Love is in the air and it is time to bring forth the mushiest side of your personality. How are you going to celebrate this Valentine’s Day? Why not give your bathroom a Valentine makeover and turn it into a spa- like retreat. Here are three easy steps to fulfill your relaxing spa fantasies right in the comfort of your home:

Valentine’s Day: Turn your Bathroom into a Spa

1. Prep it up

The first step to a spa-like feel is to prepare your bathroom well. Deep clean the bathroom and ensure that it sparkles. Scrub the bath tub and give it a good dose of disinfectants. Clean out the clutter from the bathroom counters, remove old magazines and dispose of the empty bottles. Place freshly laundered bath towels in a wicker basket and for the added effect, roll them up. Add a plush bathmat and hang a couple of matching bathrobes. Finish with a few potted plants or a bunch of fresh flowers.

Image via: Nicety Livejournal

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 2. Set the mood

Next, set the mood of your bathroom to match that of a spa. Switch off the overhead lights and use dimmers to turn down the intensity of the wall scones. If you do not have dimmers, replace the bulbs with lower wattage ones. Create soft lighting and add warmth with clusters of candles around the bathroom.

Image via: Pinterest

3. Add some love

Finally, tease your sense of smell with aromatherapy products like essential oils and reed diffusers. Make arrangement to play soft music in the bathroom. Pull in your bar cart and stock it up with still water, a bottle of champagne and flutes. Place a bath tub tray across your tub to hold the flutes. Add bath salts to the bath water and float rose petals for a romantic touch.

Image via: Home DIT

Your Valentine’s Day bathroom makeover will not take time to put together if prepared well. Indulge in luxurious natural oils, wooden bath accessories and beeswax candles to make your loved one feel special.

For more bathroom ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Perfect Ideas to Bring the Holiday Hostess’ from Shelley Harcar. Today, I feature Adele Baumann Healey who is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she helps you prepare your guest bathroom for holiday guests! See tips to ensure your guests feel welcomed and at home this holiday season.

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #52

‘Inviting Holiday Guest Bathroom’ – Adele Baumann Healey

Not all homeowners are going to have a private en suite for overnight guests, and many visitors will be using the hall bath, or children’s bath, or sharing a master bath with the home owner.  Here are some suggestions to help your guests feel at home no matter which bathroom they will be using during their stay.

When thinking of what you need to have available for your guests when it comes to bath and personal hygiene, the best way to begin is to think of what YOU tend to forget when you travel.

Stock the bathroom with bath essentials

It’s always fun to go through the travel bins at pharmacies or grocery stores and see what travel size items are available.  Grab shampoos, mini-deodorants, body lotions, disposable razors, travel sized tooth paste and floss, inexpensive tooth brushes, and personal sized packets of cotton swabs or cotton balls and place all in a pretty basket or box.  Or, if you prefer, use glass jars and fill with cotton balls, cotton swabs, bath oil beads and other items to also use as decoration.  It might even be a good way to add a little holiday touch to the bathroom.  You can even go all out and offer loofah sponges or poufs to give a spa feel to the bath.  Be sure to announce upon showing your visitors the bath they will use, that all these things are available to them and for them to feel free to use anything they need.

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How to Create an Inviting Holiday Guest Bathroom

It’s a good idea to have different colored or patterned towels and wash cloths available.  That way, each person will know which towel belongs to who, and hopefully, the kids won’t be grabbing the guest’s towels.

If the bath is large enough, a small stool will always come in handy.  Your visitors can have a place to sit or balance themselves while dressing or applying lotions or creams.

Be sure to have plenty of space to hang damp towels.  Hooks are always good, because not only are they easy for someone to toss a towel on, but they are a great place for people to hang their robe or clothes and then those robes or clothes are handy to grab

Have an extra hair dryer handy.  Nothing worse than a guest with wet hair realizing she left her hair dryer at home!

Be sure while cleaning the bath in preparation for overnight guests, to not forget to wash any bath rugs, and replace the shower curtain if it is getting grungy. This would be a great time to change your bath décor a tiny bit and the shower curtain is a quick way to achieve a new look.

