Mix don’t match and 4 other savvy ways to design your dream home.

Exposed brick, black and white, French doors. If you asked me what classic aspects of design I’d like in my dream home, I’d probably check every box. It’s that eclectic mix of old and new, home and travel, fun and sophisticated that can make buying a home and decorating it such an exciting challenge. But surely, at one point or another, many classic features were once a trend — the new thing on the market that everyone had to have.

However, unlike the way shoulder pads and babydoll dresses stuck around for what seemed like decades, the advent of the internet and Pinterest seems to speed us more quickly through the things that are new, and then now, and then passé. “Trend” has become a dirty word — almost synonymous with stuff that’s so of-this-minute that we’ll blink and it’ll already be outdated.

But does it really have to be this way? In my opinion, no.

As much as I might like bohemian and French, industrial and mid-century, and even coastal, I have a limited budget. I can’t afford to constantly replace the stuff that goes out of style. After all, I specifically decided to buy instead of rent to avoid wasting money on things that aren’t a return on my investment!

So, I chose to find a house with good bones — the kind of home with the right space, the right light, and a layout I can invest in for a few years. And after DIYing for the better part of a decade, I’ve learned a few good rules for making sure the home decor I choose lives up to those same investment expectations.

#1 Mix Instead of Match

I suppose you could call my style “global eclectic.” But really, that’s just a fancy way of saying, “I often don’t like any one particular style, and matchy-matchy just isn’t my thing.” I have a Moroccan-inspired peacock mirror in the hallway, modern blue dining room walls, industrial bar stools in the kitchen, sheepskin draping over my chairs in the living room, and antique items sprinkled everywhere. Not any one style really reigns!

In my mind, decorating where it looks like a single store threw up all over a single room is a quick way to Outdatedsville. Collecting pieces from different trendy styles keeps things fresh and unique. Take, for example, Beth from “Home Stories A to Z.” Her gorgeous bathroom mixes subway tile, global-inspired cement tile on the floor, modern urban fixtures, and farmhouse features like shiplap walls and vanity. Stunning!

#2 Give Trendy Features a Limit

Large items like couches, beds, and architectural details (like French doors) can still be fun and interesting, but I tend to play it safe by picking one feature on that item that’s somewhat trendy, such as exposed legs (often seen in mid-century furniture), but with a fabric that’s neutral. Rather than going with a piece of mid-century furniture (trend) in the color of the moment (trend), you choose one or the other. It translates well from one style choice to the next. It also lets all of the other, more permanent, features stand out, such as a cool archway (or in my case, the big bow windows!).

#3 Edit, Edit, Edit

Trends that you wind up loathing over time are the ones that you see everywhere. They’re like that boyfriend you fell hard and fast for, and then woke up one day and can’t stand his laugh. Some things are simply never meant to stick around, and that’s OK. Just make sure these aren’t the pieces you invest in. For trendy items, look to bring them in through accents. When you tire of them and want to try out something new, you can then switch them out without making your wallet wince in pain.

Clutter is also what makes a trend look dated. It steals attention away from cool architectural features that should get more of a spotlight (like my big windows, which again, I LOVE). Too much of a good thing is never wise (except breakfast food). So when you like something, go ahead and try it out, but layer it in rather than buying every item of a single collection. Edit out the pieces that don’t fit, and you’re set.

Stacy Risenmay knows this more than most. With her tiny 1938 home filled with four boys, she’s an expert at getting rid of what isn’t needed while still making her house look gorgeous and full of style.

#4 Remember That Styles Are Cyclical (So You Can’t Really Go Wrong)

These days, a lot of trends are about nostalgia (subway tiles, open shelves, old-school kitchen faucets, reclaimed wood, etc.), so it should come as no surprise that plenty of what we call trends are cyclical. They’ll come into fashion, they’ll be overdone to the point we’re tired of seeing them, we’ll move on, and then when it comes back in style, we’ll find it refreshing again.

