The Wow-Factor: A Bathroom Remodeling Lookbook

A survey released last December by Angie's List verifies a trend that MKBD has noticed with our own clients: people are feeling more optimistic about the economy, and that optimism has inspired a home improvement bug.

As Angie herself says, "We asked contractors what their conversations with customers were showing, and 62 percent of them say their customers aren't just wanting to make improvements next year, they’re willing to spend more on them than customers spent in 2014."

How much more? MKBD's anecdotal evidence aligns closely with the contractors surveyed by Angie's List. As Angie notes, "More than half of the contractors said customers were planning to add $5,000 to what the average project cost last year."

Here's the specific breakdown, according to the survey:

• 17 percent to spend $15,000 more
• 9 percent to spend $10,000-$15,000 more
• 23 percent to spend $5,000-$10,000 more
• 51 percent to spend $1,000-$5,000 more

Are you planning a home remodeling project? If so, how much do you intend to spend? Let us know in the comments!

At MKBD, we've noticed a strong interest in bathroom remodeling projects--and not just any old remodeling project. As the Angie's List survey reveals: "Contractors told Angie’s List the average bathroom remodel now means customized luxury, and homeowners are willing to pay more for it."

With luxury in mind, we thought we'd follow last weeks post on luxury kitchen upgrades with a companionable post on luxury bathroom upgrades. So once again we're talking WOW factor--those bathroom upgrades that turn heads, that astonish, that illicit a genuine, "Wow!"

"When it comes to bathrooms, fiberglass around the tub and shower is out and tile is in." ~Angie Hicks, of Angie's List

Take a Look at Those Tiles!

The above quote is not entirely accurate to our experience at MKBD: we rarely, if ever, install fiberglass around the tub and shower. However, we certainly love tile for shower walls and the areas surrounding the tub.

Indeed, tiles need not be regulated to bathroom floors. As this MKBD project proves, tiles of varying shapes and textures can outfit the entire bathroom.

We're especially proud of the decorative tiles above the bathtub! Note (below) how these tiles reflect light from the nearby window.

For this old farmhouse the "wow" is all about the materials-- luxury tile from the famed Italian company, Tagina. But this tile isn't only about luxury. It's easy-to-clean and will rarely reveal water spots or soap scum. 

Natural light is reflected by the tile mosaic above the bathtub: Wow!

Wow--What a Vanity!

In larger remodeling projects, the vanity is often the centerpiece of the bathroom. Many homeowners choose the vanity first--then design the bathroom around this central element. Whatever your tastes (and price range), we suggest choosing a unique vanity to express your own personal style.

A luxury vanity can express elegance and sophistication or simplicity and charm--as in the French country vanity below.

In this MKBD project, we sourced a vintage vanity with a marble top for a timeless, yet charming appeal.

In the MKBD project above, the wow-factor is really about the design--how the French country theme feels, at once, homey and transportive, yet the vanity is the central element of the theme. In the project below, the vanity is more than a mere element: it is the element--a truly transcendent piece of furniture.

A double vanity with extra cabinets for storage: Wow! 

The vanity above is a good illustration of how a piece of furniture can be both beautiful and functional. If your bathroom is cluttered, a vanity can help you create a well-organized and resourceful space. And many vanities come equipped with deep drawers (or cabinets) for storing your toiletries.

The Simple Unique Element

There's no doubt that a beautifully-appointed bathroom can increase your home’s value. And there's definitely no doubt that the wow-factor of a dramatic bathroom element, like radiant floor heating or an entertainment center, can also entice potential buyers.

However, a unique element can be as simple as the blue marble sink below.

With this unique sink, the lovely shades of blue inspire lasting impression.

Or how about a stain-glassed window?

A stain-glassed window in the bathroom? Wow!

The bathroom above is lined, from floor to ceiling, in exquisite marble, yet it's the simple, unique element that really shines.

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Many homeowners choose to call a remodeling company at the very beginning of the exploration process. We believe this is the best option--and not simply because we are a remodeling company!

A remodeling company can guide you in your exploration, saving you time. A home remodeling company can also help you set reasonable parameters for your project. How long might the project take to complete? What are the best materials for your lifestyle? And how about the cost?

At MKBD, we offer a FREE In-Home Remodeling Estimate

If you have any questions about your next kitchen remodeling project, please feel free to call MKBD for an individualized consultation. Let's talk budget and more! Call now! 215-355-4747. Better yet, check out our Free In-Home Remodeling Estimate on this very blog!