A little air deodorant or potpourri will help keep the bathroom smelling fresh, while flowers can add a festive, welcoming flair.  Even a few pretty, scented soaps can add a subtle aroma to the room.

If everything is ready in the bath and bedroom before your guests arrive, you’ll be able to spend more time with your family or friends and less time racing around trying to make them comfortable.  And they will truly feel pampered.

About Adele

I am a mother of two and a grandmother of 4. Our family was a member of the military for 21 years and lived all over the U.S and in Europe, moving 13 times in 19 years. While residing in Germany, we travelled constantly (my little kids in tow in our old V.W. camper) and I absorbed, through osmosis, the many historical attributes of architecture and design. Even in the U.S. it was a learning experience to see how the many people I met decorated and used their creative skills, each influenced by the environment in which they were living. Simply put, when you move so much and live in so many types of residences it was always a challenge to achieve a homey place for your family to grow and be nurtured. What was my biggest challenge to make into a home? An old TB ward of an empty, Army hospital building! Follow Adele as Redadie on her Olioboard profile and find her on Facebook.

 Entry #3015, November 14, 2013

Enhancing the look of your bathroom doesn’t have to come at an exorbitant cost. With just a little planning and a few fresh ideas, you can transform and design your bathroom on a budget into a spectacular spot that appeals to all who see it. Here is how to get that enviable look for less.

How to Design Your Bathroom on a Budget

Image via: Houzz

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Paint your bathroom

A fresh coat of paint can update a bathroom in a way no other thing can. It only takes a coat or two to change the wall color and if you have paint equipment in the house the renovation cost becomes even less. For the ceiling and walls, invest in mold and mildew-proof undercoat and paint as they provide additional protection for bathrooms. Cover any discolored surfaces and update worn-out fixtures with paint. With the right paint, you can give your ceramic tile a new look, refinish a tub, and refresh a medicine cabinet.

Image by: Peggy Pardo

Incorporate New Plumbing Fixtures

If you want to reduce expenses as you renovate your bathroom, get white fixtures such as tubs, toilets, and sinks. They are less expensive than other fixtures and very easy to maintain. You can also save a lot by getting white tiles for the floors. If you are afraid that the room might look dull, splurge a little on a mosaic tile border and choose affordable accents like bright window shades, colorful towels, and bold artwork.

Image by: Browzer

Change the Lighting

One easy way you can transform your bathroom’s look is by changing the lighting. You can remove the fixtures and hang a chandelier over the vanity instead. Replace unappealing bulb strips around your bathroom mirror with stylish scones and create an instant update. You can also insert can lights that can be dimmed with a switch to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

Image by: Holly Scott

Buy Shiny Hardware

Bathrooms have a lot of hardware including towel bars, toilet flush handles, sink faucets, and cabinet knobs. Dedicate a portion of your budget to new shiny hardware and give your bathroom showroom-quality shine. Choose pieces with more style and personality and enhance the look, feel, and function of the fixtures.

Use these ideas to transform your bathroom without breaking the bank to do so!

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Your bathroom is possibly the smallest room in the home but it is the storehouse of the most diverse collection of stuff. Storing so many items may not be a problem in case of big bathrooms. However, it is a bit difficult to fit everything in a small bathroom and keep it from getting messy. Check out some clever storage solution ideas for your small bathroom:

Image via: HGTV

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Use the Wall Space

You have to think smartly to use every inch of space of your small bathroom. Your storage problem can mostly be solved if you can use the walls of the bathroom. Hang one or two wall cabinets to make the most of the empty wall space. The different compartments of the cabinets can store various items in an organized manner.

Baskets & Jars

For keeping the small items organized, keep them in several small or medium baskets. Label each of the baskets and store them in the cabinets. You can use mason jars for the same purpose. Install a wooden board on the wall and attach some large pipe clamps in it. The clamps will hold the jars. You can keep odd stuff like make up brushes, cotton swabs, and other such things in these jars.

Freestanding Storage

Some people frequently change the bathroom design or the position of furniture items. Freestanding storage pieces like a simple storage ladder or a sleek cabinet will work well for such a bathroom. You can change this storage piece’s position as you like. Do not forget to paint it in a color matching to the design style of your bathroom.

