Why Choose White Shaker Cabinets for Your Kitchen?

The Shakers were well-known for their outstanding woodworking skills, craftsmanship, and simple yet attractive design. Shaker cabinets, modeled after these early masterpieces, remain very popular today. The style is timeless and works with many different kitchen configurations and schemes. White shaker cabinets, specifically, are one of the most versatile choices on the market.

Why Shaker Cabinets? The Shakers believed in simplicity in life, devotion, and a strong work ethic, and relayed this through their design. High-quality Shaker cabinets today stay true to this original vision. These cabinets transcend trends. They have survived the test of time, satisfying both fans of modern kitchens, as well as those of a more classic style. Sleek lines and basic trims complement today’s cutting-edge kitchens. High-tech appliances, avant-garde artwork, and modern, eccentric accents mesh well with Shaker cabinets. With a clean slate to work with, customers can add stylish futuristic touches to their kitchens while still retaining that solid Shaker look.

Another benefit to these cabinets is they are generally more affordable than many other styles of cabinetry. As a result, you can funnel those savings into other areas of kitchen updates or redesign. You can put together the kitchen of your dreams at a lower price without sacrificing quality.

Shaker cabinets consist of clean lines and geometric trim. This design can help to add to the visual effect of height and depth in the kitchen, as long lines create a sense of extended space. The simple appearance and style of Shaker cabinets fit well with any combination of counters, appliances, and accents. Additionally, you can experiment with different grains, materials, and handles: all while maintaining the proven foundation of the Shaker look.

Why Go With White Cabinets? White is the most popular color for kitchen cabinets, and for good reason. Many modern kitchens are open and airy, and color choice can enhance, or diminish, this appearance. White cabinetry contributes to a spacious feel. It gives a clean, fresh look, and provides a neutral backdrop for any creative aspirations you have in mind. Simple kitchens are stylish, and white cabinets can help you achieve that goal.

White cabinets can also make a kitchen brighter and lighter while providing the illusion of space and roominess. As cabinets last a long time, they will continue to complement any appliances – no matter the color or style – that you buy in the future.

White Shaker Cabinets: Your Best Choice The combination of the exceptional quality of materials and design found in Shaker cabinets with the color white will prove to be a winner. Timeless and versatile, these cabinets will subtly bring your kitchen to life. If you are looking for cabinetry that will stand the test of time, as well as fads in kitchen design, white Shaker cabinets are a trusted option. When people are on the lookout for specific cabinets, many will want a style that is sleek, attractive, functional, and sturdy. White Shaker kitchen cabinets check all of these boxes, and will for years to come.

5 Steps to Prevent Storm Damage to Your Home

With summer on the horizon, your thoughts may be drawn to having time off work, enjoying the sunshine or maybe going on a vacation, however, with summer thunderstorms to take into account, it’s crucial that you do everything you can to ensure your home is safe and protected.

Image by Sergio Cerrato from Pixabay 

Heavy rains and strong winds can cause extensive damage to your property, so here are five steps to prevent storm damage to your home and outsmart Mother Nature.

Inspect the Foundation

If you notice any cracks or gaps in the foundation of your property, this increases the chance of water seeping into your home during severe weather. No one wants to deal with major water damage, so repairing any cracks you spot or calling a professional to help is key. Also, make sure that your doors and windows are sealed, as they are other areas of the home where water could sneak in.

Clean Your Gutters

While cleaning your downspouts and gutters may not be the most exciting task, soggy leaves and dirt can accumulate and cause havoc to your home should a storm strike. This is because they can stop water from running off your roof during severe weather. If water starts to build up, it may settle around your roof, which can cause extensive water damage to your property. Cleaning and repairing your gutters should be at the top of your list to keep your home safe and secure from a storm.

Check Your Back Yard

For preventing storm maintenance, one of the best things you can do is to inspect your back yard for diseased or dead trees. When severe weather strikes, trees that are diseased, hollowed or dead may not be able to stand up against strong winds. The last thing you want is for a tree to fall and crash into your home, so while most home insurance policies cover falling trees, it’s advisable to get rid of unsafe trees so no one is put in danger.