But what is it that keeps these things coming back again and again? It may sound cheesy, but I think it’s all about the way we feel in a space — a happiness and simplicity. That’s why I like the concept of “classic with a twist.” Sure, it could be out of date as far as what’s popular in stores over the next 10 years, but the “classics” I see trending lately are just a recycling of a period that already came and went. That’s really kind of great, because it takes the pressure off. Finding a twist on an older design rather than reinventing the wheel is a simpler goal and something I’m less likely to mess up.

Take, for example, my kitchen’s two-tone cabinets. It’s a vintage look that was made popular again over the last 10 years, and although it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, I get compliments on how retro and modern it looks at the same time.

#5 Focus on Your Faves

I hate burlap. HATE it. But you know what? Some folks love the look of it so much, they make that scratchy fabric into pillows that they lean against in their bedrooms every night. But I’ll admit, as I’ve seen the use of burlap grow in popularity or used in a beautiful room, I question whether or not to buy some for a table runner. The key of knowing when you’re liking something versus being influenced by outside forces? Your gut.

Some homes just have that “it” factor. And you walk away from that house wondering if you too should buy all of the same stuff they did. But it’s not really the couch that’s making the house feel that way; it was that the person who picked it out did so because they freaking love the item.

Take Charlotte’s sofa, for example (below). She knew she was dropping a lot of money on it, she knew it was green, and she new it was velvet. But she dove right in. It makes the space, but if you knew her in person, you’d also realize that no other sofa really quite captures her the way this styling does!

I doubt any reader who has checked out my blog could accuse me of being trendy. In fact, I never really set out to be the kind of DIYer who put a clever spin on everything I touched. And that’s OK, because all I’ve ever really wanted to do is give myself a house that I enjoy living in. So, I pick out pieces that truly speak to me and forget the rest.

Mixing antiques with modern pieces makes the whole house look like it was collected over time (because it was), but also adds personality unique to me and how I express my style — one that can’t be repeated as easily as shopping through a catalog.

At the end of the day, it’s my home, and the important thing is to make sure that I’m buying it, installing it, etc., because I enjoy seeing it every day — not because someone has once again done something really spectacular with plywood. (I’ll still pin the heck out of it, though!) I truly believe that’s what makes a home both trendy and timeless simultaneously. Loving the home you live in never goes out of style.

The best home renovations are the ones you love years after the new smell has worn off.

You love browsing remodeling ideas on Pinterest, but you also live in the real world. So how do you figure out what project will ultimately be worth the cost and effort? It’s not a whole lot different than choosing a life partner — will you still love them once the passion’s worn off? Will you still love your remodel after you’ve had to clean and maintain it year after year?

These three homeowners are still in love with projects they finished years ago. We give you permission to steal their strategies.

1. Expanding Living Space — Outside

Florida’s called the Sunshine State for a reason, but what’s the point of all that vitamin D without a proper spot to enjoy it? When Jane Watkins purchased her Miami home 13 years ago, it offered a pool and plenty of yardage — but little outdoor living space.

Watkins is no stranger to DIY projects, so she decided to build an outdoor space herself. Armed with hammers, nails, and a few good friends, she framed and built a simple, low-to-the-ground deck.

The spacious outdoor room bridged the gap between the wild outdoors of her tropical backyard and livable space with cutouts for existing trees, providing enough square footage for a full set of patio furniture — and lots of play space for the kids.

And it’s not just good for grand gestures and major events. It’s the “preferred sitting spot” for supervising swimming kids, Watkins says. “I sip my coffee out there, check out the yard, and hang.”

Lasting Love Lesson #1: Take on a project that physically expands the livable area of your home, even if it doesn’t require walls or a ceiling.

2. Creating a Family Fun Hub

Georgia Harris and her husband Tim purchased their Los Gatos, Calif., home for its view of the Santa Clara Valley — definitely not for its design. “It looked like a brown, tiny little house, like the ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ It was very basic,” says Harris.

The unassuming home became a blank canvas for the family’s dreams. Their biggest renovation success: turning the downstairs into an all-in-one entertainment center to complement their brand new pool.

