1. Consider the finish of existing fixtures. The best look for a bathroom is matching or complementary hardware and fixtures. If you have a lot of chrome that you have no plans to replace, don’t choose gold handles for your cabinets. If you want to match the cabinet or décor, rather than other fixtures, you can look for painted or matching wood finishes.

2. Consider the style or theme of the room. If you have modern cabinets, go for sleek metal finishes. French country styles look great with ceramic or wooden knobs. Whimsical décor allows you to choose knobs with painted patterns or handles in the shape of flowers, sea creatures, animals,  and more.

3. Make note of the location of the knobs and handles. Ornate knobs can be pleasing to the eye, but not as fun when you bang your knee on them. Wall cabinets are usually not an issue, but in small spaces a protruding knob might catch on clothing or unsuspecting elbows. Bathroom visitors spend a lot of time in front of the sink, so make sure that vanity knobs and handles don’t present a hazard.

4. Is the bathroom used by children? It’s best to choose smoother designs that they won’t be hurt by if they bump into them. Avoid ornate metal designs that they might get their little fingers stuck in.

5. Remember the water and humidity in bathrooms. When selecting bathroom cabinet knobs, it’s best to choose ones with durable finishes that won’t tarnish or erode.

6. If you want the fixtures to match your décor, bring paint samples and color swatches to the store, along with your handle measurements. If you’re considering blue handles for your blue cabinets, you want to make sure it’s the same blue. The same is true of wood tones. It’s much easier to match the items in the store, rather than waiting until you get home to discover you have the wrong shade.

7. Consider price. Items available for immediate purchase in the store will generally be the least expensive option. Special order knobs will offer you a wider range of options, but will cost a lot more. Don’t forget about shipping charges when ordering on-line.            

Since the selection of bathroom faucets is quite big, it is best to decide on your budget before you set out to buy one. A bathroom faucet can cost anywhere from $25 to several hundred to nearly $2000. Know what you can afford to spend before you spend it.

1. There are three basic types of bathroom faucets from which almost all designs originate. First, there is the centerset style, which consists of a spigot with the water control handle attached to its top or side. Most often, there is only one handle for both hot and cold water. Then, there are single-hole bathroom faucets. These usually have two handles, one for hot and one for cold water, but the handles and the spigot form one unit that is attached to the plumbing through one hole in the sinktop or countertop. The third main style of bathroom faucets are the widespread designs. Widespreads have two handles and a spigot and they are all separate pieces, meaning the sink or counter must have three holes in it to attach each piece.
2. Once you have decided on the bathroom faucet design that would work best with your bathroom, you should think about what kind of material you want. Often, the material you pick for a bathroom faucet is determined by the color you want. Bronze faucets, of course, have golden or brown tones. On the other hand, nickel and stainless steel faucets are reflective or have gray tones. You can also buy a nickel faucet with brass highlights, so the possibilities are numerous.
3. The final consideration is overall appearance. The centerset designs tend to be more contemporary looking than either single hole or widespread bathroom faucets. These latter two come in an array of styles for traditional and modern bathrooms. You can find faucets that are rounded and lack any corners, or more angular designs that stand out. Pick the style that best fits your aesthetic and that fits into the bathroom of your dreams.

Bathroom countertops can make a statement and still be practical, providing additional workspace. Choosing a particular material can set the tone of the room.   Aside from appearance, one should also consider price, maintenance and compatibility when investing in a bathroom countertop. Below are some of the more popular ideas worth investigating.

Granite
Long lasting, stain-resistant and beautiful, granite is the Rolls-Royce of countertops. Once the surface of choice for high-end bathrooms, granite is gaining in popularity for a broad spectrum of home styles. It is the most durable and easiest to care for of any of the natural stone materials. Maintenance: Granite countertops need to be sealed every six months to a year. Clean countertops with warm water and a liquid detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners; they’ll scratch and dull the finish. Small chips and scratches can be polished down.
Cost:From $75 to $200 a linear foot, installed.

Manufactured Quartz

Manufactured quartz imitates the look of limestone, granite or marble, but it is even more resistant to scratches and stains. Made up of 90 percent quartz particles, this synthetic composite comes in a wide variety of colors and thicknesses. Maintenance: Practical for the bathroom, quartz is durable, easy to clean and doesn’t require sealing.
Cost: From $110 to $250 a linear foot, installed.\

Tile
Tile has always been a popular material for bathroom countertops, but homeowners often complain about the need to clean the grout. These days, however, tiles are coming out in much larger sizes, which eliminate the need for numerous grout lines. Plus, the myriad types of ceramic and porcelain tiles, including ones that have a metallic look, allow for fabulous designs. Tiles also work well with other materials such as glass or concrete.
Maintenance: Grout lines need regular maintenance and cleaning. The tiles can be easily cleaned with any household detergent.
Cost: For plain-colored tiles, $2 to $40 per tile. For handpainted tiles, $5 to $75 per tile.

