Thursday, February 24, 2022

How to Get Never-Ending Hot Water

Heated bathtub in a white bathroom.


As winter lingers a bit longer, you might also linger a bit longer in a hot shower . . . unless you run out of hot water. Or maybe you enjoy a soak in a hot bathtub . . . until the water edges toward tepid and the bath becomes less than relaxing.

If you pine for longer baths and wish for never-ending hot water, you’re in luck. There are ways to lengthen your hot water escapades. Take a look at these ideas and stay warm until the bitter end of the winter months.


In the Bathroom

The bathroom is probably the place you lament running out of hot water the most. Things become uncomfortable quickly without it. There are many ways to make the bathroom a toasty place with never-ending hot water.


Heated Tub

These miraculous tubs keep your bath water comfortable much longer, so go ahead and finish your book. Heated air jets infuse the bathwater with hot, humid air that keeps the bath water at the right temperature longer. 

Tests show that bathwater loses about five degrees after the first 20 minutes. That’s enough to start to make your bath feel less than comfortable. A bath with heated air jets loses only about 2.9 degrees after 20 minutes and maintains a proper bath temperature far longer than a soaker tub. 

Some tubs also employ heating zones to keep things toasty in the bath. These feature strategic zones with heaters beneath the surface of the tub. They are placed in areas that will come into contact with the body’s most temperature-sensitive spots resulting in a more comfortable bather. 

Heated Tubs


Heated Washing

You know about the bidet but have you heard of the washlet? It’s a toilet seat you can attach to any toilet that provides many of the features of a bidet. They are in nearly every water closet in Japan and are a cultural standard. 

The best thing about the washlet is that it heats its own water so washing the sensitive bits can be comfortable and effective. You can even adjust the temperature of the water to your preference. And the cherry on top is that the seat is heated too.

Heated Washlet Toilet


More Heat

In the bathroom you may feel colder because you are often wet. Adding more heat to the bathroom can decrease the chill and keep you warmer. Install an electric fireplace in the bathroom. Put a heat lamp over the bathtub. Place a towel warming rack close to the shower and bathtub.


In the Kitchen

The lack of hot water in the kitchen is probably something you experience rarely. It isn’t often you have so many dishes to wash that you run out of hot water. You have appliances, like the dishwasher, to do that sort of thing for you. 

Having hot water on hand comes in really handy on a cold winter day when you’d like a cup of tea or to mix up some instant soup on a quick lunch break. For that you need a hot water dispenser. We’re not talking about the unit with the five gallon water bottle perched on top of it upside down. We’re talking about an under-sink version that delivers hot water anytime you want it without sticking out like a sore thumb.

This Franke under-sink heat tank produces 60 cups of hot water per hour. You can adjust the temperature from anywhere between 176 and 208 degrees Fahrenheit with precision. It is easy to care for (with no mineral build up) and has an industry leading five-year warranty. 

Hot Water Dispenser


In the Whole House

Another simple fix to get more hot water is to take it on at the root: the water heater. You can turn up the thermostat to produce hotter water, which will last longer because you’ll mix it with cold water to get the right temperature. Or you can go with the endless hot water solution.

A tankless water heater produces hot water on-demand instead of heating in batches like traditional water heaters do. The tankless water heater uses a completely different method for heating water: it heats the water in the pipes so it gets heated on the way to wherever it’s needed. 



Stay warm even as the winter temperatures linger on with plenty of hot water. How to get more hot water is made simple with a few additions to your home. Get started today!

Want more ideas for quick and easy upgrades you can make to your home? Check out more on our blog.


Cheap Bathroom Upgrades

Thursday, February 10, 2022

7 Indulgent Ensuite Bathroom Ideas

Large ensuite bathroom with freestanding tub and chandelier.

The ensuite bathroom (aka master bathroom) is more than just a convenient bathroom. It is an oasis of luxury and style where you can pamper yourself. No matter the size or layout, every ensuite bathroom should be possessed of a few key things that create an indulgent experience you’ll look forward to.

