One of the more expensive tasks in a bathroom remodeling project is selecting bathroom vanities and sinks. While bathroom vanities and sinks can be quite expensive, there are ways to create a stylish bathroom without breaking the bank. As with any project, the first step in staying within budget with your home renovation project is proper planning and a clearly defined objective. Before determining a clear and concise plan, it is important to identify you wants and needs. In efforts of properly accessing needs in wants in the selection of bathroom furniture, let’s consider the options.

Types of Bathroom Vanities and Sinks| Vessel sink vanities

There is a wide selections and styles of vanities and sinks ideal for several types of bathroom. Although there are several options, there are a few popular trends in the design and décor of contemporary bathrooms. Vessel sinks are very popular in contemporary bathrooms. Vessel sink’s sit on top of the actual counter of the vanity and often resemble a basin. These sinks are also in an assortment of materials and styles. Not all vessel sinks are round, some are square or rectangular.
Vessel sinks are versatile not only in shape but also the material. Some common materials seen in vessel sinks are:
- Stone
- Ceramic
- Glass

Types of Bathroom Vanities and Sinks: Floating Bathroom Vanity

One of the hottest trends featured in ultramodern bathrooms is the floating bathroom vanity, or wall mount bathroom vanity. The floating vanity does not stand on legs like the traditional bathroom vanity. Instead, this vanity has no legs and is mounted to the wall. This style creates a very chic and modern look. It also agrees with the openness of minimalist contemporary designed bathrooms.
In addition to serving as a focal point, the wall mount bathroom vanity creates a lot of space in bathrooms. This perk makes this style vanity idea for use in smaller, medium or large bathrooms.

Types of Bathroom Vanities and Sinks: Modern Bathroom Vanities

Image courtesy of yousharez.com

While the floating bathroom vanity is hot in modern bathroom design, there are several other styles for modern and contemporary bathrooms. If decorating in a modern or contemporary style, there are several options within the bathroom vanity market. This style of décor only requires a simple yet elegant look. A simple vanity such as a pedestal bathroom sink would also be ideal for bathroom decorated in this style.
There are also several bathroom vanities designed as “contemporary” or “modern”. These pieces are usually designed to be very simple but feature classy or unique aspects such as a frosted glass top counter. If the counter and sink appear normal, perhaps the decorator opts for a unique faucet. None the less, there are several chic and unique options for shoppers of bathroom vanities and sinks.

Are you frustrated with your small bathroom and need ideas to make it look bigger? Don’t worry. We have a few tips to help decorators make the best of a smaller bathroom.

Getting Started| Small Bathroom Color Ideas

Decorating small spaces to look larger is all about creating a vision or the illusion of a larger space. There are several ways to create this illusion. One easy way to visually create a larger space is by using color. The colors used to decorate a bathroom can make the space appear larger. If looking for ideas for a small bathroom, start with a light or neutral wall colors. Rooms that have white or light walls have an airy, open look, which makes the space appear bigger.
The same concept applies to flooring in smaller spaces. When selecting tile or other materials for your bathroom floor, it is important consider the color. A lighter color floor, as with the walls, creates the illusion of openness. Lighter flooring and walls are the first step to creating the illusion of a larger room when decorating your small bathroom.
Another way to play on color in the bathroom is with the window treatments. There are two things to consider when selecting curtains for your small bathroom. First, remember the more light in a room the bigger the room appears. Purchase curtains that are either sheer or similar in color to the wall paint. If sheer curtains are not used, make sure the curtains allow lighting from the window to flow into the space.

Small Bathroom Furniture| Big or Small

There is a small controversy amongst interior designers regarding the size of furniture in smaller bathrooms. Some argue that smaller is better and others support smaller pieces. In my opinion, I think it varies. If decorating a smaller living room or bedroom, larger pieces of furniture often serve multiple purposes. However, in a smaller bathroom, the space is usually much smaller than a small living room or bathroom. Also, there are not too many uses for a huge bathroom vanity. With that in mind, smaller bathroom furniture is the better option.
When selecting accents for a small bathroom, try to avoid large gaudy pieces and instead pieces that are functional and modest in size. As mentioned above, one factor in creating the illusion of more space, is decorating to allow for lots of open space. A gaudy or large decorative item that serves no purpose will take away from the openness of the room.

