A trend, especially for smaller bathrooms, is to get rid of a seldom-used bathtub and replace it with a large, luxurious shower.  There are a number of available amenities to give a spa-like feel to it, including multiple showerheads, body sprays, and steam.  Some of the bathrooms pictured below are small, but they still have a sense of luxury because of the shower.

White remains the most popular color for bathrooms, but gray--either alone or paired with white--is gaining in popularity.  Lighter colors give your bathroom a calming, spa-like feel, while darker gray shades add a dramatic effect.  Bright colors really stand out when used as accents with gray, like the blue stripe in the pictures below.

Ceramic and porcelain tile flooring remains the most popular of all flooring materials for bathrooms.  Both types of tile are durable, easy to maintain, and very cost-effective.  Another plus is that the tiles are available in an endless array of colors, textures, sizes, and shapes that can be mixed or matched together for a unique look on your bathroom floors and walls as well.

While granite remains the most commonly specified countertop surface, quartz is a strong second and is narrowing the gap.  Quartz countertops offer an elegant look coupled with durability and easy maintenance.
Undermount sinks are also very popular.  They provide a visually appealing look, plus they add counter space and make cleaning easy.

Remodelers across the country are experiencing a surge in remodeling projects, particularly bathrooms and kitchens.  There are several new trends in bathroom design and we'll spend a few days looking at them, starting with unfitted bathrooms.  We've been used to traditional bathrooms with everything built-in and compartmentalized, so it's definitely a change to see free-standing bathtubs and vanities.  The look is reminiscent of old farmhouses with a tub in the middle of the room and a wash bowl on the dresser.  Originally, these unfitted bathrooms were designed as a cost-effective way to equip small bathrooms; but now, even luxury bathrooms have this layout.

You have to watch this video and see what happens when this carpenter has a little too much time on his hands.  Don't worry--he doesn't work for us.

Crystal chandeliers have long been considered a luxury that only the very wealthy could own.  High quality crystal creates a sense of splendor by allowing the light to dance throughout the room.  Today's chandelier makers take great pride in creating chandeliers as exquisite as those made in the 18th century.  If you check online, you may find a chandelier like the ones below for a really good price.  Some are antique and some are new, but they're all gorgeous.

Next time we'll look at some exquisite crystal chandeliers, but right now we have a collection of silly, unusual, and inventive chandeliers.  You won't believe what some of them are made out of.  We'll start with Marilyn's lovely leg under her red skirt, then bicycle chains, bubbles, dolls, beer bottles, wine glasses, pink flamingos, Gummi bears, Peeps, drum set, anything washed up by the tide, Bic pens, test tubes, skis, silverware, cups & silverware, skull & crossbones, and then a few that are just fun colors.   

The green plants aren't in yet, and some things still require imagination, but our outdoor project is really starting to shape up. Our exterior makeover project is well on it's way to becoming  the outdoor oasis our homeowners envisioned.