Creating your dream bathroom has never been more affordable or more accessible to the homeowner. While your fixtures and fittings are important, there’s no better way to achieve your perfect look than by taking advantage of the latest bathroom glazing and glass technologies.

This post explores just a few recent glass innovations that can completely transform your bathroom whether it’s a practical family bathroom or a luxury ensuite oasis.

-

1. Frameless Shower Screens

While glass shower screens have been the popular choice for decades, recent innovation in glass manufacturing has removed the need for unattractive and bulky frames, making them as stylish as they are practical.

Combining sleek slim line fittings and specially strengthened glass, modern shower screens are almost completely unsupported, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your bathroom.

At the same time as being infinitely stylish, frameless glass shower screens also bring a new level of practicality and are almost completely maintenance free. With less places for mold, mildew and grime to accumulate, frameless shower screens only need regular cleaning to keep them looking as good as the day that they were installed for many years to come.

-

2. Mood Enhancing Mirrors

Mirrors are a must-have for any bathroom, but that doesn’t mean that they have to remind you of a Hollywood make-up station. Traditional mirrors can reflect light harshly and can detract from the overall look and feel of your bathroom.

Today’s bathroom mirrors can be treated in a variety of ways to best suit your design aesthetic. Subtle sepias from a copper coating can be the perfect compliment to a classic heritage style bathroom, and brooding tints can create a mature, masculine look.

As well as the mirror itself, experiment with the variety of frames available to bring out the most in your renovation.

-

3. Glass Splashbacks

While tiles have always been the go-to material for vanity splashbacks, glass is quickly overtaking them as the preferred choice of for designers and style-conscious homeowners alike.

Recent color-matching technology means that glass splashbacks are available in almost any color imaginable. Combining color with a variety of options including pearlescent and mirrored finishes means that the look that you want to achieve is only limited by your imagination.

-

4. Energy Efficient Glass

Choosing the right glass for your bathroom is not just about looks. After choosing the right style options for your showerscreen, mirror and splashback, also consider how you are going to make your bathroom a more comfortable place to enjoy with energy efficient glass.

Innovative double glazing solutions can make your bathroom windows and skylights significantly more energy efficient, retaining heat in your bathroom in the cooler months while at the same time reducing your heating costs.

Talk to your glazing about energy efficient glazing technology and low E glass to learn more about exactly how best to utilize this technology in your bathroom.

***

Of course, this is only a taste of how you can introduce glass into your bathroom. Today’s modern bathroom can be created almost entirely from glass from floor and wall tiles to vanity tops and doors… all of which offer compelling value for money as well as chic style.

Citations:

This article was written for Pankow Construction, Inc. by Palmers Glass, a leading glass company in Sydney specialising in frameless shower screens.

Pankow Construction Services the Following Arizona Cities – Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, Cave Creek, Carefree, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert. For more information view our kitchen remodeling blog.

Bathroom Design Phoenix-Scottsdale, AZ

Less generous bathroom spaces aren’t as difficult to remodel as you may imagine. You don’t have to spend a small fortune designing your small bathroom to look bigger and attractive either. Based on your personal needs and affordability, you can consider a few or all of the design ideas discussed below.

-

Colors and accents

Lighter and softer colours create an illusion of space. Try painting the walls in subtle shades that offer a less closeted feel and make the space more airy. For wallpaper coverings, opt for smaller and minimalist patterns as opposed to busy and large prints. It is also a good idea to keep one wall uncovered to lend more openness and spaciousness.

For a less intimate and uncomfortable feel, consider light colours for your bathroom floor as well. Tans – browns, greys, blues and some reds – for flooring can be matched with the light wall colours.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t jazz up your bathroom a bit. Brighter visual accents can complement the predominant lighter hues.  Just remember not to use an excess of bold colours or you risk making the space appear tighter.

-

Lighting

The brightness generated in bathrooms with multiple lighting fixtures creates the perception of more space. They make bathrooms appear more warm and inviting. You can consider installing additional lighting fixtures or use higher wattage bulbs for the same effect.

Another great way to usher in more light is by fixing a new window – the natural light is welcome, and you won’t be compromising on the already limited space either. You can also consider installing a skylight for this purpose.

-

Keep clutter away

Perhaps the simplest way to make your bathroom appear bigger is to do away with the ‘clutter’. This means laundry hampers, decorative items that only eat up space and don’t deliver much value, and other knick-knacks and supplies that can be stored elsewhere  (pantry, for instance). The greater the number of items visible in the bathroom, the more cramped it will feel.

