Category 'Blog'

When it comes to kitchen countertops, they are all susceptible to getting stains, nicks, spills, and just plain dirty from the amount of usage the countertop will get over its lifetime. To prevent the countertop from looking aged there are a few basic care tips that you can apply to ensure that the look of the granite countertop is just like when it was first installed. Just like our blog on marble countertops, here are four ways to care for a granite kitchen countertop.  

Cleaning Methods For A Granite Kitchen Countertop

 

Light Daily Cleaning

One of the most important things you can do for any countertop or appliance in your kitchen is to perform light daily cleaning. For granite countertops, you will want to use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to clean the countertop. The difference between this type of countertop over others is that you should use a formulated granite cleaning product rather than just soap and water. Once you are finished dry it with a separate cloth or paper towel, and just like a marble top, don't use abrasive cleaners as it can destroy the sealant.

Caring For Spills

When it comes to the kitchen, at some point there will be spills that happen either on the kitchen table or on the countertop. As with all spills, the quicker you clean them up after the spill happens the safer your countertop will be. For granite tops, you will want to blot the spill with a soft cloth or paper towel then clean the area with a granite cleaner and dry with a fresh cloth.

Caring For Heat

The big thing to know about granite countertops is that although they are durable, big changes in temperature can harm or crack the granite. A lot of the times with countertops when items are finished in the oven or stovetop we place them on the counter to cool down. If your countertop is granite, you are better off putting the hot pot or pan on a trivet or something between the heated surface and the granite.

Frequent Sealing

Just like with marble tops, granite countertops will need a stone sealer to protect the countertop from dirt buildup and staining. While darker granite usually requires less frequent seal over lighter colored granite, apply sealant is still something you should do. If you are worried about stains, you should opt for a darker colored granite as these types are denser, less porous, and less at risk for staining. Whenever you perform cleaning on your granite countertop you should consider applying a sealant to keep that brand new look.   If you are looking to remodel your kitchen using the latest appliances and amenities, be sure to contact The Bath Showcase for more information on how we can assist you to reach your goal!

When choosing new flooring for your kitchen or bathroom during renovations or building, there are multiple choices. Tile is one of the most popular because of its versatility, beauty, and easy maintenance. There are a few steps to take to keep your tile floor looking nice once it is installed.  

4 Different Ways To Maintain New Floor Tile

Clean it Regularly

You don’t want to let dirt become embedded in your tile and grout. Therefore, it is important to vacuum, sweep, and dust your floors regularly in order to prevent that from happening. You should also mop the floor with warm water at least once per week. Use a mild soap to enhance your tile’s shine, but make sure to check with the manufacturer before using any harsh chemicals to prevent damage to your tiles. Every so often, you will also want to do a deep clean. Freshwater and dish detergent are a great combination to remove any grease or stains from your tiles.

Clean Up Spills

Spills happen. Use absorbent cloths to wipe up any spills and avoid dirt from piling up. This will also, prevent spills from turning into stains on your new tile.

Use Rugs

While it may seem counterintuitive to cover your brand-new floor with rug, it is one way to protect your new flooring, especially in high traffic areas. Consider using doormats by doors to prevent mud, salt, and water from being tracked in. Any areas with high foot traffic can also benefit from area rugs or runners to prevent dulling or scratch in those areas. You will also want to have rugs over the bathroom tile to collect water when exiting the bath and shower. Prolonged exposure to moisture can damage your bathroom floor.

Pay Attention to the Grout

You will want to clean the grout of your tile floors regularly. However, it is unnecessary to purchase a cleaner specific for this. Consider using baking soda and water instead. Scrub the grout and rinse the mixture away. This will eliminate any dirt or buildup within the grout, which can make the whole floor appear dirty. If you follow these steps, your tile floors will last for many years. If you want more specific advice for caring for your floors, read up on advice from the manufacturers or be sure to contact The Bath Showcase for more information!