Read on for ensuite bathroom design that will take your bathroom to the next level. 


1. Create Luxury

Part of the definition of the ensuite bathroom includes luxury. The very idea of a bathroom set aside specifically for the occupants of the largest bedroom makes it a special room that deserves some extra attention. 

Luxury doesn’t require a large space or opulent materials (although it might include these). Luxury is simply adding something special to the space that increases the comfort and atmosphere of the room. For instance, a large jetted bathtub is both visually stunning and an invitation to a spa-like experience.

Luxury might mean a towel warmer, marble countertop, or specialty wallpaper. It’s really up to you. Personalize your ensuite with things that feel luxurious to you.


2. Make a Statement

The ensuite bathroom should make a statement. A first glance should set the tone and remind inhabitants that this is an extraordinary space. Start with a statement-making visual design element. Choose functional items that carry dramatic design with them like a clawfoot bathtub

Pendant lights or a chandelier set the space apart with an exclusive feel. Go for a functional statement with a smart mirror that tells the time, temperature, and traffic report. Or make a statement with eye-catching hardware. Gold-tone faucets or wall mounted faucets stand out as unique in the ensuite bathroom.


Ensuite bathroom with double vanity.


3. Size Up

Sufficient space is crucial for an ensuite bathroom to ensure comfortable movement and functionality. Aim for a layout that allows for easy access to key fixtures and enough room for maneuvering.

Adding space will not only benefit the functionality of your bathroom, but also give you room to add features that up its luxury as well. More room will give you the ability to add a steam or jet shower plus a soaker tub. You can have a double vanity plus plenty of countertop surface to work on.

A bigger bathroom also adds more space behind the scenes. You can make space for a linen closet for towels, soaps, and other luxurious necessities.


4. Add a Wet Room

The wet room (a watertight space in your bathroom for showering and bathing) is a must for the ensuite. It allows you to create luxury and make a statement all at once. A wet room is a luxe room within a room that stands on its own. 

Start by covering the floors and walls with a beautiful tile or other waterproof material. Take these materials all the way up the wall to the ceiling. Add an oversized soaking tub or rain showerhead, or shower panel. Double shower heads are popular for those who share the ensuite with a significant other. 


5. On the Double

The ensuite bathroom is often a space shared by a couple, so design your bathroom with that in mind. Add double showerheads to the wet room. Install a double vanity. Get the larger bathtub. 

Put a door on the water closet. There are many ways to make the ensuite comfortable for two people at a time. 

Take into account how much storage space two people need. Behind the doors and drawers is just as important as what they look like from the outside. Be sure you have enough counter space as well. A large mirror or two small mirrors ensures there’s enough for two to complete their morning routine without getting in each other’s way.


6. Divide and Conquer

Depending on the layout of your ensuite bathroom, you may want to consider dividing up the space a bit. Separating the bedroom from the bathroom is a must. A door to separate the toilet from the rest of the space is appreciated. Enclosing the wet room is optional but can be useful for privacy and retaining heat.

Curtains and folding dividers are the simplest way to section off the space. More permanent dividers like glass walls/doors are important too. If your closet is part of the ensuite, you’ll definitely want to protect clothing from humidity with a door. 


7. Posh Fixtures

Invest in high-quality fixtures that not only look stylish but also offer durability and functionality. Choose fixtures made from materials that are resistant to water damage and wear, such as ceramic or porcelain for sinks and toilets, water-saving faucets.

Good lighting is essential in a bathroom. Incorporate a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit space. Consider natural lighting options, such as windows or skylights, as they can enhance the overall ambiance. 

Invest in some statement lighting like a chandelier over the tub or some elegant sconces on the sides of the mirror to up your luxe factor.


Of all the ensuite bathroom ideas, the most important one is personalization. The ensuite is meant to be your personal haven. Make sure you add some things that bring peace and luxury to you.


Want more bathroom renovation ideas? Read more on our blog. 