-

Other fixtures

Simpler fixtures with smooth surfaces and made from natural stones work best for modest spaces. A popular addition is the pedestal sink that replaces a vanity top. This can release space to the tune of almost ten per cent.

You cannot go wrong with additional mirrors in your small bathroom. Use physics to your advantage – mirrors capture the available light in the room and reflect it back, creating more brightness and openness. Extra mirrors also create a perception of depth, reflecting off each other and making the walls feel like they are farther apart. If you have a small shower enclosure, you can consider colour glass splashbacks. These are low-maintenance, easy to clean and make the space more hygienic.

If you have the means to undertake larger scale remodelling that can transform your small bathroom into a true relaxation haven, by all means go ahead. For simpler tweaks and additions, consider these design ideas. They can be incorporated without much effort, and won’t set you back (financially) either.

-

Author Bio: Penny is an expert associated with Glass Logic, a specialist supplier of innovative glass products. The company maintains an extensive catalogue of coloured kitchen splashbacks & worktops in a variety of textures and colours. Individual glass splashbacks for bathrooms and kitchen countertops, and full-design services are available.

By: Penny

Weighing Savings and Ease: Should You Replace Your Counters By Yourself?

When tackling a major Phoenix home renovation project such as a kitchen remodel, cutting corners to save the budget is a common consideration. You might be asking yourself, “How much can I do?” Painting the walls is the first on this list, and probably something you’ve already done before.” What do I absolutely need to hire a professional for?” Installing a new gas line comes to mind. And what about those activities that fall into a grey zone? For example, installing the countertop is doable, but  can difficult and costly if mistakes are made. When making this decision, there are a number of factors that should be included in your calculations.

-

TBC (To Be Considered)…	DIY (Do It Yourself) If…	PSE (Pay Someone Else) If…
Size Countertop installation is typically priced by the square foot of countertop. Thus, size is a huge consideration for the budget-minded. However, size also impacts the weight and ease of maneuvering a countertop.	Your countertop is small enough that you and your assistants (family, friends, neighbors) can get it into the kitchen and correctly fit it onto the cabinets, but large enough that the money saved is worth the time, energy, and effort on your part.	Your counter top is fragile, difficult to fit through the doorways leading to the kitchen, or too heavy for your personal crew to safely carry.
Counter Material There are a number of materials that can be used for countertops. The main effects of the material on DIY considerations involve weight as well as fragility.	You are using laminate or another easy to move, hard to break material.	Your material is one such as marble or granite: heavy. Or the material you have chosen is likely to break if not moved with the utmost care.
Shape Walls stabilize a counter during placement.  Corners make it more difficult to perfectly align the counter.	Your counter is a simple shape, braced by one or more walls to help line it up.	Your counter is free-standing, such as on an island, as this will require significant measurement and potentially multiple adjustments, making the installation more complicated.
Joints Some counters are cut into multiple small pieces to make them more manageable during transit. These pieces must then be fitted onto the cabinets, fastened together, and sealed for water-proofing.	Your counter is in one piece OR you are comfortable using the “Draw-Tight” Fasteners that will hold the sections together and caulking the joints.  Consider how easily you can access proper equipment for this task.	You do not have access to the tools used for fasteners, or are not comfortable either using the fasteners or caulking for a water-tight seal.
Appliances Sinks are the most common, but indoor grills and kitchen accessories may require the countertop be cut around them and lined up with water, drainage, and/or gas lines.	You need only cut the hole for your sink, or the counter top will be delivered with holes for appliances precut (this is rarely the case).  The material used for your counter is easily cut and resistant to chipping or cracking.	You have multiple appliances that will require holes, hook-ups, and sealing.  Your material is easy to cut with a basic jigsaw, or other tool you have access to.

-

By considering these factors you should be able to determine the extent of the difficulty, the risk to your overall Phoenix Kitchen Remodel and usefulness, as well as the savings that will benefit your bottom line, and determine whether or not you want to go it alone on installing your new counter.  If it makes sense, go for it!

-

Susan Anderson is a blogger who writes about corian countertops for solidsurface.com.

Home Remodeling Services in Phoenix

Pankow Construction is a design/build company located in Phoenix, AZ. You might be asking, “What exactly is design/build…?” This is a fair question, so let’s try and clear things up.