Adding an enormous bonus room downstairs provided room for games and hanging out — a much-needed addition with two growing kids — and a 400-bottle wine cellar provides plenty of entertainment for the adults. The renovated basement helps the family stay in shape, too. An exercise room and direct pool access mean a well-rounded workout is only a flight of stairs away.

They even added an arched hallway to highlight that amazing view. “You can look from one end to another and see out the back,” Harris says. “We made everything really open.”

With one big project 11 years ago, the new Harris home went from an OK house with a great view to a house that’s as fun as it is functional.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever gone through a renovation like this,” Harris says. “I’ve done small projects, like bathrooms, but because we were involved in picking out everything, it feels like we built our dream home.”

Lasting Love Lesson #2: Give underused space a function that addresses the needs of everyone in the family.

3. Upgrading Entertainment Capacity

When both halves of a couple come from enormous families, finding room for everyone at Thanksgiving can be quite the challenge. For Cindy Carey, she met the challenge with a remodel that combined her kitchen, dining, and living room into one ginormous great room — long before the Property Brothers made open floor plans de rigueur. (See the photo at the top of this article.)

And more than 20 years later, she’s still in love.

“I love the big open room,” she says. “Everyone loves it. We’re able to entertain a lot of people.”

Carey often plays host for the holidays, and keeping the dining room as-is would have meant stuffing 26 people into one small room — or assigning everyone to different tables in separate rooms. Now, they’ve got elbow room to spare.

“Everyone may not be seated in a straight row, but we can all sit down and eat dinner,” Carey says.

A consummate entertainer, Carey regularly hosts employee holiday parties for her construction company. For this year’s party, she fit about 40 guests and a strolling magician into the room, no squishing required.

Carey says visitors are often astounded by the room’s size, considering its location — a tract home in the Bay Area.

“People don’t know how big it is until we get inside,” Carey says. “We get a lot of people that never knew this room could be back here.”

Lasting Love Lesson #3: What’s your lifestyle? Pick a project that enhances it.

Start by controlling light, sound, and temperature.

When it comes to redecorating, our energy and budget often get funneled into “public” parts of the home, such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Private spaces like the master bedroom rarely get as much love or money. After all, it’s better to spend on rooms guests will actually see, right?

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than one-third of adults in the U.S. aren’t getting enough sleep, which can impact our moods, mental clarity, and overall health. With our days so full of demands and external stressors, it’s time we turn our attention to the room where we rejuvenate and recover.

Here are five simple ways to add charm and comfort to the coziest room of the house — and improve your chances for a restful start to the day.

#1 Choose a Soothing Paint Color

While it may seem like a good idea to paint the bedroom your favorite sunny yellow, color experts don’t agree. Warmer tones such as yellow, orange, and red are said to be energizing and may even irritate the eye. That doesn’t exactly bode well for those of us trying to keep our eyes closed. 

Consider colors with a cooler tone, such as whites, taupes, grays, blues, and soft greens. Remember to use a low-VOC paint to reduce toxins in your indoor environment. VOCs — or volatile organic compounds — are in vapors emitted from many everyday household products, like paint and cleaning chemicals.

#2 Hang Blackout Curtains or Layered Window Treatments

Having a bright and airy bedroom is often the picture we have in our minds, but the reality of light pouring into our windows is less than ideal for actually getting rest (or getting up in the morning without being blinded by sunlight).

Blackout curtains not only help block light when you hit the snooze button, but many also offer a thermal panel on the back, which helps prevent temperature fluctuations in the middle of the night.

If blackout curtains aren’t your thing, you can also add multiple forms of window treatments, such as shades and curtains, to help control the amount of light.

#3 Eliminate Clutter and Electronics

Have you ever decluttered a space and felt instantly lighter, as though a weight had been lifted off your shoulders? If you’ve never felt the peace that comes along with a tidy and organized room, focus on having only the essentials you need in your bedroom for a good night’s sleep.

Remove distractions, including electronics (their blue light is known to ward off sleep), and anything that’s simply taking up space in the room.