Inspect Your Roof

Your roof needs to be maintained and inspected at least once a year. Keeping a close eye on the condition of your roof will help you identify any issues before they turn into major problems. Keeping your roof in good condition can also save you money on your home insurance. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling your roof alone, it’s best to hire a professional.

Watch the Weather

Many homeowners make the mistake of failing to act before severe weather strikes. So you can be confident that you’ve taken the correct precautionary measures, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast. If a storm is heading your way, try and find out how your community reacts to weather emergencies and follow suit.

Create a Checklist

After a storm has hit your area, your first step should be to inspect your home for damage. Creating a damage checklist and going around the interior and exterior of your property will help you identify what action needs to be taken.

If a storm is predicted, it’s important that you take all the precautionary measures listed above to reduce the risk of damage to your property.

Your New-and-Improved Home Essentials Checklist

Now that most people have been spending a lot more time at home due to COVID-19, there are probably a few things you’ve noticed in your house that you’d love to improve. Life is usually such a whirlwind, so it’s easy to let inconveniences go unnoticed—especially if it’s how you’ve done it for years and years. If you haven’t really touched anything in your home since the early 2000s, you’re missing out on some incredible technology that would not only make your home look incredible, but make your life easier. Now that you're home more often, take note of everything you’d like to get done and follow along with this checklist of essentials that will make your home feel new and improved.

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Keeping all of your memories in one place

The first step in improving your home is preserving your memories. Although there is something to be said about going through old photo albums, you run the risk of damaging a really special memory every time you turn a page, depending on the age of the photos. Not to mention all of the new memories you and your family are creating every day. Whether it’s pictures of the grand kids or your vacation from last summer, all of these images end up on different phones and social media platforms, making it difficult to keep track of them on your own.

Now you can actually keep everything in one convenient place with Meet ibi. This device acts as a personal cloud that can store over 250,000 photos or over 100 hours of video. Also, there’s not a monthly subscription fee, like so many other photo services, so you’ll be saving money. It’s also very simple to set up. All you need to do is plug in your ibi and download the app, and it will guide you easily through the rest of the setup. From there, select which devices and social media accounts you’d like ibi to collect from and choose your “inner circle” to privately share content with. Take photos of your old albums and then upload them to your cloud. You’ll be able to share old photos that people have never seen or maybe forgot were ever taken.

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Living in a fairytale

Wouldn’t it be nice to come home to your very own fairytale every day, or at the very least be able to park your car in a beautiful garage? Garages aren’t exactly the most visually appealing part of any house, so improving that area should definitely be on your checklist. Make your garage go from drab to fab by searching for custom wood garage doors. RW Garage Doors has dedicated its whole company towards building superior quality carriage house garage doors. They handpick every piece of wood and fully inspect their materials before using them in their projects. Your neighbors are certain to be jealous of the premium build.

Making a splash with backsplash

The kitchen is where people gather and put a lot of love in the dishes they create. It’s a cornerstone of family gatherings. That being said, the kitchen is the first place to get a little messy when there’s a lot of activity going on in the house. Upgrading the design of this space will not only make it look great, but make things run more smoothly. You'll find backsplash in almost every new kitchen right now. It’s a beautiful, tiled accent that makes your eating space look almost like a restaurant. Since it’s tile, any pasta sauce that bubbles out can easily be wiped away without leaving a trace of a stain. It's functional and beautiful.

Asbestos testing kits --Do I need one?

Photo by Tneil Abt on Unsplash

It is no secret about the potential danger that could be lurking in your home. Asbestos is, luckily, no longer used in construction. However, many people wrongly assume that when those regulations changed, they no longer had to worry about asbestos.

Unfortunately, there are many homes that still have asbestos. Knowing the dangers of asbestos, often leads to the question - do I need an asbestos testing kit? It might seem like an unnecessary item. But if your home was built more than 10 years ago, you might consider it a requirement.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is actually a blanket term that covers 6 different substances that are naturally occurring. They are resistant to electricity and fire. Which is why it was so popular for such a long time. Asbestos was ideal where fire retardation was essential. As asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre, they are plentiful which was ideal for the construction trade.

