Category Archives: Bathroom

Design Trends for 2025: Fresh Ideas for Your Arizona Home

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As 2025 begins, homeowners in Arizona are reimagining their spaces to reflect modern trends that blend functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics. Living in a desert climate comes with unique design opportunities and challenges, and this year’s trends are perfectly suited for Arizona’s vibrant, sun-drenched environment. From embracing natural elements to integrating cutting-edge technology, these ideas will inspire you to create a stylish, comfortable, and functional home.

Let’s explore the top design trends that are making waves in the Arizona market this year.

1. Earthy, Desert-Inspired Color Palettes

Arizona’s breathtaking desert landscape serves as the perfect inspiration for 2025’s trending color palettes. Homeowners are moving toward earthy tones that echo the natural environment, such as terracotta, sandstone, sage green, and soft clay. These hues create a calming, grounded atmosphere while harmonizing with the region’s unique beauty.

How to Incorporate These Colors:

  • Use warm neutrals like beige or taupe for walls, creating a versatile backdrop.
  • Introduce accent colors like sage green through furniture, throw pillows, or rugs.
  • Experiment with two-tone kitchens by pairing terracotta lower cabinets with off-white upper cabinets.

Pro Tip: Combine earthy tones with natural materials like wood, rattan, and leather to create a cohesive, desert-inspired design.

2. Sustainable Materials for Eco-Friendly Living

Sustainability is no longer a trend—it’s a way of life. In 2025, Arizona homeowners are prioritizing eco-friendly materials that are both durable and beautiful. The desert climate demands materials that can withstand extreme temperatures while minimizing environmental impact.

Popular Sustainable Materials:

  • Reclaimed Wood: Perfect for adding warmth to rooms as accents or custom furniture.
  • Clay and Terracotta: Tiles, pottery, and decorative elements.
  • Metal Accents: Copper and bronze decorative details, nodding to Arizona’s mining history.

Why It Matters: Sustainable choices reduce your home’s carbon footprint and often lead to long-term cost savings through energy efficiency and durability.

3. Luxurious Outdoor Living Spaces

Arizona’s weather invites outdoor living, and in 2025, homeowners are maximizing their exterior spaces with luxury and functionality. Outdoor areas are no longer just patios; they’ve evolved into fully equipped extensions of the home, complete with kitchens, seating areas, and even entertainment zones.

Design Tips for Outdoor Living:

  • Shade Solutions: Pergolas, retractable awnings, or sail shades provide relief from the sun while maintaining an open feel.
  • Outdoor Kitchens: Include a grill, sink, and refrigerator to create the ultimate entertaining space.
  • Desert Landscaping: Use xeriscaping techniques with drought-tolerant plants like agave, succulents, and desert marigolds.

Pro Tip: Install string lights or in-ground lighting to create ambiance and extend the use of your outdoor space into the evening.

4. Energy Efficiency as a Design Priority

Energy-efficient homes are a necessity in Arizona, where cooling costs can soar. In 2025, homeowners are turning to smart design features and innovative technology to reduce energy consumption while keeping their homes comfortable.

Must-Have Energy-Efficient Features:

  • Low-E Windows: Reflect heat while letting in natural light.
  • Cool Roofs: Roofing materials designed to reflect sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures.
  • Smart Thermostats: Automatically adjust your HVAC system for optimal efficiency.
  • Solar Panels: Harness Arizona’s abundant sunshine to power your home sustainably.

Pro Tip: Combine energy-efficient features with passive cooling techniques, such as planting shade trees or installing window overhangs, to further reduce energy use.

5. Open-Concept Living with Multifunctional Spaces

The open-concept trend continues to thrive in 2025, with homeowners seeking flexible layouts that cater to modern lifestyles. In Arizona, open spaces provide a sense of airiness and facilitate indoor-outdoor living, which is ideal for the region’s climate.

