Posted by Jason Gettum on Fri, Mar 22, 2013 @ 03:25 PM
Tile floor warming for your shower
While interest for bathroom remodeling has always been high, the past few years the requests for such projects have increased noticeably. As an Indianapolis home remodel contractor, Gettum Associates has recognized a trend in creating larger, walk-in type showers. In many cases, homeowners are removing once popular but seldom used, garden or whirlpool tubs and reconfiguring the space to accomodate a more spacious shower.
Larger showers can sometimes seem like an unnecessary luxury, however in many cases they serve a need for many busy families. A larger shower can accommodate more than the standard one shower head and space for one person at a time. In many of the newer walk in tile showers, there is enough space to add a second shower head or faucet. The ability of a shower space to allow more than one person to bathe and get ready in the morning can help with a family where both parents work full-time jobs and have children to get ready in the morning.
Along with greater space for efficiency, larger showers now come equipped with many options. Not only are the design options infinite with special tiles, borders, trims etc, many showers utilize corner shelves, bench seats and niches for convenience. Another convenience that could be conceived as a luxury is that of in-floor, heated shower floor tile. Heated tile floors have been around for a long time, but the idea to install beneath a shower floor is a welcomed trend! Gone are the days of stepping onto a cold shower the first thing in the morning!
There are many manufacturers and brands of heated floor systems and most offer a solution for heated shower floors. One brand that Gettum Associates has experience with is the Nu-Heat, heated floor system. Nu-heat, like other brands, offers a heated shower floor system. Nu-heat utilizes a mesh mat with heated wires that connect to an electrical supply and a thermostat. The thermostats sets the temperature to your liking, eliminating the shockingly cold feeling on your feet when you step into your shower to wake-up/shower in the morning. Not only is the warmth welcome to your body, but it also helps dry up water and moisture on the shower floor when you are done. A win-win for you and your shower!
To find out more about creating a functional, larger shower for your next bathroom remodel consult Gettum Associates, an award-winning Indianapolis area home remodel contractor located in Greenwood, Indiana.
Posted by Jason Gettum on Thu, Jan 31, 2013 @ 07:00 AM
Color Trends 2013:
Because it's a basic color in nature, green tends to be easy on the eyes. Whether paired with happy spring colors or deep, rich shades of fall, the hue can blend or stand out as you see fit in your interior decor. Each year, Pantone, the color guru's of America for the past 50 years, have forecasted tangerine, honeysuckle and turquoise as the trending color of the next 12 months. For 2013, it's Emerald's turn to shine. Here's how to easily incorporate the vivid hue into your home dcor without it quickly growing outdated:
In the Living Area
Using your living room as a canvas for the new color is one of the boldest ways to incorporate Emerald into your home. If you love the look, adorn an accent wall or interior lining of a bookshelf with this fun hue. For a more subtle inclusion, pair matching Emerald lampshades with rich shades of furniture you already own.
In the Bedroom
Beside pillows, consider an Emerald colored tufted headboard or curtains that hang breezily over the Shade Store's window blinds. Paired with deep browns, rich navy and subdued metallics, the pop of Emerald will add a dramatic flair to your room. If a complete makeover isn't in your plan, include the jewel tone in an extra subtle way crisp, white sheets adorned with Emerald embroidery threading.
In the Kitchen
Using a pop of green in your kitchen can help the space come alive and feel welcoming, balanced and in harmony with all of your other rooms. Pair tea towels with a multicolored rug and matching place mats in the dining room. Find jewel colored accessories to place throughout the space, such as a metallic-Emerald front for the toaster or mixer, salt shakers or serving trays. For a less pronounced approach, fill a clear vase with Emerald-colored sea glass to do the trick.
In the Office
According to a press release, Emerald is known to signify new life, growth and prosperity.
"Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
Use the color in your office to motivate you and encourage personal, financial and career success in 2013.
In the Bathroom
The bathroom is the best place to go bold because accessories are often replaced every few years. Let an Emerald waterfall-ruffle shower curtain be the room's focal point or pair a patterned Emerald wallpaper with bright-white linens. Incorporate the color throughout the room in less dramatic ways, like in towel threading, cabinet knobs or colored soaps.
In Your Closet
Granted you'll want to have a few key pieces of Emerald in your closet, such as a handbag or pair of shoes, but what about your actual closet? Bring forgotten colors out of the woodwork by painting the interior walls a radiant Emerald. Substitute paint for light wallpaper. If all else fails, add a pretty rug to meet your Emerald fix.
About the author:
Margaret Branson
Margaret has been redecorating homes since was 6, when she created curtains from pink Kleenex to match the parlor furniture in her dollhouse. She's been enjoying decorating and accenting rooms and giving advice to her readers on decorating, ever since.
Posted by Jason Gettum on Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @ 10:20 AM
Affordable bathroom updates that make a big impact
Keeping your home up to date is a good way to maintain its value. One of the most popular rooms of the home to update is the bathroom. Bathroom updates can vary in size and scope, from simple half bath or powder room upgrades, all the way up to full master bathroom remodels. And while it is true that a full bathroom remodel can be costly, a simple update does not have to be!
Sometimes, replacing simple items can make a big difference in the appearance. The bathroom provides a great opportunity in that there are several components that can be replaced and usually for an affordable price.
Below is a list of bathroom items that are easy to upgrade:
Bathroom flooring -
Replacing the floor in your bathroom is a great way to update the look. Tile is the most popular choice for a bath floor, but you can also consider hardwood if it's a hall bath or powder room (a bath without a tub or shower). If your on a tight budget, you can also choose a vinyl tile that looks like ceramic or other tile materials at a fraction of the price. If you your confident you can tackle the installation yourself, you can save a bundle if you only have to purchase materials and are willing to do the demolition on your own. However, for a professional looking installation, you should remove the toilet to install new flooring so be sure you are comfortable with that.