Image via: Pinterest

Use the Space beneath the Sink

If your tiny bathroom does not have any room for extra containers, make use of the space beneath the sink. You can place storage bins or wicker baskets under the sink to keep bathroom toiletries at hand. If you want, install a vintage vanity shelf at first and keep the bins or baskets there. Otherwise, cover them with a patterned sink skirt.

Create Storage above the Bathroom Door

If the ceilings of your bathroom are high enough, use the space above the bathroom door and other wall spaces of the same height to store extra toiletries. You can also install a wooden cupboard at that height to keep the towels. Such cabinets will be available in a flea market.

Image via: Apartment Therapy

Inexpensive Storage

Buy inexpensive crates from a crate store and paint them in a nice color. Hang them on any wall or on the vanity to create an inexpensive but functional and decorative solution. You can also use the inside of cabinet doors to keep small things like toothbrushes, eyeliners, and lipsticks organized. Use plastic containers of different sizes for that purpose and attach them to the cabinet doors or any flat surface with a non-residue adhesive.

Try and se if these ideas will help you to keep your bathroom clutter-free.

For more bedroom & living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Purchasing a home that needs serious remodeling is no easy decision. Renovations are time consuming, expensive, and require commitment and determination to complete. If a house hunter is seriously considering buying a home to restore, they can follow these five practical guidelines to simplify a potentially overwhelming process.

Image via: Travis Knoop

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Get an Inspection

Finding a home inspector is one of the most important tasks for homebuyers looking to invest in a fixer-upper home. Be sure to read reviews and select an inspector who comes recommended by other homebuyers who have no bias toward the purchase or sale of the home. Another important step is to make sure the inspector has experience in evaluating older homes. If the inspector is only versed in newer construction, he or she may insist on excessive upgrades.

Determine Necessary Repairs

Cosmetic repairs usually require replacement of the drywall, lighting, shutters, windows and doors or refinishing of the floors, kitchens or bathrooms. The more demanding projects, however, involve structural damages in the foundation of the home. Foundation repairs are costly and may eat up a budget before interior updates are addressed. Further, mold is an issue that should not be taken lightly. Aside from the danger of inhaling toxins, surface mold is an indicator of more complicated problems in the home, such as flooding or leaks. If the house smells musty or has indications of water damage, it’s best to stay away.

Finally, if the layout of the home is undesirable, it is going to be difficult to change without completely gutting the home’s interior. Kitchens and bathrooms are problematic to move around due to limited access to pipes and plumbing. Not every wall can be torn down, either. Load bearing walls help to hold up the foundation, while curtain walls are simply room dividers. Keep these limitations in mind when imagining potential remodel layouts. It’s best to find a home that has a convenient and logical floor plan to avoid these pricey renovations.

Image via: Heydt Designs

Overestimate Costs

It’s difficult to determine exactly the type of repairs that a house needs without ripping down some walls and examining the groundwork. However, this is not an option during an inspection. Often times, a new homeowner conducting renovations might find issues during construction that weren’t evident upon inspection or in the seller’s disclosure. Some of these may be minor fixes, but can also be costly and require urgent repairs. It’s best to have extra funds set aside to cover such unforeseen problems.

Consider Living Arrangements

Is there a safe place to stay while the construction is taking place? A homebuyer may want to reconsider buying a fixer-upper if the plan is to move in immediately upon purchase. Not only is it dangerous to be inhaling dust throughout the night, but living in a disheveled house 24/7 can become emotionally draining. Staying in the home can be a constant reminder of the stress, costs and slow-moving processes of large remodels. If the home is going to become the buyer’s primary residence right away, consider remodeling in phases to establish a safe, stress-free living space.

Image via: J. Stephens Interiors

Calculate Profit

Even if the buyer plans to live in the house for a few years rather than just flipping it for a fiscal return, the money and time put into fixing the home should yield a high profit to be worth the hassle of the renovations. The initial cost of the home and the cost of repairs (materials and labor) should be less than the total resale value of the house. Make sure to deduct potential unforeseen costs from the final calculation. While it’s impossible to predict exactly what the house will eventually sell for, homeowners can determine market value by searching comparable properties in the neighborhood. If the market is strong and the home is the right price before renovations, then there is a high probability for substantial returns on the initial investment.