Looking to enhance your kitchen or bathroom without going over the top with a whole remodel? While you can update your appliances to stainless steel or installing new countertops, you can also install a tile backsplash as well. Below are some benefits to having a backsplash put into your kitchen or bathroom. Increase Value of Home When it comes to valuing a home if you are looking to sell, Realtors will often look for the kitchen and bathroom for selling points. Whether there is up to date appliances, or special features that enhance the experience and value of the room. Backsplashes create a modern and updated feel to a kitchen as it shows potential buyers that you are keeping up with interior design trends and not having outdated looking rooms. Quick and Easy Installation What makes backsplashes such a sought-after room addition for a kitchen or bathroom is not only because they enhance a room but because the installation is quick and easy. They also do not take up too much space so they provide a small accent of enhancement while not taking up too much space to install. Color and Design Backsplashes are perfect for if you are looking to add some color or personality to a room. This is because there are a wide variety of colors and patterns you can choose for your backsplash. If you are looking to add an addition to a room and keep the color scheme you have already, there will be a backsplash for that. If you are trying to add something to give a room some "pop" then a brightly colored or uniquely patterned backsplash will be perfect to do just that as well! Protection Backsplashes not only visually enhance a kitchen or bathroom but they have a functioning purpose as well. Backsplashes main purposes are to protect walls from food spills and splatters from sinks when you are washing either your hands or dishes. It is inevitable that there will be some splashes of food or dirt and a backsplash protects your walls from these things. Low Maintenance  Whenever you add something to a room or home, maintenance is always something to think about. Since your backsplashes will most likely get dirty protecting your walls, those looking to install these will wonder how hard it will be to clean them. The great thing is that maintenance for backsplashes is very easy to do. Once you are ready to clean them, just take some cleaning fluid and a soft cloth and simply wipe off the tiles. With backsplashes being made of tiles, it will be easy to simply wipe off any dirty areas as tiles are relatively easy to clean in general. If you are looking to enhance your kitchen or bathroom or looking for a whole remodel be sure to contact the Bath Showcase today!

Now that we are in the middle of winter, it is time to make use of the all the time that will be spent indoors. What better way to ring in the new year and make winter productive than by enhancing the design or completely remodeling your kitchen! Just like the fashion industry, the interior design industry is always changing and following new trends from year to year and in 2019 it is no different. Below are six different design tips to use this winter to have the ultimate kitchen design as you stay warm. Double Kitchen Islands Having an island in your kitchen is a great way to work with the space you have as well as offering something new to ordinary kitchen design. By introducing a second kitchen island, you are introducing a new space to eat, entertain, and have another area for storage. You can also control the flow of your kitchen area by incorporating a second kitchen island and set up the islands whatever way you seem fit. Comfortable Seating One thing that everyone can agree on is that during the weekend we are trying to stay warm and comfortable during the harsh New England winters. In addition to fighting off the cold, homeowners always want to make sure that their guests are comfortable in their home. With the kitchen being a room that has a lot of foot traffic, and often a room that is a hot spot for guests, it's a good idea to incorporate comfortable seating options. Enhanced Functionality Over the years, the kitchen has evolved from a room to just prepare and eat meals in, to one of the most visited or used rooms in a home. Aside from eating meals, kids often do homework in the kitchen, adults pay bills, and more recently, we are seeing families watch tv in kitchens while they eat. With this in mind, start introducing more functioning qualities to your kitchen with desks, built-in TVs, etc. Custom Cabinetry  One way to show character in your kitchen is by incorporating customization, such as custom cabinets. Homeowners have the opportunity to implement unique finishes and material combinations for their cabinets that will catch the eyes of all that visit. High-gloss lacquers, cool matte colors, and mesmerizing grain patterns are all great materials and combinations to use if you are looking to add a custom feel to your kitchen cabinets. Colorful Dinnerware For most kitchen designs, white is the dominant color that reigns supreme through the entire kitchen. It offers a clean, modern, and welcoming look and feels to a home. While this trend is a great option to go by, it is getting old and more so now, homeowners are open to adding color to their kitchens. One way to test out this new color implementation is by having China or other dinnerware with colorful patterns. Open Kitchen Spaces Gone are the days where a wall separates a kitchen and the dining room area, as more homeowners are knocking down the walls for a more open and connected feel. By having an open space you are expanding the size and functionality of the kitchen and dining areas while also allowing these areas to serve different purposes. If you are looking to remodel or change the design of your kitchen, contact The Bathshowcase for expert assistance.

Alright, you made the decision, you’re going to follow through with the bathroom remodel you’ve been wanting to do for years, congrats! Although a bathroom remodel is a long and tedious process, the hard part is over now because we are here to help. Once you’ve made that decision to go for it, it can be a little overwhelming and you may be confused on where exactly you should start but don’t worry, because like we said, we’re here to help!

Know What You Want

Before you begin a bathroom remodel, first decide what you do not like about your current bathroom. Is it simply outdated, or is there some other issue you have with it? Knowing what you dislike about your current bathroom can begin to give you a better idea of what you want out of your new bathroom. Once you know what you want, or at least have a better idea, you can then visit a bath showroom and speak to a professional. From there you can explain the vision you have for your bathroom, and the bathroom experts can run through designs, colors, appliances, etc. with you. Do not rush through this process because you want to ensure that you will love your new bathroom for years to come and want to avoid any sort of buyer’s remorse.