-

First, let’s break up the word Design/Build:

-

Design – Pankow Construction offers design services much like an architect would. However, unlike architects, the core of Pankow’s design is in 3D software. Our 3D services create a realistic model of our client’s home remodeling project that allows critical decisions to be made before construction begins. Knowing what to expect can reduce change orders by as much as 30% during a home remodeling project. In addition, changes can be made more quickly during the design phase than traditional drawings. What once took days or weeks to correct and adjust, can be achieved in minutes or seconds!

-

The “Build” in Design/Build means comprehensive construction services that offer clients a turn-key experience. Pankow Construction is a licensed contractor and has close relations with professional sub contractors throughout the Phoenix region. In addition, our build comes with a 3 year warranty, a full year more than the industry standard. This allows homeowners peace of mind that their remodel is completed and safely and professional, and if anything were to happen, they’re covered.

-

Some other advantages of a Design/Build company is it’s unique niche in the market. Some home remodeling projects, such as a bathroom or kitchen remodel, fall short of 100k in cost, and may not be appealing to architects. In addition, these smaller projects may be too small for a general contractor running operations out of their truck. Design/Build has just the right amount of over head to give you a custom remodel without breaking the bank. If you are interested in learning more about design/build, visit our Phoenix Design/Build homepage, or call 602-595-0799 to talk to one of our designers in the office.

-

Counter Tops in Phoenix & Scottsdale, AZ

There are dozens of contemporary countertop types available, made from hundreds of different materials. The pros and cons of each are usually based on cost, aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and heat resistance, since they’re typically found in kitchens and bathrooms. Here’s a review of the five most popular natural countertop types and the materials they’re made from:

-

-

Granite

Granite receives high marks in nearly all categories. Pros include its beauty, high number of commercial varieties to choose from, extreme durability, and high heat resistance. Although it is one of the more expensive choices, it has gained recent popularity and is dropping in price. One con can be that it requires a bit of maintenance because it should be resealed periodically and washed only with a diluted, mild natural soap or granite-specific cleaner. You can view some granite examples in our phoenix kitchen remodeling portfolio.

-

Marble

Marble is popular, despite its tendency to scratch, crack, and chip easily. That’s because it’s gorgeous with a polished finish and adds both beauty and value to homes. Bathrooms done from floor to ceiling in marble are extremely popular in higher-end homes right now, while households on a tighter budget may pair Marblex flooring with matching countertops Marble is also prone to damage from acidic spills, so a honed finish is sometimes used in kitchens where marble may receive a lot of wear. While marble doesn’t seem to have a lot of perks, a growing number of homeowners are willing to deal with its downsides in exchange for its beauty.

-

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile has been popular for over 100 years and holds a lot of options for different styles, colors, and designs. It’s not as durable as a natural stone like granite, but it’s made from a dense clay and fired at high temperatures, so it does very well in the durability and heat resistance categories. Ceramic tile is a cost-effective choice, so it’s practical to purchase a box of extra tiles for replacing ones that do get damaged. It’s fairly easy to clean and maintain, although grout can stain and will require a good scrub from time to time.

-

Bamboo-

Bamboo is hip right now, but it won’t be for long because it’s not durable. It’s easily damaged, warped, discolored, and stained, and it doesn’t stand up well to heat. It is considered eco-friendly, however, because bamboo grows easily with minimal resources and is safe for food preparation. A slightly more practical kitchen might make use of butcher’s block countertops instead, which similarly invite the chef to chop, slice, and cut right on the counter, but are somewhat more durable.

-

Recycled Glass

Recycled glass countertops consist of about 85% post-consumer waste, so they are eco-friendly and extremely popular right now, especially in green homes, restaurants, and boutiques. These countertops are bright, colorful, stylish, and hip, available in a variety of shard sizes, colors, and combinations, even mimicking a natural stone when the shards are finely ground. Downsides are that they can be costly, some colors stain easily, and it can’t be repaired when chipped or cracked.
By: Salvatore Giardina

-

Phoenix Bathroom Lighting Tips

Lighting may seem like a easy topic, but there’s a whole art behind it. There’s even a profession as a lighting designer, read more about lighting designers at www.iald.org. If a lighting designer seems a bit extreme, there are some things you can learn on your own to spice up your bathroom.

