If you’ve ever tried to pick what shade of blue or tint of gray to paint a wall, you know that sometimes there are too many choices.
With over 140 years of designing kitchen and bathroom products, Kohler Kitchen & Bath tapped into a large brain trust of designers and product experts to identify the six leading kitchen and bath design trends for 2017.

1. All in the mix. We all know patterns play a big role in how large a room appears and what features are accented or emphasized. For all the importance people place on patterns, many are inherently afraid of blending — or mixing — patterns. Be bold! When done right, this can create a vibrant, energetic space that does more for your room than if you were to play it safe.
2. Perfect pairs. Two of the most striking colors to appear in kitchens and bathrooms these days are velvety blues and vivid greens. Blues are timeless and can work well by themselves in most situations, but add a small dose of blood orange and you’ve created an infectious vibe to the room. Nothing makes as dramatic a statement as pairing two complementary colors.
3. A softer white. A traditional color for bathrooms and kitchens, white gives off a clean, bright aura. Nonetheless, the look can be a bit clinical. Once way around this problem is to warm up the whites with tones of brass, gold or bronze. Subtle touches on the cabinets or backsplash can create a warm ambiance that softens the look of an all-white space.
4. Keep it neutral. If you’re looking for fun, vibrant colors but aren’t ready to go all in, consider neutral shades such as icy blue, blush sand and other straight-from-nature shades. These are a lot more refreshing than the standard beige! Such transparent neutrals beautifully diffuse light and lend themselves to contrasting elements.
5. Amber glow. The living room has expanded. Kitchens aren’t just for preparing food and bathrooms aren’t just for getting ready. People want a cozier, at-home feel for both these rooms. Top designers do this by adding a range of metallic fixtures coupled with smoky grays, a combination that creates a dramatic and welcoming room.
6. Noir. With the debut of black stainless steel appliances, black has made its way back to being a staple color in kitchens and bathrooms. Of late, the emphatic pairing of black and white has become the real showstopper. The idea here is to work with high contrast: think strong color-blocking patterns and heavy stripes. Two timeless colors will join to create a perfectly modern mixture.

To discover more ideas for your home visit ideas.kohler.com. Here you’ll find invaluable advice and inspiring fixtures to transform your bathroom into the room of your dreams.

Realtor.com® Finds 67 Percent of Consumers Plan Home Improvements in the Next Six Months

SAN JOSE, Calif., July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationally, 67 percent of consumers plan home renovations within the next six months, according to the latest realtor.com® Home Improvement Survey. Realtor.com®, operated by Move, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOVE), is the leader in providing consumers the most accurate U.S. residential for-sale listings online*.

More than 1,500 visitors to realtor.com® from May 19-29, 2014, responded to the survey. Over two-thirds of respondents plan to renovate an area of their homes immediately, and 20 percent of those surveyed plan to list their homes for sale before the end of 2014.

Similar to last year, the most common budget range for home improvements is between $2,001 and $5,000. Eighteen percent of those planning to renovate before the end of the year expect to spend between $10,000 and $20,000. Home owners are most likely to spend that money remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, backyards or patios. The top reasons for the remodeling are greater enjoyment of the home and improved appearance, according to the survey.

"With 32 percent of consumers planning to spend money on improving the look and feel of their homes, home buyers should think about purchasing homes that require renovations," said Barbara O'Connor, Move's chief marketing officer. "By considering these kinds of homes, buyers open themselves up to more affordable options and the ability to renovate their homes to fit their specific needs and tastes."

Most popular reasons for planned home improvements:

• 32% - To improve the aesthetics and/or enjoyment of the home;          
• 22% - In preparation for putting house on the market;              
• 19% - Recently purchased a home needing renovations; and
• 11% - To improve the value of the home.

Most popular areas of the home to improve:

• 61% - Kitchen;
• 59% - Bathroom(s);    
• 33% - Backyard/patio; and
• 32% - Exterior of the home.

Range of home improvement budgets for the next six months:

• 22% - $2,001 - $5,000;
• 19% - $5,001 - $10,000;
• 18% - $10,001 - $20,000; and
• 14% - $20,001 - $50,000. 