Budget

Of course, when taking on any sort of home remodeling project, you should have a general idea of your budget and how much you are willing to spend on that project. Before visiting a showroom or speaking to a professional, understand how much money can be allocated to your bathroom remodel. Maybe you need to visit the showroom to get an idea of the pricing but either way, it is important to have a project budget set, and you can choose a design that will fall within your range.

Time

Many people forget about the time aspect of bathroom remodels. These are large projects and will not be completed overnight. Depending on the size of the project and your schedule, these projects can range in time. Keep in mind too, that the bathroom being remodeled will be out of use during the project. If you are thinking of a bathroom remodel project, or have decided to go through with one, contact the Bath Showcases today, or visit our showroom! We will be happy to help get your remodeling project underway!

The warm weather is fast approaching, and spring is upon us, which for some of you may mean your annual spring clean out project. Instead of only cleaning out your attic or basement, take a look at your bathrooms as well. Bathrooms are a room in the house that you don’t often associate with gathering clutter, but after a long winter, a bathroom can be a mess and completely unorganized. Use these tips to easily organize your bathroom and keep it that way.

Don’t Waste Space

Too many times have we seen valuable space wasted in a bathroom, particularly underneath the sink. Whatever style sink you have in your bathroom, chances are there is a good amount of storage space underneath there. Many people only use this space for cleaning products and such but if space is used wisely underneath the sink than it can really fit a large amount. Counter space is also a major waste of space, don’t clutter your countertop of course, but there is usually room for more than just a toothbrush on there!

Storage Can Still Look Nice

If you need extra storage, you don’t have to settle for a big bulky storage item that will look like it has no place in your bathroom. Depending on the style of your bathroom, you can get appropriate racks and shelves that will look great with your overall bathroom design and feel.

Hooks!

Hooks are always the go-to when extra storage is needed, especially in bathrooms where towels and clothes are constantly hung up. Adding hooks to the back of your bathroom door can be plenty of space for towels to be hung and leave space for clothes and hand towels. If you want more tips on how to better organize your bathroom, or need assistance designing a new bathroom, contact The Bath Showcase today!

Choosing the right shower head is mostly about personal preference. It all depends on what each person likes or dislikes when taking a shower. As is the case with everything, there are about a million different types of showerheads out there, of course, they all perform the same function, but there can be many different variables between each showerhead. There are a couple standard things everyone should consider when thinking of installing a new showerhead.

Water Pressure

For many, water pressure can be a make or break for showerheads. Each showerhead has a different pressure setting, some are stronger some are weaker. Showerheads each have fluctuating pressure settings, so it is a matter of preference when deciding which pressure level is preferred. If pressure continues to be too low it can be an issue with piping, whether it be a leak or clog, and you should contact plumbing professionals to address the pressure issue immediately.

Water Volume

Most shower heads come with multiple settings to adjust for volume. Some people prefer thinner streams while others prefer wide volumes of water. Again, it all depends on preference. A larger volume may mean a larger shower head, which can also affect the pressure of the water.

Mounting Preference

The Standard, wall mounted, angled showerhead is still the norm, but we are seeing a growing number of both hanging vertical shower heads, as well and wall paneled showers. The choice between these different mounting positions also has to do with the design and area of your shower. Different designs can add a creative aspect to your shower and is something to consider when installing a new showerhead.

Hose Attachment

The hose attachment on shower heads is a growing trend. The hose is detachable and usually has varying volume and pressure settings. It allows for easier cleaning and increased mobility. This feature on shower heads is very popular but some people may like the old fashion shower head better.   Again, these different features and shower head combinations are all based on personal preference. There is a shower head out there for everyone though, we promise. Visit our showroom to see if we have what you’re looking for, or contact our professionals with any questions you may have!  

While clawfoot tubs and soak-in tubs have been increasingly popular in recent years, another low-key bathroom trend that has been sneaking up on us are doorless showers. What Exactly is a Doorless Shower? Also known as a Roman shower, these showers do not require a door or curtain. These act as a multi-functional space as they can be used as a shower by night or a walkway by day. Doorless showers create an open feel, which many homeowners can appreciate. You’ve probably noticed open concepts in kitchen/living room spaces so why not continue this into the bathroom? Key Benefits of a Doorless Shower Guests will most likely perceive your bathroom as being much larger than it actually is. Since the shower is not closed off, square footage is visually added. Additionally, you won’t have to compromise the aesthetic flow of a bathroom because the entryway will be entirely open. Water spots, streaks and residue can quickly make your bathroom look as if it has never been cleaned. Build-up occurs too frequently on both shower curtains and glass shower doors. If you’re looking for a luxury bathroom that makes you feel like you’re enjoying a day at the spa, invest in a doorless shower. This provides a modern feel that creates the appearance of a high-end bathroom. It truly feels like the entire space is a spa, and that’s a remarkable feeling especially after a long day at work or an intense gym session. Disadvantages of a Doorless Shower At The Bath Showcase, we are all about being open and honest with our clients. This means, being realistic about the products they’re purchasing as well as which design works best for them. So, without further ado, we’ll discuss some of the disadvantages to doorless showers.

