Summer is quickly approaching and I really get an urge to try out something different in my home. Switching it up a bit with different colors, a new light fixture, introducing fresh plants into my home, anything that will make it come to life and scream – summer is almost here! When it comes to your bathroom, it’s definitely time to clear it out and try something uplifting and exciting to bring some new life into it. Here are some 7 really pretty bathroom trends that we can’t wait to try out:

1. Chevron Tiles

Photo: Kohler

This has been one of my favorites, even before 2016 hit. There is something about chevron tiles that is classic, sophisticated, and simply looks amazing in a bathroom. Instead of installing tiles horizontally, zig-zag them for a modern twist.

3. Cool Paint Colors

Photo: Domaine Home

Now this is a winning trend if you live in a hot climate and want to take down the temperature a notch this summer. Cool tones are a bit bathroom hit for 2016. Think blues and emerald greens. Pair them with crisp white touches of wood, tiles, and metallic accents.

4. Exposed Pipes

Photo: PEG Properties & Design

Metallic accents and exposing your sink pipes is becoming a trend that leans more on the industrial trend (also popular for 2016). Exposing copper or chrome pipes adds a retro industrial look that looks stunning against neutral or even black and white tiles. You may want to call a professional to help you out with this one, someone like Los Angeles plumbing can clean out your pipes and install some more fashionable ones.

5. Woody Vibes

Photo: Greenwood Homes

This is a trend that may take a little getting used to – using wood in the bathroom has become hugely popular and stylish. Timber products such as wood wall tiles, planked floors, and even wood sinks, vanities, and various other bathroom elements are hotter than ever. We will let you choose if you want to try this one out, so far we aren’t sure if it’s a keeper!

6. Splashes of Pink

Photo: Anne Hepfer Designs Inc

Not a fan of pink? Your bathroom doesn’t need to resemble Barbie’s but injecting a hint of pink can do wonders for a bathroom. Fuchsia hand towels, a small pink rug, or even a simple pink flower will add energy and color to a neutral bathroom.

7. The Glam Room

After Kylie Jenner debuted her ultimate glam room (we blogged about it here), bathroom dressing rooms have become hotter than ever. Add a little luxury to your bathroom by sectioning off a space specifically for getting glammed up. One thing is for sure; you’ll feel like a star when getting ready to go out!

8. Plants and Greens

Photo: Alexander Owen Architecture

This trend actually started last year, but it’s continuing full speed ahead into 2016. Decorating your bathroom with leafy greens isn’t a simply accessory – it’s a bathroom staple. I think this is pretty much a no brainer for bathroom décor since it makes your space feel more alive and relaxing. You would be surprised at what a big difference a few plants can make.

Mark Schwartz 

Remodeling a bathroom can turn into a huge, expensive task that can cost up to several thousand dollars. Yet, a bathroom remodel is sometimes a requirement, whether you want it to look better for your own family or so that you can entice people to purchase your home. So, here are 8 inexpensive bathroom remodeling tips that can help you keep your bathroom budget under control:

Avoid Using too Many Tiles While Remodeling 

Bathroom tiles are expensive. It’s one thing to install a tile floor. It’s quite another to use tiles on the walls and in the shower. If your budget is tight, you can save a huge amount by limiting how much tile you use in your new bathroom design. One horizontal strip of it halfway up the wall can help to tie the room together without breaking the bank. This way, you will have extra spending money for other upgrades such as lighting fixtures, granite countertops, and new faucets.

Purchase or Create Inexpensive Bathroom Counters

One of the most expensive parts of any bathroom can be the counter and there are tons of ways you can cut that cost. If you are shopping for a granite counter, don’t be afraid to purchase one with defects. Almost anyplace that sells granite counters will have “seconds,” which are pieces with imperfections. If those imperfections are minor, they might be totally invisible once the counter is installed. In fact, you might even find that the defective section will be removed anyway to make way for the bathroom sink or faucet handles.