Range of home improvement budgets in 2013:

• 20% - $2,001- $5,000;                                                                      
• 13% - Up to $500;
• 11% - $501 - $1,000; and
• 11% - $1,001 - $2,000.

When do they plan to sell their home?

• 37% - Not any time in the foreseeable future;
• 20% - 0 - 6 months;                                                   
• 19% - 1 - 3 years; and
• 10% - 4 - 6 years.

Ages of survey respondents:

• 28% - 45 – 54;
• 26% - 55 – 64;
• 19% - 35 – 44; and
• 13% - 22 – 34.

Geographic location:

• 25% - Southeast;
• 22% - Midwest;
• 22% - Northeast;
• 17% - West; and
• 13% - Southwest.

Income ranges:

• 20% - $100,001 – $200,000;
• 17% - $70,001 – $100,000; and        
• 13% - $50,001 – $70,000.     

Add "Curb Appeal" and Value to The Home During National Home Improvement Month in May

AMBLER, Pa., -- According to professional contractor Mark Clement, National Home Improvement Month in May is the ideal time to make improvements to the exterior of your home. By upgrading your home's curb appeal, you increase the value of your house and make a positive impact on visitors.

"According to Remodeling magazine's 2014 Cost vs. Value* study, home improvement projects involving curb appeal have very strong return on investment numbers for homeowners," says Clement, co-host of MyFixitUpLife home improvement radio show. "Their research shows that in a mid-range priced home, up to 67.8 percent of the cost of a roof replacement can be recouped when selling a home.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140501/82838

"For the replacement of a fiberglass entry door the cost recouped is up to 70.8 percent and homeowners can expect to regain up to a whopping 78.8 percent of the cost of replacing older windows with vinyl replacement windows. These numbers show that curb appeal improvements add value to the home overall and can be considered extremely smart investments for homeowners."

Clement points out that homeowners should start each May with a "top-down" evaluation of their home's exterior products. "Begin by checking out the appearance and functionality of your roof, siding, windows, trim and doors," says Clement. "Look for products that are worn out, need repair or re-painting, or simply should be replaced. Tackling these projects in May means you'll have more time to enjoy the results and a carefree summer."

Clement recommends the following checklist for National Home Improvement Month to make sure your home is in top condition:

1. Check the roof. Using either a ladder or binoculars from across the street, look for problem areas, such as missing or broken shingles, along with roofing tiles that may be "flapping" in the wind. These are all indications that a new roof may be in your future. If that's the case, research the benefits of polymer shake and slate roofing tiles. These impact- and fire-resistant tiles come in a wide variety of colors. Some roofing tiles, like those from DaVinci Roofscapes® that Clement chose for his home, are sustainable and recyclable. They also have a 50-year limited warranty.

2. Clean and assess the home's siding. Environmentally-friendly detergents, scrubbing and/or pressure-washing all work well for many homes to remove dirt and algae that can grow on siding. Never pressure-wash trim pieces, doors, windows or screens. The extreme high pressure could crack or destroy the caulking around the units. Check for changes in the exterior from the previous year and be alert to buckling, rotting, peeling paint or insect damage that may need to be fixed.

3. Check on the gutters. Each year homeowners should check to make sure their gutters are clean, unclogged, securely attached to the home and remain sloped for proper drainage. Plus, make sure the water running off the roof doesn't cause damage to the building structure, landscaping or property below the roof.

4. Evaluate the windows. If you find that the windows in your home don't operate easily, there's air leaking in or out of the units, or there's condensation between the glass panes, it may be time to seriously consider replacement windows.

Vinyl framed windows have the highest growth rate in the country due to their energy-efficiency, aesthetic appeal and durability. Some of the best have fusion-welded corners and multi-chambered construction. Plus, maintenance hassles are so low you'll forget the horrors of rotting frames, scraping and repainting that come with wood windows. For his renovation project, Clement selected vinyl home windows from Simonton Windows. The award-winning company impressed him with its strong product warranty, 65+ year history, selection of exterior frame color options and return-on-investment with their ENERGY STAR® qualified windows. 

5. Spend time with your doors. If you can see light around a door from the inside, your door is hard to close or lock, or the door itself is warped, it's time to consider a new door. Even if you can't see light, air may be moving through gaps in the weather stripping at a surprising rate.