  • Limited privacy – one person can use the bathroom at a time, unless you’re very comfortable with one another.
  • Water splashes – there is some potential for water to splash in the bathroom.
  • Cold – you may want to consider a heat lamp or a heated floor. Since there is so much moving air through the doorless entryway, there’s a very high chance that the room will be rather chilly.
Be Strategic Since there are some disadvantages to having a doorless shower, you want to make sure you’re being strategic and have everything planned out. A rain-mount showerhead pushes the water straight down so you won’t need to worry about water getting everywhere. You’ll also want to invest in non-skid flooring and create a half-wall to protect the room from excessive splashing. One of the major tasks that we cannot stress enough is to slope the shower floor toward the drain.

More and more homeowners are straying away from modern bathrooms and venturing toward a vintage style. Using hexagon floor tiles, cast-iron clawfoot tubs and cross-handle faucets, creating a vintage bathroom is easier than you may think. Invest in Classic Fixtures There are plenty of fixtures on the market that work as wonderful components to your vintage bathroom. Whether you’re looking for a Kohler showerhead or a product from California Faucet, The Bath Showcase has you covered.  You can purchase brand new bathroom hardware that looks vintage. Remember an exposed showerhead and pipe are also quick ways to create a vintage bathroom. Timeless Vintage Tiles Purchasing hexagon tiles is one of the core components you’ll find in a vintage style bathroom. Back in the 1920s, a majority of bathroom floors had 1-inch hexagonal tiles and we’ve seen this trend continue well into the 1960s. In recent years, more homes have been installing hexagonal tiles into their bathrooms – specifically black and white. Pedestal Sink While floating vanities are very appealing to those seeking a more modern bathroom, pedestal sinks are perfect for vintage bathrooms. There’s plenty of pedestal sinks on the market today and if you have a smaller bathroom, then these types of sinks are perfect for you. Pedestal sinks don’t take up a significant amount of space, allowing you to showcase your beautiful vintage tile. Include A Lot of Mirrors Mirrors create a wonderful illusion that your bathroom is much larger than it is. Adding decorated, carved frames around the mirror can really add a vintage charm. During the Victorian era, mirrors always had detailed, intricate frames that made the bathroom look elegant. Add Antiques to Your Bathroom Once you’re done with the vintage bathroom renovation, it’s time for the finishing touches. Repurposing an old step ladder, chair or towel holder can add a whole lot of old world charm to any bathroom. Old tea cups and flower pots are one of the major components to creating a dazzling and quite unique vintage bathroom.

classic bathroomOne of the most exciting parts of designing the bathroom is choosing the color scheme. This is also one of the more easier tasks as you can explore a wide variety of colors and browse through color swatches at any time. Deep Greens & Wood Accents Hues such as hunter, olive, forest and emerald look absolutely beautiful when complemented by wood accents. Matte black fixtures are also quite striking and they create a rustic appeal. If you’re seeking a Southwestern or farmhouse design, we highly recommend incorporating deep green hues. Cool Blues & Whites Cool blues create a calm, relaxing atmosphere which is perfect for the bathroom. For those of you who love taking a long bubble bath, incorporate various shades of blues in the tiles, flooring or walls. Subdued & Vivid Oranges While orange can be overwhelming if you choose a shade that is bursting with personality, you can tone it down with a terracotta orange. Colors such as this create an energizing atmosphere without going overboard. Classic Neutral Beiges traditional bathroomVintage inspired bathrooms have been trending for quite some time and the one thing you’ll notice is the use of neutral colors. Typically, classic neutral colors such as taupes, beiges and tans work wonderfully in the bathroom to create a timeless look. Add a bouquet of flowers and some painting for a pop of color. White & Gray In newly built homes, bathrooms are often seen an even mix of mahogany and crisp white. The combination of these two colors creates a neutral backdrop so homeowners can add their own twist to the bathroom design. If you have a bathroom that is mahogany and white, add beveled mirror or colorful tiles to liven up the room. Glossy Reds & Whites Creating an inviting, fun space for your bathroom could be challenging. If you are hoping to get your kids in the bathroom every night to brush their teeth, you’ll definitely want a stimulating bathroom color scheme. For example, using glossy red wall tiles on the wall and white tile flooring then placing a red bathmat against the white tiles, you’ll notice an explosion of color. Black & White Last but not least is the classic black and white bathroom. These two colors paired together have been popular for decades. Whether you want a retro bathroom or a modern style, by strategically placing black and white into your bathroom, you can really create any look and feel that really appeals to you!