Less is More When Decorating Small Bathrooms

A very easy option for making a room look larger is eliminating clutter. This is especially true in bathrooms. In our bathrooms we have bath towels, toilet tissues, toiletries for grooming and more. When these items are visible it not only takes away from the décor but can also cause the space to appear clutter. In an effort to promote open space, get creative with your bathroom storage. If your bathroom is too small to include a linen closet, designate a place to store towels outside of the bathroom. Place looks behind the door or behind the shower curtain for used towel. Dirty clothes hampers, toilet tissue should also be stored either out of sight or in a very organized manner.
Making the best of a small bathroom begins with an illusion. These are only a few ideas to make the best of a small bathroom. After incorporating the changes we have shared, review home decorating magazines and message forums to gain new and innovative ideas in making the best of your small space.

A freestanding bathtub is a bathtub that is not attached to the wall or cemented to the floor. Although these types of tubs are becoming very familiar in modern and contemporary styled homes, the freestanding bathtub has been around for some time. Vintage and older bathrooms usually featured claw foot bathtubs. Claw foot bathtubs are freestanding. They are not attached to a wall and they are not cemented to the bathroom floor. A freestanding bathroom is a great option if you are searching for a unique bathtub for a modern or contemporary bathroom. This style bathtub offers many perks and advantages.
One of the biggest advantages for using a freestanding bathtub is the flexibility it offers. If you are known for making changes and experimenting with new designs/looks, this is a sure fit. This type of tub is not generally cemented to the bathroom floor. This leaves you the option of rearranging or repositioning your bathroom. If you bathtub is the largest piece of bathroom furniture, imagine the style possibilities afforded with a repositionable bathtub!
freestanding bathtub

Another perk associated with the freestanding bathtub is the design. Many modern bathtubs are designed to create a much different visual effect than the traditional bathtub. While many of them overall have the same shape, that’s where the similarities begin. There are modern futuristic designs that create a posh and swanky appearance. There are also sleek contemporary designs that take a simple approach. Needless to say, whether you choose a modern design or a contemporary design, this tub will definitely serve as the focal point of your bathroom.
Playing hand and hand with the flexibility this tub offers is the placement options. You can make the best use of small and large spaces with a freestanding bathtub. It can be placed out of the way in front of a wall, or it can serve as a focal point in the middle of the room. The design and size of the tub, these tubs tend to be larger than traditional bathtubs, will own the room. So if you need to make a small room look smaller, a smaller freestanding tub gives you the option to create more room by strategically placing the tub off to the side allowing for an ample amount of open space.
If you are looking to create a bathroom with a modern or contemporary feel, a freestanding bathtub will definitely get the ball rolling. Freestanding bathtubs range in price from a couple hundred to a couple of thousand. So, you definitely should consider cost if you plan to incorporate this style tub. Although the price may be a bit expensive, the results are definitely worth it!

Installing a floating bathroom vanity to your bathroom offers many advantages. The floating vanity is ideal for small and large spaces. The modern look of the piece is perfect for bathroom decorated in modern or contemporary décor. If looking to create space or a piece that catches the eye upon entering the room, the floating bathroom vanity is the perfect choice.
The term “float” refers to the design of the vanity. Unlike traditional bath vanities, the floating vanity is mounted to the bathroom wall and does not have legs. There is a great amount of open space under the vanity. This creates a lot of extra space in the bathroom. Usually, this type of vanity is used in a contemporary bathroom. Bathrooms decorated in contemporary décor have lots of open space and lack clutter. This would make the floating bathroom vanity a perfect option. These vanities also fit perfectly in small or compact spaces. If you are dealing with a limited amount of space in your bathroom or desire a corner bathroom vanity, this is the perfect option.

Virtu Single Floating Bathroom Vanity

Another advantage to selecting a floating vanity for your bathroom is the versatility of this piece. Not only are these vanities available in a number of sizes, they are also available in a number of styles. There are vanities that are created with lots of open shelves and some with drawer space only. There are vanities with marble countertops and some with glass. There are several different styles and sizes of vanities. These pieces can accommodate bathrooms that require double vanities to a simple corner vanity for one. The possibilities are endless.
Whether a simple, basic style or a more elaborate double vanity is selected, one thing is for certain, the floating bathroom vanity is definitely an attention grabber. If you install this vanity in your guest bathroom, it will definitely serve as a focal point and will likely be the topic of several conversations. Each of the several styles of vanities available all share this common trend, timeless style. The “floating” concept alone is innovative. Anything outside of the norm is sure to wow visitors and capture their attention.
Whether you are looking to save space or create a focal point, the floating bathroom vanity is an awesome option for your bathroom. It’s design and innovative style will surely enhance the style and feel of any bathroom room. Check out a few pictures of floating bathroom vanities at work.