-

Layer Your Bathroom Lights – Chances are you grew up with a single light above the bathroom mirror and you’re accustomed to a single source of light for your bathroom. Now a days, this as seen as tacky and unflattering. To really add spice to a bathroom makeover, try to incorporate these four types of lighting:

-

• Task - Lighting used for daily things like shaving or makeup.
• Ambient - This lighting is achieved by bouncing light off the ceiling which softens shadows.
• Accent - Used to give your bathroom dimension and highlight design elements or artwork.
• Decorative - Here you can have a little fun and add some pzazz with a modern hanging

Another recommended tip is creating different areas of lights for different situations, referred to as “scenes”. For example, you may want to use brighter light where you get ready such as the  vanity or a walk in closet, and a softer light near the soaking tub or shower.

-

Although these tips generally apply to artificial lighting, there’s nothing better than natural light. This is a problem in bathrooms that are built within interior walls and sometimes have capabilities of adding windows at all. One way to overcome this challenge is the use of Soaltubes. Solatubes are a small skylight that are flexible and easy to install in any home. This is a great way to bring natural light in your bathroom. If this is too expensive, you can try and fake it using color-correct LED lights that simulate daylight. You can view some of our very own bathroom lighting here.

-

Phoenix Home Remodeling – Cost vs. Value 2011

People will often tell you remodeling your home is a great investment. But faced against a slowly recovering economy, a crippling housing market, and job uncertainty – how true is that statement today and how will it change it tomorrow?

-

This year’s Cost vs. Value report  assess the ROI on multiple home remodeling projects in different regions of the country. The results show a market shift from larger remodeling projects, to smaller home improvement projects such as window replacement. Traditionally, kitchen and bathroom remodeling saw the highest ROI and were considered your best bet. An average homeowner might expect an 80-85% ROI on a kitchen remodel. Today, that number has dropped to 57.7% for 2011-2012.

-

Although replacement projects historically outperform remodeling projects, the gap has grown dramatically over the last few years. The cost-value ratio for window and door replacement for 2011-2012 is 71.6%, nearly 14 points higher than a kitchen remodel. The main reason is due to the fact that a replacement project is significantly less than a home remodeling project. Most replacement projects such as window or door replacement instantly improves curb appeal and can decrease utility cost. This is an important deciding factor for a lot of homeowners who have recently become more conscious about their energy bills. The value of saving money in the long term often outweighs aesthetic trends and conveniences such as double ovens or larger kitchen islands. Replacement projects are often done out of necessity. To gauge a better idea of the current housing and remodeling market, it’s better to go to the source and ask homeowner’s if they believe the ROI of a home remodel is worth the investment.

-

According to Hanley Wood’s “Housing 360″ research, 42% of homeowners believe it is a good time to remodel. This number jumps to 56% when the household income is 100k or more. Another optimistic sign is the fact that 80% of homeowners are relying less on credit, and more on cash from their savings.

-

You can view the report for Phoenix, AZ at http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2010/costvsvalue/division/mountain/city/phoenix–az.aspx.

Unique Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

-

Remodeling or updating your bathroom is always a great investment to your home and lifestyle. The decision to remodel your bathroom might be easier than choosing the design elements. Bathroom trends are constantly changing and going to a home improvement store might not be the best place to get unique ideas. The following article is a list of places to look into for bathroom remodeling ideas.

-

Go To Open Houses

If you live around Phoenix, chances are your neighbor’s house is going to be similar, if not identical to your current home. If your neighbors are having an open house, take advantage of the opportunity to take a peak into their home and see what kind of changes they might have made to their bathrooms. It’s a great way to get someone else’s perspective on a similar space. Plus, while you’re in the house, you can check out other rooms like the kitchen.

-

Go To Showrooms

Most home improvement stores should have kitchen models on display that can give you an idea of some popular trends. There are also home remodeling showrooms such as Ferguson, or Design Center in North Scottsdale that have professionally designed showrooms that tend to use higher quality products than a home improvement store. For More information on our phoenix bathroom remodeling services, click here.

-

Watching Home Improvement Shows

There’s definitely a demand for home improvement shows, especially DIY projects. Because there’s so many different shows, there’s something for everyone. HGTV is a great network to start. Shows like design star often show design challenges that have to be finished on a limited budget and timeline. You might find an episode that’s focused on the bathroom and get up to 10 bathroom remodeling ideas in one episode!

-

You can also view our own bathroom remodeling portfolio for ideas of recent projects we’ve completed around Phoenix.