It's officially the first day of spring and with spring comes spring cleaning! However, before you start deep cleaning your home why not get rid of the clutter that's in your way. Getting rid of clutter can reduce the time you spend cleaning and it really just feels so darn cathartic. For many of us, clutter in the home causes stress and discontentment and there are psychological explanations for why this is so. It bombards our minds with excessive stimuli and distracts us from where our focus should be. It then starts to feel like your possessions own you, and that's just no fun. Make your home a happy home!

“Clear your stuff, clear your mind”

— Eric M. Riddle

I do understand that sometimes it's overwhelming to even think about the stuff we have accumulated and the time it will take to go through it all. Choosing what to keep or toss can be a distressing process, but it doesn't have to be. I have created a free downloadable printable of a spring decluttering checklist if you don't know where to begin. It's just a rough list, but at least these are some things you can probably throw away guilt free. 

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN DECLUTTERING:

It's a good idea to set some rules for yourself before you begin decluttering in order to get rid of things you don't really need. Here are some questions you should ask yourself when you declutter.

1. Do I have a duplicate?
   • It's not really necessary to have a duplicate of some items. It makes sense to have duplicate of some things, like kitchen baking trays if you like to bake large batches. Evaluate its purpose as a duplicate item and draw a fine line between being prepared and creating clutter if you keep it. 
2. Have I used this in the last year?
   • We sometimes hold onto things that seem like they might be useful, but it's important to evaluate how often you actually use them. Be real with yourself, if you haven't touched it in 4-6 months, despite your best intentions, it's a good candidate for decluttering. 
3. Does it make my life simpler?
4. Am I keeping this out of obligation or guilt?
   • It's likely that there is something  you are holding onto not because you love it but because it was a gift and you feel obligated to keep it. It's understandable that you don't want to hurt someones feelings, but it's your home and you can decide what you want in it. Tell yourself that it's okay to declutter gifts, if it's still good why not donate or sell it, someone else can love it. 
5. Am I not throwing this away because I don't want to waste money?
6. Do I have a realistic plan to use this?
7. If I were shopping right now, would I buy this?
   • People change, our style and tastes change, keep items that you can see yourself purchasing in the present.
8. Is it easily replaceable or can I borrow it?
9. Is this item worth cleaning and storing?
   • Your time and space in your home have value. Consider how much time or space an item takes up and is it really worth cleaning, sorting, and storing. 

Now that you have set yourself some guidelines lets dive into the process. 

5 - STEP DECLUTTERING PROCESS

1. Choose an area to declutter

   • Make your way through each room in your house, one at a time. Gather everything together in one area and start going through it

2. Ask yourself your guiding questions

3. Separate items into bins/piles

   • Once you have evaluated an item, put it into a different pile or bin by category. You can have categories such as: Keep in this room, Keep in another room, Toss, Donate, Sell, or Repurpose. Choose what makes sense to you. It can be as simple having only a keep and toss pile or all those mentioned previously.. 

4. Put everything in its new place

   • Make a home for everything you do keep, and make sure you put it back after you use it to avoid clutter in the future

5. Get rid of items you are not keeping as soon as possible

   • Get rid of items you are not keeping as soon as you can, or else you will be staring at them second guessing yourself. 

I hope this guide can help you in your decluttering process. It is by no means the only way to declutter, it's just how I do it. Set your own rules, make the process somewhat enjoyable, by the end of it, you will most likely feel as though a heavy weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

HAPPY DECLUTTERING!

Are you trying to decide on a remodel and not sure what you want to put money into? This post is going to compare different aspects of a kitchen and bathroom renovation to hopefully help you in your decision-making process. The reason I focus on kitchen and bathroom remodeling and not something like say, a basement or deck is because kitchens and bathrooms generally get more attention, and tend to be hotspots of the home.  The kitchen is where you cook and socialize with family and friends. Whereas bathrooms are about taking care of your bodies. You can go ahead and spend a great deal of money on a deck and it could go unnoticed, but invest in a kitchen or bathroom and you are bound to get compliments on your home.

WHICH IS CHEAPER?