Open-concept living in Arizona is more than a design choice—it’s a lifestyle. By breaking down traditional barriers, homeowners can enjoy spaces that flow naturally and adapt to various needs. In the desert climate, open layouts blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, creating harmonious transitions perfect for entertaining or relaxation. Large sliding glass doors and windows not only maximize natural light but also provide easy access to shaded patios and courtyards, encouraging year-round use of outdoor spaces. To enhance functionality, consider zoning areas within open layouts using rugs, furniture arrangements, or partial walls. This approach maintains the open feel while subtly defining areas for work, dining, and play.

For busy families, combining elements like a kitchen island with built-in charging stations or a media nook transforms a space into a true command center. Similarly, small touches such as collapsible partitions or plant walls can provide privacy when needed without sacrificing the expansive atmosphere. To tie the look together, use cohesive materials like stone or wood for a seamless, grounded aesthetic. In Arizona, where the desert landscape inspires creativity, open-concept designs reflect both the beauty of the environment and the flexibility of modern living.

Ideas for Multifunctional Spaces:

  • Combine a home office with a guest room by using a wall bed or convertible desk.
  • Create a family hub with a large kitchen island that serves as a dining table, workspace, and social area.
  • Use creative room dividing solutions to seamlessly connect indoor living areas with outdoor patios.

Design Insight: Emphasize natural light by incorporating large windows to make open spaces feel even larger and more inviting.

6. Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors

Biophilic design continues to gain traction as homeowners seek to connect with nature. For Arizona homes, this trend often involves integrating natural elements that mimic the desert landscape, creating a seamless blend between the indoors and outdoors.

Elements of Biophilic Design:

  • Indoor Plants: Succulents, cacti, and other low-maintenance greenery add life and color to your interiors.
  • Natural Light: Letting in as much natural light as possible is a simple way to connect with nature indoors.
  • Organic Materials: Incorporate stone, wood, or woven textures into your furniture and decor.

Pro Tip: Use natural textures and colors to complement views of the surrounding landscape, making your home feel like an extension of the environment.

7. Smart Home Integration

Smart technology has become a staple in modern homes, and in 2025, it’s about creating seamless integration for enhanced convenience and efficiency. Arizona homeowners are leveraging smart systems to improve comfort, security, and energy use.

Top Smart Features for Arizona Homes:

  • Smart Irrigation Systems: Conserve water while keeping your desert landscaping healthy.
  • Voice-Activated Assistants: Control lighting, temperature, and appliances hands-free.
  • Smart Appliances: Energy-efficient refrigerators, ovens, and washers that can be managed remotely.

Why It’s Trending: Smart homes not only enhance daily living but also offer significant energy savings, making them a practical choice for eco-conscious homeowners.

8. Statement Walls and Bold Textures

While neutral palettes dominate, 2025 also welcomes bold textures and statement walls that add depth and personality to interiors. These design elements serve as focal points, allowing homeowners to showcase their unique style.

Ways to Make a Statement:

  • Use textured plaster or 3D wall panels for an accent wall.
  • Incorporate artisanal tiles with intricate patterns in kitchens or bathrooms.
  • Add woven or macramé wall hangings for a bohemian touch.

Pro Tip: Keep bold textures confined to one or two areas to maintain balance and avoid overwhelming your design.

Designing Your Arizona Dream Home

2025’s design trends offer exciting possibilities for creating a home that’s stylish, functional, and uniquely suited to the Arizona lifestyle. From embracing earthy palettes to maximizing outdoor spaces, these ideas can help you craft a home that reflects your personality while catering to the desert environment.

If you’re ready to explore these trends in your next home, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our floor plans, design options, and customizations https://www.fultonhomes.com/. Let’s bring your vision to life and make your Arizona dream home a reality.

Helpful Hints for Organizing Your Bathroom

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Are you tired of looking at the clutter of products hidden inside of your medicine cabinet? Or maybe all the bathroom drawers are filled with items that make what you need hard to find? Taking the time to organize your hygiene products and other supplies will make your mornings run much smoother. Bring order to your bathroom by implementing these key tips:

Medicine Cabinets and Shelves

Start by organizing the medicine cabinet and open shelves. These are important areas and should be considered prime real estate. That means only your daily essentials should be placed here. Your medicine cabinets and shelves should hold essential everyday items like your favorite moisturizer, toothpaste, shaving cream, and other items.