None of these steps should be taken lightly, since a home is likely the most expensive purchase made in an individual’s lifetime. Above all, a lack of experience in home improvement can delay the renovation process. Even with professional assistance, it’s best to clearly understand all of the repairs required, why they are necessary and the reasons behind their costs. The more knowledge of home improvements the new homeowners have, the smoother and more affordable the renovation process should be for them.

Written by:  Tali Wee of Zillow

For more home buying tips on Stagetecture, click here.

When holding an open house or inviting potential buyers in for a showing, the bathroom is one room that can easily make or break a sale. Easy to overlook during renovations and more prone to getting dirty than some of the other rooms, the bathroom can be enough to make a buyer look elsewhere. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to get your bathroom ready for open houses and private showings. Set aside some time one weekend and get everything done.

How to Stage your Bathroom for Buyer Appeal

Image via: Benjamin Benschneider

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Invest in Minor Remodeling

Swapping out a cracked or ugly sink and cupboard for an attractive, affordable bathroom vanity will make a huge difference in the room’s look without a complete floor-to-ceiling renovation. Think of other minor upgrades you can make quickly, and even on a limited budget, such as:

• A new cupboard
• A new toilet seat
• A new shower curtain
• New window curtains
• A new mirror
• A new toilet-paper holder
• A new soap dish

It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re taking the new addition with you — you’re probably not leaving a countertop soap dish behind, for example. What matters is that you “set the stage” for a beautiful bathroom, one that seems new and classy, and like it’d belong in a five-star hotel room.

Clean your Bathroom Thoroughly

The bathroom is one of the dirtiest rooms in the house. Your job is to clean it thoroughly, from top to bottom. Leave no bit of grout unscrubbed and bleach the white clean if you need to. Remove the fan cover and clean out accumulated dust. Take out the sink stopper and unclog the drain, in case the buyer turns it on and sees your drain back up. Disinfect every surface, and leave every part of the room sparkling.

Image via: Jeri Koegel

Banish Stained Walls

When you’re scrubbing, you may notice a few areas where soap, a sponge and power scrubbing just aren’t doing enough. Walls stained with mildew and mold are the most frequent culprit. If after years of using the bathroom that ugly black stuff has started accumulating, you need to banish it entirely. Mold is dangerous, and mildew looks like mold — you don’t want a potential buyer thinking there’s mold in your bathroom. Tear down any wallpaper, peel away paint and repaint or re-paper the walls.

Use Neutral Colors

When painting or even when decorating, choose neutral colors like beige, yellow and white. The bathroom shouldn’t stand out too much to the potential buyer. Bolder colors are more likely to turn off people. If they want bolder colors, they can change the room once they’ve purchased the home.

If you’re not painting, hang neutral-color shower curtains (if you have them) and neutral color towels. Banish the cartoon-character beach towels and the rubber-ducky shower curtains, at least when you’re showing. These are simple enough changes that can be easily undone when the house is not on display.

Image via: Ellinor Ellefson, Elle Interiors

Add a Fragrant Vase of Flowers

Even the most gorgeous of bathrooms may smell off-putting. Loading the room up with manufactured air fresheners is a start, but it could seem like you’re covering up something you don’t want buyers to smell. Instead, put a fragrant bouquet of flowers in a vase and place it on the sink or atop the toilet each time you have a showing. It’s an elegant and effective touch. If a bouquet is too big in an otherwise small and cramped space, a single large flower like a lilac or a rose will do.

The bathroom is one of the more difficult rooms to stage for a showing because there are so few furnishings to rearrange; however, the lack of furnishings is also what makes it one of the easier rooms to prepare. Just don’t ignore the room because it’s small and doesn’t seem to need as much attention. Remember: Potential buyers want to see clean, functional bathrooms.

About the Author: Kevin Lunn is a real estate agent with over two decades of experience.