Short answer: Bathroom

Pulling some figures from 2016, the average bathroom renovation costs $9,348 for small to medium-bathrooms. Smaller projects can cost between $3,500 and $7,000, whereas larger more elaborate projects can cost you $13,000 to more than $20,000. Most homeowners spend between $5,666 and $13,031 on a bathroom remodel.

Using the same set of data for 2016, the average Canadian homeowner reports spending an average of $20,556 on a kitchen remodel. Smaller kitchens costing between $10,000 and $15,000, which may include painting, refacing cabinets, sink upgrade, and installing a tile backsplash. Larger renovation projects that include custom cabinets, new flooring, high-end appliances, stone countertops etc., can run upwards of $30,000. The vast majority of Canadian homeowners, however, spend between $12,759 and $31,733.*

Which is less invasive?

Short answer: Kitchen (by just a tad bit, but it depends)

Since eating, bathing and doing your business are all equally important things, it’s a close call. If there was only one bathroom in the house and you were to choose between a kitchen and bathroom renovation, you could probably do without a kitchen for a while since you can go to restaurants, order delivery, or microwave and hotplate. 

On the other hand, if you only had one bathroom in the house, and it’s going to be out of commission for a bit, there are little to no alternatives. It’s going to be disruptive to your lifestyle. You could make friends with a neighbor for when nature calls or take advantage of a gym membership and use the showers there.

However, my answer would quickly change to a bathroom being less invasive if there was a second bathroom in the home. 

 

WHICH IS FASTER?

Short answer: Bathroom

You can expect a bathroom renovation to last between 2-3 weeks on average, given there are no major hiccups. Whereas a kitchen remodel really depends on what's being done. Minor upgrades can be done in about 2 weeks, however, a comprehensive kitchen renovation can vary anywhere between 4-12 weeks. Again, this all depends on the time for design, demo, lead-time for products and materials (custom products take longer), and installation.

 

WHICH IS BEST FOR RESALE?

Short answer: Kitchen

This is another "it depends" answer, it depends on your geographical area and what buyers are looking for. I recommend talking to a real estate agent in your area to get a more accurate picture of what homebuyers are really looking for. Albeit, a larger majority of real estate professionals (52%) find the kitchen one of the most important rooms that influences a house sale according to consumer reports. They also have a higher return on investment over bathrooms on average. Although, the range for ROI is very similar for both renovation projects, ranging from 65% to 100%. 

BOTTOM LINE

Put simply, kitchen renovations are more invasive and expensive than bathroom renovations.  Yet renovated kitchens tend to provide more homeowner satisfaction and value added over bathroom renovations. However, every situation is different, you just need to weigh out these factors and consider which room is more appropriate to renovate for your specific needs.

Sources:

Home Advisor - Bathroom Spending

Home Advisor - Kitchen Spending

Consumer report

Winter is coming. The weather outside will be frightful heading into the cooler months, and we will all most likely be gathering with family and friends inside to warm up during the holidays. Don’t let the dropping temperatures drag you down, here are some tips to help you redecorate your space to bring some warmth inside your home and create your own cozy winter refuge. 

1.     Warm up those windows

If you are feeling a chill in the air, insulate your windows! Dress them up with drapes using heavy fabric that matches your existing style. When drawn during cold weather, drapes can reduce heat loss from a warm room by up to 10%. To reduce heat exchange or convection, hang them as close to the windows as possible a let them fall onto the windowsill or the floor. 

2.     Fuzzy floors

Hardwood, tile or stone floors are great in the summer months but during winter…. not so much.  Add a fluffy area rug in your living area – or any area you see fit really – to warm up those feet and make the room feel much cozier.

Image Source - Adorable Home

Image source - House to Home

3.     Fire it up

If you have a fireplace be sure to rearrange your furniture towards it. This will create a warm and cozy gathering spot for friends and family. They will surely appreciate the warmth and ambiance the fireplace provides.  To give it an extra flare add textured pillows and throw blankets to stay warm and snuggly regardless of whether there is a fire going or not. 

Don’t have a fireplace? Have no fear. Candles are great too. Place candles strategically around the room to achieve the same warmth and glow. 

Image Source - Fresh Design Pedia

Image Source - Garrison Hullinger

4.     Bring nature indoors

Bring the outdoors inside, because why not enjoy a touch of nature in the warmth of your own home.  Think sprigs of evergreens, birch branches, twigs of bright red winterberries, pinecones, etc.  There are so many ways to display and arrange these items inside your home during winter. Whether it be a DIY or store bought decor have fun with it! 

