(This post is brought to you by ServiceMaster Restore.)

Remodeling your home is a huge undertaking. You’ve probably been saving for years so you could build your dream kitchen or bathroom. Now that the time is finally here, you’re eager to start knocking down walls and demolishing cabinets. However, before you begin altering your space, use a pre-remodeling checklist to keep your project on track.

Write Down Agreements With Your Contractors

Choosing your contractor is the first essential step in beginning your renovations. Always search for licensed, insured, and experienced professionals, to make sure they have the necessary skills to perform your job successfully and on time. You also want to make sure they hire their own employees or have good relationships with reliable subcontractors.

With your contractor chosen, it’s time to narrow down the terms of your agreement. The contractor you picked probably gave you an estimate before being chosen, so keep that handy throughout the renovation as proof of what you promised to pay. Make sure your agreement includes detailed information about the work that needs to be completed as well as specific materials and finishes to be used. Communicating clearly will make the entire project easier for everyone by making it less likely mistakes will be made and more likely the work will be completed on time.

Pack Up All Your Non-Essentials

When your renovation begins, your home will officially become a construction zone. Dust and debris will cover practically every surface of the work area as workers rip out walls and remove flooring. That’s why you should make a point to clean out the rooms being renovated as much as possible. Not only will all your belongings be in the way of the workers, but your stuff will also get filthy.

Put all your items into boxes and store them in another part of your home. (It’s also a great time to go through your items and get rid of things you no longer use.)

Make Plans for Using Alternate Spaces in Your Home

With your kitchen or bathroom out of commission until further notice, you’re going to have to make some changes to keep your home functional. Ordering pizza for dinner every night or stopping over at the neighbor’s every time you have to use the bathroom isn’t effective in the long run.

Instead, try to set up replacement rooms in your home. Obviously, if you have an additional bathroom, this isn’t a problem. However, most people don’t have two kitchens in their homes. Make up for this by moving your microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and other small electronic appliances into another room where you can prepare meals. It won’t be a good setup for cooking Thanksgiving dinner, but it should suffice until your job is done.

If you don’t have another bathroom, you’ll have to consider other options, like renting a portable toilet. This type of toilet can be placed in your backyard for your essential needs until your new bathroom is complete.

Have you recently completed a remodel? We’d love to hear your tips. Also, we’d love to see your before and after pictures—click here to send an email.

(This post is brought to you by New Leaf Cabinets.)

Budgeting for your kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be a bad situation. And you certainly don’t have to break the bank to get it done. Many people assume that they have to spend upwards of $20,000 for a kitchen remodeling, but the truth is, you can enhance the appearance of your kitchen on the cheap—without compromising quality of the kitchen’s integrity. If you’re looking to make some changes in your home—and increase your home value—here are six budgeting tips for a kitchen makeover.

Create a Budget

This first tip may seem like the most obvious one, but it’s the tip that’s most often ignored. Sticking to a budget is much harder than you think. Some homeowners falsely assume that, because they’re buying and remodeling inexpensively, they don’t have to keep up with the costs. But as you might have already learned from going to low-cost department stores like Target, the little things add up. Take a look at your income, your bills, and decide home much you can afford to spend. Use budgeting apps to help you keep track of your budget along the way.

Be Smart About Your Backsplash

Your backsplash is functional and visually appealing. After all, a tiled backsplash can prevent you from having to spend thousands replacing walls that may become water damaged from condensation and grime in this area. Depending on your kitchen, this is an area where your eyes might be naturally drawn to. One of the most important budgeting decisions you’ll make is choosing what tiles to use. High-end tile will, of course, cost more money, but you can save by purchasing a tile product that has been discounted, answering ads on seller marketplaces like Craigslist, or purchasing the leftover tiles that weren’t use for a different project.

Don’t Forget About the Lighting

The lighting in your kitchen can completely change the ambiance of your space. Overhead lighting should be bright to help you concentrate on your kitchen’s cooking areas. Under-cabinet lighting is also a great addition that won’t hurt your budget, but will prove very effective and functional in your kitchen.

For your primary lighting source, consider track lighting over recessed lighting, which costs more and is a time-consuming, laborious project. Because holes will need be cut into the ceiling, you’ll have to consider the costs of adding electrical wiring—and the hidden costs associated with repairing the ceiling.

