Battle of the Bathroom: Combining His and Her Bathroom Trends [Infographic]
Men and women often have very different ideas about what makes the perfect bathroom. Some of these differences arise from simple discrepancies in taste, but others come from disparities in habits between men and women in general. That said, men and women aren't different in every way. Both have several overlapping bathroom preferences, especially when it comes to pet peeves. Men and women also tend to prefer setups that have practical usefulness for their daily routines. While some of these things can be addressed by behavioral changes, others are best dealt with by carefully planning the physical design of the bathroom.
Things that Bother Both Men and Women
- Toilet paper holders being left empty
- Spots on the mirror
- Toothpaste in the sink
- Dirty clothes on the floor
What Women Don't Like in Terms of Behavior
- The toilet seat being left up
- The shower not being wiped after use
Bathroom Behaviors that Men Don't Like
- Towels "covered in" makeup
- Counter clutter
- Hair left in the sink, shower, or tub
What Men Like in Bathroom Design
- Dark, masculine colors
- Vanity at standing height
- Clean lines
- Big steam showers
- Stone tiles
- A magazine rack
- A TV on a swing arm
What Women Want
- Light, feminine colors
- A dry vanity
- Vanity at sitting height
- Painted cabinets
- Storage closets
- A soaking tub
- Better lighting
How to Reconcile and Peacefully Share a Bathroom
- 85% of men and women would like to change their bathrooms. Combine the best parts of both his and hers bathroom designs to create a compromis
- Use light-colored stone tile to reconcile her desire for light colors and his desire for stone.
- Put in a vanity/countertop that has two parts: One area, with a his and hers bathroom sink duo at standing height; and another part that is dry and positioned for use while sitting.
- Add that storage cabinet. It will help with the countertop clutter that men want to get rid of, yet keep everything handy.
- Remember that men need some storage and working space, too. Make sure there is plenty of room around his sink.
- Put in other storage solutions, such as shelves and towel rods, to help keep clothing and wet towels off the floor.
- Install the biggest counter that is practical.
- If you have enough space, install a soaking tub and shower stall.
- Use a toilet paper holder that can hold multiple rolls or that has a unique, but easy, reloading system.
- Add a hamper to catch dirty clothes.
- Don't hesitate to remodel. One of the things both men and women agree on is the need to change the actual design of the bathroom.
If All Else Fails, Try the Nuclear Option
- Designate separate bathrooms
- Custom design them to match the exact preferences of the intended users
Keeping all of these things in mind will make it much easier to design a bathroom that meets everyone's requirements. While not all people need to make all of the suggested changes, almost everyone can benefit from going ahead with at least some of them. Contact the professionals at RWC Windows, Doors and More to plan your bathroom remodel today.
Installing Large Sliding Glass Doors In Your Home: Here’s How It’s Done
Large sliding glass doors are always useful, but it takes the proper sizing and placement to ensure that they are also safe. It's also important to consider the structural requirements of the home when you're planning on installing a sliding glass door. This way, you'll be sure to enhance your home and enjoy years of trouble-free use of the doors. Learn more about the key steps involved:
Choose Potential Sites for Your New Sliding Glass Doors
While it's possible to open up beautiful views with large-sized sliding glass doors, they should also be placed so that they will offer convenient egress to an area you're likely to frequent. Doors facing backyards, decks, or patios are all popular, but if these areas aren't of that much interest to you, feel free to choose another destination.
Consider the impact of the elements on these doors when choosing a location. These doors should be somewhat sheltered to avoid excessive sun, snow or wind to increase energy efficiency. While the EPA notes that efficiency-minded improvements such as multi-layered glazing have been made, it's still a good idea to choose a fairly sheltered spot for these doors.
Are Sliding Glass Doors Only for the Exterior?
Most people put these doors facing outside the home, but there are several options that are styled for interior use. Interior sliding glass doors are excellent partitions between rooms with wide openings, such as between kitchens and family rooms. Closing them when the rooms aren't in use will help save on energy usage.
Steps for Installation
It is recommended to hire professionals to install sliding glass doors, especially when exterior doors and existing walls are involved. It's important to have professionals who are very knowledgeable about structural requirements to complete the work.
The exterior walls of a home contain load-bearing timbers, which are what keep the house from falling down. Therefore, when a large door or window is installed, a frame has to be constructed to distribute the load to other areas.
Once that is done, a separate frame is made to hold the new door. This is built into the house and provides a place for the visible part of the door frame to be seated. It's important that this is done right so that water, drafts, and insects can't get into the wall and cause problems.
Finally, the door and its attached frame are installed. Since these doors slide, tracks will be put on the top and bottom to allow for easy motion.
Keeping Your New Sliding Doors in Good Condition
Maintenance of these doors is quite simple. Most of the time, they only need to be cleaned with window spray and a cloth to keep them looking their best.