Not only that, but they could be moulded and woven into a range of different items and materials. It is estimated that asbestos has been used for somewhere in the region of 4,500 years, and it wasn’t until 1960 and beyond the links between asbestos and a range of diseases and illnesses were accepted.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Mesothelioma. Asbestos causes a rare and deadly cancer that develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is what protects your internal organs.

When breathing in the small airborne particles of asbestos, it will almost always result in cancer, and it is almost always deadly.

Asbestos has also been linked to a lung cancer disorder called asbestosis. This rare disorder attacks the respiratory system by forming scar tissue on the lungs and the surface of the lung’s lining, making it difficult to breathe. This may or may not be a precursor to mesothelioma. This is why an asbestos testing kit is essential for any home that isn’t a new build, that was erected in the last 15-20 years.

When You Need And Asbestos Testing Kit

Asbestos was used in many building materials for a long time. It was included in textures for ceilings and walls, and in insulation. When the regulations about asbestos being used in the building industry came into force, it was no longer used for new homes. However, that means there are thousands of homes that will have asbestos. In general, it will remain dormant until it is disturbed, but as soon as home renovations start taking place, exposure happens. Tiny airborne particles are released and can lead to a range of health issues. These include respiratory disorders and lung cancer.

So if your home is a certain age, then it is best for you to make sure you have an asbestos testing kit available. This will mean you can have the safest possible environment to complete your home renovations.
Where Can I Find Asbestos?
Within the construction industry, you will find asbestos-containing material in some of the following areas:

• Insulation
• Popcorn ceilings
• Pipe insulation
• Vinyl tiles
• Ceiling tiles
• Asbestos tiles
• Some plastics

Many homeowners aren’t aware of the number of products in their homes that could potentially have some level of asbestos. Which is any asbestos testing kits are essential for most homeowners. Unfortunately, it isn’t until a homeowner decides to undertake some renovations when the asbestos is found. 

What Happens In An Asbestos Test?

An asbestos kit only has one use. To detect any level of asbestos within your home. Typically a kit will include a sample bag for each type of material that you would like tested. After you have carefully collected all of the materials and paid a fee, all of the materials will be tested within a lab.

Once you receive the results of your asbestos testing kit, if positive for asbestos, you will need to hire a company specializing in removing asbestos. They will be able to come and clear your home of all traces of asbestos. The cost associated with an asbestos testing kit is minuscule compared to the potential medical bills and deadly impact of leaving your home unchecked. There are occasions where a test might come back as inconclusive, and in this case, it is prudent to continue as if it was positive and use a professional service to take care of it.

A key thing to remember is that a professional company will ensure that your home is totally safe and use a filter to clean the air. You mustn’t attempt to remove any asbestos yourself when you get the results. In summary, if you have a house that is over 15-20 years old, it is wise to invest in an asbestos testing kit.

Things to Do Before You Begin to Move Home

Moving home can be one of the most stressful events you can experience in your life. It is up there with the birth of a new child, sitting an important final exam, or making an important presentation.

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If you are moving home soon or thinking about it, then there are definitely some things you should know and tips you can use before the big day arrives. With a little bit of preparation and planning, you can take a lot of the stress out of the day, and maybe even enjoy it a little.

Plan Your Change of Address

Once you move, you need all your bills and important mail to follow you there, unfortunately. You should register your move with the postal service to get your mail re-directed, but you should also inform important third parties like your bank, insurance agent, and utility bill companies about the move yourself to make sure there is no delay in communication that can cause you problems later on.

Plan Your Packing, and Make Enough Time for It

Packing up all the contents of your old home is a big job, and without the right approach, you can cause yourself all kinds of unpacking problems in your new home, and potentially lose important boxes and items in the move.

Have a look online about what to do before you start packing, and plan out the best way to pack and unpack everything. You’re going to need plenty of labels and boxes, and you will need to have everything ready on the big day. If you are still packing when you should be moving, you are going to lose time and maybe some possessions.

Make an Announcement on Social Media or Family Group chats

Not only do you need to keep the bank and utility companies up to date on your change of address, but you need to tell your friends and family too.

If you don’t mind showing off a little, you could make a post on Facebook or Instagram to let people know you are moving home, and maybe include some pictures of your new property. Be careful about disclosing your new address in full online though. If you want it to be a part of your post make sure you choose the right privacy setting so only close friends and family have access to that information.