Think About Your Counters & Cabinetry

Choosing the perfect kitchen cabinets and counters isn’t easy, as these are the focal point of your kitchen. When guests walk into your kitchen, they make first impressions based on this. As such, it should be a priority in your remodeling efforts. If you already have good cabinetry, you could simply add new doors and hardware and retain the frame. You could also save money by painting or spray painting your current doors, and simply installing new hardware pieces.

A good paint job always makes an incredible difference. For outdated cabinets that are still in good condition, consider painting them white and then priming them with a semi-gloss. White cabinetry also makes a space feel bigger and brighter than it actually is.

When you’re trying to save money, it’s important to know when to renovate and when to replace. “A full renovation of cabinets involves removing the cabinet frames and starting from scratch,” says New Leaf, a maker of kitchen cabinets and countertops in Tacoma WA. “Of course, this will cost more, but it’s often necessary when you realize that simple coat of paint won’t hide the damages and wear and tear of your cabinetry.”

Work With Your Plumbing

Each time your move your appliances, you’re likely going to add another $5,000 to your budget. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, do your best to work with your current layout—especially when it comes to your piping and utilities. You may, however, choose to decide on new appliances, which can complement all the changes that you’ve made to the kitchen. Many department stores offer stellar appliances on credit, and of course there are warehouses where you can find cheaper, high-quality appliances, too. This property blog will help you on more cool kitchen remodeling ideas.

Add or Renovate an Island

An island can do wonders for the overall appearance of your space. It doesn’t interfere with the preparation areas, creates more seating, and is also great for having help in the kitchen and turning the space into an efficient cooking area and social space. If your kitchen is already equipped with an island, you can give it a new look. If you want to install an island from scratch, you can expect to pay anywhere between $800 to $5,000—but it will likely be a worthwhile investment. To save a bit of money, consider using a butcher block countertop instead of traditional granite and the more expensive stone options.

(This post is brought to you by Hestia Home Services.)

Is your home feeling drab and uninspiring? Before you get ready to hang up a sale sign, check out the ideas below for ways to give your space new life.

The Kitchen

There’s a reason upgrading the kitchen is one of the top ways to increase your home’s value. This room is often considered the heart of the home. So it makes sense that this is one of the top spots for renovating. To give your kitchen a facelift, consider getting in some new appliances if yours are on the older side. You can also replace the countertops or simply paint the cabinets. Finally, if you want to go big, you could do something dramatic like knocking out a wall, adding in an island, or redoing the floors.

The Bathroom

Another essential area in your home is the bathroom. It may seem like the room you spend the least amount of time in, but it’s also a significant contributor to your home’s value. Doing some simple things like adding in a new counter or bathtub can go a long way.

According to Houston remodeling contractors Hestia Home Services, when it comes to kitchen and bathroom renovations, “Simple things like choosing quartz counters over marble and quality fittings reduces our maintenance woes. Likewise, installing LED lights, opting for insulated windows cuts energy bills. Not to mention, brighter designs makes it look larger and more relaxing.”

Bedrooms

Next, you’ll want to consider the bedrooms in your home. Start with your own bedroom. When was the last time you replaced your mattress? Does the furniture go with the rest of the room? How do you feel about the paint color? Your bedroom is supposed to be your safe haven away from the stresses of the world, so make sure it’s a place you love to spend time in.

After that, move onto the other bedrooms. Perhaps your kids have grown out of their old furniture and need an upgrade. Or maybe you plan on having guests over more often and want to upgrade your spare bedroom. Again, small changes can go a long way, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to transform a bedroom.

The Basement

If you have a basement, consider fixing it up a bit. When done right your basement can turn into a great place to entertain guests or simply spend time relaxing. Of course, many basements are dark and dank naturally, so you’ll have to do some work to make it homey. Consider adding an electric heater or fireplace, installing more lights, and getting some comfortable furniture. Add in a television and you’re good to go.

Your Yard

Finally, don’t forget about the outside of your home. Remodeling the inside is great, but if you want to improve your curb appeal, while also giving yourself a relaxing place to spend time outside, you’ll want to fix up the yard. This means doing some landscaping, maybe adding in some patio furniture, or installing a water feature. Here are some great yard ideas for inspiration.