Image Source - Pottery Barn

Image Source - Equallywed

Image Source - Liz Marie

Image Source - Liz Marie

5.     Warm inviting smells

Décor and accessories can go a long way towards cozying your home, but filling your home with smells of the season is important too. A bowl of potpourri consisting of cinnamon, pine needles or evergreens can do the trick or you prefer diffusing essential oils PaLoHa Essentials has a post about wonderful winter essential oil blends you can try, here. Additionally, there are so many scent options offered in candles from various brands, they can range from earthy scents to sweet candy cane, the hardest part is picking them out.

The thought of creating your dream home can be extremely exciting. However, there are certain things that you can overlook when it comes to home renovations. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when taking on a remodel to help you save time and money, as well as ensure you don’t gray prematurely in the process.

1. Rushing into it.

Don’t get caught up in the excitement of a renovation project and rush into it without developing a good plan. Be patient. Before starting anything, come up with a design with your contractor, a realistic timeline, and look into whether or not your project needs a permit. Coming up with a good plan is tedious and time-consuming but having a bad plan or no plan at all can delay your project, derail progress, and increase costs in the long run.

2. Taking matters into your own hands (DIYers)

I love a DIY project as much as the next person, but just know when to hand over a project to professionals.  Realistically evaluate your own abilities before deciding to start a project without hiring a contractor. Sure a blog post or YouTube video may make it seem easy but just know that you may not end up with the result you were expecting or you may not be able to finish the project at all. Then...after investing your time and money into doing a  project on your own, you may have to hire a contractor to repair your mistake anyway. So realize that hiring a contractor is a worthwhile investment. They have the expertise to plan the project, maneuver through challenges, and apply best practices to ensure superior results. 

Tip: If you have made the decision to go about a project on your own, we offer home renovations consulting to help advise you on the project from start to finish. Read more about home renovations consulting here.

3. Choosing the first contractor you meet or a contractor with the lowest quote

 A contractor can make or break a project. Don’t make the mistake of choosing the first contractor you meet. Take your time.  Be sure to interview several contractors, communicating to them your expectations for the project and request an itemized estimate from each one. Moreover, the lowest quoted price might be tempting, but it can be misleading and unrealistic.  A low quote can mean that the contractor is not accounting for certain costs or even worse, they might cut corners once the renovation starts. 

4. Having an unrealistic budget

What I mean by “unrealistic” is creating a budget, which doesn’t allow for wiggle room.  A good rule of thumb to follow is once you have decided what you want to spend, increase that number by 20% and that should be your budget.  This 20% cushion will help prevent added stress when unforeseen events arise.

5. Choosing the cheaper option

It’s understandable that you are looking for ways to save money on a project, but don’t automatically choose the cheapest fixtures.  Talk to your contractor about the tradeoffs between quality and price for your certain aspects of your project. You’ll probably be better off selecting a better quality product that fits within your budget. Investing a little more on quality means you won’t be spending money on repairs in the long run.  

Tip: If you are in no rush at all, you may be able to find great deals on items that you do want throughout the year. You just need to keep your eyes peeled and you can save on material costs without compromising quality. However, make sure you have the right measurements before you buy it!

6.  Changing your mind.

 Try your best to stick to your initial plan once a renovation project has begun. Changing your mind throughout the project and doing last minute add-ons can get costly.  However, a good contractor will let you know what will cost extra if you do so happen to change your mind. Ultimately, coming up with a refined plan in the beginning in order to help you not doubt yourself throughout the renovation.

In our last post, I wrote about different types of ways to renovate your to achieve a spa-like bathroom. This second part addresses décor tips and tricks to achieve the same look. These tips are great for people who are unable to renovate their bathrooms, and for people who are fine-tuning an already renovated bathroom.

Greenery

I believe that some greenery breathes life to any room. Not only do plants reflect spa scenery, they add freshness to the air and make any space look more natural. However, some plants thrive more than others in the bathroom and The Joy of Plants has compiled a nice list of plants that not only look wonderful bathroom but thrive and prosper in that environment. On the other hand, if you do not have a green thumb (like me) or don’t want to worry about real plants, fake plants achieve the same result aesthetically.