Use attractive containers for open shelving units. Makeup, skincare products, hair supplies can be stored in pretty pouches, glass jars, and decorative cups. Store towels and larger items in decorative baskets. For products that are prone to leaking or spills, you can arrange them on trays, which makes them easily accessible and easy to clean.

Use Organizational Tools

Flexible drawer organizers are adjustable, and they can be easily cleaned by simply wiping them down. Organizational tools are necessary to keep the bottom drawers neat and clean. Drawer organizers are great for storing toiletries and any other supplies that you use often but do not want to leave out on the counters.

Clear bin organizations also come in handy when decluttering the bathroom. You can place these bins in the bottom cabinets or under the sink. Store extra supplies and products that you do not use all the time such as bulky beauty and bathing items. Be sure to separate each product according to its category and place these items in a bin of its own. Also, by labeling each bin, you will be able to easily find the product that you need without shuffling through a ton of products.

Don’t Forget the Hamper

A good laundry hamper is essential. Having a basket makes it easy to keep soiled towels off the floor and an ideal spot to place your dirty clothes. Opt for a lidded hamper if you want to conceal the items inside. Also, you will want to select a hamper that does not take up much floor space. If you have room in your linen closet, see if you can sneak one at the bottom for easy storage and quick access.

We hope you enjoyed these tricks for bathroom organization!

Tips for Choosing The Perfect Bathroom Mirror

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What does your perfect bathroom look like? Often, when envisioning a chic bathroom we rarely give attention to the mirror. After all, when we look in the mirror we see a reflection of so many things but we rarely pay attention to the mirror itself. Yes, a good mirror is an important component of the overall look of a room especially a bathroom. You can choose from many different styles, shape and colors.

Size Matters

When selecting a vanity mirror you should consider its size. You’ll need to consider both function and proportion. To create a proportionate or balanced look you’ll need to select a mirror that is relative to the size of your vanity. Here are some rules  you should consider:

–       A vanity mirror shouldn’t be wider than the vanity itself

–       You can line up the mirror up perfectly with the vanity which is ideal if you are investing a custom-made mirror

–       If you have a store-bought mirror than you’ll want to take the 70 to 80 approach. The mirror should be 70 to 80 percent as wide as the vanity. The mirror will look smaller but not shrunken.

–       A functional mirror needs to only be a foot above your eye line. However, the taller it is the more viewing angles you’ll have.

Multiple vs. Single

If you have a super wide vanity or a double sink vanity than you’ll have to decide whether you should invest in two vanity mirrors or one with double the width. If you use two, skinny, long mirrors you will emphasize the height of the room. Multiple mirrors also work with vanities with a single sink. On the other hand, using a single mirror with increased width will open up the room.

Wall to Wall Mirror

For a dramatic look, you can completely ignore the size of the vanity and opt for a mirror that covers the entire wall above the vanity. A wall to wall mirror can visually double the size of a small bathroom.

Frames

Frame or a frameless mirror will work in this space. However, frameless mirrors are often used in the bathroom because it creates a modern look.

We hope these tips help!

Deep Cleaning Your Bathroom

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Keeping a bathroom clean and tidy is one thing; however, it needs to be deep cleaned as well. These rooms can be very prone to bacteria and germs. Plus, the bathroom has many surfaces to clean. It is always best to start from the top and work to the bottom. Since most bathrooms will have similar trouble areas, if you are looking to deep clean your bathroom, here is everything you need to do:

What to Have 

  • microfiber cloth 
  • rags or paper towels 
  • antibacterial spray 
  • glass cleaner 
  • toothbrush 
  • toilet cleaner 
  • baking soda and vinegar 
  • dawn dish soap 
  • lemon 
  • bucket 
  • sponge 

Where to Begin

If the weather is permitting, open up a window to allow some fresh air to come into the room. Begin by using a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth or paper towels to clean your windows and mirrors. If you have any fans or ceiling wall trim, dust them at this time.