How to Prepare for Your Remodel

To get started with your remodel, you’ll first want to decide on which room you’re tackling first. Is it your kitchen? One of the bedrooms? After you choose one, start coming up with a list of all the things you want to do. For now, don’t worry about the budget, just let your imagination run wild.

Once you have a pre-remodeling checklist, you can start pricing everything you want to do. As you go along, you’ll figure out which items are possible within your budget, and which ones will have to go by the wayside. No matter which methods you choose, you’ll have to find a way to pay for them. The best thing you can do is start saving up early, and make sure you know all the costs before you start any of the work.

Finally, if you’re planning a big job, get some help. Find a local remodeling service to help give you ideas and do the work for you. This will save you time and ensure the job gets done right. Hopefully this guide was able to get you started thinking about remodeling your home, and it won’t be long before you’ve transformed some problem areas into spaces you love.

(This post brought to you by Maxx AC & Heating.)

Remodeling your home is a huge undertaking. You’ve probably been saving for years so you could build your dream kitchen or bathroom. Now that the time is finally here, you’re eager to start knocking down walls and demolishing cabinets. However, before you begin altering your space, use a pre-remodeling checklist to keep your project on track.

Write Down Agreements With Your Contractors

Choosing your contractor is the first essential step in beginning your renovations. Always search only for licensed, insured, and experienced professionals, to make sure they have the necessary skills to perform your job successfully and on time. You also want to make sure they hire their own employees or have good relationships with reliable subcontractors.

With your contractor chosen, it’s time to narrow down the terms of your agreement. The contractor you picked probably gave you an estimate before being chosen, so keep that handy throughout the renovation as proof of what you promised to pay. Make sure your agreement includes detailed information about the work that needs to be completed as well as specific materials and finishes to be used. Communicating clearly will make the entire project easier for everyone by making it less likely mistakes will be made and more likely the work will be completed on time.

Pack Up All Your Non-Essentials

When your renovation begins, your home will officially become a construction zone. Dust and debris will cover practically every surface of the work area as workers rip out walls and remove flooring. That’s why you should make a point to clean out the rooms being renovated as much as possible. Not only will all your belongings be in the way of the workers, but your stuff will also get filthy.

Put all your items into boxes and store them in another part of your home. (It’s also a great time to go through your items and get rid of things you no longer use.)

Make Plans for Using Alternate Spaces in Your Home

With your kitchen or bathroom out of commission until further notice, you’re going to have to make some changes to keep your home functional. Ordering pizza for dinner every night or stopping over at the neighbor’s every time you have to use the bathroom isn’t effective in the long run.

Instead, try to set up replacement rooms in your home. Obviously, if you have an additional bathroom, this isn’t a problem. However, most people don’t have two kitchens in their homes. Make up for this by moving your microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and other small electronic appliances into another room where you can prepare meals. It won’t be a good setup for cooking Thanksgiving dinner, but it should suffice until your job is done.

If you don’t have another bathroom, you’ll have to consider other options, like renting a portable toilet. This type of toilet can be placed in your backyard for your essential needs until your new bathroom is complete.

Have you recently completed a remodel? We’d love to hear your tips. Also, we’d love to see your before and after pictures—click here to send an email.

(A big “thank you” to markatosdesign.com for sponsoring this post!)

When you commit to the process of refreshing your home, you might soon experience sticker shock. Sometimes the best way to avoid spending too much might just involve investing in a design professional. (If you have a California home check out Santa Barbara interior designer Christine Markato’s website—her portfolio pictures are absolutely inspiring.)

While DIY projects can be great in some cases, a designer’s eye can make a huge difference in a major remodeling project (like the full home remodel we had completed in 2015/2016) and help you save money in three key areas.

Economical Space Planning

It may not be necessary to tear down walls or add onto your home—if you can envision ways to use the space you already have more efficiently. In some cases a room may be able to pull double duty. Such as a home office that converts to a guest room by way of a fold-down bed. Or a living room featuring a craft corner with the right furniture to divide the space.

Your kitchen may also have the potential to accommodate your storage demands. Instead of a costly construction project, your money may go farther when you invest in storage systems that are both functional and attractive.