#4 Install a Stylish Ceiling Fan

When designing a stylish master bedroom, your first instinct might be to splurge on a luxe-looking light fixture. However, unlike a light, a ceiling fan (with or without a light) enhances restfulness.

They boast a soft white noise and help control your body temperature during sleep, both by cooling you in the summer and helping push down warm air in the winter. (Just be sure to switch the fan’s direction between seasons.)

Plus, there are more stylish designs on the market than ever before!

 

 

Check out these captivating outdoor fireplace ideas that will transform your outdoor space into a cozy haven.

There’s nothing like gathering around a fire with your friends and family on a chilly evening. The right outdoor fireplace brings warmth to an outdoor area and is a spot to convene and make lasting memories. If you’ve been considering getting an outdoor fireplace, here are some ideas to help you get started.

4 Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Outdoor fireplaces come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Most homeowners want one that fits the style of their home and is compatible with their outdoor space. Style compatibility affects your design choice, the materials you choose, and the size and placement of the outdoor fireplace. Here are a few styles to consider.

#1 Traditional Outdoor Fireplaces

A traditional outdoor fireplace made of brick or stone can work well with a home that has exterior brick or stone elements. Matching the elements and tones in your fireplace to your home’s exterior helps create a cohesive look. Traditional materials like brick or stone are also a great option for homeowners seeking a classic wood-burning fireplace. If the masonry is sound, stone or brick fireplaces will generally require little maintenance. If you choose this option, you’ll need to consider having a professional check on your fireplace once a year to ensure it’s still in good shape.

#2 Modern Outdoor Fireplaces

A minimal outdoor fireplace can complement a home with a clean, modern look. Combine materials like stucco, stone, or concrete with a pared-back, sleek design. A gas fireplace is relatively low-maintenance option that suits the look and feel of a contemporary home. It also helps keep your patio warm and inviting well after the summer months. Apart from general masonry checks and regular cleaning, these fireplaces don’t usually require much upkeep.

#3 Sustainable Outdoor Fireplaces

Homeowners seeking sustainability might consider gas or electric fireplaces. If these aren’t for you, other sustainable fuel options, such as ethanol or wood pellets, produce less smoke and ash. As for exterior materials, explore locally sourced stone, sustainably sourced wood, or recycled metal.

#4 Customized Outdoor Fireplaces

If your home incorporates some unique design elements that are difficult to replicate, you might check into a custom outdoor fireplace built to your specifications. You can choose from many materials, including steel, concrete, stone, and wood. Qualified contractors and designers can help ensure your custom fireplace suits your needs.

Advantages of Outdoor Fireplaces

Building an outdoor fireplace may be a considerable undertaking, but it offers some excellent benefits.

Outdoor Fireplaces Can Add Character

An exterior feature like an outdoor fireplace adds visual interest to your home and helps it stand out. It also helps family and guests enjoy outdoor entertainment more.

Outdoor Fireplaces Increase Joy

Don’t underestimate a fire feature’s role in making your home a fun and joyful place. Homeowners who added an outdoor fire feature reported a joy score of 9.7 out of 10 after finishing the project, according to the National Association of REALTORS® “2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features.”

Outdoor Fireplaces Can Beautify Your Space

An exterior feature like an outdoor fireplace can be a great focal point in your outdoor patio, backyard, or deck. If you’ve long thought your patio lacked something special, a well-designed outdoor fireplace may give you the refresh you’ve been looking for.

Before You Build

Before deciding on the project, consider some of the issues and requirements.

Safety Matters

In most cases, outdoor fireplaces are a safe addition to your home. But if you have pets or young children, you’ll need to implement strict fire safety rules about keeping a safe distance from the fire. Make sure your outdoor fireplace is a safe distance from your home and other structures as required by the local code. And, before starting a fire, check with your local forest service office to find out about burn authorizations or fire restrictions.

Budget Concerns

Building a fireplace can be pricey when you compare the costs to other features like fire pits. The average cost to build a firepit is around $850, though depending on their choice of fire pit, homeowners may pay between $200 to $5,000. By comparison, the average cost to build an outdoor fireplace is roughly $3,000, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $9000. Homeowners on a strict budget may want to consider an outdoor fire pit instead.