Sink, Shower, and Bath

Wipe down your countertops with a mixture of water and white vinegar. This mix should remove any soap scum or toothpaste. Clean the inside of the sink with this as well. If your faucet is smudged, you can use a lemon to help bring back out its natural chrome shine. Use toilet cleaner in the toilet and allow to sit. Use a toilet brush to scrub toilet bowl. Remember to wipe down all over your toilet to remove bacteria with warm water and vinegar. You can add dawn dish soap to also help add to the cleaner. Do not forget to get behind the toilet! This area is where a lot of dust will accumulate. Next, clean your shower head and facet with the lemon. Clean your bathtub with your vinegar and water as well.

Floors and Baseboards

Finally, you can clean the floor. If your bathroom is tiled, create a baking soda paste—mix baking soda and water in a small cup. Use your toothbrush to clean the grout lines. Next, mix your vinegar and water in a bucket. Use your sponge to clean each tile thoroughly. Do not forget to wipe down your baseboard and allow it to air dry.

Deep cleaning your bathroom should be done several times a year. These steps can help you quickly clean your bathroom from start to finish. Plus, most of these cleaners can be found around your own home. For more quick tips on deep cleaning and home maintenance, make sure to subscribe.

Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

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There are many great countertop options to choose from on the market today. Granite is the number one desired countertop solution. It is highly durable and versatile. While this counter is excellent, it is not flawless. Understanding how this countertop system works and functions can help you decide if it is the right fit for your home.

Pro – Durability

Granite is extremely durable. Although not recommended, you can directly cut with a knife on the surface without damaging it. Additionally, you can also set hot pans right on it without hurting the material. This makes it perfect for the kitchen and bathroom! That being said, you should be cautious about hot materials and not using a cutting board.

Con – Cost

Granite is extremely desirable in many households, and it can increase its market value. However, it is not the most affordable countertop solution out there on the market. That being said, these countertops are made to last, so they may be better in the long run.

Pro – Easy to Clean and Disinfect

Granite is very easy to wipe down and disinfect. This feature can prevent bacterial contamination in your kitchen and keep your home a cleaner place.

Con – Heavy

Granite is, by no surprise, very heavy. This characteristic means you may need to have support installed on your countertops. You can also break your counters if you stand on them near a ledge or a weak area.

Pro – Aesthetics

It is no secret that granite is beautiful. In fact, granite has a lot of character and looks great in any home. Its spectacle look can adapt to various design styles, making it a versatile material.

Con – Maintenance

Granite needs annual maintenance. The material is porous and is vulnerable to staining. This is why it is imperative to have your countertops sealed. Your sealant will wear over time and will need to be refinished once or twice every year for the life of the product.

All in all, granite is beautiful and can help increase your home’s market value. Homeowners believe its many pros outweigh its minor cons. Plus, it will work great in your bathroom or kitchen and is extremely versatile. Understanding it can help you better decide if it is right for your home.

Creating Your Own Inexpensive Spa Bathroom

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We would all love to go to an expensive spa to destress and come out feeling like a rejuvenated person from head to toe. While it may not be feasible with your budget or schedule, you can create your own calming sanctuary at home. To help you master this spa oasis, we have listed a few simple tips below for turning your bathroom into a relaxing spa-like retreat. Let’s take a look!

Tranquil Colors

Spas use light colors for a calming effect that give the space an organic, relaxed feel. Pale blues and seafoam greens lend a soothing sense to the space’s overall feel. White is a great base color where you can add accents of pale blue-greens to keep the space from feeling too sterile. If blue-greens do not appeal to you, use neutral colors like taupe and linen to accomplish the tranquil feel.

Real Life Greenery

Bringing houseplants into the bathroom says “zen” more than any temporary change you can introduce. Group a small cluster of house plants in ceramic and glass containers on the counter for a welcoming and inviting feel, and do not overlook putting an orchid in the bathroom for a romantic, island-like feel. Since orchids love the humidity, they will do great in the bathroom. Just make sure they receive 3-6 hours of indirect sunlight per day. Also, go to your local farmer’s market or greenhouse and buy some fresh eucalyptus. Tie the eucalyptus together at the base with some rope and hang over the showerhead. The moisture from the shower will help to spread the lovely fragrance throughout the room and the home.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. Essential oils, the pure essence of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. Head to your local aromatherapy store and start researching what to purchase for your spa-like bath; lavender is always a favorite. You can place diffusers on the countertop nestled in with the houseplants for a clean look. Also, do not forget lovely smelling bath salts or fresh rose petals to add to your warm and relaxing bath.

