13 Big Ideas for Small Bathrooms

Photo: via TOHA few things all old house lovers are familiar with: drafty windows, less-than-perfect plumbing, squeaky floors - and small bathrooms. While new home baths have nearly doubled in size over the past 30 years, old home bathrooms average about 5- by 8-feet.

Not to worry, though: you can combat the claustrophobia by scaling down to physically save space. (Pedestal sink, anyone?) And, with the right colors and lighting, you can create the illusion of a roomy bath

Here, we dig into the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Design Competition archives to deliver great ideas from Certified Kitchen Designers that you can use in your next remodel. 

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Debbie R. Gualco, California

#1 Rich, Asian-Inspired Design

This homeowner wanted to bring her home out of the 1980s with contemporary Asian design, so the powder room vanity was inspired by a Japanese kaidantansu (stepped chest), which contributes fluidity of design in the cramped quarters. The use of rich and dark colors makes the walls of the small space recede.

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Erica S. Westeroth, Ontario

#2 Day at the Beach

These homeowners opened up their space by getting rid of two small closets and adding task and ambient lighting to help create the illusion of a larger room. Little width remained after incorporating the tub and toilet, so a shallow cabinet was incorporated. Our favorite detail? The playful "dry riverbed" of stones in the floor. 

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Gary Hentges, Illionis

#3 His-and-Her Bath

The use of continuing horizontal lines, a large, frameless mirror, and well-placed task lighting helps to create the illusion of a larger space. The marble-clad dividing wall lends modesty to the toilet area, while creating a recessed storage opportunity. A must in every small bath, the shower has a curbless entry to eliminate demarcation of the limited footprint. 

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Gary Henteges, Illionis

#4 Small and Simple

These homeowners wanted to "keep it simple and do it well." This cherry and limestone bath replaced a tiny, cluttered space meant for guest use. The curved-front vanity maximizes usable space with two deep drawers on double extension drawer slides.

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Holly Rickert, New Jersey

#5 Zen Escape

The size of this room called attention to an eyesore: an off-center, aluminum-framed window. A floor-to-ceiling Shoji screen took care of that by concealing the flaw, while letting light through. A 7-foot framed mirror, hung horizontally, spans the entire length of the room and reflects the ladder towel rack, which adds storage without taking up floor space. 

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Keri Davis, Oregon

#6 Small Spa Retreat

This bathroom was constrained by bedrooms on either side, so it wasn't possible to increase square footage. To make the space feel roomier, white marble tile and several mirrored surfaces wrap the room. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets add height, while a glass shower wall eliminates the visual barrier of a shower curtain or doors. Rich wood tones add warmth and create balance. 

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Leslie Ann Cohen, California

#7 Hacienda-Style Bath

This guest bath features a custom miniature sideboard topped with a rich red travertine counter and copper vessel sink. Rich shower draperies and handmade tiles add to the charm of this space, showing that patterns used selectively as accents will not overwhelm a small room.

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Lori Carroll, Arizona

#8 Tone and Texture

It's not uncommon to create attention-commanding focal points in compact spaces. This powder room vanity is crafted with smooth, flaxen veneer and is topped with a cast bronze basin and patina counter. Recessed lighting around the large mirror illuminates any reflection.

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Leslie Thompson, Florida

#9 Modern Makeover

This vanity continues the lesson of creating a bold focal point in a small space. The upper walls of this ultra-feminine retreat are upholstered in padded silk, but the stainless steel backsplash adds a rugged accent.

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Margie Little

#10 Compact Commode

This teeny, tiny full bath features a wall hung toilet; the tank is hidden inside the 2x6 stud wall, allowing for 9 inches of extra space in the center of the room. Clear glass shower doors eliminate visual barriers and a skylight floods the space with natural light.

Photo: via TOH | Designer: MaryLou Kalmus

#11 Glass Grandeur

A curved glass countertop provides a sense of spaciousness, while hand-applied 1-inch Bizazza glass tiles mimic the swooping curves of the fixtures. The high ceiling features a deep amethyst color wash to visually lower the height of the room, which felt "like a tunnel" to the homeowers.