For more bedroom & living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Are you tired of your old bathroom and its outdated tile, lighting fixtures, and decor? Whether you have moved into a fixer-upper home or you have been trying to think of how to makeover your current bathroom, it shouldn’t be a challenge to create a new bathroom. Here are a few ways to modernize your bathroom without killing your pocket and still preserving the natural integrity of your original bathroom.

Image via: Vicky Tan 

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Assess your current bathroom and what needs updating

Many homeowners just like the idea of having the latest innovation in their homes. Whether it means an electronic toilet, synchronized water jets in their jetted tub or the latest technology on the market – look to your bathroom to get inspired. If you prefer a lower-key bathroom and just would like finishes that are more current – for example high polished brass lighting has been replaced with chrome and satin finished nickel varieties. Decide what modern vanities or other elements will create the perfect bathroom for you and your lifestyle.

Image via: Mark Fordelon

Decide what amenities you’d like in your bathroom.

Your bathroom is the perfect place for showcasing new finishes on the walls such as a glass bath tile or a reclaimed wood accent wall behind your vanities for bathrooms.  There are so many ways to create a beautiful and modern bathroom with variations in shower experiences, relaxing bathtub choices, and spa-like amenities such as music, aromatherapy, lighting and more to transport your mind and soul to another place! It can all be done in the privacy of your upgraded bathroom.

Image via: Mike Sinclair

Your bathroom should feel relaxing to come home to everyday and a refreshing way to start your day. If you’re tired of your old bathroom and need a makeover, look to these helpful ideas to brighten your outdated bathroom. Choose from modern finishes, amenities and colors to create a space you love. The next time you are flipping through your favorite bath magazine, start taking notes on how you’d love those amenities in your home. Before you know it, you will be relaxing in your own modern bathroom.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Make the Most of your Small Guest Bathroom

Focus In on Bathroom Decor

With such limited space, having a laser-focused theme is key.  A few minutes of writing down your ideas is worth the time, money, and final result.  Consider what will stay or change: will you swap fixtures or leave them?  Can you easily update hardware like switch plates and drawer pulls?  Will you paint the walls or cabinets?  All of these options are small, affordable adjustments that will keep your bathroom from looking like a forgotten footnote in your home.

Don’t let your small bathroom create a challenge for you

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Clean and Fresh Bathroom Decorations

When planning your theme, a clean, fresh look will make or break your guest bathroom.  In a small room, choose a light, non-saturated color for the walls so they aren’t overwhelming or cramped.  If bright color or pattern is part of your design, use them in hand towels, framed art, or a shower curtain for color that is used in proportion to the size of the bathroom.  Know what items you’ll keep handy (sets of extra towels, toiletries, etc) so you can plan a place for everything.  Fresh white paint, clear shelves mounted on the walls to maximize vertical space, and just a little bit of color will bring life and light to even the tiniest of guest bathrooms.

Plan your design for the guest bathroom

Having a plan will come in handy when you look for all the items you need.  Stick to your design or you may find yourself trying to add too much to a small space.  Focus on adding items only if they are useful, like a soap dish, towel bar, or jewelry box and make each one stylish.  The only non-functional piece in a small bathroom should be wall art: a single picture or small grouping that really captures your style.  Stick to your plan, keep it light and simple, and you’ll have a guest bathroom that you’re proud to show off!

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Guest Blogger +1K, Entry #2646, July 12, 2013

Home designs are constantly changing. In order to keep up a stylish home both inside and out, it’s important to stay on top of the latest home designing trends. Check out the following popular design ideas for 2013.

1. Brass Decor

Brass decor helps spice up any space, no matter if you’re going for a traditional or a modern look. It delivers a warm feeling to each room, giving homeowners a simple solution for making their home feel a bit more homey. To stick with this year’s trend, search for antique bronze pieces.

Image via: by Mirage Floors

2. Natural Wood Decor

Along with antique furniture and neutral shades, people are bringing natural wood into the home. From hardwood floors to natural wood furniture, this material makes for beautiful decor. Couple wood pieces with neutral colors for a calm-feel in your home.

