Page 28 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • March 25, 2009 Home Improvement & Gardening Budget-friendly updates to refresh the bathroom (ARA) Does your bathroom resemble the bathroom of your childhood? Does it have the same unappealing colors, cold tile floors, and dated decor as the day you bought the house? If your bathroom is stuck in the ‘60s, ‘70s, or ‘80s, it’s time to upgrade. But don’t worry; you can transform it into a modern day showplace on a budget. Here are some ideas to get you started: Apply a fresh coat of paint. Nothing cleans up damaged and dingy walls better than a new color. Because the bathroom is a high-humidity area that is also enclosed, look for paints that are mildew-resistant, but do not contain harsh chemicals. Be a little artistic with your painting. Find textured paints to create barely-there patterns on the walls, or use two different paint tints to create shading or bold contrasting wall colors. Update your hardware. Bathroom faucets and accessories have evolved over the decades, and style is the new design. Today’s products are able to match tastes ranging from exquisite vintage to ultra modern so you can transform your outdated style into something perfect for a guest bath, master bath or children’s fun bathroom. Change your lighting. A single light fixture or a worn out overhead lamp just does not give a bathroom the illumination or style you need. A properly lighted bathroom provides comfort, charm, fashion, and function. You may need lights above the sink or wall sconces to illuminate any dark shadows. Bring comfort into the shower. A new massaging showerhead is vital to making your shower inviting. Accompany the new fixture with a beautiful curtain and curved shower rod to match the rest of the room’s decor. Look for curtains that do not contain vinyl or PVC materials, because a 2008 study found vinyl curtains contain many toxic chemicals that can be released into the air. Just don’t block all that new light you just installed. Use a shower curtain that allows light into the tub area. Warm up the floor. Don’t forget the cringe you feel every time you step onto your cold bathroom floor. If the tile is in good shape, or you don’t have the finances to install radiant heat throughout the bathroom, try a decorative rug instead to keep your feet warm. You can forget about the old shag carpets with rubber backing. The styles, shapes and colors available are endless, in materials ranging from cotton to wool. Find a theme carpet for your children’s bathroom, or a beautiful bouquet of flowers to spice up your guest bathroom. Spring HARDSCAPE & MASONRY • Patios & Walls • Stonework • Pool Decks • Driveways • Steps • Full Masonry Lic. #13VH02631200 Owner Operated email: drew1068@optonline.net 201-847-2552 “Since 1989” ��������������������������� ������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������ �������������� ������������������ �������� ������������ ����������� ��������� ����������� ����� ���� ������������ ����������� ���������� The Scotts Annual Program Provides Nutrients Your Lawn Can Grow On! Scotts 4-step annual lawn care program takes the confusion and guesswork out of caring for your lawn. Each step provides your lawn with a constant supply of nutrients throughout the growing season, and at the same time, takes care of problems like crabgrass, weeds and insects. Best of all, the average 5,000 square foot lawn takes about 30 minutes, four times a year. Imagine a great looking lawn with only a 2-hour investment in time! March/April May/June July/August Sept./Oct. Scotts EZ Spreader for only ���������� Buy the Scotts Lawn Pro 4-Step Program and get the Special Sale ��������������������������������� Reg. $49.95 (with ad only) $29.95 (201) 891-3024 Mon-Wed 7:30-6, Thurs & Fri 7:30-8, Sat 8-5, OPEN SUNDAY 9-3 www.homehardwaresupply.com 27 Franklin Tpke, Waldwick • 201-652-5666