Image via Homedit

Image via Inside Out

Image via Airows

Seating

The toilet does not have to be the only seat in the bathroom! Ever notice how some spas have a nice ottoman, stool or couch to rest on? Why not add one in yours? If you have the extra room to place a small seat, do it. It’s an elegant and upscale looking piece that provides you seating while waiting for the bath to fill or moisturizing your legs once you’re out of the shower. It can also double as a side table to hold your gadgets, books, and products while you're bathing!

Image via Day Design Decor

Image via Decozilla

Image via Style File

Bathroom Organization

Buying dispensers, trays, and containers that are the same style helps keep the room consistent and harmonized. Moreover, it makes the room appear tidier, because when you have different products on the counter or in the shower with different packaging, labels, and colors, it distracts the eye and makes the room appear messy and cluttered. However, when it comes to counter space I advise on keeping it as clear as possible by storing products and appliances in drawers or baskets but in case you want products out for your convenience such as skincare or perfume, put it on a tray.

Image via The Inner Sanctum

Image via Arianna Belle

Image via Kristine In Between

Candles

Light up a candle and fill the room with a relaxing aroma and a soft warm glow. However, if candles are not your thing try scent diffusers or potpourri. 

Towels

Nothing screams spa like large white fluffy towels to me. They are not exactly décor items, but it’s the placement and arrangement of towels that give off the spa-like vibe, thus I consider it functional decor. Some people prefer to keep extra towels stowed away in the hall closet, but there are ways to showcase them in the bathroom, which adds comfort and softness to the room.

Image via Homegoid

Image via Carla Aston by Tori Aston

Image via Tewes Design

Have you ever taken a good look at the significance of your bathroom? Ever think about how much time you spend in them, and the purpose it serves you? A lot of people, I feel, tend to underestimate what a great bathroom can do for them. This is one of the first rooms you enter in the mornings to get ready for the day and a room where you unwind at the end of it. Now think about how nice it would be to enter your bathroom, and just be transformed by the atmosphere, and ambiance.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a spa-like bathroom in your home? I mean a trip to the spa is the ultimate way to relax, and de-stress, but we don’t all have the finances to go to the spa every week or even every month. So, why not invest long-term in a spa-like bathroom, which gives you the ability to access a calming sanctuary 24/7, all year round. It would be a space in your home that can melt your stresses away, every day. Imagine that! There are really two ways we can achieve this, through renovations, and/or changing décor. Therefore, I’ve split this topic into two parts, part I: renovations, and part II décor. There is just so much information I want to share, but it would all be so overwhelming at once. Since this is part I, I want to begin with steam showers.

Steam Showers

Many people probably assume a soaking tub is a must-have in a spa-like bathroom. But what are the chances of you soaking in a tub every single day? It can also make a smaller bathroom feel crowded. So, above all else, if I can only recommend one thing on this list, it would be a steam shower.  However, if you have the luxury of being able to have both, do it, you won't regret it, but I digress. Many people enjoy steam showers for several reasons; it can help improve circulation, flush out toxins, alleviate sinus problems, and reduce muscle tensions. One way to makeshift an at-home steam shower is to have a glass shower enclosure that fits all the way to the ceiling, which has a vent that can close to allow steam to gather when you’re feeling like a steam shower and opens when you just want a regular shower. However, installing a steam generator will provide you with premium results. Some steam generators even come equipped with an oil caddy and atomizer, generating in-steam aromatherapy (like this one). 

However, keep in mind that with steam showers you want to be sure the enclosure is properly water- and vapor-proof. We would use products like Wedi to achieve this (click here to read our blog post about Wedi). Wedi boards can give you the versatility to design a steam shower according to your style preference, whether you want it to be curbless or a partial barrier, the design possibilities are endless.  Just take a look at some of these amazing at home steam showers.

Image via Pebble Tile Shop

Image via Houzz - Niki Papadopoulos; Ansley Park Master Bath

Image via Atmosphere Interior Design

Image via Houzz

Shower Bench/Niche

To add more luxury to your steam shower, add a bench! Why stand? Relax. Have a seat. Enjoy the heat, and melt away. You can bring in a separate waterproof bench if you would like, but you can up the ante with a custom built-in bench made to match the rest of the space. And while we’re customizing, why not add a built-in shower niche to hold your toiletries. Installing a shower caddy can disrupt the clean lines we have created, and setback the zen vibes we are trying to achieve. However, do work within your budget. We can help you find a solution to achieve the look you want!  