Cheap Ways to Remodel

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Top James Martin Bathroom Vanities

James Martin vanities have the distinct reputation of being at the forefront of innovation and quality. Each piece is designed to be durable, beautiful, and meets superior quality standards. It’s no wonder James Martin vanities are always in demand. 

DecorPlanet.com carries hundreds of James Martin vanities so you can choose the one that perfectly suits your bathroom’s size and style. Here are the top picks for a variety of different styles. 


For an Ornate Design

James Martin vanity, Balmoral.

James Martin Balmoral Double Vanity in Antique Walnut 


For an Architectural Element

James Martin vanity, Brittany.

James Martin Brittany 46” Single Vanity in Bright White 


For Scandi or Japandi Design

James Martin vanity, Portland.

James Martin Portland 48” Single Vanity in Whitewashed Walnut


For a Rustic Style

James Martin vanity, Malibu.

James Martin Malibu 72” Freestanding Double Vanity in Honey Alder


For MidMod Design

James Martin vanity, Metropolitan.

James Martin Metropolitan 59 ⅞” Freestanding Double Vanity in Silver Oak


For a Furniture Look

James Martin vanity, Castilian.

James Martin Castilian 33” Single Vanity with Backsplash in Aged Cognac


For Small Bathrooms

James Martin vanity, Chianti.

James Martin Chianti 16” Single Vanity in Whitewashed Walnut with White Glossy Resin Countertop


For Large Bathrooms

James Martin vanity, Copper Cove.

James Martin Copper Cove Encore 122” Freestanding Double Vanity Set in Silver Gray 


For Wall Mounted

James Martin vanity, Mercer Island.

James Martin Mercer Island 72 ½” Double Vanity in Latte Oak


For an Open Concept

James Martin vanity, Como.

James Martin Como 27 ½” Single Console Vanity with Open Bottom in Matte Black


For a Minimalist Design

James Martin vanity, Milan.

James Martin Milan 31 ½” Single Vanity with Rectangular Sink in Mader Gray Glossy


For Texture

James Martin vanity, Linden.

James Martin Linden 24” Single Vanity in Navy Blue


For Contemporary Style

James Martin vanity, Columbia.

James Martin Columbia 72 ½” Freestanding Single Vanity in Glossy White


For Color

James Martin vanity, Alicante.


Want more top rated vanities like these James Martin vanities? Check our more of our favorites. 


More Top Rated Vanities


Thursday, January 27, 2022

Gold Bathroom Fixtures Are Back!

5 Ways to Bring Gold into the Bathroom

Gold bathroom sink fixture on a white sink.


Gold bathroom fixtures are back on trend! Gold and silver are classics that always look good in the bathroom. They take turns in the limelight but you really can’t go wrong with either. The metallic hue of the moment is gold but don’t expect it to go anywhere soon.

Quarantining in your home in 2020 and 2021 likely had you looking a little closer at your interiors and inspired at least one project. All that time spent at home significantly influenced trends in color, shape, and texture. In a time of uncertainty, many craved the warmth of softer textures, curvier shapes, and warmer colors. Thus gold started showing up more frequently.

The bathroom, especially the luxury bathroom, is a place filled with metallics. Faucets in the sink, bathtub, and shower mean there's a lot of opportunity for warm metals that put your bathroom ahead of the trend. 

These aren’t the gold fixtures you remember from the 90s, though. You’ll see a softer side of gold and its cousins emerge and take over the bathroom over the next several years. Take a look at these five contemporary gold bathroom fixture ideas and start imagining your new bathroom design.


Gold sink fixture with a basin sink.


1. Brushed Gold & Matte

Brushed gold is all over Pinterest right now. It retains the metallic color but tones down the reflective quality for a softer gold look. It pairs well with just about every color, including pastels, which a shiny gold might not. 

It also harmonizes a design that favors mattes. Matte paint and matte metallics create a thematic texture in the room. That softer texture makes the space feel relaxed—exactly what you want in a luxury bathroom.