Maintenance Needs

While gas and electric fireplaces require professional attention, traditional wood fireplaces require regular cleaning. Even with a small outdoor fireplace, this can be time-consuming and tedious, especially if you have a busy life.

But what kinds of maintenance does an outdoor fireplace require? Take a look at the following section.

Placement Consideration

Your outdoor fireplace’s location will vary based on building codes in your area, so look up local requirements before starting work on your project. A good rule of thumb is that your fireplace should be at least 10 – 15 feet away from your home, property line and any other structures or flammable materials. You’ll also want to place your outdoor fireplace such that it doesn’t face prevailing winds or obstruct any views.

Fuel Options

Many factors may influence fuel choice including your desire for convenience, your aesthetic preferences, and budget. Consider the pros and cons of a few different fuel options.

• Wood: Wood is the natural choice for anyone seeking a warm, traditional fireplace. However, a wood burning fireplace needs frequent cleaning and the smell of woodsmoke may be undesirable for some home owners.
• Gas: Natural gas is a clean and cost-efficient option offering a controlled burn. However, some home owners may find a gas flame less comforting and more sterile compared to wood options.
• Electricity: An electric fireplace often has a built-in heater that operates separately from the flames. This allows you to get the look of a roaring fire with or without the heat. Electric fireplaces are convenient, and produce a different aesthetic and ambience than wood burning options.
• 

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and light care keep your outdoor fireplace neat and ready-for-use. Here are some important tips to bear in mind:

• Keep the fireplace clean by brushing away dust, ash, and other debris between uses.
• A wood-burning fireplace may require an annual professional cleaning and chimney inspection to function as it should.
• Regularly check for potential problems like excessive smoke and ash build-up.
• Check your gas fireplace for fuel leaks and keep the gas valve turned off when the fireplace is not in use.
• Certain materials may need extra care. For instance, an outdoor stone fireplace may require sealant.

Fire safety is also an important concern with outdoor fireplaces. Here’s are some general guidelines homeowners should stick to:

• Don’t leave fires unattended.
• Understand your fireplace’s ventilation system and have a professional check it if you suspect any problems.
• Ensure that any custom work follows local fire safety codes, and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Find Your Perfect Outdoor Fireplace

There are many different materials and outdoor fireplace designs to choose from. The perfect match can complement your home and landscaping to create a balanced and well-coordinated result. The right outdoor fireplace can transform your deck or patio. It makes the area more inviting and comfortable, adds character, and injects personality to your outdoor space.

Look for an experienced contractor who uses high-quality materials and can match the outdoor fireplace to your vision while meeting local regulations and requirements.

Bathroom storage can be awfully tight. Bust it out with these ideas.

You fantasize about a bathroom big enough for hot yoga after a steamy shower — a space that can be your personal refuge from the hurly-burly of your house (your life!).

Instead, you’ve got a bath cluttered with all your toiletries right out there in plain view for all your guests to judge, umm, see. It’s like a metaphor for your life: so cramped, you dread trying to blow out your hair tomorrow.

You need space. Here’s how to gain some in your packed bath (collected from the pros).

9 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas to Maximize Space

#1 Hang Shelves in Unusual Places

Being savvy about the type of shelf you choose (think picture ledge instead of bookshelf) and where you hang it (like in that dead wall space between your sink and mirror) can make all the difference in a teeny bathroom (now you’ve got a toothbrushing station — and more sink space!).

Or go big. And UP. A wide shelf above your bathroom door is instant storage for your vacation beach towels.

#2 Go Into the Walls for Even More Shelves

Feeling cramped often leads to daydreams of taking a mallet to those close-together walls, “Fixer Upper”-style. So do it, really. You’d be amazed at how much storage space hides behind bathroom walls between studs that stand 16 inches apart.

Knock out some drywall (just be sure to check for electrical and plumbing lines first!), then throw in some shelves between the studs.

Keep it open if you’re storing towels or nice-looking bottles of lotion there, or add a door for a little more discretion.

