Planning your rooms

Plan your bath

Bathrooms can be a simple powder room or a luxurious spa-like retreat. Selecting a reliable contractor and working with a bathroom design professional will help you create a comfortable, usable and budget-friendly space. For your bath, StarMark Cabinetry builds custom, handcrafted cabinetry built to last.

What’s your goal for remodeling a bathroom?

Does it just need updating or are you enlarging for more space? Either way, careful planning can make the construction process a smooth experience.

Finding and working with credible, reliable contractors is a must for a successful project.
Determine if the cost of moving walls, plumbing, or HVAC ductwork is worth the space and benefits you’ll gain.
If you’re dreaming of a large tub or shower area with multiple showerheads, consider the size of your existing water heater. Installing a second or a larger water heater may be necessary to meet household demand. Tankless models are popular space-saving units, but consult with a plumbing professional for accurate sizing and recommendations.
Plan for sufficient electrical outlets away from water sources.

Options for vanities and storage

Custom bathroom cabinetry offers endless options for vanities and storage. Durable construction and quality finishes are important to withstand bathroom moisture.

Spa-like vanities resemble the look of a fine furniture piece. Open shelving, basket storage, multiple drawers and furniture style legs are options for designing your perfect custom look.
Full cabinet vanities offer options for drawer depths, pull-out shelves and organizational features.
Linen towers and decorative cubbies are excellent for towel storage.
When ordering cabinetry, don’t overlook the matching mirror options to complete your design.
A dedicated vanity with storage designed for hair appliances and cosmetics is every woman’s dream!

Water, water, water

The plumbing industry offers a vast selection of tubs, tub-shower combination units, faucets, showerheads and accessories. Make sure you understand the construction quality and warranties. In the long run, it’s worth paying a little more for quality manufactured products.

Wh en selecting plumbing fixtures, confirm the internal parts are made of brass, not plastic, for durability.
If remodeling, make sure your new tub or tub-shower combination unit will fit through existing doorways. Three and four piece combination units are made specifically for retro-fitting.
A shower with multiple showerheads and jets should be designed by a professional for correct fixture positioning and to specify the necessary connections for maximum water pressure.
Whirlpools, soaking tubs and air tubs are available in a variety of sizes, configurations, materials and price ranges. Visit your local kitchen and bath showroom to view displays and for expert advice.
Fixtures and toilets with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense label will reduce water usage by at least 20%.

The extras

Don’t forget the extras for a full spa treatment and total relaxation.

Complete your full spa experience with a steam shower. Since steam showers must be fully enclosed, early planning with your contractor is crucial.
Adding a heated floor is an excellent option particularly in colder climates.
A warm towel is the perfect way to end a luxury bath. Built-in or floor standing towel warmers provide a plush treat.
Create ultimate relaxation by installing a tub with chromatherapy—the use of colored lights in your bath. Different colors create different moods. For example, green brings harmony and balance to the spirit. A delight for both the body and mind!
Proper lighting is necessary in the bathroom. In the vanity area, side sconces and light bars above the mirror are popular choices. Bathroom trends include adding a small decorative chandelier for a sophisticated look.

Universal or accessible design

Universal or accessible design can easily be designed into a bathroom remodel. Safety for all ages is paramount. Manufacturers are designing stylish safety products leaving the industrial look to health care facilities. Consider these products for a safer bathroom:

Walk-in or roll-in showers
Walk-in tubs
Grab bars
Built-in or stand-alone benches
Handheld showerheads
Higher toilets or with raised seats

Plan your home office

Home offices are becoming an essential space. From small desk areas for paying bills to entire rooms dedicated to running a business, custom cabinets from StarMark Cabinetry are designed and built to fit your space and your storage needs.

Consider these tips for designing your home office.

Determine how many people will be using the room and the type and size of area needed for each.
Take into consideration whether you and others are right or left handed to create a comfortable workflow.
Create a space to fit your personal taste of traditional, transitional or contemporary styles.
Design your office to include ergonomic needs or physical limitations.
Positioning your work area in front of a window adds natural light and creates a pleasant environment.
Enclose TV’s, presentation screens or large monitors in custom armoires.
If space allows, an island provides storage and a large work area for drawings, blueprints or other oversized items.

An efficient office is well organized. Cabinets designed for specific items reduce clutter because everything has its place. Office storage may include:

File drawers
Flat storage for drawings, plans or artwork
Roll-out trays in assorted depths
Adjustable drawer dividers
Computer areas with keyboard pull-outs
Open shelving
Small drawers for organizing undersized objects
Small mail cubbies
Electronic charging stations

With proper design and planning, your home office can be an efficient and enjoyable area reflecting your personal style.

Plan your laundry room and mud room

A laundry and mud room is one of the hardest working rooms in your home. With proper planning, this room can be a multi-functional space for the entire family. The laundry and mud room can help eliminate and organize clutter that often lands in other areas—particularly the kitchen!

Laundry and mud room

Consider space size, the number of family members, how you want to utilize the area and the activities of the family.
Keep the room bright and cheery so that it will be an enjoyable space.
Choose flooring that is resilient and easy to clean.
Select durable cabinetry available with a variety of storage options.
Include a laundry sink with a pull-down faucet for washing oversized items.
Install cabinetry above the washer and dryer to store laundry products.
Install a rack for hanging clothes and drying damp items.
Consider a concealed wall mounted ironing board or a pull-out from a cabinet drawer.
Include a boot tray to contain messy winter shoes.

Cabinetry and organization

Maximize organization with cabinetry storage features such as pullouts; large, deep drawers; and cubbies or shelving suited for bins or baskets to manage clutter.
Cabinetry with built-in laundry bins makes laundry accessible and convenient.
Create an area with coat hooks and individual cubbies or baskets for shoes, backpacks and personal items.
Include a storage bench for seating and for stowing long or bulky items such as ball bats and sporting equipment.
A multi-purpose countertop space is convenient for folding clothes or as a work and craft area.
Create an office area, message center and electronic charging station to avoid kitchen counter clutter.

Consider your pets

A laundry or mud room is an ideal area for accommodating pets and simplifying care.

Install a dog bathing area or shower. Consider these factors when designing:

Measure the size of your dog to determine the space for a comfortable bath.
Work with a licensed plumber to ensure proper drain sizes and the best product for catching and removing hair.
A standard acrylic shower base and shower walls are an economical and easy to install solution.
A tiled bathing area gives Fido’s spa an attractive, waterproof space.
A raised shower area helps to reduce bending. Include a ramp for larger dogs that are too heavy to lift.
Adding a doggie bath mat prevents sliding and helps to catch hair.
Install a handheld showerhead low enough to reach around the pet.
For smaller dogs, a mop tub or utility sink with a pull-down utility faucet may be the perfect fit.

Include a cabinet with an opening in the door to hide the kitty litter box.
An open base cabinet makes a discreet and comfortable pet bed.
Dedicate an area for storing pet food, supplies and a hook for leashes.