Solid-Surface Materials
Designed to look like natural stone, solid surface is one of the most popular countertop options available. Known by its brand names such as Corian, Staron, Gilbraltar and Avonite, this easy-to-maintain synthetic product can be molded to fit any design specification.
Maintenance: Being nonporous, it’s easy to clean.
Cost: $75 to $150 a linear foot, installed.

Choosing the right bathroom hardware can be a challenge. Staring at walls of options can leave you wondering just which style is right for you. Here are some tips to consider to help you narrow down your choices.

• Some of the materials used for hardware include nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, tile, granite, marble porcelain, brass, plastic and crystal.
• When choosing hardware, make sure its style is consistent with cabinetry and decor style.
• Contemporary decor suggests sleek, smooth shapes, metals and satin finishes.
• Asian design emphasizes nature, so knobs shaped like leaves and twigs would be appropriate.
• For the arts-and-crafts design scheme, hardware is often dark metal in a square shape.
• Glass knobs add a sparkling finishing touch. They can be clear or frosted, smooth or faceted.
• Traditional baths call for traditional brass hardware in a variety of finishes: polished, satin, antiqued, oil-rubbed.
• Because they are more substantial, pulls are well-suited for drawers. Knobs are best for lighter doors and cabinets.

There are so many great muralist and faux finish artists in San Diego. Here are a few that we enjoy. Marcelino is gret at faux finishing any space.

Ryn Smith Studios is another great choice. This artist specializes in Murals and Trompe L’Oeil.

If you would like to find out more about these artists contact us at Style on a Shoestring. We would be more than happy to assist you with designing the perfect mural or faux finish for your home.

Have you gone GREEN yet?

What a great way to go green- with Organic Bath Towels! West Elm now sells these great towels and have many color options to choose from. If you have been wanting to go green but haven’t yet, then this is a great place to start.

Kohler has come out with a new bath tub that is heavenly. Have you seen the new style of swimming pools that just drop off on the edge, “infinity edge pools”? Well this new bathtub is exactly like that. This bathtub even comes with adjustable colored lights that you can turn on while you soak. If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom and want to add that special something, or are looking for a relaxing, spa feel- this is the tub for you!

Vetrazzo Countertops are the newest rage in Green Design. It is a product made from recycled glass bottles, windshields, glass windows and also decommisioned traffic lights! This product is very durable and easy to maintain. Many compare it’s strength to granite, as well as it’s scratch and heat resistance.  85% of the surface is glass which cannot stain, however certain types of liquids like red wine, lemon juice or vinegar may etch away the surface if not cleaned promptly.  Other types of countertops such as butcher block or marble have an aged look over time, but Vetrazzo will not age and will stay beautiful and new forever if taken proper care. Vetrazzo cleans up with simple soap and water since it is mostly glass.

Vetrazzo countertops are the new trend in the design world today. If you would like more information Style on a Shoestring would be more than happy to provide that for you.

Here are a few tips for taking your tiny bathroom and making it feel much more open and roomy. Switch out your large vanity for a pedestal sink, but keep in mind you may lose some storage. You can always add in a narrow, tall storage piece. The color White for the furniture, toilet, pedestal sink, etc will always help make the room look larger. Try a clear vessel sink, the more see-through the better. Pay attention to what your bathroom mirror is reflecting. It could change the amount of light in the room. If you use a shower curtain then make it somewhat see-through, and avoid really dark colors. This will help extend the space and will feel much more spacious without knocking any walls down. If you always feel cramped inside of your shower but cannot afford to re-design it then, try to use a specialty shower rod, called the Arc. www.arcsandangles.com Here is their website, take a look. 

The best way to survive a remodel with no hassles is to hire someone else to take care of it and go away on vacation! Unfortunately this is not possible for all homeowners because they either want to be involved or it is not feasible with their job or lifestyle. Even if you cannot get away for a long extravagant vacation, planning to get away even to a friend or family members home is a smart choice. Plan your getaway when your home will be the messiest with dust and debris, or when your water will be turned off, etc.  Your kitchen is by far the hardest space to live without, so preparation before the remodel is very important. Here are a few things to remember before the demolition takes place.

1.      Make sure you pack up everything in your kitchen because there will be a lot of dust in the air. Don’t pack dish soap or dish towels

2.      Set up a temporary kitchen outside of a bathroom or laundry room.

3.      Have extra water around for when the water is turned off, which will be often. 4.      Purchase paper plates, plastic forks, spoons, cups, etc. (pretend you are shopping for a camping trip).