Think about the weather conditions that your home's doors face along with your energy bills. If either run to the extreme, consider replacing an inefficient entryway with a high-performance fiberglass door. Clement added a Therma-Tru® fiberglass door to his home with a decorative glass doorlite to update the curb appeal of his home while gaining energy-efficiency savings.

6. Look at your home's accessory features. Spend time with your shutters, trim and louvers to see if they're rotting. Check the bottoms and tops of columns and near the joints in crown and other mouldings for water spots, decay or peeling paint to see if they're deteriorating in any way. They may also be suffering from termites, insect infestations or warping. When it's time to replace these items, low-maintenance polyurethane or PVC products from Fypon are an attractive and durable choice. The lightweight pieces are easy to install and add instant curb appeal to your home.

Experts Rate Curb Appeal and Staging as Best Home Improvement Projects for Sellers

New Zillow Digs Survey of Real Estate Agents and Interior Designers Finds Homeowners Should Avoid Costly Renovations Prior To Listing Their Home For Sale

SEATTLE -- Today's home sellers should focus on curb appeal and home staging above larger-scale home renovations, according to a new survey[i] from Zillow Digs®. Zillow asked real estate agents and interior designers nationwide to identify the most valuable home improvements for sellers, and the experts agree that minor improvements like landscaping and painting walls in neutral colors save money and attract buyers faster.

Agents agree that sellers should avoid costly projects prior to listing their home, as the increased sale price may not outweigh the time and money spent on the remodel. Instead, agents and designers recommend spending money on minor renovations that will bring the home up to current market standards while also appealing to the broadest number of potential buyers.

"Buyers have more homes to choose from this year, compared to last year," said Amy Bohutinsky, Zillow chief marketing officer and guest judge on NBC's new reality show American Dream Builders.  "And in a crowded market, sellers should prioritize spending time and money on upgrades that have mass appeal. Home buyers don't want to feel as if they are paying top-dollar for someone else's decorating style. An inviting exterior and landscape, fresh paint in neutral colors, and clutter-free spaces will always appeal to a broad range of tastes."

Zillow Digs Survey Reveals Top 5 Projects for Home Sellers

Curb Appeal: Creating a strong first impression is imperative as buyers begin making assumptions about a home well before they step inside. "A clean entrance can go a long way toward establishing a positive first impression," said Zillow Agent Advisory Board member, Cyndi Lesinski of Valencia, Calif. Lesinski recommends adding "fresh potted flowers to increase the life and energy of the entrance." Another tip is to simply add a fresh coat of paint to the front door. Black, dark charcoal and tasteful reds such as burgundy or cranberry are currently the most popular front door colors on Zillow Digs. These colors bring tasteful exuberance to the home without being too overbearing for potential buyers.

Staging: A home stager can skillfully identify ways to highlight your home's best features and compensate for its shortcomings. The goal is to make "your home appeal to the broadest audience and number of buyers possible," says Zillow Digs Board of Designers member Mara Miller of Carrier and Company in New York City. When staging, remove all personal belongings and avoid colors or furniture that are too style-specific – neutral colors and minimal furniture are best. "Attempting to decorate may not be the best use of your time and dollars," says Miller.

Invest in Small Home Improvements:  Both agents and designers agree that sellers should never invest in a major renovation before selling. No matter how out-of-date a home is, "major renovations prior to sale usually will not equal a dollar-for-dollar return, and the time invested outweighs selling it faster," says Zillow Agent Advisory Board member Chris Speicher, of The Speicher Group and RE/MAX in Washington, D.C. Instead, sellers should spend time and money on smaller updates that will bring the home up to market value. These kinds of projects include updating lighting fixtures, cabinet or door handles, and minor kitchen and bathroom updates.

Declutter: This sounds simple, but according to Zillow experts, it's the one of the most important things a homeowner should do before selling. A clean house feels more spacious and helps buyers easily envision themselves in the home. "Nothing trumps the aesthetic of a clean and cared-for home," says Zillow Digs Board of Designers member Kerrie Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab inSacramento, Calif. "Old appliances and furniture can be overlooked if a space is clean, simple and well-edited."