Keep Plumbing Where It Is

It can be expensive to rearrange the locations of your sinks, showers and toilets. It could be that what your dated bathroom needs is a facelift. Swap out the fixtures for the ultimate refresh or consider new flooring. Bathrooms are great places to earn a significant return on investment, so upgrades you make are valuable. However, leaving the plumbing where it is will save you a lot of money.

Use Designer Contacts

Working with a designer opens the door to many artistic and architectural sources of inspiration. An expert on interiors knows where to find the best deals and the best quality products—and they often have access to price cuts with exclusive suppliers. In a whole-home redesign, you may find yourself buying a lot of new furniture. This process can be overwhelming and expensive, but collaboration with the right professionals can help ease this stress and potentially be kind to your budget.

(A big “thank you” our friends at Signature Joinery & Design for sponsoring this post.)

You could answer this question with, “How long is a piece of string?” After all there are many factors involved in remodeling a kitchen—all of which will affect the price of the remodel.

The average cost of remodeling a kitchen is $17,000 but you need consider several areas listed below to calculate the cost of your own remodel. It’s worth looking at these factors first to ensure you establish a realistic budget. After all, you need to know the potential cost and establish a budget getting started with a remodel.

Space

The most obvious factor in a kitchen remodel is the size of the space you have available. The larger the space the more it is likely to cost you more simply because you’ll need more floor coverings and cupboards to create the perfect kitchen.

Cupboards

There can be a large difference in cost between purchasing kitchen cupboards from your local store and using a commercial joinery firm.

However, this extra cost can be worthwhile. Bespoke cupboards can be made to fit the place and to your exact requirements. They are also likely to give your kitchen a top end finish. That means you get to enjoy a beautiful kitchen and increase the value of your home if you are looking to sell.

Appliances

If you’re remodeling your kitchen then you are likely to be replacing all the appliances.

Again there is a big difference in the price of appliances. A basic stove may set you back as little as $100 while the top end ones could cost 5 or even 10 times this amount.

Your decision regarding which appliances are best will partly depend on your budget. However, you should also consider how the look of the appliance will blend in with your finished kitchen. It is also worth looking at the energy ratings.

A high rated energy appliance will use less electricity throughout the year. Eventually this additional investment can be recovered through energy savings.

Current Condition

It is also important to consider the current state of your kitchen. While a remodel usually means taking everything out and refitting it, the state of your walls in particular can increase the cost of your remodel if they will need to be new drywall, texture, and paint.

You also need to think about the current position of electrical outlets and the plumbing. If this needs to be moved then there will be an extra charge for a professional to relocate them according to your needs and design.

Flooring

Hard flooring is essential to spills and the constant foot traffic. The question is how much you want to splurge on gorgeous floors. There is a significant price difference between vinyl flooring and tiling the kitchen. You should also consider the amount of preparation that will be needed to enable the floor to be laid properly.

While the average kitchen remodel price may be $17,000, you can pay significantly more or less depending on the finish you want, the amount of work to be done, and whether you are capable of doing some of the work yourself.

(A big thanks to our friends at Taylor Morrison for sponsoring this post!)

Making interior design decisions can be intimidating for the average homeowner. After all, you want something that looks great and fits in with the season’s best trends, but you also want a home design that will look equally great next year. While trends often change, some smart strategies will help you make choices that will stand the test of time. In this post, we’ll focus on how you can make intelligent home décor decisions in three important areas of your home.

Your Kitchen

Cupboards are one of the most expensive—and critical—components in your kitchen. You can stretch your interior design dollars by taking a cue from gorgeous residences like Sol Y Mar in Rancho Palos Verdes, shown above. You’ll notice that the home’s kitchen features contrasting light and dark cabinetry.

Most homeowners opt for a single color scheme, but if you take a look at high-end homes (check for a “Parade of Homes” event in your local area) you are likely to find some design elements with sharp contrasts. These seemingly risky design choices are exactly what can make the difference between an average home and amazing home design that will stun your friends.

To make your own design decisions study as many beautiful homes as you can. Before long you will be able to choose two shades that perfectly complement each other and your family’s tastes. You can also make use of a color palette to help you choose the shades.

Great design also has a practical component. When renovating the entire kitchen, try to add more drawers. Deep drawers are great, and they can be easily added practically everywhere. Consider other storage challenges you currently face and see if you can incorporate some great solutions into your new kitchen design.