Check out this unique style sink faucet in brushed gold by Brizo. Add brushed gold shower and tub fixtures to complete the look


2. Brass

Want a brighter gold look? Brass is just the thing. Brass is less yellow than gold and tends to look brighter because it is a less saturated color. This is especially useful if you like the shiny finish instead of the more matte finishes. It keeps to the warmer color palette but remains one of the shiniest metallic finishes. 

Brass is an excellent choice for dramatic designs. Set these fixtures in contrast to a darker color and they’ll pop even more. Black and gold is a particularly popular color scheme. They set each other off in a high-contrast design that’s perfect for the luxury bathroom. 

You might like this classic design in Brass by Delta. Look at all the offerings in brass to find the perfect style for your design. 


Gold sink fixtures in a marble bathroom with gold framed mirrors.


3. Vintage Looks

Another up-and-coming trend is vintage. The patina of vintage and comfort of the well known and loved plays right into the warmth that so many are adding to their designs. Some brushed gold can have that vintage charm, but antiqued brass is even better. It retains the gold color with a darker patina and variations that make it vintage. 

Further enhance the vintage theme with a gold bathroom fixture design that harkens from an earlier era. Choose curvier patterns or knobs that turn. If you like a Steampunk style, try a rustic pipe fixture like this one from Watermark


4. Mix Metals

Some worry that gold bathroom fixtures are a trend with a deadline. If you think that the gold trend won’t last, or there’s a possibility that you might get tired of it, try mixing it in with other metallics instead of committing to it 100%

Mixing metals is also on trend and has the benefit of blending into any future trend with ease. Harmonize your mixed metals with a common theme like matte finish or the same style to bring purpose to your choices. 

This simple, modern faucet by Toto comes in five metallic colors and is easy to match with shower and tub fixtures. 


Marble bathroom with gold fixtures.


5. Rose Gold

The love of rose gold continues! It has even made its way into bathroom fixtures and other home accessories. Its rosy warmth is perfectly suited to the gold fixtures trend but offers something unique. What better way to add luxury to your bathroom than with this one-of-a-kind gold tone?

Rose gold is a different metallic that plays well with all colors, warms up the coolness of metallic, and stands out as a centerpiece of the design. It speaks for itself so simple faucet designs are enough.

This minimal faucet by Phylrich in Rose Gold is an ideal addition to the luxury bathroom. It has just the right level of shine without being overpowering. It lets the rosy tone be the star. 


Ready to try some gold in your bathroom? Take a closer look at the selection of gold bathroom fixtures and find your perfect match. 


Want to get caught up on the latest bathroom trends? Read on. 

Bathroom Trends

Thursday, January 20, 2022

The Best Modern Kitchen Faucets for Every Design Style

Mid century modern kitchen with black marble and modern faucet.


Once you’ve narrowed down your interior design style, there are endless ways to support it. You probably already know what shapes, textures, and colors work best for your chosen design but after that things get a little more complicated. 

For instance, what light fixtures should you get for your MidMod? Is there a particular cabinet knob that will work better than another? What about faucets? Each of those elements will add to or detract from the style in your space. Picking the right stuff will seal the deal on your design.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best modern kitchen faucets for some of the trendiest design styles.


MidMod

Mid-century modern style has been popular in one form or another for decades. It’s been enjoying an especially big heyday for the last decade. Finding a kitchen faucet to suit your MidMod sensibilities is pretty easy. 

Mid-century modern loves clean lines as much as it loves curving organic ones. Reach for a simple, streamlined gooseneck kitchen faucet design without embellishment. The Brizo Litze Single Handle Arc Spout faucet is straightforward without being spare—a perfect match for MidMod design.

Or go with something a bit more angular with the Brizo Litze Single Handle Angled Spout faucet. It’s lines are just as clean but with the addition of some elegant, modern angles.


Modern kitchen in light colors with mid century modern faucet.


Boho

Bohemian design is relaxed, personal, and founded on layering. Layer colors, patterns, and textures in a carefree, way that places creativity above all else. Boho also includes a handmade type feel with lots of natural materials. Finding the right modern faucet for this style can be a bit tricky, as the clean, shiny faucet you see so much of probably won’t work in a Boho setting. 