Granite Countertops and Stainless Steel Appliances: Most buyers are still requesting "granite countertops and stainless steel appliances," says Zillow Agent Advisory Board member Bic DeCaro of Westgate Realty Group in Falls Church, Va. Keep in mind that most "high-end finishes don't equal high-end returns," says DeCaro. However, incorporating granite and new appliances can help catch a buyer's eye.

Launched in 2013, Zillow Digs is Zillow's home improvement marketplace where home shoppers and homeowners can find visual inspiration and understand the real cost of remodeling projects. Users can browse over 640,000 photos and see Zillow's proprietary Digs Estimates for the estimated cost, based on where they live, of the actual bathrooms and kitchens they are viewing. They can create, save and share Boards of ideas they love, comment on photos and follow people with similar interests.

Room-by-Room Remodeling Tips to Increase a Home's Value

CHICAGO, -- HomeFinder.com, a leading digital real estate site, compiled the top kitchen, bathroom, living room and backyard remodeling tips to increase a home's value and help homeowners make the most out of their renovation budgets. It is important that homeowners understand how renovation relates to home valuation, whether it is updating a newly purchased home, or remodeling to get a house ready to sell.

Below are four home remodeling tips; the full list of tips can be accessed here: http://blog.homefinder.com/2014/03/25/room-by-room-remodeling-tips-to-increase-home-value/

1.) Maximize space in the kitchen: Homeowners can gain space during a renovation by extending cabinets up to the ceiling, or turning an awkward unused space into a food prep corner.

2.) Develop a bathroom design plan: The layout and functionality of a new bathroom should be determined by who will be using it the most.

• Kids bathroom: A double sink will help mornings and bedtime go faster, a pullout stepstool built in to the vanity so little ones can reach the sink, and no-slip tile to avoid any bath time slips.
• Master ensuite: Add a spa-like quality to a master bath with a heated marble floor (the small space will keep the cost down), a walk-in shower, and plenty of natural light.
• Guest bath: Incorporate extra shelving so guests have a place to store items without feeling intrusive. Built-in shower shelves and a vessel sink will allow for more under vanity storage space.

3.) Update living room windows: Energy-efficient windows will lower energy bills and will update a home's appearance. Impact-resistant windows are great for neighborhoods with active kids or areas prone to severe weather. These windows can help protect against damage and reduce home insurance premiums.

4.) Revamp a backyard barbeque: An outdoor kitchen will add value to a home and allow a host to cook, while enjoying the outdoor weather with friends and family. Outdoor-specific appliances (stainless steel sink, outdoor refrigerator, and cement or stainless steel counter) won't rust during rain or snow and adding a bar area will cut down on trips inside the house.

Remodeling Resource

If you need some ideas on remodeling your home, check out the new blog by A&E's Roger Hazard. Roger Hazard's Design Survival Guide shares tips, ideas, and resources online to help inspire “homeowners, homebuilders, kitchen remodelers and others who love great kitchens.” Hazard is a Texas designer, which is one of the reasons I like him.

"Not everyone has the luxury or budget to hire a design consultant. With Roger's blog, you get professional advice to create appealing living spaces," says Custom Cupboards president Mael Hernandez. Custom Cupboards is sponsoring the Hazard’s blog.

According to the news release: “Readers and newsletter subscribers will learn how to add functionality and personality to their homes through regular features:

Design Process – A step-by-step examination of what goes in to creating a functional, beautiful space. By breaking the renovation process into manageable pieces, Roger shows the planning and execution that go into every successful remodel.

Kitchen Inspiration Pinboard – featuring Hazard's favorite emerging styles and how to pull together a cohesive look using cabinets, flooring, countertops, color, furniture, and accessories – with complete sourcing information.

Deconstructing a Kitchen – You know a great design when you see one, but what makes a design great? In this feature, Roger will "deconstruct" a completed design to explain why it works.

Functionality – Everyone needs more storage. Roger highlights technology, tools, and planning concepts that will maximize the function and capacity of your space.”

“I want the newsletter to help empower homeowners, by giving them a fuller understanding of this process and inspiring them to seek out great, personal design,” says Hazard.

From Austin, Texas, Hazard is an internationally known designer and TV's original home stager on the Emmy-nominated "Sell This House," "Sell This House: Extreme," and "Move This House." Hazard is a featured columnist for The Statesman in Austin, Texas.

Source: Custom Cupboards via PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1gWz0)