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Sheila K. Tilander, Washington

#12 Retro Redo

This homeowner wanted a nostalgic style with a contemporary twist. Trumpet-shaped sconces flank an oval mirror that conceals a medicine cabinet. A frameless shower door extends the visual expanse of the space, while allowing unobstructed views of oversized subway and amber glass tilework. 

Photo: via TOH | Designer: Tiffany De Tomasi, California

#13 Eastern Oasis

A freestanding vanity with elongated fixtures, a custom bamboo mirror, and ladder towel rack create the illusion of vertical space in this small guest bath. A soft color palette accented with dark woods, balances the space. Artistic relief panels add visual interest without completely walling off light. 

(You are reading an article originally posted on This Old House)

Greenhouses | A History

Outdoor living spaces are the top of mind as Spring continues to be sprung. The same goes for gardens, whether you're starting one, or continuing to care for one. An element that takes in all of these is the greenhouse. So, in celebration of the greenhouse, here's guest writer (for Build Direct Blog) Amy Moczynski to outline the history and function of greenhouse. 

Photo: Greenhouse via Build Direct Blog

Now that you've filed your taxes and the warmer weather is creeping its way into your neighborhood, you might be thinking of home improvements that will make your yard a top-notch outdoor destination. If you spend a lot of time out in your flowerbeds, or are looking to grow more exotic and warm climate plants for the first time, that tax refund might be better spent on a greenhouse. 

Early History of the Greenhouse

Greenhouses date back to about 30 A.D. when Roman emperor Tiberius built one of the earliest known greenhouses out of tiny translucent sheets of mica (glass had not yet been invented). The first practical greenhouse was designed by French botanist Jules Charles in 1599 and they gained popularity in the 17th century England. During this time period, greenhouses were seen more as a status symbol than something to use for practical growing purposes. Elite "orangeries" as they were called were constructed as an expansion of the home with a solid roof, glass walls and even a stove for heating. These buildings were status symbols and often used for entertaining.

America's first recorded greenhouse was built by Andrew Faneuil in 1737. Faneuiil was a wealthy Bostonian merchant who used his greenhouse primarily to grow fruit. The greenhouse gained popularity slowly, and greenhouses were built primarily for the wealthy. George Washington even had a greenhouse at Mt. Vernon so he could grow and serve pineapples to his house guests.

Greenhouses and the Industrial Revolution

By 1825, greenhouses became wildly popular and their style began evolving. Many used furnaces to heat the air and some were built primarily for the wealthy by south-facing windows, a design concept that is still used today. In the 20th and 21st centuries, aluminum, fiberglass, polyethylene and PCP building materials have made greenhouses more cost effective and practical than greenhouses of the past, making them available to more than just elite homeowners.

In addition to the different types of materials used to construct greenhouses, they come in several styles. While most greenhouses are freestanding, there are attached greenhouses that provide gardeners with easy access to water and electricity. The A-frame greenhouse is great for regions that get a lot of snow, but depending on the size of the greenhouse, there can be limited head room and ventilation.

Styles of Greenhouses

While more decorative than an A-frame greenhouse, the gothic arch greenhouse is more challenging to construct. However, this style of greenhouse is good for regions that receive a lot of precipitation throughout the year as the sloped roof prevents rain or snow from accumulating on the roof. The span roof greenhouse is probably the most widely used greenhouse style and can be considered the most practical. The layout offers room for the gardener, and most varieties are large enough to fit a wheelbarrow, making transporting supplies easier.

A difference in styles isn't the only thing that can make one greenhouse stand out from the others. Greenhouses can be made from a variety of different materials, including glass and plastics. The frame of the greenhouse can also be constructed from wood, plastic, aluminum or steel, letting homeowners mix and match the materials used to construct their greenhouse. More important than the material used to construct the frame is what a homeowner uses to cover their greenhouse.