#3 Add Storage to Your Pedestal Sink

Just because your pedestal sink came with the same amount of storage as your yoga pants doesn’t mean there’s no potential there.

You can buy (or build, if you’ve got the DIY bug) cabinets that wrap around the base and, literally, create storage out of thin air. There are lots of options, like Hammacher Schlemmer’s fancy pedestal cabinet that’s priced at $150 and comes with two shelves, tilt-out drawer, and even a magazine rack.

Another DIY solution: Dress your pedestal with a skirt that hides whatever you stuff behind it. It can even be a no-needle, no-sew project. Just use heavy, double-sided tape to attach and hem it.

#4 Put Part of Your Toilet in the Wall (for Real!)

Unless you’re raising sea creatures in your toilet tank (just kidding! Don’t do that!), your large, porcelain cube is eating up valuable space.

Consider a wall-hung toilet (starting at $185). It’s minimalist-chic, and frees up floor space because the whole thing sits closer to the wall.

Since the tank and plumbing hide behind the wall, be sure to leave an access panel to save yourself grief down the road.

Tip: A towel bar, or even some light shelving, can be mounted on the access panel for added storage where your toilet tank used to be.

#5 Get the Most Streamlined Faucet You Can

Itty-bitty bathrooms are perfect for simple, single-handle faucets that save space on your sink surround.

Sure, it’s just a few square inches you’ll save, but that’s valuable bathroom real estate when you’re in the middle of trying that new updo, brushing your teeth, and doing some self-maintenance.

#6 Hide Toiletries in Hanging Baskets

These hangables give even ugly bottles and brushes some style, as well as a home. Most baskets are light enough to mount to the wall using a 75-pound picture hook hammered into a stud (we love those studs!). Or, install an extra towel bar — or the infamous Ikea storage rails — and attach baskets and buckets via S-hooks.

#7 Get a Spacious Feeling With a Window

If your dark, dank bathroom has no window, and it’s on an exterior wall, add one! It’ll reboot your mornings like nothing else.

It’s not the cheapest option ($655 to $1,050 installed). But it’s sooo worth it to get those sunny rays.

Because your bathroom will just feel bigger. And it’ll let fresh air in, which puts the brakes on mold and mildew. Pick a vinyl window, which won’t rot like wood will (plus vinyl is usually cheaper).

#8 Mount a Second Shower Rod (or Double Rod)

If your shower surround is minimalist in all the wrong ways, you know the misery of stashing bottles and razors and soap in tiny, wet, slippery corners.

But no law says a shower can only have one rod. If you hang a second tension rod inside the shower and add some S-hooks, you can turn your shower into a hanging storage jungle with buckets and caddies.

Tip: You can also buy a double shower rod to do the same thing — or, put the shower curtain on the inside rod and use the outside one to hang towels.

#9 Hack Some Suction Cup Hooks

For something super easy, super quick that’ll give you some instant relief in your cramped bathroom, try suction hooks, which you can hack with elastic hair ties and mount to shower walls.

Slip razors, shampoo, conditioner through the ties, which will corral the usual shower mess.

 

 

 

For style, sanctuary, and ROI, you can’t go wrong with these bathroom design ideas.

All those pretty photos on all those pretty home design websites are fun to click through — but maddening when you’re making bathroom remodeling decisions. Too many choices.

We’ve got your back: We distilled all the visual noise down to the essence of what makes a bathroom remodel truly great.

With the “Remodeling Impact Report” from the National Association of REALTORS® estimating the typical cost of a bathroom remodel at $35,000, you’ll want to make sure you get maximum comfort, convenience, and enjoyment — and resale juice when the time comes to sell.

Here’s a list of practical (and hedonistic) features.

#1 Heated Ceramic Tile Flooring

Enduring, waterproof, and good-looking, ceramic tile bathroom flooring is the classic, never-out-of-style surface material for any bathroom. Plus, consumers (read: future buyers) love it: In a survey from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, 71% of respondents said ceramic/porcelain tile was their No. 1 choice for bathroom flooring.

