Installing a Traditional Kitchen Tile Backsplash.

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Among the improvements for the kitchen is the replacement of a rather ordinary tile backsplash with one or more visually compelling designs. Below is a summary of steps, as well as a list of tools and materials used, as seen in this project.  Continue reading →

What You Need to Know About Replacing Kitchen Counters

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If you’re looking to replace your kitchen countertops, there are several things to consider before you get started tearing out the old ones. You can have what would appear to be a simple job go very wrong if a few important things aren’t taken into consideration.  Read on to find out how to ensure you have the best possible experience when it comes to updating your countertops. Continue reading →

GO GREEN, Save the Environment and Freshen Up Your Kitchen

Plumbtile: Danze

Why Change the Kitchen Faucet 

As more and more people decide not to move and instead remodel their existing homes, they don’t realize that they can start small and add value by simply replacing the faucets in their kitchens and bathrooms.  Adding something simple such as a faucet gives the look of a newer kitchen, while at the same time, saving cost and the environment through lower water usage.  Most people don’t even realize how easy it is to replace their kitchen faucet.  After picking one out, such as these examples from BrizoContinue reading →

Better Living Design in the Bathroom

Plumbtile: Hydro Systems

You have a bathroom that you just love and adore. However, you feel it is time for a facelift or in construction design terms, remodeling. Remodeling your bathroom is the process of taking your current restroom, water closet, lavatory, or whatever word you prefer to call it, and giving it a make-over. A make-over can consist of rebuilding or redesigning your vanity and or mirror, installing a better or more water-efficient toilet, or even transforming your shower-in-bath, to just a seven-person spa tub, or a two-person rain shower room. Wouldn’t we all love to do that?  Continue reading →

How to Take Charge of your Bathroom and Kitchen Design Like a Pro

Plumbtile: farm sinks

Designing your new kitchen or bathroom can be frightening and exciting at the same time. The entire process can seem extremely overwhelming before you even know where to start. It is natural to want to jump in and start picking out fixtures, pour over cabinet designs and compare color swatches that will eventually fulfill your design vision – but try to resist that temptation. There are several key necessary steps you should always do for any big design project first that will shape the overall outcome.  Continue reading →

Powdering the Powder Room

Half bathrooms can be a challenge for any homeowner, how to add style and organization along with functionality!  Powder rooms typically will serve not only your family but also any guests that arrive to your home.  With a few simple tips and ideas you can take your powder room from boring to amazing!

ORGANIZATION

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A small space DEMANDS organization in order for it to function as the space it needs to be.  Organization comes in many forms, but in the powder room one of the most under-utilized space is above the toilet.  Use the vertical space for storage and you will be able to maintain organization in a small area. There are large variety of bathroom accessories such as towel racks, towel bars and rings, towel shelves and racks and even robe hooks that can make organization and functionality work in a powder room.   Continue reading →

Think Big With Your Small Bathroom

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Dissatisfied with not having adequate storage in your small bathroom? Not happy with the dark lighting? Or just tired of feeling claustrophobic? Then it is time to create a functional and delightful bath even if it is small.

Creating an illusion that your bathroom is bigger starts with factors such as bathroom fixtures, colors, lighting, storage and accessories. You can make a splash with a few minor alterations.

Bathroom fixtures: One way to give your small bathroom room is to go with a wall-mounted washbasin with a wooden shelf underneath to hold supplies, and a towel bar. Or a petite vanity style sinks with a single drawer and a place where you can have baskets underneath to hold bathroom content. Even wall mounted toilets, can give you the extra space needed in your tiny bathroom. These compact commode tanks is hidden inside the 2×6 stud wall, allowing for 9 inches of extra space in the center of the room. Or get space in a small square bath by positioning the vanity sink in a corner.  Continue reading →

Happy Weekend!

Join the Contest!

We at Plumbtile are thankful to our friends and all our loyal customers online. We have extended our Photo Contest promo to give everyone the chance to participate and win. The promo is now extended up to April 15, 2013.