Image via DecorPad - Tinsley Hutson Wiley Interior Design

Image via DecorPad - Martha O'Hara Interiors 

Image via Wearefound Home Design

Image via DecorPad - Chicago Mag

Heated Floors/Towels

Now...what’s worse than stepping out of a nice steam shower just to encounter a cold icy floor? No spa-like bathroom can truly feel complete without spoiling yourself to heated floors. There are two basic types of heated flooring to choose from, electric radiant heat and hydronic heating. Both have their pros and cons, so if you want to install heated floors consider each option carefully. While heated floors can be expensive to install, it is definitely worth the extra investment to some. However, if this is not an option for you, there is still warmth within reach! The feeling of warm cozy towels after a long hot bath is absolutely blissful, especially during the winter months. That’s why towel warming drawers and racks can be a wonderful addition to any bathroom.

LUXURIOUS HArDWARE

Luxury hardware may seem unnecessary, but it can make all the difference. Remember, a spa-like bathroom is all about indulgences. When it comes to shower heads, there’s just something so luxurious about a rainfall showerhead. The softer flow on the skin just feels so relaxing. It’s definitely a gentle way to wake up in the mornings, and the most spa-like experience you can achieve during a shower. You can also opt for a handheld shower, as well, for days where you need the convenience of a quick shower. Although, there is other hardware to think about too; the faucet, hooks, handles, etc. Then, it's also important to consider the finish (e.g. brushed, polished, oil-rubbed, matte), and tone (e.g. gold, silver, bronze) of them. There are so many options to choose from that it warrants a post of its own, but be sure to pick one that matches the type of spa look you want to achieve, whether it be rustic, Asian-inspired, or a contemporary looking bathroom, the finish will pull it together. It's the sum of all the details that make the big picture. 

Color Scheme

Many spas use light earthy tones to induce a spacious, airy feel. However, I do realize different colors affect people differently. So, don’t go with a color scheme spas usually choose. Pick colors that feel calming to you, as a great color scheme can set the tone and ambiance for the room. Caitlin Sole has compiled a brief, yet educational, summary of calming color schemes on Better Homes and Gardens, click here to read more. Although personally, I tend to prefer neutral and earthy tones for an authentic spa-like feel, using a mixture of brown, cream, white, and grey tones.

Accent Textures

We can also mix in some textures that engage the senses, using varying tile patterns, wood, or stone -- generally mixtures of rough, and smooth textures can bring a room from “blah” to fab. A natural stone like marble is so glossy, versatile, and elegant; it truly has a clean modern feel to it. Whereas, rough textures like wood can balance out sharpness in the room by adding in warmth and dimension. There really are so many ways to use and mix textures, and really, there are no rules on how to do it. The key is to find balance.

Image via Feedpuzzle

Image via Freshhome

Image via Freshhome

Image via Minimalisti

Lighting

Last, but not least is lighting. Lighting is an art in and of itself.  Designer Geoffrey De Sousa offers his expertise in bathroom lighting for YLighting. He covers what is important to consider, common mistakes, how to light different areas of the bathroom, and which light bulbs he prefers. Click here to read more.

As for my own personal opinion, I'd say that in spa-like bathrooms that want more of an elegant feel, opt for some pendant lighting. Pendant lighting offers a bigger pool of light, but still makes you feel comfortable because it is not harsh. There are also some fixtures can be extremely stylish and help break up the monotony of a room. Lastly, for access to ultimate mood lighting, install color-changing LED bulbs or light strips . There's a color for every mood.  Whether you want to induce calm with blues, sensuality with red, reenergize with purple, or just have regular task light, you can change it with a push of a button.

Image via Decoist - Fiorella Design

Image via Decor Zoom

Image via Home Designing

Image via Zillow

Did this post give you any ideas, or additional things to consider on your potential bathroom renovation? Stay tuned for part II, where I talk about decor ideas to further make your bathroom feel like a spa.