Photo: Traditional Landscape by Pasadena Design-build HartmanBaldwin via Build Direct Blog 

Materials Used to Build Greenhouses

The material used to cover a greenhouse will dictate how much light is allowed in, as well as how much heat can escape. Glass is the traditional covering for a greenhouse, mostly due to its strength and ability to retain heat better than plastic. Clear glass allows plenty of light to enter into the greenhouse, but frosted panels can help break up the light rays to allow the light to more evenly distribute among the plants. 

An alternative to glass as a greenhouse covering is plastic, usually either film plastic or rigid plastic. Rigid plastic coverings, which can be fiberglass, acrylic, or polycarbonate, are shatterproof or shatter resistant depending on the type of material chosen. They also retain heat well and allow light to pass through the materials. One advantage over glass is during the warmer months, a rigid plastic greenhouse requires less cooling than a glass greenhouse of the same size. 

Film glass coverings offer a tremendous advantage over glass coverings because they are only a fraction of the cost. While they only last typically three to five years, film glass coverings can heat as effectively as glass. Film plastics also offer an additive that lets condensation run down the covering material as opposed to dripping on the plants in the greenhouse, which can help prevent plants from being exposed to contaminated water.

Connected to a Proud Tradition

So when considering new additions for your backyard, think about investing in a greenhouse to connect your home to a long line of luxury and opulence. In addition to creating a shared connection with wealthy and noble figures in history, greenhouses also provide the opportunity to create a great exotic growing environment. They can allow you to grow varieties of plants that aren't native to your hometown and provide a year-round growing environment. Plus, they can add a look of opulence to your traditional backyard. 

(You are reading an article originally posted on Build Direct Blog)

Garden Design for Small Spaces

By now, most people in the northern hemisphere are digging in their yards to make their environments beautiful for summer. Garden design is challenging whether you have an acre or a few hundred square feet, but smaller spaces seem to be especially so. It's easy to get intimidated and overwhelmed with choices when you're a new gardener.

The very first thing to think about is what you want your garden to do. Is it an outdoor living area for entertaining or relaxing? Do you want an outdoor kitchen? Will the yard produce food or do you just want ornamentals? How much maintenance can you put in each week? Do you need privacy? Once you have a purpose, you can begin to fill in the blanks with details.

Photo: via Build Direct Blog

Tailor Your Garden to Your Outdoor Living Space

Here in New Mexico, walled courtyards are popular, leading right out from the home's living area. Roomy ones hold full kitchens, fireplaces, built-in seating, fountains and hot tubs, while less spacious areas have a small table with café chairs. I have seen everything in between, too!

Frequently, the perimeter of a larger courtyard is planted with native and drought tolerant species. Low plantings keep the space open to reflect the expansiveness of the high desert and to keep our 13,000 foot mountains in view. Container plantings of ornamentals are used as accents and focal points, and there may be a small tree on each end as a frame. Flooring is flagstone, or sometimes a small grassy area has been planted. A dining table with chairs or a full set of patio furniture allows for various entertaining scenarios. That's very basic in an area where everyone has an acre of land. The courtyard might be 600 square feet, and it becomes an extra room in three seasons. 

Photo: via Build Direct Blog

In town, the courtyards are very small and need privacy fencing. An entry gate is installed in a traditional eight-foot high latilla fence. Lush vines are grown over it to extend its height, create a garden and offer more privacy. Flooring is concrete, flagstone or small pavers, and gardening is done in containers if there is no more space to dig into the ground. Maybe there is a bench or a small chair and side table. The courtyard becomes more of an entryway than a main living space, but everyone here tries to take advantage of our wonderful climate in even the smallest way!

Vegetable Gardens and Flower Gardens - The Perfect Borders 

If you want to grow food, you don't need much space. Vegetables and herbs can be mixed in with a flower border - lettuces and greens in front, and climbers going up a trellis in the back. Or remove the flower border completely, and just plant vegetables, herbs and fruit!