Dark finishes are a good choice, as well as unique faucet features. Pot fillers often have the feel you’re going for in Boho design. Moen’s Double Handle Wall Mount Pot Filler  in black has the right vibes. Blanco’s Empressa Double Handle Bridge faucet in Oil Rubbed Bronze is another great option for Boho style. 


Art Deco

Characterized by geometrics, high polish, high-contrast colors, and lots of metallics, Art Deco style hails from the 1920s and 30s. Think Great Gatsby and you’ll be in the right frame of mind. It’s a refined style preoccupied with opulence. You really can’t go wrong with any modern faucet that’s high-polish gold.

This Brizo Rook faucet features details that set it apart from the rest. Go with the bright gold color to draw further attention to the faucet. Continue the gold accents throughout the kitchen to amp up the drama in your Art Deco kitchen.


Mid century modern kitchen with flat front cabinets and modern faucet.


Scandinavian

Scandinavian style is sleek, clean lined, and minimalist. Yet at the same time, it’s comfortable and warm. It’s filled with natural elements on their best behavior. Neutral color palettes and cozy design make finding a modern faucet simple. Just stick to clean shapes and matte colors and you’re in business.

Graff’s Sospiro kitchen faucet is perfect. The long arching neck and straightforward design in Brushed Nickel perfectly suits the Scandinavian style. 


Japandi

Cousin to Scandinavian design, Japandi is a blend of elegant Japanese style and Scandinavian simplicity. The result is an uncomplicated and comfortable design that brings the tranquility of nature right into the home. 

A modern faucet in matte metal finish like this Delta DST square base faucet is just the ticket. It stands out with unique, minimalist design but blends into its surroundings as well. The Franke Active Neo faucet is another option for simple Japandi design.


Mid century modern kitchen with modern faucet.


California Chic

Cali Chic is related to Boho style in that they are both relaxed and focused on naturals. Cali Chic takes it a step further and often takes on a Southwest feel. It’s earthy in a high desert or So Cal beach sort of way. Its pastel and neutral color palette embraces matte finishes and a variety of textures.

This Franke Orca faucet offers interesting curves and simple details plus a matte metallic that help you work a Cali Chic vibe. 


Industrial

This style embraces the raw and refines it for an urban rustic type feel. Exposed beams, bricks, ductwork are all trademarks of industrial style. It can also carry a bit of a commercial overtone in your kitchen with restaurant style appliances and fixtures. 

Go with a toggle or pull down sprayer faucet reminiscent of commercial dish rooms. The Grohe Toggle Sprayer faucet gives you just the right vibe for an industrial kitchen design. 


Find the best modern kitchen faucet for your design style from our broad selection of modern faucets.

Modern Faucets

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

9 Bathroom Organization Hacks You’ll Be Sorry You Didn’t Know Sooner

Bathroom drawer organizer.


Sometimes it seems no matter how big or small your bathroom is, you just can’t find a place for every item. A place for everything and everything in its place is more a matter of how you use your space than how much you have of it. 

These bathroom organization hacks will help you make the most of what you’ve got so you can finally enjoy a functional and beautiful bathroom.


Towers

In big cities real estate is scarce. That’s why they build skyrises. Use the same concept in your bathroom where space is at a premium. One way to do that is to invest in storage towers

A storage tower is a tall, slim portable cabinet unit you place in the bathroom to provide more storage. It has doors so you can conceal your unmentionables or simply keep a nice tidy look and feel.


Hooks

If you think you don’t have enough storage space in your bathroom, you’re probably thinking only about the drawers, cabinets, and shelves you have. There are many other ways to create storage. Look to the vertical surfaces in your bathroom for more storage.

Hooks on the walls give you a place to keep anything that you can hang: robes, curling irons, towels, etc. Place a hanging shoe holder on a hook and, voila, you have more storage space.


Shelves

Shelves are another way to use the vertical space in your bathroom to create more storage. They are great for stacking extra toilet paper rolls, towels, or keeping commonly used items on hand. 