Group chats on apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are a safer place to share your address with trusted friends and family and give you more control over the information.

Plan Some Childcare for the Big Day

If you are moving with children, despite their best efforts to help, they are going to cause extra stress on the day and can easily injure themselves with so many heavy boxes and furniture moving between properties.

Try and organize some childcare for the full day and evening with family or close friends. This frees you up to concentrate on the move, and you can bring them to their new home when the move is finished, and they can start unpacking their possessions and move into their new bedrooms.

Moving home can be less stressful than you think with enough planning and some preparation. Make sure these tips are on your to-do list, and you will take a lot of the stress from your house move.

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors Brings Tranquility with Newest Collection

Back in July of 2009, I was a kitchen and bath designer in St. Petersburg, Florida. I was also a newbie blogger at a time when nobody really knew what a design blog was. I was working on a renovation project and I had to specify some wood floors. Wood floors aren’t very common in Florida, and my client at the time was looking for something out of the ordinary.

I found Carlisle Wide Plank Floors through a combination of a Google search and a recommendation from a colleague from New York. Carlisle Wide Plank Floors was an absolute joy to work with as a supplier and, as a bonus, they were the first real brand who took me seriously as a blogger and who allowed me to use their image library.

It’s hard to imagine that there was a time when bloggers had to beg for content, but Carlisle Wide Plank Floors was different. They saw the potential in this new medium and were only too glad to help. I have always had a great deal of admiration and respect (my feelings toward them border on affection, to be honest) for Carlisle Wide Plank Floors. Fast forward 11 years and here I sit on the other side of the country from that long-ago project in Florida. Due to an unfortunately placed and now damaged waste line that has to be fixed, Frank and I have to replace the wood floors in the first floor of our home this year. Thanks to my great first-hand experience with Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, guess whose floors are going into our home?

I’d already selected the finish for our project, but I may have to rethink my decision because Carlisle Wide Plank Floors just unveiled their new Tranquil Collection. This new collection was created to meet the growing demand for smooth face flooring in a low matte, layered finish in warmer tones. Honestly, check out the finishes in this collection. I am over the moon for Eden.

Originally, I selected Hideaway from their Retreat Collection because it worked so well with the other floor finishes we have in the house, but as soon as I saw Eden, it felt as if the decision had been made for me.

Anyhow, the Tranquil Collection is available in eight-inch wide Signature Grade planks, each carefully hand selected by Carlisle artisans. The collection includes six gorgeous colors: Eden, Haven, Harbor, Oasis, Preserve and Sanctuary. Those finishes range from a subtly weathered taupe to a deep warm gray to a richly saturated brown, and all of the collection’s inviting hues whisper a feeling of comfort and calm. The organic character of the timber is maintained, instilling a sense of elegance and an instinctual connection with nature.

Most wood flooring products with layered color use a hard wax oil to create the finish, requiring both daily maintenance and periodic re-oiling to prevent the finish from drying out over time. Carlisle’s Tranquil Collection utilizes a UV-cured oil that doesn’t require specialty cleaning products or frequent reapplications of finish.

The Tranquil Collection comes in ¾” plank thickness and in two- to 12-foot lengths, with a choice of engineered or solid construction. Planks are end matched for ease of installation. The collection can be ordered through Carlisle showrooms and design consultants.

In all candor and with all hyperbole aside, Carlisle Wide Plank Floors are an industry leader for a reason. No one else in their industry approaches wood floors with the level of thought and precision these guys do. If you’re looking for wood floors, start your search with Carlisle Wide Plank Floors.

Back in (Matte) Black

In early February of this year, the International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas was a showcase of trends and new products put on by an industry buoyed by the outlook that 2020 was going to be a banner year by all counts. Well, nobody could have seen what was coming and continues to unfold today. Despite what feels like a global pause, builders are still building and designers are still designing.

Construction and renovation lead the way to revitalized economies, and there can be no doubt that these industries will become even more important as the global economy comes roaring back to life in the coming months.