Dreamline Floating Bathroom Vanity

36 Inch Floating Bathroom Vanity

There are tons of options for shoppers looking to buy a contemporary dining room table. Occasionally, we will share a review of a great, or not so great, we encounter. We are currently focusing on kitchen furniture and appliances for a decorating project and thought we would share our views.
One thing about contemporary dining room furniture that has become quite common is cheap materials used to create a sleek look, resulting in a product with little or no value. A dining room table is used and seen usually on a daily basis. Adding a cheap, low quality table to your dining area could ruin all the hard work invested in other contemporary home décor.

We were very impressed with the quality of this 5 piece Contemporary Round Dining Room table. The table is made by Poundex, a contemporary furniture distributor based in Los Angeles. Poundex has been in the furniture business since 1989. This provides some sense of security. It is always best to purchase from companies with some form of stability. In the event there are issues with the product, which we hope there aren’t, the chances of quality customer service are higher with an established company.

What we like about the Poundex 5 Piece Contemporary Round Dining Room Table

• The round mahogany dining table is very versatile. The table is small enough to fit in a breakfast nook or a smaller dining room area. This dining set is not ideal for a larger or formal dining room. It is perfect to add a touch of elegance to a small dining space or a contemporary styled apartment. The mahogany finish of the table gives it a very rich and polished look.
• The design of the base of the table gives the table style. The glass table top and mahogany chairs are taken up two notches when the base is added to the picture. There are actually two layers of glass, if you would call it that. The table top used for eating is glass and below there is a smaller glass circle. That second level could be used for some very unique decorating!
• The table is very easy to assemble. The average assembly time for this product is about an hour. This is definitely an added bonus if ordering the item and having it shipped. If you know like we do, the costs of assembly can be almost as expensive as the product, or maybe we are cheap.

Things we do not like about the product:

• The light colored cloth seats could be a concern. If you have children or a hole in your chin, this may not be the best option for you. The chair bottoms are made of a light color cotton/polyester. If you really love the table, there is always the option to cover the seats of the chairs with a towel during meals.
• As with shipping any glass items, there is the risk of damage during the delivery process. This came as no surprise. We have returned several glass items that arrived broken with no problem. If you decide to purchase the Poundex Contemporary Round Dining Room Table, check the sellers/stores reviews or policy on damaged items. Nothing is more frustrating or upsetting that receiving a damaged product at no fault of your own and receiving poor service on top of that!

Our overall Review of this Contemporary Mahogany Round Table

This is a great option for shoppers seeking an elegant table for a small to medium area. Apartment dwellers, this is an awesome piece for apartments. AWESOME. The table is also reasonably priced and definitely adds a touch of elegance to any space occupied. Don’t just take our word for it; see what consumers are saying about this product on Amazon.

The backsplash is becoming a popular trend in contemporary kitchen design.  A kitchen backsplash can be decorative and functional. Kitchen backsplashes can protect kitchen walls from splashes of water, grease and other debris from cooking.  Often, the backsplash is a continuance of the kitchen countertop and is of the same material.  If you are looking for kitchen backsplash tile ideas, we have found the following options to be the most popular:mosaic tile, stainless steel and glass tile.

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas|Mosaic Kitchen Backsplash

There are several options when selecting mosaic tile for a kitchen backsplash.  First, the type of mosaic tile is selected.  Three forms of mosaic tile sold are glass, marble and plain mosaic.  Next, determine which areas will have a backsplash.  Will the backsplash be over the stove only or the entire counter top?  Some designers use a kitchen backsplash as an accent.  Mosaic Tile is on of the best options for an accent backsplash wall.  The unique, colorful and glossy tiles are perfect adding a punch of color to a neutral, open kitchen.