Many varieties have now been cultivated to grow in pots, since the food growing movement has spread to the cities. Don't be afraid to try your hand at growing food, no matter how small your space. Everyone can have a container with food in it, even if it's a recycled 5-gallon bucket. A few large pots won't take up much of a footprint, and with upright supports they will hold tomatoes, beans, cucumbers and squash. Smaller containers are good for shallow rooted plants like lettuce, kale, chard, spinach and herbs.

Native Plants Means Low-Maintenance

If you need a low maintenance garden, native plants are the best choice. They only need the watering that nature provides, and they are already use to the soil in your yard. They need no soil amendments, and they are acclimated to the local climate, so they don't need to be fussed over.

Also consider slow-growing plants, and install a drip irrigation system with a timer for automatic watering. Several inches of decorative mulch will keep down weeds and keep in moisture to further reduce your workload. Even a few well-placed flowering trees and shrubs can add enough greenery without a lot of work.

Piece by Piece

Envision your garden and yard space after considering your personal needs. Put it together piece by piece, or if it's small enough, spend a weekend digging and planting. Any small space can be beautified with a little planning and a few good plants.

(You are reading an article originally posted on Build Direct Blog)

From Martha's Kitchen | Layout & Design Tips

In a dream parallel universe, I would've actually interviewed Martha Stewart for this piece, but instead I've mined the internets for the queen of domesticity's best advice on how to maximize your kitchen's design potential.

Over the years, Martha Stewart estimates she's designed more than 22 custom kitchens, so she's learned the hard way what works and doesn't work for her. Here is some of the advice she's shared recently.

Kitchen Storage Savvy

• Look for cabinetry with the most options for shelf-height adjustments, for maximum versatility when it comes to your organization options. The queen favors the "birds beak" style of shelving, which just slides into place.

• Hang your pots. A famous habit of celebrity shelves and an age-old tradition, it just makes sense. Get 'em out of drawers and cupboards, and up-up-and-away.

• Contain your crazy with containers. Martha likes pretty baskets and bins, but I'm a "better make it clear" or at least mesh kind of girl, as I'd like to see what's in storage rather than have to label it. Either way whether in cupboards or drawers, bins and containers make keeping organized much simpler, and also make far lighter work of periodically cleaning the spaces.

• Have lots of drawers and don't be afraid to label things. Embracing the nerd-side and labeling will keep you on a tighter path as weeks pass and chaos threatens your space. Store things together. All knives, all spatulas, etc., so you're not having things scattered between different cupboards when they're related to the same tasks.

• Martha recommends protecting your expensive silverware in a nice drawer lined with a special flannel from Pacific Silvercloth, which limits tarnish and keeps them looking nice.

Photo: Omega Contemporary Kitchen with a Metro Door Style

Layout Tips

• Work that happens together should stay together. Have a chopping station, a drinks station, a tea drawer, a coffee counter, and so forth. Keep knives near where you chop. Keep spices near the stove. Think about where you will most likely use things, and ensure you store it there. This gives you flow and purpose in your work.

• Pantry staples are things you really can't see yourself living without, and they should be kept close at hand and grouped accordingly. These are spices, oils, condiments, seasonings, vinegars, sauces and more. Again, they should all be in one area, close to where you cook and prep your food. Martha labels sections in her pantry so things get put back in the right place no matter who's in the kitchen (Asian Sauces, Oils, etc.)

• If you have the option of a lot of drawers, it's a great way to go. Think of narrower drawers for things like knife trays and other tools of the trade.

Photo: Omega Traditional Kitchen with a Delmar Door Style

Versatility and Convenience

• Open cupboards can be very useful. Martha likes them open for her towels, cutting boards, and strainers - things one often needs to grab quickly. She especially loves open storage under her islands, which she recommends being 4 feet long, 2.5 feet wide, with a 3-foot clearance around it.

• If you can't have a kitchen island, a movable cart or butcher's block on wheels can be the perfect extra workstation for those big cooking nights. 

• If designing your own kitchen, try to include as many plug outlets for different work areas as you can, since it makes life much more convenient.

