Continued from Page 2

Consider Your Lighting
Have you ever considered how much time you actually spend in the bathroom? If I had a dollar for every time I went to primp for a date in front of my bathroom mirror . . . That’s one reason it’s so important to have great lighting in a bathroom—bad lighting can turn good makeup into a bad date! The bathroom is where you prepare to look your best, and good lighting is key, from the number of fixtures and where you place them to what kind of lightbulb you choose. Have you ever tried on a bathing suit in a dressing room with dim fluorescent lighting? Who looks good in that light? Yuck! Put some thought and money into your bathroom lighting—everyone who uses the space will be amazed by how the right light changes the whole room (and how they feel about themselves). I love a bathroom that has a variety of light sources, including a central ceiling fixture for general lighting (install a dimmer switch to make bath time more relaxing), sconces flanking or above the main mirror, and a flush-to-the-ceiling fixture over the shower. Consider using blue bulbs that simulate natural light instead of harsh white bulbs.

Bathroom Fixtures
Fixtures need to suit your personal needs and lifestyle. If you love to escape to your bathroom at the end of a long day, upgrades like a Swiss shower (which has multiple showerheads that hit you from all directions), a rain shower, or a deep soaking tub give you a little vacation retreat right down the hall. I love these features, especially in a master bathroom, and so do a lot of other people, making them worthy investments:

• A spacious shower with multiple heads enclosed by a thick, seamless glass door and a built-in seat or bench
• A solid piece of stone is so much easier to clean than a tile countertop—grout lines that get infected with dirt and mold are tough to keep up with.
• A double sink set into a stone-topped vanity. A vessel sink makes a ho-hum bathroom look like part of an upscale hotel suite.
• Ceramic or stone tile floors are easy to care for and look rich. Be sure to select a tile with a matte or pebbled texture for safety. Smooth surfaces are slippery when wet.
• A linen closet gives you a discreet storage option. If you can’t fit a closet into the room because of structural or budget issues but you have the space for it, add an armoire with shelves.


Reprinted with permission from 'Invest In Your Nest - Add Style, Comfort and Value to Your Home' by Barbara K (June 2006)