With prices ranging from $7 per square foot to $55 and more, you’ll find a huge array of choices, styles, and colors that’ll work with any budget.

But ceramic tile can chill your tootsies. Pair your ceramic with thin electric radiant mats that go under the tile without raising the floor level — ideal for retrofit installations.

Radiant heat is often more efficient than forced-air heating because it eliminates heat loss through the ducts, says the U.S. Department of Energy. It also distributes heat uniformly across the floor, taking less time to warm a room than other types of heat.

At $8 to $15 per square foot to install, radiant mats are as easy on the budget as they are on the sole.

Nice-to-Have Ceramic Tile Accompaniments

No-slip ceramic tile. With its finely textured surface, it’s great for traction, making it an exceptionally safe bathroom flooring for young kids or folks with limited mobility.

Look for one of two ratings on the packaging.

1. A COF (coefficient of friction) standard of .60 or greater means the Ceramic Tile Institute rates the tile as nonslip when wet.
2. The DCOF (dynamic coefficient of friction) AcuTest measurement, the gold standard, requires a value of .42 or above for nonslip tile.

Tip: Nonslip tile’s texture can trap dirt, and that requires extra elbow grease to clean.

Epoxy grout. New formulas resist staining and discoloration over time better than traditional ones. They’re also more flexible than regular grout and less prone to cracking, making them ideal for flooring installations.

The key to grouting success is the installer. Make sure your contractor is familiar with epoxy grouts, which require finesse to shape and handle. They’re the most expensive option, at 25 cents to $1 per square foot, according to HomeGuide.

Programmable radiant heat thermostat. Want to treat yourself extra nice? Greet the day with a sigh of relief when you add a wall-mounted programmable thermostat (about $80 to $140) that’ll start warming up your floors whenever you want. How about a half an hour before your alarm goes off?

#2 Curbless Walk-in Shower

More than 66% of respondents to a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects said walk-in, curbless showers are gaining popularity. It’s for good reason: They’re stylish, safe for folks of all ages, and oh so easy to clean.

They dovetail nicely with ceramic tile floors, too. You can have one continuous surface that moves seamlessly from the shower to the main bath area.

Plus, they’re all about marketability. As the population ages, a contemporary walk-in is a selling point.

Be sure to hire a remodeling contractor with experience. Making a curbless shower takes know-how. The shower floor has to slope to the drain hole, which means the new drain will be located below the surface of the existing floor.

To make that work, you’ll have to remove old flooring and subflooring and alter the framing underneath the floor. It’s a good idea to consult with your local building authorities beforehand so that the work will be up to code and pass inspection.

We love natural stone, but in this battleground of soaps, lotions, pastes, and poultices, we prefer the impervious beauty of synthetic, low-VOC quartz.

Quartz countertops earn a top rating in countertop materials ratings thanks to their appearance, low maintenance, and high resale value, according to The Spruce.Quartz countertop material is a synthetic composite made up of about 90% quartz particles held together with binders. It’s virtually maintenance-free —  it never needs to be sealed — and comes in dozens of styles and colors. If you’re stuck on the idea of stone, many quartz versions mimic the real thing.

Quartz runs $55 to $155 per square foot, installed. Granite can cost from $45 to $300 per square foot, including installation.

#4 One Big Sink Instead of Two Small Ones

Togetherness is a beautiful thing, but in the master bath, you’re church and your partner’s state. Establish your individuality without losing your bond with a large (38-inch or more) sink ($309 to $854). One big sink saves more counter space than two and still lets you both wash up simultaneously.

Spec an undermount sink to go with your quartz countertop — undermounts have no protruding lip and help make cleanup a snap. The perfect companions to quartz countertops are undermount lavatory sinks. Eighty-five percent of respondents in an NKBA survey said easy-to-clean undermounts and integrated undermount configurations will be prominent.

Tip: Extra-large undermount sinks may need extra support. Check the sink specs and confer with your installer before you buy.