Under some conditions, the doors may stick in their tracks. This typically happens due to grit from outside getting into the lower track. To restore motion, just use a whisk broom to remove the grit and then put down a layer of WD-40 or another lubricant. There is usually no need to replace sliding glass door hardware.
Takeaways
- Keep convenience in mind when choosing a location for sliding glass doors
- Trust professionals instead of worrying about how to install sliding glass doors yourself
- Avoid locations that would increase energy usage too much
- Interior sliding glass doors create beautiful partitions between rooms
- Structural adjustments are often needed to account for alterations to load-bearing areas
- It's important to get a tight seal between the door frame and structural framework
- Metal frames ensure that the doors will continue to slide well
- Caring for sliding glass doors is easy – washing is usually all that is needed
- Clean grit from the track and lubricate it if the doors become sticky
We are professional remodelers with plenty of experience installing sliding glass doors and other upgrades. To get a quote, just contact us here at RWC in West Caldwell, New Jersey.
Exceptional Finishes Found in the Best Bathrooms
The bathroom might seem like an unlikely place for design and decor trends, but this area has seen a surge in innovation over the last few years. Many new ideas in finishes have arrived, as well as an upsurge in the popularity of natural stone tiles. Topping this off is a change in how tubs and showers are built. Let’s explore some of the latest trends.
Paint
Even the best bathrooms have some areas that are painted instead of tiled. In some cases, the only paint is on the ceiling; but in others, it covers at least one wall and usually more.
The latest trend in paint is the eggshell finish. It is described by Rodda Paint, a paint manufacturer, as being halfway between satin and semi-gloss. Uniquely, it looks flat when viewed straight-on, but slightly glossy if it is seen from a sharp or low angle. Its main benefit is practical; an eggshell finish in bathroom environments is easy to wash and releases dirt far better than matte options.
Colors have been more predictable this year, with a preference for relaxing hues. Good Housekeeping's list of the 12 best colors for bathrooms includes several shades of light blue along with many beiges. It does note, however, that not all people want the "relaxing, spa-like experience." For those contrary to light colors, it mentions the bold option of black offset by white or neutral tiles for a dramatic look.
Bathroom Tile
Natural looks have taken the floor – and the walls, and the shower enclosures by storm! In the most upscale bathrooms, large-format, natural stone tiles are ruling supreme. Typically, the tiles are tan or brown stone, bringing a neutral and calm feeling to the room. It's also a big improvement over the garishly-colored and patterned looks of the past. Matte bathroom tile finishes are often used for the walls and other areas that do not need to be completely waterproof, though even these are almost surely treated to resist moisture penetration.
Showers and Tubs
While guest bathrooms still tend to use the old-fashioned tub/shower combo, the same is not true of master baths. There, the current fashion is to have two separate units, both of which have been enlarged to bring a luxurious experience to users. Stand alone soaking tubs have become better in design too. The tubs have gone from the narrow lie-down type to spa-like sit-in versions.
For showers, frameless glass enclosures have taken center stage in the upscale market, and waterproofed natural stone tile typically lines at least one wall. The appearance is very stunning, but it takes meticulous cleaning of the glass after every shower to maintain the crystal-clarity of clear glass elements.
Bathroom Sinks and Vanities
Custom cabinetry, square sinks and double sinks are among the most popular sink trends, however, there too many options to identify a solid trend. This is not the case for bathroom fixture finishes! The once-ubiquitous chrome finish has finally been recognized as boring, and the trend is to replace that look with one that is more sophisticated and creative.
Burnished and/or brushed brass, burnished bronze, and other warm-toned options have taken the fore for metal bathroom elements. They add an aesthetic appeal to the bathroom at any price point, but of course, it takes a bit of an investment to get the top quality versions.
Takeaways
- Eggshell has become a very popular paint finish
- Calming paint colors are in fashion
- Large-format stone tile is hitting the scene in a big way
- The tub/shower combo is out for master bathrooms. Instead, large separate units have taken over.
- Burnished and/or brushed metal finishes are in vogue for bathroom sink fixtures and other metal accessories.
For your bathroom renovation, contact us here at RWC in West Caldwell, New Jersey. We have over 50 years of experience in home remodeling, and will provide the results you seek.
From Ceiling to Floor: How to Make Your Windows Picture Perfect
There's little that can match the stunning visual effect of floor-to-ceiling windows. In fact, just looking at them gives the impression that there are no downsides – but is it true? Here are some of the benefits of these windows, along with a couple of hidden drawbacks that you should be aware of:
The Pros of Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
The biggest pro of these windows is also the most obvious; they look great. They provide excellent, panoramic views of the outdoors, bringing natural elements into the home. Their size makes the room look bigger from inside and out and they make your home appear more expensive.
Floor-to-ceiling windows also create spaces with an abundance of natural light. Combined with the great view of the outdoors they provide, this creates a relaxing space. Studies cited by the University of Minnesota have shown that views of the outdoors lower blood pressure and speed healing. This is a benefit that will make you feel better physically and mentally.