19
Dec

4 Ways To Take Care of Granite Countertops

Blog, Kitchen Design | Comments Off on 4 Ways To Take Care of Granite Countertops

When it comes to kitchen countertops, they are all susceptible to getting stains, nicks, spills, and just plain dirty from the amount of usage the countertop will get over its lifetime. To prevent the countertop from looking aged there are a few basic care tips that you can apply to ensure that the look of […]

20
Nov

4 Ways to Maintain New Tile Flooring

Blog | Comments Off on 4 Ways to Maintain New Tile Flooring

When choosing new flooring for your kitchen or bathroom during renovations or building, there are multiple choices. Tile is one of the most popular because of its versatility, beauty, and easy maintenance. There are a few steps to take to keep your tile floor looking nice once it is installed.   4 Different Ways To […]

21
Aug

5 Benefits of a Tile Backsplash

Blog, Kitchen Design | Comments Off on 5 Benefits of a Tile Backsplash

Looking to enhance your kitchen or bathroom without going over the top with a whole remodel? While you can update your appliances to stainless steel or installing new countertops, you can also install a tile backsplash as well. Below are some benefits to having a backsplash put into your kitchen or bathroom. Increase Value of […]

22
Jan

6 Kitchen Design Tips To Try This Winter

Blog | Comments Off on 6 Kitchen Design Tips To Try This Winter

Now that we are in the middle of winter, it is time to make use of the all the time that will be spent indoors. What better way to ring in the new year and make winter productive than by enhancing the design or completely remodeling your kitchen! Just like the fashion industry, the interior […]

21
Mar

Starting a Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom Remodeling Tips, Blog | Comments Off on Starting a Bathroom Remodel

Alright, you made the decision, you’re going to follow through with the bathroom remodel you’ve been wanting to do for years, congrats! Although a bathroom remodel is a long and tedious process, the hard part is over now because we are here to help. Once you’ve made that decision to go for it, it can […]

7
Mar

Bathroom Organization Tips

bathroom storage, Blog | Comments Off on Bathroom Organization Tips

The warm weather is fast approaching, and spring is upon us, which for some of you may mean your annual spring clean out project. Instead of only cleaning out your attic or basement, take a look at your bathrooms as well. Bathrooms are a room in the house that you don’t often associate with gathering […]

14
Nov

Choosing the Right Showerhead

Blog | Comments Off on Choosing the Right Showerhead

Choosing the right shower head is mostly about personal preference. It all depends on what each person likes or dislikes when taking a shower. As is the case with everything, there are about a million different types of showerheads out there, of course, they all perform the same function, but there can be many different […]

5
Sep

New Bathroom Trend Alert: Doorless Shower Designs

Bathroom Design, Bathroom Products & Hardware, Blog | Comments Off on New Bathroom Trend Alert: Doorless Shower Designs

While clawfoot tubs and soak-in tubs have been increasingly popular in recent years, another low-key bathroom trend that has been sneaking up on us are doorless showers. What Exactly is a Doorless Shower? Also known as a Roman shower, these showers do not require a door or curtain. These act as a multi-functional space as […]

31
Aug

Creating a Vintage Inspired Bathroom

Bathroom Design, Blog | Comments Off on Creating a Vintage Inspired Bathroom

More and more homeowners are straying away from modern bathrooms and venturing toward a vintage style. Using hexagon floor tiles, cast-iron clawfoot tubs and cross-handle faucets, creating a vintage bathroom is easier than you may think. Invest in Classic Fixtures There are plenty of fixtures on the market that work as wonderful components to your […]

4
Aug

7 of the Best Color Schemes of 2017

Bathroom Design, Bathroom Remodeling Tips, Blog | Comments Off on 7 of the Best Color Schemes of 2017

One of the most exciting parts of designing the bathroom is choosing the color scheme. This is also one of the more easier tasks as you can explore a wide variety of colors and browse through color swatches at any time. Deep Greens & Wood Accents Hues such as hunter, olive, forest and emerald look […]