Now that you have made some quick and easy additions to your bathroom, do not forget that prolonged relaxation is a must to enjoy every second of your spa-like bathroom. Relax and enjoy!

How to Pick the Perfect Plant for Your Bathroom

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Whether you have a large, luxurious bathroom or a smaller powder room, a plant can be a beautiful addition to the space. In fact, adding a touch of nature to one of the most used rooms in the house can add a sense of peace and create a calm atmosphere. The best thing about making such a small change to your bathrooms decor is that it does not cost much.

What to Look for in a Bathroom Plant

You can expect a plant to thrive in a bathroom environment. After all, bathrooms are moist. However, you will need to choose a plant that can handle the various temperature fluctuations that it will experience in the bathroom. When someone is using the shower, humidity levels increase, making this space warmer. On the other hand, when the bathroom is not in use for a few hours, it typically gets colder.  

Also, many bathrooms are not exposed to generous levels of sunlight. So you will need a plant that meshes well with the amount of natural light that bathroom receives. Lastly, let us not forget that you have to consider just how much time and effort you are willing to dedicate to caring for a plant.  

Top Plants for the Bathroom 

What are some of the best plants to set in your bathroom? Here are some greenery worth considering: 

Spider Plant

Spider plants are low maintenance, and they are best for homeowners who do not have much gardening experience. These plants do great in cold environments. With moderate watering, keeping the soil drained and some indirect light is the only thing that a spider plant needs. You will see in no time that the plant produces a bunch of small spideys.

Cast Iron Plant

Cast Iron plants are a gorgeous looking plant that thrives in a moist place like the bathroom. The great thing about a Cast Iron plant is that it does not require a lot of water. You can simply place it under the shower once a week during summer months and every month during the winter.

Zanzibar Gem

Zanzibar Gems, also commonly referred to as the ZZ plant, is virtually indestructible and only needs a little watering during the summer. This is the perfect plant for homeowners who seek a plant with very little maintenance.

Bird Nest Fern

While Bird Nest Fern plants are aesthetically-pleasing and look even stunning in the bathroom, since these plants dry out faster, they will need more frequent water and exposure to moisture. Such bathroom plants are ideal for individuals who have some plant knowledge and are willing to put in the effort to care for them.

As always, do your research in order to decipher which plant works best for your household. Thanks for reading!

Using Vinegar as a Natural Bathroom Cleaner

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Homeowners encourage the use of chemical-free products in their homes to protect their loved ones. Vinegar is a safe bathroom cleaner that avoids the use of harsh chemicals. Plus, you can use vinegar in many areas of your home, but we want to teach you how you can use vinegar to clean your entire bathroom.

Shower Walls

Fill a spray bottle with 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of water. If the stain is more difficult to remove, mix together 1/2 cup of boiling water with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Place the mixture into a spray bottle and spray the stained area. Let it sit for approximately fifteen minutes then take a damp cloth and rub it off in a circular motion.

Shower Head

Grab a plastic bag and fill it with white vinegar. Tie the bag to your shower head using a rubber band and let it sit overnight. In the morning, run the shower head’s water and scrub any remaining residue.

Clogged Drains

Fill a pot with water and wait for it to boil. Once the water has begun to boil, take the pot and pour the hot water down your drain. Then take 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Let the boiling water and baking soda sit for a couple of minutes then pour 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of boiling water on top of the baking soda you just put down the drain. Plug the drain and let it sit for no longer than ten minutes. (Note: A reaction is taking place underneath the drain plug so use caution). Lastly, pour another pot of boiling water down the drain to flush out any grim and residue left in the drains.

Sticky Residue

Put white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray a couple of times over the sticky residue. Let it sit for five to ten minutes then take a damp paper towel and wipe away the mess.