Some of what we were seeing at IBS a few months ago is still very much relevant, and an overriding color trend that will continue to grow in popularity is the generous use of matte back in the home. While black has always had an allure and a sophistication, designers tended not to use it as a focus in home decor. However, the availability of matte black as opposed to more glossy finishes is opening a door to integrating more black into interior spaces. Matte black is subtle and luxurious at the same time. It invites touch but – unlike a lot of shinier finishes – it’s easy to live with and keep looking clean.

Two real standouts when it comes to matte black offerings are appliances from Elmira Stove Works and heated towel racks from Amba.

Elmira Stove Works’ retro-inspired Northstar refrigerators in textured black take what’s already a statement-making appliance and ratchet up the cool factor even further. Even more amazing, you can order your Northstar fridge with a factory-installed BrewMaster draft system that includes a through-the-door tap dispenser, coupler, connections, CO2 cylinder, retro-flame splash plate and drip tray. Add a keg of your favorite brew, pull the tap, sit back and chill. And, of course, the keg and fittings can be removed to utilize full fridge functionality.

In addition to fridges, Elmira also offers its ranges, dishwasher and microwave in textured black. These high-performance cooking appliances include sleek chrome accents and classic retro styling for a nostalgic look with modern functionality.



Wildly popular in Europe and now catching on in North America, heated towel racks are a great addition to any bath renovation you’re considering. An Amba heated towel rack isn’t just luxury for the sake of luxury, however. Heated towel racks not only do an amazing job of warming up drafty winter bathrooms and, drying damp towels and clothes, but they can also prevent mildew growth.

A pre-warmed towel and bathrobe can take the edge off of a chilly morning – that’s a given. Beyond that, the sculptural beauty of an Amba heated towel rack can become a bathroom design focal point. The fact that Amba offers their towel racks in a matte black finish makes them a bit of attainable luxury that’s on trend.

Appliances from Elmira Stove Works and Amba Heated Towel Racks stand ready to help you make your design visions a reality as we pick and move toward a “new” 2020.

Choosing Appliances for Your Home: Décor, Priorities and More

Whether you have just bought a home, or you’ve finally got around to starting the kitchen renovation project that you’ve been putting off for a while, choosing appliances with care is crucial. Décor is certainly a factor, and we are going to discuss it, but it shouldn’t be the only, or even the first, thing you consider about a home appliance.

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What Do You Need?

This is one of the most underrated questions of all time in this department, because people often start looking with a vague idea, rather than a definite one. Don’t make that mistake; list down the following first:

• Which appliances do you need? Not every home really needs a dishwasher, for example.
• Decide on the size/capacity of each appliance, as would be appropriate for your home’s needs.
• Some features are gimmicks, while others are quite helpful. Do your research to determine which are essential.

By the time you have this list, you will be able to save money and select the best appliance for each category.

Prioritize the Essentials

You can perhaps do without a microwave, but having a water filtration system is critical to everyone’s health at home. Visit the Discount Filter Store and check out the excellent whole house water filtration systems they have from international names such as Tier1 and Culligan. Safe drinking water in all rooms, at all times, is a must for big houses, but they also have smaller portable water filters for the kitchen that are ideal for small apartments.

Consider the Climatic Conditions

Speaking of essential appliances, don’t forget about the HVAC system. Decide on the model only after taking into account the climatic conditions first. A house in Fort Myers is going to need a lot of cooling, for example, while one in Aberdeen is going to need a large heat capacity. The more climate appropriate your heating and cooling solution turns out to be, the more you will save on energy bills. Also, you may want to look for a HVAC model that comes with a smart thermostat to further shrink the bills without affecting indoor comfort.

Décor is Easier to Manage than You Think

Try to buy only the most essential and necessary appliances for your new/newly decorated home first, before expanding from there on, following the as-needed rule. This strategy can do wonders for your internal décor because the less appliances you have, the less you will need to worry about them fitting in with the décor. Below are some décor tips to keep in mind:

• Concealed ovens and washers come in all sizes and they disappear without a trace when not in use
• If you feel that the fridge won’t look good as a standalone, opt for an integrated solution during the renovation

Keep a minimalist approach with a focus on the essential appliances first, and you’re all set. You may still need to repaint a wall or add new tiles if you cannot find space for concealment, but that can actually work in your room’s favor.

