When you want to upgrade your home, one room to look towards is the bathroom. So many people start and end their day showering, brushing their teeth, and more, so it makes sense that you should give your bathroom a makeover.

When you can’t afford to install a new bath or shower, what are some ways you can give your bathroom an upgrade that won’t break the bank? Here are several.

Inexpensive Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Larger

If you have a smaller bathroom, there are several ways you can give it the illusion of size. There are several ways you can accomplish this.

Get a Large Mirror

If your bathroom mirror is on the smaller side, buying a larger one should not cost much money. A large mirror can make the bathroom feel much roomier. When someone enters, the person may believe they’re in a larger room until they recognize it’s a mirror. Not only that, but if the mirror comes with a medicine cabinet, you can store more of your belongings in it.

Try a Fresh Coat of White Paint

Another inexpensive way to make your bathroom larger is to give it a coat of white paint. White paint makes your room feel more extensive, and you should be painting your bathroom regularly to remove any grime from it. Also, be sure to use mildew-resistant paint.

You can use paint to create patterns and other designs to give it a regal look for less money. Never count out the power of color theory.

Add Wall Shelves

Adding some wall shelves above your toilet allows for some clever storage, letting you put decorations or extra toiletries in a convenient location. By having less clutter around your bathroom, you can give it the illusion of being larger than it is. Wall shelves tend to be inexpensive and easy to install, and many of them have a gorgeous finish that can make your bathroom look more high-end.

Install a New Shower Head and Sink Faucet

Another inexpensive idea to upgrade your bathroom is to buy a new shower head or sink faucet. For example, if you have a shower head that’s aging and lacks features, you can buy one with many bells and whistles for a fair price. The same principle applies to a sink faucet.

Both are simple to install as well, requiring no professional help. With a shower head, you simply twist the old one off and add a new one. It’s a great way to upgrade your shower or sink without replacing it altogether.

Refinish Your Bathtub

Does your bathtub have stains, small cracks, or other imperfections? You might consider replacing it, but if you’re on a budget, ask yourself: does the bathtub still work fine? It might be time to retire it if you have a leaking, moldy, or heavily damaged bathtub. However, if your bathtub is fine otherwise, consider refinishing it.

Refinishing the bathtub only costs a few hundred dollars, and it can make your bathtub look good as new. It can remove imperfections and give you a fresh feeling every time you take a bath.

Again, if your bathtub is damaged beyond repair, refinishing it will be pointless. However, if it’s still working, give it a try before you consider replacing it.

Research Affordable Materials

When you’re renovating your bathroom, there is an urge to use more expensive materials. However, there are times when more affordable materials can suffice.

For example, if you’re renovating walls, save tiles for the shower and tub areas only.  It’s far less expensive to use drywall in dry areas, reserving the more expensive tile work for areas that will see water.

As for your flooring, there is a wide range of materials to choose from. For example, if you wish to install laminate, it’s the cheapest option.  Generally, stone is the most expensive option, but there are synthetic floors that can fall in the mid-range.  Pick an option that makes sense for the space and your pocketbook.

Additionally, if you want stone flooring or countertops on a budget, consider asking a supplier if they have any remaining pieces from a previous gig. This can be a great option for small spaces.  Sometimes you can also buy it used. The cost of granite, marble, and manufactured stone can vary greatly, so research different grades of stone to see what makes sense for your home.

Mix and Match

With inexpensive materials versus expensive ones, you should consider mixing and matching. For example, if you want some luxury in your bathroom, aim towards one section, such as the countertop, and spend less on other parts. Then, when it’s time to renovate your bathroom again, you can upgrade something else entirely.

But, with that said, maintain a balance between affordability and quality. You don’t want to buy cheap materials that will deteriorate rapidly. Replacing them costs money and time, which add up quickly. Affordable doesn’t have to mean low quality!

Buy It Used or On Sale

We previously mentioned the option to buy used materials. Your local consignment store may offer items such as vanities and mirrors, which can be fabulous additions to the bathroom.

Of course, you should be cautious when buying anything used. Be sure it’s in good condition and the seller has a stellar reputation. You should have the option for a refund if the item doesn’t fit, isn’t in working condition, etc.

If you decide to buy your goods new, look for sales. You can look for deals on holidays, even Black Friday. If you don’t want to wait until then, follow your local businesses online and on social media to see if any sales are coming up. Signing up for an email alerts can help you score the latest deals or clearance specials.

Conclusion

It is possible to give your bathroom a magical renovation without spending much money. Through some budgeting, clever tricks, and figuring out what is the biggest priority, you can save some money while adding to the value of your home. Good luck with your bathroom renovations!