Smelly Trashcan

Pour vinegar on top of a piece of bread. Place the soaked bread on top of a paper towel then stick it in the bottom of the trash can overnight. In the morning, the bad smell should be gone!

Vinegar is a versatile household item that can clean various areas of your home. The next time you are in a rut, try cleaning your bathroom with vinegar. It is the perfect alternative to chemical-filled products.

How to Make Your Shower Door Sparkle

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Your shower gets you clean, but what is keeping your shower door clean? It is easy for your shower doors to get stained with water buildup and soap particles, and unfortunately, a dirty shower door can affect the overall look of your bathroom. You may be wondering, how can I effectively clean it so that it sparkles like the rest of the space? There is no need to worry because we have the perfect guide for you. Let’s take a look! 
 
How to Make Your Shower Door Sparkle:
1. Get Rid of Buildup. 
Many people swear by vinegar and a grease-cutting dish detergent to clean the shower doors; however, this method does not work if your shower is made from stone. The vinegar solution could actually damage the material. Instead, stay on the safe side by opting for liquid soap (no dye) with baking soda. When creating the solution, make sure it is thick and frost-like before using it. Lastly, you will want to use a non-abrasive sponge to assist you in cleaning the shower doors.
 
2. Citrus Cleaner. 
You can also get your shower doors sparkling clean with a citrus-based solution. Start off by taking a lemon and cutting it in half. Dip one half of the lemon into baking soda and rub it against the shower door. You can also take some of the lemon juice by itself and wipe it against the glass door. This citrus solution will help prevent soap particles from drying on your shower’s glass doors. 
 
3. Multi-Purpose Tools.
Try using a toothbrush to clean and polish the metal frame around the shower door. You can also take a paint scraper to remove gunk from the hard-to-get areas such as where the metal meets the door or in the very corner of the shower and the door. Also, a razor is effective at removing mineral spots from flat glass doors.
         ** Please be extremely cautious and careful while using any sort of sharp objects. 
 
4. Prevention Is Important.
Prevention is key to keeping the shower door clean and free from soap particles and water buildup. For the best results, try keeping a squeegee or a sponge nearby so that you can wipe down the shower door after each use. You can even apply a daily shower spray to the doors consisting of a small amount of dish soap (gentle; no dye formula) and your favorite essential oil. This homemade remedy will keep your shower door looking great between deep cleanings! 
 
Voila! Your shower doors are now sparkling and beautiful. 

Easy Ways to Add Value to Your Bathroom

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Like the kitchen, the bathroom is an essential part of the home. Unfortunately, it is an area that tends to get overlooked. If you plan on putting your home on the market or if you simply want to make your house more desirable, updating the bathroom can drastically increase the value of your home. How can you add value to your bathroom without launching an expensive remodeling project?

Twin Sinks
Twin sinks in the master bedroom bathroom is a smart move this especially ideal if you are sharing the bathroom. Remember, as a rule of thumb you’ll need at least sixty inches to comfortably accommodate an additional sink.

New Lighting Scheme
Updated lighting will improve the look of any space even the bathroom. Remove your traditional contractor lighting system and opt for something with style. Create a layered lighting effect, by installing an overhead lighting, task lighting near the vanity and you can even make use a light dimmer to create an spa like ambience in your bathroom. Use lighting fixtures with chic hardware.

Neutral Palette
Using bold paint colors on the bathroom walls have become trendy but it can be a challenge to pull off the look. For small bathroom spaces, stick to a neutral palette. For a fresh and clean look be sure to use light hues like grey and soft whites. Apply a coat of paint to a dated bathroom to refresh it.

Dress Up the Tub
Transform your bathtub into something dreamy by styling it with some of your favorite products and accessories. Line the tub with a couple scented candles and fluffy towels. Keep colorful bath salts and soaps nearby.

Tile
Whether it’s on the floor, a border around the shower stall installing new tile can give your bathroom a whole new look. Make sure you take time to pick out a tile design that you really like because it’s not an easy to replace. Large tiles can visually expand a small bathroom while diagonally installed tiles will make a narrow space appear wider.