Your Living Room

When designing your living room, it is important to make sure it’s an inviting space where family and friends will enjoy spending quality time.

While you may want to opt for a clean look, make sure the overall effect of your living room décor scheme is inviting. Warm paint colors, comfortable furniture, and interesting wall art will help make the space attractive and relaxing. You can also add magazines, books, and attractive editions of favorite board games. Most importantly, keep your family’s taste and style in mind to make sure it’s not only beautiful but also decorated in a way that will make it a center for family entertainment.

Your Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a great place to make a huge impact in your home. If you have space, consider adding a vanity, open shelving, or a larger bathroom mirror that will create a great focal point. This can make a huge difference if the bathroom is small since the mirror makes everything seem larger. To make the space seem even larger, paint the walls white or a light neutral shade. This is especially effective if you have a good source of outdoor light through windows. If you have a dark bathroom, consider whether a new light fixture would transform the space.

Also, take a critical look to see if new finishes would improve the overall feel of the room or make it easier to clean. Deep cleaning with products like Bon Ami and Bar Keeper’s Friend can help you determine whether you actually need to replace counters, flooring, and fixtures. You may discover that simply replacing the sealant around sinks and bathtubs will give your bathroom a fresh new appearance. (This will also help prevent dangerous mold from developing when water seeps into walls and floorboards.)

Are you facing a design challenge? Experienced a recent success? We’d love to hear from you! Comment  below.

The Best Eco-Friendly Apartment Living Ideas

Here are some eco-friendly apartment ideas to make your space chic and green:

Add Plants to Your Interior Spaces

Plants and flowers are the easiest eco-friendly decor items anyone can incorporate into one’s apartment living. Choose flowers and plants that are eco-friendly and easy to maintain. According to the developers of Atlantic Private Residences, there is no better way to liven up a room than going green with colorful flower arrangements and potted plants.

Indoor plants serve double duty as inspirational decor and air filters. For a cool decor statement, hang a wall small herb garden in an artistic container, place some colorful flowers on a central table to make a statement or consider different creative flower arrangements and place them in a corner, just below open windows and even in your bathroom or bedside cabinet.

Natural Color Coverings and Textiles

Opt for natural, washable fibers when buying eco-friendly coverings and textiles for your apartment decor. Materials like sisal, wool, and jute are earth-friendly and add a natural feel to any space. Opting for eco-friendly apartment living means skipping synthetic materials in sofas, beddings and area rugs.

Natural textiles and coverings add a unique decor element and texture to your apartment living space. Going all-natural with your home decor fabrics and textiles doesn’t have to be expensive. While you can always order decor items online, you can also visit thrift shops to find some Victorian textile pieces and vintage area rugs for your spaces.

Consider these Ecofriendly Apartment Living Decorative Options

While wood is widely used in apartment and home building flooring and even decor, there are alternative decorative options you can consider such as metal, stone, glass, and bamboo. They require a lot less work when it comes to care and maintenance due to their harder and more durable surfaces. You can experiment with different color options for your alternative materials to add warmth and visual intrigue to your rooms.

Bamboo veneer panels can be a great substitute for traditional wallpapers or a painted accent wall. Glass, metal and stone decor options can be incorporated in kitchen counters and other surfaces, walls, floors, and cabinets. These alternative decorative options add an unintrusive modern character to your apartment spaces and provide the perfect eco-friendly accent.

Bring in Better Air Quality in your Apartment

While today’s windows are highly energy efficient and seal your home really well, ventilation is often overlooked. indoor air quality is very important, especially in apartment buildings where the luxury of enjoying outdoor spaces like in a traditional home is not available.

Make it a habit of opening your windows and doors frequently to let the fresh air circulate indoors. Even in the winter, just a few minutes of fresh air from the outside could do you some good. To ensure better ventilation, opt for apartment rentals that come with floor to ceiling windows and also make use of curtains and other window treatments to control room temperature.

Embrace Vintage or Retro Furniture

New furniture may contain a number of chemicals that have years of off-gassing into your spaces ahead of them. If you’re considering going all eco-friendly for your apartment living, consider vintage or recycled furniture that is often free of any toxic chemicals or retro furniture that has already off-gassed toxic chemicals years back.  

