Q: My bathroom has dark blue wall and floor tiles, but I'm a renter, so renovating is out of the question. I also have a wood-grained toilet seat. What can I do to perk up the space a bit?
-- Lynn Robinson, Summerside, P.E.I.
A: Plenty! First, switch the wood-grain toilet seat to a white one. Next, treat yourself to a new shower curtain, coordinating towels and accessories. I think the latest collection from GlucksteinHome at The Bay, (above), would look great. The blues and tans would make your tile look more up to date. You may also want to paint the walls a light neutral colour like Benjamin Moore's Manchester Tan HC-81, a designer favourite. Add style to your toilet tank with a dark wicker basket. If you're feeling ambitious and it's OK with your landlord, install shiny chrome towel bars, a tissue holder and robe hooks.
Q: I'm completely redoing my kitchen and adding an island, which will include a sink and dishwasher. Where should I put the appliances for the best functionality and use of space? -- Curt Webb, via e-mail
A: If you want to move plumbing and appliances and add new appliances, then you should meet in person with a kitchen design professional and a contractor. The kitchen design pro -- you can make an appointment with one at The Home Depot or any kitchen cabinet showroom -- will be familiar with proper clearance measurements and can help you evaluate your storage needs, making recommendations for the best configuration. A contractor will assess the feasibility and cost of moving plumbing, and whether or not your home's existing electrical systems can handle added appliances.
Before you arrange to talk to these experts, scour decorating magazines, books, showrooms and Internet sources to research looks and materials you love. Bring pictures of every angle of your kitchen to the meeting, along with any inspirational pics. Also, measure every inch of the space. The pros will come and measure it again to verify, but it's good to know the dimensions for your initial appointment. Good luck!
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7 Comments
Question; How do I determine what size coffee table to use in my living room?
Great tips!
I have redone most of my kitchen in tomato red and white. cupboards are oak floor is a gray cream laminate. I want new counter tops not to sure the color not marble or granite have a low end budget. back splash is white subway tiles with a two inch ribbon of red glass tile. What color would be good.
There is a great laminate counter top that looks like slate. You can find it at Home Depot. I have put it in a home that has similar colour floors & oak cupboards. The walls are not the same but I'm sure your tiles and great splashes of red would look fabulous with this counter top as well. Good luck. DG
Help! Our house is being taken over by Lego! We need a stylish and functional solution ( that doesn't include plastic bins or under-the-bed storage ) that can go in our son's room. We'd like it to be as accessible as possible as he loves playing with it so much, without looking disorganized and messy. Does anyone have any ideas?
Would a child size table with hidden storage (top flips up to store Lego). He can build and store right at the table. This is a DIY project. Take plans for an ottoman with storage capabilities and add hinges and wood for top.
Would a child size table with hidden storage (top flips up to store Lego). He can build and store right at the table. This is a DIY project. Take plans for an ottoman with storage capabilities and add hinges and wood for top.