3. Screened Porches

Screened porches are climbing their way to the top of the home trends’ list. They offer the outdoor feel without having to live with the bugs and wildlife. You can relax in the sun, cook over a fireplace, and dine in your screened porch while enjoying the splendor of the outdoors from the comforts of your porch.

Image via: Flickr by jdn

4. Stripes

Most people don’t want to live in a boring atmosphere, and a dully designed home is just that. Instead, people are looking for more dynamic home decor, and they’re turning to stripes to help get the job done. Whether it’s striped walls, artwork, or furniture, stripes are quickly becoming a favorite design trend.

5. Antique Furniture

People are turning to antique furniture because it’s cheap, stylish, and artistic. Homeowners love the more personalized, homey-feel of this furniture and are picking up antique dressers, tables, and chairs at auctions across the country. Plus, many people enjoy restoring antique furniture, making their home decor more personalized while engaging in a fun hobby.

6. Bright Walls

With HD TVs and high-definition computers, our eyes are constantly being exposed to bright colors. And, our eyes want more of it. This year, countless people will turn to home improvement stores and pick up the brightest colors in the aisle to spice up their home and bring in more bright, happy colors.

Image via Flickr: by Little Greene Paint Company

 

7. Vintage Exterior

Vintage homes have always been a beautiful home decor choice, and they still are. Designers and homeowners alike love the look of a vintage home. Real estate brokers like Nostalgic Homes in Denver can help you find a neighborhood and a home with a vintage exterior.

8. DIY Artwork

Houses are more than just a living space. People want their house to become a home, a place that shows their personality and helps them relax in comfort. With do-it-yourself projects, people are finding that you can easily display your personality with the work you put into your home. Homeowners create artwork for their walls, build their own furniture, repurpose objects, and take on various other projects to make their home their own.

9. Neutral Shades

Didn’t I just tell you that bright colors were the new “in” thing to do? Yes, but neutrals are quickly making their way into the home as well. Both are popular trends now. For a timeless look that you could probably live with forever, neutrals are the way to go this year. Stick with white, brown, black, or gray shades.

Image via: Coco+kelley

 

10. Green Accents

We’re not sure exactly what it is about the color green — perhaps it’s the natural feel of the color found so commonly outdoors — but everyone seems to want green accents this year. Pantone named emerald-green the color of the year, for everything from fashion to home decor, so don’t be afraid to spice up your home with green accent walls, pillows, or artwork.

11. Downsizing

The last top trend that people are starting to love are smaller homes. People are quickly realizing that they don’t need a huge home to stay comfortable, and designers are creating smaller homes for these people. Along with this, people are starting to downsize their furniture and buy items that serve a dual function, such as coffee tables that convert into dining room tables.

Now that you have some excellent home designing ideas, start decorating! What are is your favorite home decor trend?

For more home organization ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

This summer is perfect for a bathroom makeover. This is where you can relax and cool down from the summer heat. It doesn’t matter how much space you have in your bathroom. You just have to make the most of what you have and maximize the space.

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For more ideas, here are some helpful ideas on how to refresh your bathroom:

Emphasize color coordination

The idea of color coordination is to provide accent to your bathroom. Using coordinated accent in the bathroom provides pleasant and soothing effects. It gives harmony to the entire room. It is also very important to have your bathroom accessories like mirrors, medicine cabinet and lighting fixtures match your desired accent.

Repaint your bathroom

This idea will provide immediate impact to your bathroom makeover. Bathrooms are often tiled halfway through the walls, so you can have your repainting on the other half. If your bathroom floor is made of wood, this is perfect for repainting. You may choose a transparent latex or enamel to give a glossy yet non-slippery flooring for your bathroom.

Patch up your wallpaper

Wallpapers are not only great in your bedroom or living room. You can have your customized your bathroom wallpaper by taking out some of your favorite graphic pages from your comic book. To protect it from water exposure or moist, brush it with a clear coating. This should be fun and great reading material for your bathroom.

There are so many things that you can do for your bathroom. It’s only a matter of time that you make your move and experience the best of what your bathroom can offer.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.