Bathroom lighting -
Replacing dated bathroom light fixtures is another to way to change the appearance of your bathroom. There are many styles to choose from, but most people tend to choose a finish or look that compliments the look of their fauce or bath accessories. Light fixtures are rather inexpensive and can be changed easily by a homeowner if they are comfortable working with electricity. However, be sure the power to the fixture is off before removal of the old and installation of the new lights!
Bathroom mirror -
Updating your bathroom mirror is also an inexpensive way to spruce up your bathroom. Mirrors come in a variety of styles ranging from standard plate glass with or without polished bevel edgese to wood framed varieties. Choose a mirror that compliments the style of your bathroom. You can purchase a new bathroom mirror at your local home improvement center, or from a specialty glass shop. Just be sure to take measurements of the space above your sink to make sure your new mirror will fit! Also, be sure to read the directions carefully on how they should be installed.
Bathroom accessories -
Along with replacing your mirror and update to your towel bars, towel rings and toilet paper holders will revamp the look of your bathroom. Consider some of the newer, more popular finishes such as brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze. Or, simply base your choice on your faucet or lighting color or trim. In most cases, accessories mount directly to wall studs or can be installed with the use of wall anchors.
Bathroom faucets-
Many of us have dated, worn out sink faucets. Perhaps they are bright brass, which used to be all the rage? Or maybe your ready for a new style. Whichever the case, replacing your faucet can have an immediate impact on the look of your bathroom. Find a style and finish you like, but make sure the faucet hole spacing matches the existing spacing.
Bathroom countertops-
Replacing an old swirly cultured marble bathroom countertop or plastic laminate countertop can also update the look of your bathroom. Cultured marble is still a fine choice for a bathroom and they even manufactur bathroom tops to resemble natural stone countertops. However, if your budget allows, consider a granite bath vanity top. The popularity of granite has made it a more affordable choice. However, be aware it may require a new undermount sink bowl.
Bathroom trim-
Bathrooms are typically a small confined space. This gives you the opportunity to affordably experiment with different trim. This could be baseboards or the addition of crown moulding, which can add a special touch!
Bathroom walls-
Removing old wall paper or repainting bathroom walls can have an immediate impact on the look and feel of your bathroom. Even if you choose not to replace anything at all, a fresh coat of paint in a new color can freshen up things quickly and it is the least expensive update you can make!
Summary:
All the options above offer a great way to give your bathroom a new life. Most are relatively inexpensive to complete and can be accomplished by most homeowners without the help of a professional remodeler.
However, it is advised to consult a reputable local contractor if your considering a more substantial upate. If your Indianapolis area, consider the services of Gettum Associates Inc, an award winning remodel contractor serving central Indiana since 1987.
Posted by Jason Gettum on Sun, Jun 03, 2012 @ 06:28 AM
Consider a free standing bath tub for your master bath remodel
When it comes to bathroom remodeling, there have been many trends over the years. No matter if your located in Indianapolis Indiana or on the west coast of this country, homeowner's have seen styles come and go. It seems like yesterday that polished brass was the new norm for plumbing fixture and trim finishes. Then chrome came and went and was replaced by sink faucets in oli rubbed bronze and brushed nickel. Who know's what is next. I recently heard that chrome finishes were making a comeback? Fine by me.
Other bathroom trends through the years include the addition of large, built-in tubs. As well, the average size of a master bathroom shower easily doubled in size. Many high-end remodel projects to the bathroom space included expansive walk-in shower spaces with materials ranging from solid surface products to tile, both man-made and natural stone. So what is the next major trend?
While showers continue to be large in size, and some incorporating dual shower heads, body sprays and overhead rain fall fixtures, trends in bath tubs have also evolved. Seemingly gone is the demand for large space eating whirlpool tubs. Large one or two person whirlpool tubs have noticeably been displaced by free-standing tubs. In many cases, this trend makes sense. Many whirlpool tubs are installed within a framed "tub deck" that gobbles up large section of wall space. In contract, a free-standing tub sits alone and does not consume the same amount of space, both in actual measurements as well as visually. As a remodel contractor, we still see requests for "built-in" tub units, but mostly with larger bathrooms.
A free-standing tub can be situated in the same general area as a whirlpool tub, but not actually touch the walls. There is no framing to encompass the tub and no tile for a tub deck and surround. This is great for smaller spaces. Visually, there is no "mass" to distract from the space. In many cases, the overall dimensions of a free-standing tub are similar to a tub model that needs to be housed within framing. But obviously, without the framing and surround.
As far as manufacturers and models to chose from there are several. The tubs we see requested and installed the most are Victoria and Albert and Barclay. When you research tub pricing of all brands, you may think WOW, those are expensive! However, if you consider the costs incurred to frame a tub deck and tub surround and install solid surface, stone or tile, you will find the pricing is comparable.
If your thinking about remodeling your master bathroom in Indianapolis, do your research and see what meets your needs and fits your space. In many cases, it is good to hire a design build remodel constractor that can accurately assess your needs, draw a plan accordingly, give you a guaranteed price to make the improvements and complete your project. This will keep your cost to a minimum and free up your time to make your selections and finally enjoy the master bathroom of your dreams. Find out about the design and build process HERE.
If you have questions and need answers about remodeling your Indianpolis area master bathroom, give Gettum Associates a call. Since 1987, Gettum Associates has turned hundreds of houses into dream homes. Click below to learn more.