Often, shelves can benefit from boxes, containers, and baskets to reign in items and make things look more tidy. This can also add some style if you get creative. Patterned boxes add color and design. A tiered stand can hold smaller items with panache. 


Labels

It’s one thing to get the bathroom organized, but keeping it that way is a whole different thing. That’s where labeling comes in. Everyone will know where things belong and maybe will be less tempted to put things back in the wrong places. 

Make sure your labels can be removed and won’t damage whatever you stick them to. You may find that you need to adjust where or how you store something and an easily removed label will make that job easier. A simple label maker or vinyl letter cutter are both excellent tools for the job.


Bathroom with shelves on the wall.


Magnets

The bathroom becomes a landing pad for many tiny items. Earrings, bobby pins, tweezers, etc. get lost easily and tend to clutter up the bathroom. Magnets are a great way to keep smaller items in check. If it’s not already metal, you can add magnets or things you want to keep in place. 

Strips or button magnets can be placed on a wall or door to hold things vertically or they can be placed in the bottom of drawers to keep things in one spot. Magnetized dishes are excellent for the drawer or countertop.


Caddies

Caddies are the original bathroom organizer. They come in all shapes and sizes and are made for many different places. The shower caddy, for example, hangs in the shower and helps you keep shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other shower necessities organized.

Another style of caddy has a handle so you can easily move it from the cabinet to the countertop and back again. You can easily store and access things you use regularly and put them away easily to keep the vanity top clear of clutter. 

Niches are recessed cubbies in the shower and serve the same purpose as caddies. These have to be built into the shower wall so they may not be an immediate solution. If you’re planning a future renovation, be sure to include a niche in the shower.


Vanity Storage

The vanity is probably the biggest storage spot you have in the bathroom. Sometimes bigger doesn’t equal better though. There can be a lot of wasted space in a vanity cabinet or drawer. 

Make this storage space count by adding shelves, baskets, boxes, under sink caddies, etc. Separating the space into smaller units helps you maximize the space and find a spot for everything.

Add a new vanity to your bathroom to give your storage options a boost. There’s a vanity for even the smallest bathroom. 


Medicine Cabinets

Another bathroom organization hack you’ll love is to make use of spaces that are already occupied, like behind the mirror. Medicine cabinets have been around for a long time so you may have dismissed them a long time ago. But you’re missing out. 

Today’s medicine cabinets offer some high-tech solutions in addition to adding some storage space. You can get the time, weather, and calendar reminders from your mirror during your morning routine. You can get medicine cabinet mirrors that unfog themselves. You can get medicine cabinet mirrors that are lit to make applying makeup or shaving easier. 

As for storage, the medicine cabinet is the perfect place to store your most used necessities. Cotton swabs and balls, bandages, medicines and ointments, etc. all fit well in the medicine cabinet.  Learn more about the best stuff to store in the medicine cabinet. 


Take back your bathroom with these bathroom organizing hacks. You’ll be amazed just how much you can fit in your bathroom without feeling like it’s too cluttered or you can’t find anything. Next up, how to clean your bathroom better (and easier) than ever before. 


Visit our blog for more tips and tricks for the bathroom. 

More Tips & Tricks

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Things We All Hate In the Bathroom . . .

Double vanity with round, backlit mirrors.

. . . and Bathroom Solutions

If you’ve fallen in the toilet in the middle of the night because someone forgot to put the seat down or found yourself with an empty toilet paper roll and no replacement within reach, this post is for you. 

There are a handful (or two) of things in the bathroom that can get annoying pretty fast. But, there are solutions. You might be surprised just how easy it is to fix most bathroom problems. Come with us and discover some simple and quick bathroom solutions to end your battles in the bathroom.


Large, white freestanding bathtub with chrome faucet.


Loose Toilet Seat

A shifty toilet seat isn’t only irritating, it’s also a bit of a hazard. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to fix. All you have to do is tighten the nuts and bolts that hold the seat in place. 

