Monday, September 13, 2010

Remodel A Jackandjill Bathroom

Use light, colors, flooring and fixtures to give the bathroom a new look and feel.


A "Jack-and-Jill" bathroom provides advantages and benefits for homeowners and family members. The bathroom is typically accessible from two different bedrooms and usually has two sinks. The design style became popular in the 1970s to accommodate the needs of families with children, hence the term "Jack and Jill." Having a Jack-and-Jill bathroom is advantageous whether you have children or not. Use new trends and styles and take advantage of the extra bathroom space when planning your decor.


Instructions








1. Examine the current basic features of the bathroom. If the tub and shower look like relics from the 1970s, a remodel project is a good time to update former trends like avocado green tubs and sinks. Consider installing a new tub in a classic white enamel or porcelain finish, or a prefabricated tub to save on costs.


2. Think about quick fixes to update the bathroom. This can be as simple as changing the faucets and other fixtures to something timeless like brushed nickel or sleek chrome. Another quick remodel idea is to upgrade the shower head. Install dual shower heads or handheld models with multiple jet settings to make showering even more enjoyable and give the bathroom a spa quality.


3. Consider creating a separate shower stall. Separating the tub and shower can make a Jack-and-Jill bathroom more contemporary. One person can shower while another takes a bath. Give the bathroom a look that is sleek and modern by using glass door enclosures for the shower. Make the shower stall a bit over-sized to accommodate a sitting ledge to give the shower a spa quality. A wall-to-floor stall also provides safety and accessibility benefits for senior residents and guests.


4. Examine the current sink vanity wall. A sink counter top that takes up the entire wall can present opportunities to maximize the space and give each bathroom user a greater sense of privacy. For example, if the wall is long enough, reposition the toilet in the center and enclose it as a toilet "closet." This will then serve as a divider, by having the sink and vanities separated on the right and left side of the toilet closet.


5. Update the vanities with newer styles such as vessel sinks, set atop a cabinet, or go for a newer style pedestal sink. Use something different from the traditional medicine-cabinet mirror, such as stand-alone decorative mirrors that you can shop for at any number of places, including home accent stores. Replace bar lights with wall sconces or hanging lights that use energy-saving light bulbs.


6. Choose tiles and paint colors that will define the look and style for the remodeling project. Neutral tiles in tones of white, beige or gray will blend in with just about any wall paint choice. If kids share the bathroom, consider getting them involved in the color selection to minimize fuss by getting their input on wall colors and trim colors. Or you can allow them to select towels in their favorite colors that coordinate with the color scheme of the bathroom.


7. Consider all of your flooring options to remodel the bathroom. If the bathroom users are children or teens, a tile floor will be easier to clean and mop. Adult users might be more appreciative of the warmth of carpeted floors. A wooden floor may be easier for someone in a wheelchair. You can also consider installing radiant heat panels underneath a tile or wood floor to add warmth and comfort features to the Jack-and-Jill bathroom remodeling project.

Tags: Jack-and-Jill bathroom, bathroom look, colors that, Examine current, remodeling project, shower stall, toilet closet