• 4 Bathroom Upgrades That Will Sell Your Home,Terry Kruse

    4 Bathroom Upgrades That Will Sell Your Home

    If you’ve decided to list your home, your REALTOR® is likely to tell you that the first thing you need to do is remodel your bathroom so it is up to date with all the current trends. Even if it’s only a half-bath in the front hallway, potential buyers will notice if it’s not on trend. Bathrooms are often a deal breaker for luxury buyers looking for an already incredible space, so it’s worth taking the time to make it as appealing as possible. An aesthetically pleasing vanity. A newly refinished vanity can make or break a buyer’s expectations. Gleaming gold taps, soft lights around a mirror and marble countertops are instant mood-boosters for anyone on a home tour, and will definitely set your home apart from the rest. Durable luxury flooring that tricks the eye. Have you ever walked into a bathroom at someone’s home and been surprised to see hardwood flooring? Chances are, they’re using a little-known trick popular among renovators: faux wood. Using porcelain or ceramic flooring made to look like distressed wood is a popular trend worth considering in your renovations. The durability of the flooring will appeal to potential buyers, as will the unique aesthetic. Install a natural stone statement tub. If you want to create a luxurious and unique bathroom space, a statement tub is the No. 1 way to encourage potential buyers. From the moment they walk into the master bath, they’ll be able to visualize themselves relaxing in the tub with a glass of the finest champagne. Smooth natural stone adds a striking industrial edge to a bathroom, allowing it to become the centerpiece of the room. Upgrade the shower system. Any luxury bathroom includes a gorgeous walk-in shower, but is yours as up to date as it could be?  Custom tile, glass walls and both a standing showerhead and a handheld showerhead should be obvious—but maybe it’s time to update that rain shower head with something different? Body jets are a nice additional option, and you should ensure you have the thermostatic mixing valve installed for temperature control, which provides additional safety and comfort.

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  • This Year's Hottest Luxury Bathroom Trends,Terry Kruse

    This Year's Hottest Luxury Bathroom Trends

    Planning a bathroom renovation in anticipation of selling your home? Maybe you’ve just purchased a home and haven’t decided exactly how you’re going to modernize some of the most well-traveled rooms. Either way, let this year’s luxury bathroom trends be an inspiration for you as you create a true upscale oasis. Gold FinishesGold finishes, including taps and vanity hardware, have grown increasingly in popularity and are likely to be a major “want” item on luxury owners’ lists for the year. Keep the finishes minimalist in design for a look that’s decadent without being overwhelming. BotanicalsUsher in a tropical vibe with some greenery for your luxury bathroom. Trailing vines are having a moment, but succulents and snake plants can be great options for bathrooms because they thrive in areas without natural light. Either way, bringing the outdoors in just adds that touch of serenity before you face the day. Quirky TilesFor a look that’s high quality with an edge, try a different kind of tile other than square or rectangular. We’ll likely be seeing a desire for tiles that are octagon or hexagon-shaped, or even something more striking. Still prefer a minimalist look? Opt for contemporary shapes in plain white. Freestanding BathAh yes, the queen of all soaker tubs—the spacious, freestanding tub is a popular feature. Bathrooms that have the space would really benefit from a freestanding tub for those lazy Sunday mornings or post-work relaxation sessions. Showers With Recessed ShelvesShowers should be stylish but also functional too. Stay on trend with some recessed shelving in your shower. Not only can this hold things you need like loofahs and beauty products, but it’s a great place to light some candles when you need a spa-like retreat.

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  • 4 Things a Luxury Home Must Have,Terry Kruse

    4 Things a Luxury Home Must Have

    Buying or building a high-end home for the first time? These properties have a goal to go above and beyond anything you would find in traditional real estate, so buyers should always be on the lookout for the following to ensure what they’re buying is truly luxury and they won’t have to spend any time building extras into the home. Open concept floor plans. The goal is for the home to look and feel as large and airy as possible, and too many walls take away from that goal. Also, don’t forget the entryway staircase—two are better than one. High-end homes demand that when someone enters, they immediately feel like they’re somewhere special.  Exercise, game and theatre rooms. Who wants to make a trip to an offsite gym? Having a fully decked out home gym is a necessary part of a high-end home. Not only should it have the best possible machines and equipment, but a great view and a fully stocked water fridge. And if you’re a big movie fan, a home theatre is a must. Technology is key. If it’s important to you, look for a home decked out in the latest in smart technology, from lighting to climate control and the security system. Today’s buyers also expect that the home is as environmentally friendly as possible, and the smarter your home system is the better it is for the environment. Extensive walk-in closets. One of the truest marks of a high-end home is the amount and size of the walk-in closets available. Closet space is incredibly important when dealing with someone with unlimited purchasing power. A properly designed dressing room includes abundant shelving and racks, gorgeous lighting and ceiling-to-floor mirrors.

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