Give the Earth a place in your home

Nothing feels better than dressing with the season or decorating your home to accommodate the change in weather and daylight hours. Not only does wood signify the change of seasons, but if you use it for your flooring, it can signify a change in mood or atmosphere. If this is what you want then there is no better way than with luxury vinyl wooden flooring. Here’s why…

Embrace your dark side

Wooden flooring gives you the ability to make a house a home, with luscious dark and golden tones, you can add ambiance and warmth without having to light a single candle. Dark shades can be accessorized to match any season. Surround yourself with faux fur rugs and potpourri for the perfect winter setting.

Lighten up your day

If your home is hectic and you feel the need to introduce an element of calm, look on the bright side with light wooden flooring. Light beige, golden and even white flooring can all add an element of zen to a room. Expand natural elements with exotic plants and wicker baskets to enhance the earthy tone.

Wood is all-round wonderful

Knowing that the flooring you choose will remain in your home for the foreseeable future adds pressure making the right decision. This is why natural woods are currently on-trend and is here to stay. All wooden-based flooring can be accentuated, and the design patterns are endless. Wood gives your furnishings a neutral backdrop, making them pop!

Less is more

If you’re choosing a patterned flooring style such as Herringbone or Parquet, then it would be wise to choose a painted wall. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a bold colour. Try light golden oak wood strips with a burgundy matte paint for a contrasting theme. This works well with dark wood furnishings, woolly blankets and pendant lighting.

The perfect Luxury Vinyl flooring is waiting for you

Choices are all around you but knowing where to start looking can be the hard part. Amtico offers quality luxury vinyl flooring, with Décor, Signature and Click Smart ranges, both fitting and designing your look is hassle-free. For a design with more grandeur and detail, Luvanto Click and Herringbone will have you designing in your dreams.

6 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home in 2020

Your home is likely the most valuable asset in your possession. It’s where you eat, sleep, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. For most people, that alone is enough reason to continue investing in value-adding changes and improvements, be it a fresh coat of paint, some additional furniture or a full-fledged remodel.

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But investing in your home doesn’t just make it a more pleasant place to live. It also makes a reliable contribution to your long-term financial wellbeing. History has proven that real estate is a wise investment. It’s more dependable and lucrative than stocks, as well as offering a range of tax benefits.

Make the right improvements and you’ll reap the rewards come the day you decide to sell. Read on to discover six tried-and-tested ways to increase the value of your home in 2020.

Landscaping

Attractive, low-maintenance gardens are a major selling point. This is especially true for the front yard, as buyers value properties with high curb appeal. Tidying up your exterior can make a world of a difference. An affordable and reputable landscaping company such as ALD, Inc can work with you to make the right improvements.

Energy Efficiency

There are many reasons to identify how you can use less power. The most immediate benefit is a lower utility bill. Additionally, you can leverage an energy-efficient mortgage to reduce your rates. The value of your property will also increase, especially if it’s located in a particularly hot or cold region.
Start by switching out old light bulbs for LED units. Double-paned windows and enhanced insulation are also great investments. A programmable thermostat will significantly reduce heating and cooling expenses. While pricey upfront, solar panels are a reliable value-booster. A free energy audit can help you find more solutions.

Visual Space

Increasing physical square footage is usually a costly endeavor. Instead, increase the visual space in your home by making a few clever adjustments. This includes adding mirrors, reducing clutter, and replacing heavy draperies with vertical blinds or shutters. You can also install a few shelving units to clean up and organize busy spaces.

Air Quality

An often-overlooked factor, improving the air quality of your home can make a noticeable difference to its value. The best way to do this is by replacing carpeted floors with tiles or laminate, thus reducing the presence of allergens and contaminants. Hard surfaces are also more visually appealing and easier to maintain.

Ceilings

For added value and architectural interest, consider refreshing your ceilings. This can include removing popcorn ceilings, installing faux beams, adding a new coat of paint, and using beadboard panels to cover unattractive areas.

Bathroom Improvements

Upgrading your bathroom is always a smart move. You can anchor a towel bar, pick up a frameless shower door, retile the floor, replace old wallpaper, prop up a cabinet or install a ventilation fan. Anything that cleans up and modernizes your bathroom is bound to make a difference.

Conclusion

The possibilities are endless here. Take a look around your home and see where you can make an improvement.