Photo: UltraCraft Destiny Kitchen with a Amherst Door Style

 Lifestyle

•  Even Martha Stewart finds she's sometimes in the kitchen for far too long. She's got a large TV installed in her main kitchen, so she can catch up on shows while doing her grand meals. With today's mountable panel televisions, there's no reason it can't stay out of the way, mounted up high to be seen from any angle.

• A first-aid counter in the kitchen is the smartest place to have one, since it's "command central" of every home, and is also where the sharp knives do their work.

• Pets are family members too, and Martha's kitchen is loaded with pet care, all tucked into a handy station for her cat and dog buddies. From trays under feeding dishes to keep kibble from wandering, to toys, leashes and treats, it's all close at hand so meal time meals are more than just the humans getting fed. 

The big lesson we're learning today from the Queen of Domesticity is that it's all about staying practical, organized, and knowing what you need. Following Martha's kitchen exactly wouldn't work for my lifestyle or my space, but there's plenty both you and I can learn from her many years of kitchen designing and cooking mastery.

(You are reading an article orignally posted on Build Direct Blog) 

Easy Kitchen Updates for a Lazy Weekend

Have you ever had a moment of staring at your space, feeling all kinds of antsy and knowing that something has to change? It might be the wall color that you never liked anyway or that storage issue that is driving you batty. All you know is that in order to continue living in your house, you must embrace that urge to change something!

I often get the urge when I look at my kitchen. No matter how awesome it looks so far, there is always room for improvement. If you have kitchen restlessness like me, here are a few great ideas that you can implement in a weekend. They will make you feel much happier about the way your kitchen looks - for awhile anyway.

Paint Something

Photo Credit: Build Direct BlogEveryone knows that a fresh coat of paint can make a room look like new. But did you ever think about painting not just the wall, but anything else that takes well to a paintbrush. Put chalkboard paint on the front of your refrigerator (assuming it's no longer under warranty), paint your cabinets or create a new backsplash with designs painted directly onto stick-on tiles.

Add in a New Material

Painting is one thing, but an entirely new material is another. Spruce up that boring ceiling with beadboard panels, painted a lighter shade than your walls. Into something more intricate? Try tin ceiling tiles for a much more traditional look. If you don't want to go that far, consider simple new molding in a contrasting color. 

Get Rid of the Doors

Cabinet doors are nice, but it might be even nicer to remove them. If you have a great collection of china or colorful pots and pans, getting rid of the cabinet doors can allow your creativity to shine in new ways. This can also force you to do some spring cleaning on your cabinets, and who doesn't  need a bit of that?

Light Things Up!

Photo Credit: Build Direct Blog

Sometimes the kitchen can seem dreary, especially if the summer sunlight is shining through the windows. Brighter lights, lights that highlight certain areas of the kitchen and fixtures that make a sunny statement are all good options for chasing away the shadows - and the doldrums.

Change the Hardware

It might be a small thing, but it has a big impact. Changing the hardware on your kitchen cabinets and drawers can be as easy as looking at a home improvement store, estate sale or speciality boutique. Choose something that suits your cabinet style but adds a pop of color to your space. It can be done in an afternoon with little cost, and can brighten up the space and your mood.

Get Some New Furniture

Are you tired of that little space beside the fridge? How about that old desk that has seen better days, the one that you parked beside the counter for a place to catch the mail? Plenty of kitchens have furniture, and you can spruce things up with a gorgeous piece of furniture that seems as though it wasn't meant for a kitchen. For instance, a big bookcase to hold all those cookbooks and lovely dishes can make a nice new attraction for the eyes. 

Plant Something

Finally, bring the outside in with a tiny herb garden. Colorful pots that line your windowsill can play host to such delicacies as sage, parsley, chives and rosemary. Depending upon your climate, you could even include a few dwarf trees or plants, such as a Meyer lemon.

You don't have to spend a fortune to make your kitchen look like a million bucks. All you have to do is take a weekend, invest a small bit of money and elbow grease, then step back and admire your new place to cook and entertain.

(You are reading an article orignally posted on Build Direct Blog)