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   

Whether you’re an avid chef or just enjoy cooking family meals, your kitchen receives tons of traffic throughout the day. Because you use it so often, you may want a stylish space – especially if you like entertaining. Here are seven design trends for those looking to make some upgrades.

1. Focusing on Sustainability

Many homeowners are paying more attention to eco-friendly designs. As climate change continues to be a concern, taking care of the environment is essential. In fact, 38% of people who remodel their homes want energy-efficient upgrades.

These can include low-E windows, insulation, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. Adding energy-efficient appliances can also reduce carbon emissions.

Here are a few more ways to increase sustainability in your kitchen:

• Use green materials such as stone, bamboo, or reclaimed wood.
• Decorate with vintage pieces.
• Repurpose items from demolition, such as cabinets.
• Buy eco-friendly cleaning supplies.

2. Creating Zones

More people work from home than before, so having separate spaces is very helpful. It allows for a more organized room and a better flow — by thinking in zones, you can designate areas for cooking, dining, and socializing, even if you don’t have a lot of extra space.

Suppose you live in a smaller home. Your kitchen might need to double as a temporary home office or a craft space for kids, so add a built-in folding desk and additional wall storage to increase the room’s functionality. This way, you can seamlessly transition between cooking, eating and other activities.

Want something more creative? Consider adding glass partitions. They give you an open concept feel and let in more natural light while keeping your kitchen distinct from other spaces.

3. Mixing Different Materials and Colors

Another kitchen trend is mixing materials. Mixing materials can provide a more engaging design. Why? Mixing and matching adds some textural interest and allows you to be more creative with your design choices. For example, pair matte cabinets with glossy countertops, or contrast textured wallpaper with painted surfaces.

Another fun mix is playing with colors. Try a botanical wall cover with neutral-colored surfaces. For cabinetry, two-tone options can add visual lift to your kitchen space.

When combining finishes, have a dominant style to keep a sense of balance. If you don’t know where to start, mixing metals and woods is an excellent option.

4. Designing with Country Style

Due to the pandemic, high numbers of people moved to rural areas and away from cities. During the first year of the pandemic, 2.9 million people moved out of populated areas. Many were working remotely and wanted more open space. With this shift, kitchen designs are starting to reflect a more rustic style.

A softer color scheme and natural materials, like wood, are common elements. Also, exposed beams and distressed brick creates a cottage-style feel. Pair these with metallic accents and statement lights for stunning contrasts.

5. Adding Softer Shapes

Gentler edges on surfaces create a more welcoming and elegant atmosphere. Plus, it’s safer for children. Soft outlines are more aesthetically pleasing, creating a natural flow between objects.

Use rounded edges for countertops or dining room tables. You can also have curved seating, which encourages socializing. Cabinet hardware is another simple way to incorporate this trend. Metal rounded knobs can provide a classic appearance.

6. Using Patterned Tiles

Tiles are a popular feature in many kitchens, and adding it is a popular kitchen trend. Wall and floor decor is a great place to start if you’re thinking about upgrades.

Because it’s durable and water-resistant, tile is an excellent material to use. Patterned material can make your home unique. You can add style by choosing bold colors like pinks. If you want to go more subtle, blues are an excellent choice.

You can add tiles to your backsplash or flooring. Some more ways to incorporate tile include:

• Covering walls.
• Using it on the back side of your island.
• Placing tile over your stovetop.
• Accenting floating shelves.

7. Installing Smart Technology

Smart devices are rising in popularity. In the kitchen, this kind of tech includes dishwashers, refrigerators, and lighting fixtures. They can use less energy, lower utility bills, and provide more convenience. Many homeowners are also adding advanced technology to their outdoor kitchens, which are perfect for entertaining.

Here are a few devices to consider:

• LED lighting.
• HD weather-resistant smart televisions.
• Audio/video systems.
• Wi-Fi enabled barbecues.
• Wi-Fi controlled heating features.

8. Decorating with Green

Green represents nature, which is a common theme in home design. During the pandemic, outdoor elements have provided a sense of peace. So it’s no surprise that in 2022, homeowners are using a lot more green in their interior design, as it evokes nature and blends well with indoor plants and botanicals.

There’s a variety of shades to choose from – you can go for bright green or muted tones. Consider the ambiance you’re looking for when picking a color.

You can incorporate green into multiple elements. A few ways to add it to your design are:

• Painting the walls.
• Decorating with green seating.
• Adding plants.
• Painting your cabinets.

Refresh Your Kitchen with Popular Trends This Year

Finding the right way to update your home can be a little tricky. While you want a stylish space, you also want it to represent you. Kitchen trends are an excellent way to get some design inspiration, so follow these tips to create your dream kitchen.