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas:Stainless Steel Kitchen Backsplash

Stainless steel is a common material used in homes decorated in modern and contemporary décor.  A stainless steel backsplash is also a perfect option for a contemporary kitchen.   Using stainless steel will encourage a sleek and modern look to the kitchen.  This is especially true if the kitchen appliances are stainless steel. It also adds protection to the kitchen walls.  A stainless steel backsplash can also be created to feature one of many patterns and finishes.

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas|Glass Tile Kitchen Backplash

Glass tile, beyond mosaic tile, is also commonly seen in kitchen backsplash. Glass tiles are very similar to mosaic tiles.  They offer many of the same features such as a unique look as it can be placed in a number of ways to create a fresh and different look.  Glass tile is also very east to maintain and keep clean.  As with mosaic tile and stainless steel, glass tile will also provide adequate protection to the kitchen walls.

Designing Your Kitchen Backsplash Using These Ideas

When searching for kitchen backsplash tile ideas, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the many tile options.  It is important to consider how you plan to use the backsplash and the look desired. A backsplash is a great option if looking to enhance the look and feel of a contemporary kitchen.  It helps maintain the home by protecting the kitchen walls from things like water and grease.  While there are a variety of materials available, the best materials to create a contemporary kitchen backsplash are mosaic tile, stainless steel and glass tile. If you are not sure how to proceed with the design of your kitchen backsplash project, check out other kitchen removation articles for ideas and inspiration.

If you are looking for living room decorating ideas, you are in great company! Several home decor websites and blogs publish new picutres of real living rooms decorated in several styles of decor. This can be quite overwhelming for an indecisive decorator. Proper planning and organization is the ideal place to start when considering any home renovation or redecorating progect. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Living Room Decorating Ideas| Let’s Get Started

The living room of a home is often a high traffic area. There are times homeowners grow tired of the same old décor day in and out. Contemporary and Modern living room design lends a classic and chic feel. However, there are times that even this sleek design requires a change. Decorators can quickly add a bit of personality to a minimalist contemporary living room by incorporating wall art, modern or contemporary living room furniture, light fixtures and area rugs.

1. Living Room Decorating Ideas|Contemporary Wall Art

 Massive Modern Metal Wall Decor by Artist Ash Carl
Traditionally, the term “wall art” has been used to reference paintings or portraits. Which, in many cases this still applies. There are also many options outside of the tradition painting or picture hanging on a wall. Modern day wall art can also be a piece of metal or perhaps a simple poster matted and framed for décor. Although contemporary interior design requires a minimalist approach with clean lines, open space and strays from patters, contemporary wall art is usually colorful, abstract and unique. Using an abstract piece of art in a space with lots of clean lines and open space is sure to result in a chic and stylish feel.

An advantage to using wall art to add personality and style to the living room is versatility. Decorating with wall art is possible in any size space. Unlike with other decorating methods, this method does not require a large amount of space. Using art also allows decorators to make the space a reflection of their personality while maintain the feel of contemporary design.

2. Living Room Decorating Ideas|Modern or Contemporary Furniture

Yellow Modern Living Room Furniture

Modern and contemporary furniture are usually designed to yield a very unique product. A decorator using modern furniture could easily use the sofa or a chair as the focal point of the room. Usually available in a variety of styles, color and sizes, contemporary living room furniture is available to suit any space, large or small. One important factor to consider when decorating is the amount of space. It would not be ideal to place a sectional sofa in a small space. Using furniture that is too large for the space will cause the living room to appear cluttered. Contemporary décor should never appear cluttered. If furniture has to be too large or too small, it is always better in this design to opt for too small. Always remember, contemporary design encourages open space.

3. Living Room Decorating Ideas|Light Fixtures and lamps

Contemporary Accent Floor Lamp

It is amazing the effect something a minor light fixture can take on a room. The look and feel of the living room can be enhanced by changing the light fixtures or lighting used in the room. Commonly, contemporary spaces feature track lighting, pendant light fixtures, recessed light fixtures, floor lamps and modern chandeliers. If working with a piece of art or a sculpture, track lighting is an excellent source of decorative lighting. Decorative lighting is often used to place emphasis on an area or specific item. Recessed lighting is a major trend in modern family rooms or living rooms often used to view media. Remove that boring ceiling fan or dome light fixture and kick it up a notch with a modern light fixture.