#5 Single-Hole, Motion-Activated Faucet

Ah, the savings. “Motion-activated, touchless faucets shut off automatically, so you’re not running the water continually, like when you’re brushing your teeth, which saves a significant amount of water,”  says John Petrie, owner of Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and a past president of the NKBA.

Besides that, we love the fact that sleek, single-hole touchless faucets are right in step with the calm, simple lines of transitional style. Transitional is a universally appealing, trend-defying design that’s cozy and elegant, and supports a strong return on your investment.

Finally, have you ever tried to clean around a two-handle vanity faucet with a narrow (four-inch) spread? Did you require therapy afterward? We heartily endorse the single-hole, lever-type faucet for your bathroom sink — and your sanity.

These tres-cool faucets average $30 to $600. Some have temperature controls so you (or your kids) can’t get scalded.

For extra utility savings, look for faucets with the WaterSense label that use only 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) compared with the standard 2.2 gpm flow of regular faucets.

#6 Humidity-Controlled Exhaust Fan

A fan or an operable window in a bathroom is required by building code. But who wants to open a window in winter to get rid of excess humidity? Get a fan with a humidity-sensing on/off switch. It’ll turn on when moisture levels are high and automatically shut off when things return to normal. That keeps mold at bay, ensures you’re not sucking out air-conditioned or heated indoor air, and prevents the fan from using power long after it needs to.

Tip: Make sure your contractor vents the fan to the outside, not the attic, or you might develop mold problems aloft.

Other fan options include multiple speeds, nightlights, and manual timers. You’ll pay up $100 to $400 for a humidity- or motion sensing exhaust fan.

#7 High-Efficiency, Dual-Flush Toilet

Saving water is our future; a high-efficiency, dual-flush toilet reduces water usage and appeals to any buyer looking for a cost-effective home.

The average person with a dual flush model flushes 40% less water per day than someone with a low-flow toilet, according to Caccia Plumbing. That can save on utilities and is good for the environment.

Tip: Bidets are standard features in Asia and Europe, but they’ve been slow to catch on in the U.S. Nevertheless, some manufacturers are creating hybrid toilets and toilet seats. Bidet toilet seats cost $170 to $650, and bidet toilet prices are $1,200 to $2,000.

#8 Pocket or Sliding Barn Door

The floor area of a bathroom is precious. Why waste any of it with a swinging door that eats up some 14 square feet of space? A pocket door or barn door slides out of the way without requiring any clearance, leaving more room for storage and design flexibility.

Old, salvaged doors of all kinds make showpiece barn doors for your bathroom.

So pocket or barn doors? Either can work well, depending on your budget.

Not everyone is a fan of pocket doors, which disappear into the wall. Some say the typical recessed door pull for pocket doors is awkward and can pinch fingers.

Modern tech to the rescue: You can find edge-mounted pocket door hardware with a handle that pops out at the touch of a button for $279. Or, add a door stop inside the wall framing to prevent the door from sliding all the way inside the wall. That way, you can safely use a recessed pull or add a traditional handle or knob to open and shut the door.

 

You can install a barn-style door, which hangs from a track above the doorway and slides in front of a wall, for less. It’s a good DIY project. Barn door kits cost $638 to $768, but if you’re handy, buy the hardware for $75 to $251 and make your own door, or find a used door at a salvage building supply store.

#9 Calm Colors

It’s always cool to be up on trends, but we say make your bathroom an exception. It’s your sanctuary, and it should be soothing and filled with light.

That doesn’t mean it has to be boring. In fact, it’s a good idea to include a painted wall surface so you can dash color about on a whim and change it just as easily. Nonpermanent items, such as artwork and antique mirrors, add beaucoup personality.

But permanent surfaces — ceramic tile and fixtures — need quiet, calm neutrals. Trending colors include blues, greens, whites, grays, and neutrals, according to the NKBA.

“A neutral color palette really is safe, especially in terms of resale value,” says Petrie. “You can always be expressive with colorful towels or curtains, things that are less expensive and easier to change than more permanent features.”

Plus, lighter colors help bounce light around, helping you see what a fantastic bathroom you’ve put together.