Solution: 

Put the seat down and look for the two bumps at the back of the seat (these are covers for the bolts). Remove the covers then use a flathead screwdriver to hold the bolts in place while you tighten the nuts on the underside of the toilet bowl. Get more details in this article or video.

Now that you know how easy it is to tighten a toilet seat, if you ever want to replace your seat, you can make a Saturday DIY project of it. Shop for a new seat!


Toilet Seat Up

This is probably the worst thing about sharing a bathroom. Toilet seats in the up position don’t look good, nor do they help bathroom functionality.

Solution: 

Invest in a new self-closing toilet seat. Just like an auto-flush toilet, these seats close softly on their own (or by remote control). Check out your options.


Empty Toilet Paper Roll

It’s the stuff of nightmares: you’re left with no TP and there’s no replacement roll in sight. Whether you’re a guest or in your own home, this is a situation you want to avoid at all costs.

Solution: 

There are several simple solutions to this bathroom problem. Place a basket on the back of the toilet with refills. Add a small storage cabinet within reach of the toilet filled with toilet paper. Get a freestanding or wall-mounted toilet paper holder so you can buy the extra large rolls


White bathroom with double vanity and freestanding tub.


Smells

Smells happen. Annoying as a lingering smell is, sometimes it doesn’t seem like there’s much you can do about it besides cover up the smell. Ready for a better solution?

Solution: 

Bathroom fans don’t cover up smells, they move them out. It’s essentially an exhaust fan for the bathroom. Now that’s a real solution. Shop for bathroom exhaust fans. 


Forgetting to Flush

There’s nothing more delightful than walking into your bathroom and discovering that somebody forgot to flush. Besides the yelling and threats, there’s something you can do to get rid of this problem forever. 

Solution: 

Auto-flushing toilets are a great solution. This is not the industrial version you’re familiar with in public restrooms. Residential versions are gentler, even water-saving but still get the job done. Many have bidet type features that keep the toilet fresh constantly. Check out auto-flush toilets.


Low Light

The bathroom is a place where plenty of light is needed for everything from removing a splinter to applying makeup. Even proper cleaning can be hard to do without enough light.

Solutions: 

Adding light to the bathroom has varying levels of complexity to install. If you simply add a lighted mirror to your vanity, that probably won’t require much time or money. Or you can install new sconces or vanity bars/strips, which will require some remodeling. If you’re doing a full remodel, consider skylights, so you always have some natural light. 


Large bathroom with wet room and tile mosaic wall.


Not Enough Storage

If you have a small bathroom, you know the pain. Just enough room for the bathroom basics leaves you with nowhere to store towels, shampoos, etc. Not quite sure how to get more storage out of your bathroom?

Solution: 

Get a vanity with a cabinet beneath the sink. Or install a medicine cabinet. Wall-mounted cabinets or shelves are excellent over the toilet where you have unused space. If your issue isn’t necessarily space, but simply a lack of built-in storage, add a freestanding linen tower or shelves.


Badly-Placed Towel Rods

Not being able to reach towels from the shower or tub is the worst. Luckily the problem is pretty easily solved.

Solution: 

Moving or installing a towel rod involves placing a few screws and attaching the brackets—a fairly simple DIY project. Even easier is a freestanding towel rack. Hooks have a similar installation process to rods and take up barely any wall space. If you’d like to splurge a little, go for a towel warmer—not only will you be able to reach your towel, it will be nice and toasty.


Useless Bathtub

If you’re not much of a bath-taker, you may see the tub as wasted space. Or maybe you have an older jetted tub that you don’t dare use because who knows what’s growing deep in those jets?

Solution: 

Many people are getting rid of their bathtubs in favor of spa-like showers or wet rooms. This gives you the space to install multiple showerheads, luxurious rain showerheads, body jets, etc. Jetted tubs today don’t have the issues the older tubs have (they circulate air) so a new one may solve the problem. 


Whatever it is you hate most about your bathroom, now’s a great time to fix it. For little money and time, you can get rid of those pesky bathroom problems. 

Want more ideas for quick and easy updates you can make to the bathroom? 


Upgrades Under $100