With these windows, you eliminate the need to repaint the walls in order to get a fresh view. The outdoors is constantly changing, with minor differences every day and major ones with each season. You'll be happy to put down the paintbrush once and for all, both indoors and out – and best of all, the scenery will always be more interesting than any paint color!
Adding these windows also increases the perceived value of the home. They look very opulent, and it goes without saying that would-be home buyers will expect to pay more to get a house that includes them. To maximize this effect, be sure the windows are placed so that they overlook the best possible view.
The Drawbacks
As with anything else, there are a few drawbacks to these windows. The cost of floor to ceiling windows can be quite high - from $700 to $1,600 according to Modernize.com - not only because of the amount of glass involved, but due to the amount of engineering and carpentry needed to install them. Since they can take up most or all of a wall, new beams and frames will need to be installed to take the weight of the house. This can make the price prohibitive for some homeowners. That said, home improvement financing can eliminate funding delays.
The lack of privacy offered by the bare windows can be a problem if they are facing in a direction that allows passers-by or neighbors to see in from outdoors. However, this is just a minor issue. Drapes, curtains, blinds, and other standard window coverings are available in large sizes and will provide plenty of privacy when they're closed. For privacy even while the coverings are open, consider tinted or mirrored glass. The drawback with this sort of glass is that it can block too much light if the windows are facing a shady side of the house.
Takeaways:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows look expensive, and this can raise the value of a house
- These windows let in plenty of light
- Natural views reduce stress and can even lower blood pressure
- Large windows don't just look expensive. They actually are, so financing is often needed.
- Privacy can be a concern in some locations.
- Use window coverings or tinted glass to increase indoor privacy
When you decide to go ahead with a home renovation that includes floor-to-ceiling windows, call RWC or fill out the quick form on our site. We serve customers in northern New Jersey and can handle all of your renovations and upgrades. We'll not only install your windows, but take care of any structural updates that are required for these large openings.
New to Kitchen Finishes? Here’s What You Need to Know
Kitchen finishes are unique because they need to protect their associated items from grease, spills, wet cleaning, and more. This means they must be durable but also look great. Here are some of the current overall trends to give you some ideas for your kitchen remodeling projects:
Appliances
Shiny enamel has been a favorite for appliances for decades if not longer, but that doesn't mean that it has stayed looking the same. Basic white, while very common, has not been seen as an "in" color for many years. Instead, bold colors are once again making an appearance, and black remains a favorite as well.
Stainless steel appliances are still going strong, and thanks to its normally-higher price, it has been able to avoid becoming too common. That said, it's not the best-choice option for many kitchens. Its industrial feel works best in modern designs.
Cabinetry
Stained or even simply polished wood is the far-and-away favorite of today's designers, as can be seen from how often it is used in new homes. It looks great in all but the most modern of designs. Clean these cabinets frequently, especially if they're only protected by a light coat of polish.
Paint, whether standard or enamel, is a strong second to polished wood. The most popular color is white thanks to its clean, fresh look. That said, other colors are great for creating themes. HGTV mentions using blues, yellows, and pops of red, among other options.
Getting cabinets pre-finished before they arrive at your home results in a good, even finish thanks to the controlled conditions of the finishing facility. This service ensures the new kitchen cabinetry will be finished perfectly before it is delivered and installed.
Countertops
Kitchen countertop finishes depend heavily on what the underlying surface is made from. Granite, other stone surfaces, and concrete are all best coated in a water-resistant sealant and then polished to a deep shine. This creates a stunningly beautiful surface, but the original point was more practical: a thick layer of shiny sealant keeps liquid from getting into the pores of the stone and causing stains.
Countertops laminated with materials such as Formica can be glossy too, but they often use a semi-gloss finish instead. In laminate, semi-gloss versions are less likely to show damage like scratches.
Backsplashes are often made of the same material as the countertop itself. However, contrast can be gained by using backsplash tile for kitchen countertops. Tile is waterproof and durable, so it works very well for this purpose.
Flooring
Kitchen floors must look beautiful, yet also be waterproof and easy to clean. That creates a conundrum because one of today's biggest trends in general flooring is hardwood. According to TheFlooringGirl.com, flooring manufacturers are bridging this gap with waterproof wood-look kitchen alternatives made of vinyl planks, porcelain planks, and other materials. This means that browns and tans are currently ruling to get the look of hardwood. Floors are almost always finished to a shine, especially in kitchens. While matte can look great, shiny floors are more resistant to stains resulting from spills.
Takeaways
- Stainless steel appliances are popular, but they have not become commonplace.
- Wood cabinetry is always a hit.
- Painted cabinets allow homeowners to move away from the browns of wood.
- Countertop finishes depend on the construction material.
- Wood-look vinyl and porcelain materials are trending in kitchen flooring.
- Kitchen flooring typically has a glossy finish to resist stains
To get your kitchen redone in all of the latest colors and finishes, just contact us here at RWC. We're northern New Jersey's experts at home remodeling projects, with over 54 years in business.