4. Living Room Decorating Ideas|Area Rugs

Image courtesy of Freshome.com

Of the several thousand pictures of living rooms on the internet, over two thirds are decorated with some form of area rug. A shag area rug in a bright bold color or a colorful abstract rug can totally change the look of a room. Again, this option works best when the space being decorated contains more neutral colors and lacks patterns. It is amazing the difference one accent piece can create.

There are several accent pieces and ideas available for decorators looking to enhance a contemporary living room. When establishing the fundamentals of the design of the living room, determine if the boldness and accent will be added through extra pieces. If the desire is to decorate a space that does leaves flexibility, consider a clean, neutral base for the living room design with several accent pieces to enhance the décor.

One of the biggest characteristics of contemporary home décor is the minimalism..  If you view a collection of homes decorated on this style, all of the spaces will share that characteristics.  When decorating in contemporary décor, it is important to eliminate all signs of clutter.  In other words, contemporary home décor is not for pack rats or people who are not accustomed to the idea “a place for everything”.

Keeping things stored and tucked away can be very challenging especially if you have a family.  Women have accessories.  Men have tools and other knick knacks and children have toys.  Although it can be challenging, it is not impossible.  Let’s take a look at ways to eliminate clutter in a bedroom or bathroom.

Bedroom

The bedroom is one of the first places to become cluttered.  When we get undressed, we are often in our bedroom.  When our children play with their toys, most likely, they are in their bedroom.  If your husband is like mine, there are several tasks and projects that he may attempt in the bedroom.  With that being said, it is very easy to accumulate “stuff” in the bedroom.  However, there are things that can be done to eliminate clutter in the bedroom.  For starters, when undressing, try to place dirty clothes in the hamper.  When there are items that need to be put away, go ahead and hang up those jackets or fold those socks and toss them away.  You are more likely to continue tossing clothing on top of an established pile than a tidy space.

Make sure there is adequate storage space in your bedroom.  Do not be discouraged if your bedroom is small.  There are several storage boxes and bags that are sized to fit neatly under a bed or in the top or bottom of a closet.  Speaking of closets, try to keep your closet organized.  If color coding is not an option, at least take time to place all jackets, pants and shirts in separate areas.  If you are lucky to have a walk in closet, use that space!  There is often space for dressers or storage dresser in a sizeable walk in closet.  With these dressers hidden out of eyesight, it is also open to store jewelry and or perfume.

BathroomThe bathroom is another space that is often cluttered.  Bathrooms are used for grooming and relaxation.  Both of these tasks often require “tools”.  Bathroom counters can become cluttered with beauty products and grooming tools.  Bathrooms can also become cluttered with towels if used by a large family and there is not adequate storage space.  Small or large, bathrooms are very easy to DE clutter. Most bathrooms have “medicine cabinets” that can be used to store some beauty and grooming tools.  Bathrooms also usually have a small closet to store towels, larger beauty products and beauty and bathroom appliances.  In the event a bathroom does not have a storage closet, there is usually a closet right outside the door.  If you do not have a closet and would like to store towels and some beauty tools in the bathroom, it is very easy to install shelves, decorative baskets for towels or a bathroom spacesaver
.

Creating a home designed in contemporary décor will require minimalism.  Some people are intimidated because homes in this style décor can easily appear vacant or as if no one lives in the home.  We hope the tips we have shared on eliminating clutter will help you achieve the minimalist look for your current space.

Granite coutertops are becoming more and more popular. Granite countertops are beautiful, versitile and very unique. While marble and granite countertops are both beautiful, the added benefit of granite countertops is durability. This style of countertop does not scratch as easily as marble counters. They can also be used in several styles of decor. If a homeowner decides to transition from a traditional kitchen to a contempoary kitchen, the granite countertops are just as beautiful and effective in both styles of decor.

While granite is said to be inexpensive, there are several other materials that are cheaper. However, there is an alternative if natural granite counters are not in your budget. There are several painting kits on the market that can transform plain kitchen countertops to marvelous faux granite countertops.

Granite Paint Kits are a wonderful options for designers or homeowners that desire the look of granite countertops but for whatever materials can not afford natural grante countertops.

There are several youtube video tutorials that outline the process. Check out this one

Giani Faux Countertop Video