Creating an Extra Bathroom from One Outdated Bathroom

We started out with one very large outdated bathroom that was shared by two brothers and renovated it into two nice size updated en-suites and therefore creating an extra bathroom.  Each young man received his own vanity, toilet, large shower, and vanity closet.  Plus, having an en suite bathroom in each bedroom increases the value of the home!

The first step in the renovation process was to gut the entire space.  This left us with one large blank canvas allowing us to design two bathrooms.  After the new floor plans were in action, we reworked the electrical and installed the new plumbing. 

Then, we installed the shower tile and bathroom flooring. The bathroom flooring is large 12 x 24 tiles of white marble. Also, we had enough space in each bathroom to install a custom-made vanity closet that added quite a bit of extra storage.  

The finishing touches were a brand new toilet, sturdy vanity with chrome finishes, and a large mirror with plenty of lighting above.  This was my first time taking one bathroom shared by two brothers and turning it into two fabulous private bathrooms. I know each young man will enjoy having his very own bathroom and their parents will appreciate the increased value of their home!

How does adding an extra bathroom increase the value of your home?

In some markets, having an extra bathroom can increase the value of your home by 20%… wow!  The amazing aspect of this bathroom renovation is that we did not have to take away any square footage from the bedrooms to make this happen.  We simply made better use of the space that was already present.  This addition not only added financial value to the home but family value.  Now, each young man has his own shower and toilet so the household can run more efficiently because neither child is having to wait for the other brother.  It also prevents arguments; those of us who have shared a bathroom with a sibling know what I’m talking about!


Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning your home from top to bottom is time-consuming and exhausting.  Tackling it room by room or category by category can make it much more manageable.  Spring cleaning is all about getting to those areas that are forgotten during the rest of the year.  Below are some of the most forgotten areas in the home with a few spring cleaning tips.

Ceiling Fixtures

Fans, light fixtures, recessed lighting, and moldings are hard to reach so they collect a lot of dust throughout the year.  An extendable duster works well in cleaning these and is safer to use than a ladder.

Windows

Streaks and smudges accumulate on window panes throughout the year.  It’s best to clean windows on a cloudy day because the direct sun can cause streaking; wipe them down using glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Blinds and shutters gather dust, therefore don’t forget to dust them.  Then, the windows can be completed by vacuuming the curtains and wiping down the window sills and window frames.

Walls

Walls are surprisingly touched quite often and can become greasy.  Oh… and let’s not forget those dusty baseboards and door frames!  Both are simple to clean with a damp microfiber cloth.  Also, for spots or smudges, a Magic Eraser is exactly that… magic.

Kitchen Appliances

Kitchens are used every day of the year so the appliances can take on quite the build-up of food splatter and grease.  The bottom of the oven collects baked-on food so the best way to attack the grime is by first using the oven’s self-clean feature.  Then a bit of elbow grease with baking soda and a heavy-duty pad may be needed to bring it back to sparkling.  It is important to keep our refrigerators clean so that they do not harbor bacteria.  Starting from the top, go shelf by shelf removing the contents, and washing with warm soapy water, this includes removing drawers and shelves on the doors.  The inside of a microwave can be intimidating to clean but it can be steam cleaned.  It’s quite easy, just add water with lemon juice or vinegar to a microwave-safe bowl, place it in the microwave, and turn it on for several minutes until the water is beginning to boil and you see steam on the door. Turn off the microwave and allow it to sit for five minutes before wiping it all down with a sponge.  

Hopefully, these areas and tips will help get your spring cleaning off to a good start.

Happy cleaning!


Easter Table Decor

Whether you’re having a festive Easter brunch or intimate Easter dinner, you’ll want to have a table that expresses the importance of this holiday and praises the arrival of Spring.  The table is where people gather, just like Jesus and his disciples did the night before his crucifixion, so having it celebration-ready sets the mood and encourages guests to slow down and enjoy their time together.  

What are some Easter table decor ideas?

Flowers

Easter occurs at the start of Spring when everything is in full bloom, having flowers on your table is a must!  I love fresh flowers; they give so much life to the room and you can go simple or elaborate with the vases.  My favorite Easter flowers are tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth.  For a more natural look to your tablescape, you can have little potted herbs.  Some of the most fragrant herbs include rosemary, mint, and lavender.  If you have to go with fake Easter flowers, don’t sweat it because they are more versatile in the ways you can display them. Whichever you choose can be included in your centerpiece and throughout the entire tablescape.

Place Setting

Pastels, pastels, pastels!  There are options abound when it comes to your Easter place settings.  You can go with a floral placemat and a solid napkin of complementary color with elegant white dinnerware.  If you have special Easter china, pair it with a solid pastel placemat and a white dinner napkin. Furthermore, a beautiful Easter table cloth or Easter table runner begs for an all-white place setting. Easter napkin rings can add a special touch to a place setting, as well. 

Centerpiece

The Easter centerpiece gives you the opportunity to get creative.  Some ideas include:

  • candlesticks to hold dyed eggs
  • Easter egg tree (branches in a vase with blown-out eggs hanging on them)
  • tiered dessert stand with dyed eggs or an assortment of Easter candy or a combination of both
  • vases or bowls filled with colorful eggs or jelly beans
  • bunnies of various shapes, sizes, and colors

Easter Food

You’ve spent so much time decorating for Easter that you haven’t even thought about planning out your meal.  Don’t fret! Here is a list of the top 10 foods to serve at your Easter gathering.

Top 10 Easter Foods

  • Deviled Eggs
  • Ham or Lamb
  • Spring Mix Salad with fresh fruits, goat cheese, and nuts
  • Roasted Carrots (that’s what the Easter bunny eats, right?)
  • Asparagus, Sweet Peas, or Green Beans
  • Potatoes, whether they are scalloped, mashed, or baked
  • Melt-in-your-mouth Rolls
  • Potato or Macaroni Salad
  • Key Lime or Lemon Meringue Pie
  • Carrot Cake

I would love to see your Easter dinner spread, comment to me on social media!

I wish you and your loved ones a happy, hoppy, and blessed Easter.


Kelley Astore Interiors

Expert Interior Design & Renovation Services of Every Style.

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Northern Virginia, Washington, DC,
and the Greater Washington Area

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