About the Author: Evelyn Long is the editor-in-chief of Renovated, an online resource for the real estate market. Her freelance writing has been published by the National Association of REALTORS®, Insights for Professionals and other prominent industry magazines.

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   

Last week at REO, the team attended a Tortuga’s Game in Daytona where they had the chance to eat complimentary food on behalf of Belly Buster Wednesdays at the stadium. Although the Toturga’s did not win, they all remained in high spirits and had a wonderful time!

Also that week, in celebration of Mother’s Day, REO honored our staff and agents to a beautiful luncheon at The Green Lion where they enjoyed yummy appetizers, refreshing salads, soups, and Cuban sandwiches followed by loads of laughter during our funny ice breaker game!

 This month we’re sharing tips, tricks and stats on the home selling process! Here we’ve taken a  few tips from our home seller’s checklist to prepare you during your home selling process.

MAKE IT INVITING:

Start off by working on that lighting. No one wants a home that looks like a cave. So make sure to open those blinds, change the lightbulbs and possibly add some more fixtures to make your home as bright and inviting as possible. While you’re at it, you may want to touch up any scruffs on the walls and repaint, if necessary. If you tend to have darker colors on the walls that may close up the space, it’s suggested to repaint with a lighter airy color to again make the home more inviting and give the potential buyer a blank canvas for their imagination. It’s also a great way to modernize your home.  Lastly, fix any damaged hardware, flooring, and whatever else you can think of before getting your home ready to show. 

SHOW IT’S CARED FOR:

Cleanliness is indeed next to godliness.  First and foremost, clean those vents. You do not want your potential buyers to have to worry about dusty ventilation and baseboards. Additionally, before showing your home, you’ll want to remove any and all personal belongings and items from your home. This will help the buyer visualize what their future home will look like. It’s best to think of the psychology behind the home selling process. If you need to live in the house while it’s on the market, remove all unnecessary items: donate, sell, rent a storage unit — do whatever it takes to empty out the house to its bare minimum. If you’ve already moved out, empty it completely or stage it (your agent will know the pros). Remember, we want buyers to say “Wow!” — not “wow.” Organize those cabinets and closets. Empty and clean them out. 

BOOST CURB APPEAL 

Tidy up your landscaping by adding some greenery. Some plants and flowers can truly make a difference. While we’re talking green thumbs, it’s important to note that lawn care is a big part of maintaining curb appeal. Regularly care for your lawn by mowing the grass, raking off leaves, and pulling weeds. You can also boost curb appeal by having your front door stand out instead of blend in.Painting a front door only costs about $75, and is a pretty easy DIY job, even for beginners. Opt for a bold color that accentuates and enhances (rather than clashes with) the other colors of your home’s exterior. Clean gutters both inside and out, clearing out any debris and really scrubbing the outsiders until they look good as new (or as close to new as you can get them looking).

Familiar with the home selling process? What tips and tricks do you have for getting your home ready before a showing? Chat with us! We’d love to hear from you!

You can find us on Instagram at @reoceanside or on Facebook @RealtyExecutivesOceanside!

Perhaps you’ve recently signed a rental lease or bought a home in an area you’re unfamiliar with. With the help of Realty Executives, finding the right home is a cinch! But settling in after moving can be a tough process. These resources will aid you with every aspect, from switching your address to meeting friends in your new community.

Making Important Changes

When you move, you have to deal with lots of logistical tasks that pop up! Here are a few of the most important responsibilities that you’ll need to tackle.

• Before you arrive, you’ll need to contact your local utility providers to set up services like water and electricity in your home.
• Changing your address with the post office should be one of the first items on your to-do list.
• Head to the DMV to update your driver’s license with your new address.
• Make an appointment with a new primary care physician shortly after you move in.
• Check with your real estate agent to see if they offer moving concierge services from companies like MooveGuru or Updater. These types of systems can help you tackle many moving tasks from one platform.

Professional Networking

If you’re looking for a job in your new community, you’ll want to focus on networking in addition to sending out applications.

• Look up networking events in your new city so that you can start connecting with other people in your field.
• Consider enrolling in an online degree program to improve your job prospects.
• Become a member of your local Chamber of Commerce for access to additional networking opportunities!

Having Fun

Making friends after moving can be challenging! These suggestions will make it easier.

• Ready to make some new friends? Join an adult recreational sports league!
• If your faith is an important part of your life, start seeking out a new church community.
• Should you need more suggestions for social outlets in your new area, ask your real estate agent for their expert suggestions.

Moving marks a fresh start in your life, and it can be very exciting! But at the same time, it can also be very stressful. Thankfully, you can turn to these resources to take some guesswork out of the process.