If You’ve Got Grimy Grout, Clean it Out

An easy thing to focus on when remodeling your bathroom is the grout and caulking. Be sure that your tub and shower are properly caulked. If your grout is grimy you can revitalize it with something as simple as baking soda or toothpaste. You can also choose to reapply fresh grout and caulk in certain areas.

Make Sure You Only Have to Paint Once

Painting is often so inexpensive that people don’t worry about it too much. If you don’t like the paint, you can just paint over it in a different color, right? But, if your budget is tight and you don’t want to do the job twice, be sure to do it right the first time. Use mold-resistant paint that is specifically meant for bathrooms and tape everything off properly so you don’t have to do the process over again later.

Don’t Replace the Shower or Tub

If you plan to sell your home, there’s no point to totally replacing the shower or tub. Replacing either one would be far too expensive. You can save a lot of money by simply having them relined. You might not increase the sale value of your home that way, but you will minimize your losses and make your bathroom look more desirable.

Focus on Updating Your Fixtures

Bathroom fixtures are not as expensive as you might think. Replacing anything from the sink faucet to the lighting can actually be easy. You can either purchase these items at secondhand stores or when they are on sale, or you can even choose to make some of them yourself. A DIY light fixture can make your bathroom look totally unique.

Make Your Bathroom Environmentally-Friendly 

It might cost a little more to do things like purchase low-flow showerheads and toilets, but it’s always a good idea. Not only will homebuyers love it when you’re ready to sell, but in the meantime you and your family will reduce how much you have to pay on your bills.

A Little Imagination and Used Items Go a Long Way

When you’re trying to put the finishing touches on your bathroom, remember to use your imagination. A little creativity can easily make up for a low budget. Make your own shelving; purchase some used items to use as decorations, and generally put your own personal stamp on the space. That way it will look and feel inviting.

Studio Q Photography, Melton Design Build

Take a good look at the carpets around your home; whatever state they are in right now says a lot about you and your home. Carpets and rugs make wonderful additions to keep your floors warm and cozy to walk on, as well as add color and a comfy atmosphere to your home. Making sure to take good care of them is a MUST, so here is how you can make the best of your investment and have your carpets lasting for years:

Tara Seawright Designs

Regular Cleaning – The Right Way!

Regular rug cleaning does not mean your rug will become damaged or faded. There are tons of tried and tested ways for cleaning your rugs without the worry of damaging them.

* Simple methods like sprinkling baking powder – or powdered carpet cleaner – on to your carpet, leaving it to do its magic and then vacuuming it up is perhaps one of the simplest, yet very best ways of freshening your carpets – particularly if they’re losing their pizzazz or have started to smell a little.

* Carpet shampoo, vinegar, ammonia, corn-starch and salt, meanwhile, can all be used to get stains out, as well as brightening what may be a fading rug or patch of carpet.

* Vacuum your floors regularly to avoid dust, gravel, and bits of dirt off your shoes from scratching the floor.

McCroskey Interiors

Consider Calling in the Professionals

While these tried and tested methods are great manual ways to clean your carpet, they can be time consuming and may not work exactly as expected, especially if your carpets have a long history of wear and tear. With that being the case, you may want to hire a professional carpet cleaner like bestvacuumresource.com.

When it comes to getting out even the toughest stains, freshening your carpet beyond recognition, and making it look as good as new, the power of a cleaning machine is something you really can’t beat. Company carpet cleaners, specifically trained to deal with the toughest stains, the most delicate carpets, and the biggest, most daunting jobs; in fact, your carpet misery is their business, and they have a variety of tricks up their well-kept sleeves to keep your rugs looking as good as new.

Oliver Burns Interior Design

A professional will use numerous methods to clean your carpet such as steam cleaners, dry cleaners, and machines that rely upon shampoo. A carpet cleaning team like ChemDry, will know exactly what type of cleaner to use on problem areas, as well as the safe and appropriate chemicals for your carpets.

If you want to extend your carpets lifetime and keep them looking brand new, just make sure to keep two things in mind: cleaning and upkeep! With regular maintenance, you can have your carpets and rugs smelling, feeling, and looking as good as new all year round!