If you haven’t heard about the contest yet, you will be pleased to hear that we are giving out $1000 worth of kitchen and bathroom products!

The rules are very simple. You just have to go to our Facebook fan page and upload a remodeling photo (past or present), and you will get the chance to win.

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Tell all you friends! Share this article and spread the word!

Again, thank you from all of us at Plumbtile!

Tip Mondays: Fit Big Ideas in Tiny Spaces

It’s important to utilize every inch of bathroom space, especially if you find yourself stuck with a room that feels no larger than a shoebox. When doing a remodel in a compact bathroom, highlight each detail to entice and distract the eye from the size factor. Downsizing fixtures can help make a tiny bathroom appear more spacious and glass tiles will reflect light which can brighten an otherwise dark and stuffy area.

Bad Lighting = Uncomfortable Atmosphere. Brighten Things Up!

This bathroom is poor-lit with fluorescent lighting which doesn’t help balance the “downer” dark tile shade. Instead, consider going with brighter, more appealing glass tiles in a border or band pattern around the room to attract the eye and make the room appear larger. Installing tile can be tricky, however. For tips on installing glass tile, consult a local professional tile installer or visit with the Plumbtile experts for more helpful information on this task.

Save Some Space

Choose space saving tactics such as towel hooks installed on the back of the door instead of taking up more wall space that could be utilized in other ways. Install easily removable caddies in shower areas so that you have your products available when needed, but can easily store them away once finished. Caddies in stainless steel often will match other fixtures currently being used and easily wipe clean without much fuss. Also consider floating shelf cubbies where you can store towels and other items, while keeping floor space clear.

Just remember…

When you get down to the nitty-gritty of space constricted bathroom remodels, you will always win if you rule on the side of simplistic and chic. Don’t overdo it and you are sure to achieve a unique and convenient bathroom you will be proud to spend time in.

Remodeling your bathroom? Win the $1000* prize this holiday season! Visit our Facebook fan page.

*Win $1000 worth of bathroom and kitchen products from Plumbtile.com!

Better Toilets for the Prison System!

old toiletsAs of June 27, 2012, over $90,000 has been calculated as the ongoing renovation costs at the Illinois Department of Corrections. The state estimates the total cost to exceed $500,000. Pontiac, Illinois is getting ready to accept all the inmates from the soon-to-be closing Tamms Correctional Facility. The bulk of the budget will go to cable television and toilets.

That’s right, cable TV and toilets. They should’ve consulted toilet experts, and used the budget for state-of-the-art products. We wonder what kind of toilet seats they use over there. Kohler, perhaps?

“Cable television offers inmates additional educational and religious programming. Television is also used as a behavior management tool,” that’s according to Stacey Solano (Corrections spokeswoman).

She also said that cable TV is available at all state prisons. This is paid for by a special inmate benefit fund, and NOT by the state.

Since the state isn’t paying for free cable, how about the toilets?

At the Sheridan Correctional Center, they are buying 38 stainless steel toilets at a cost of about $1,250 each. They say this is to accommodate the male prisoners that are being shuffled around because of the closures.

If this wasn’t a security issue, the prison system can get less expensive and more stylish bathroom fixtures from Plumbtile. For half the price of those stainless steel toilets, here are some worth looking at by the state (that’s just our opinion):

Lacava - Wall-hung porcelain toilet for concealed flushing system.Lacava – Look at this beauty. A wall-hung porcelain toilet with a concealed flushing system.

Duravit - Toilet wall-mounted 54 cm PuraVida - White W/WonderglissDuravit  – Another wall-mounted toilet. It is a 54 cm PuraVida – White Wondergliss.

Sunrise Specialty - Victorian Pull Chain Toilet Complete With White Seat

And what prisoner wouldn’t want a stylish Victorian Pull Chain Toilet Sunrise Specialty? Now that’s style right there.

Yes of course we know that stainless steel is always the safest option. But if the state can provide cable television, I’m sure they’ll be able to find ways to make stylish toilets safe too. What do you think?