Retro home styling ideas are a big thing now. You can easily get mid-century modern, vintage or art deco pieces at flea markets or from antique dealers.

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, visit our archives.

Easy Bedroom Decorating Tips for Autumn

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Bedroom Decorating Tips: Add Throw Rugs with Fall Colors

There are many great throw rugs available that can also give your room a fall feel. Measure the open space you have available to determine how large of a throw rug you need for your room and then decide if you want to add a solid colored rug that has autumn motifs. Be sure to measure the length and the width of the space to know how large the rug can be. We like HGTV’s tips for choosing the right area rug for your room. Adapt these tips for your abode.

Consider the texture of the rugs, too. You want to be sure that you do not choose rugs that are not too thick. You want to be sure that you can walk smoothly throughout your room without accidentally tripping on a rug.

Replace Your Mattress and Bed Sheets to Prepare for Fall

When it is cold outside, snuggling in the bed for hours on end is very appealing to many people. In order to be able to stay cozy when snuggled up, consider replacing your mattress. You can visit a mattress store to learn about all of the new options that are available to you.

Many stores can now determine if you need a hard, soft, or medium firm mattress based on the way you sleep at night. Once you have a new mattress, cover it with nice, flannel sheets to stay as comfortable as possible at all times.

Hang Full Length Curtains when Bedroom Decorating

When the weather starts to change, the nights will start to get longer, and having a great set of curtains on your windows will allow you to have your privacy at all times of the day. Choose full length curtains that match the other colors that you have chosen for the room so you can create a seamless look. Not sure what type of curtains to put in your home? Elle Decor gives tips to select the right window treatments in your bedroom decorating.

Decorate your Bedroom by Lighting Candles with Fall Scents

If you really want to make your room feel as if autumn has taken over consider using candles with fall scents. Apple pie, pumpkin, and even nutmeg are all great candle scents that will remind you of fall whenever you smell them. Try a variety of scents centered around the season and change them as your mood strikes!

For more bedroom decorating ideas on Stagetecture, visit the archives here.

How Composite Worktops Can Improve your Kitchen Remodel

Composite countertops are used in most commercial kitchens because of their highly functional surface which hinders bacteria and is easy to clean. Composite is heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant. If you love to cook – or you love your kitchen – consider installing composite worktops. Here are some ways they can spruce up your kitchen.

Keep an Eco-Friendly Kitchen with Composite Work Surfaces

If you are family and kitchen household are all about low impact and sustainability, composite countertops are the way to go. They do not emit VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and help reduce toxins in the indoor air. Additionally, they do not release radon gases.

VOCs are present in many household products, such as paints and cleaning products. They are extremely dangerous and can cause nausea, headaches, irritation, and serious damage to the central nervous system.

Composite Worktops are more eco-friendly than traditional counters and they come in a range of colors and styles to match your kitchen’s decor. Take a look at other eco-friendly worktops on Apartment Therapy.

Composite Worktops Add Durability to Your Kitchen

Composite worktops are extremely durable and help cut down on maintenance over the years. They are more flexible and harder than natural stone. You can cut vegetables or meat on them without worrying about damaging them. You can also place hot utensils on them without ruining them because they are resistant to heat.

The kitchen countertops are non-porous; if you happen to spill food juices on them, they will not seep in. They are not damaged by corrosive foods such as lemon and vinegar – you’ll never have to worry about permanent stains. Their non-porous nature also makes them very hygienic, they do not harbor bacteria.

Cleaning is a Breeze with Composite Kitchen Countertops

If you’re looking for worktops that are easy to maintain, you won’t be disappointed with composite countertops. They have extremely low demands, and unlike natural stone, don’t need to be polished regularly or to be resealed.

The worktops are the perfect solution to a busy kitchen. They offer stress-free upkeep and can be quickly cleaned with soap and water. If you happen to scratch them, you can sand them and restore their beautiful appearance because their pigment runs through them.

Composite worktops are quickly becoming the worktop of choice. Known for their beauty and durability, they add style and function to a kitchen. Use them in your kitchen remodel and you’ll start spending more time in your kitchen.

For more kitchen ideas on Stagetecture, visit our kitchen and bath category.