Condo Bathroom Remodel Ideas for Better Style and Functionality

A condo bathroom remodel can do wonders for your space and your peace of mind. If your current bathroom needs an update, check out these remodeling suggestions.

Condo Bathroom Remodel Ideas

A Paint Job – It’s amazing the transformation that a fresh layer of paint can do. Whether your bathroom needs a new coat, or a new color, consider refreshing the walls. If you don’t feel like painting, consider a funky wallpaper for the space.

An Accent Wall – If your entire walls don’t require a complete paint job, consider choosing an accent wall to spruce it up a bit. This is an excellent way to provide a little flair and fun in a smaller bathroom

New Tile – If you want to add a creative touch, check out adding some fun new tile. You’ll be amazed at what new flooring can do for a bathroom.

Mount the Towel Hanger on a Door – If you’re looking to maximize space, attaching a towel hanger to your bathroom door is a simple way to achieve this. It’ll leave more wall space to decorate or add additional elements.

Floating Shelves – If you’ve got free wall space and need more storage, floating shelves are a great and practical option.

A New Vanity – A bathroom vanity often feels like the focal point of a bathroom. If you’re not in love with your current vanity or need a more functional option, invest in one that fits better with your aesthetics or offers more storage. Round vanities work well in small, square bathrooms. 

Toilet Room – If you’re sharing a master bathroom and don’t already have a separate room designated for the toilet, consider this project. It allows for more privacy and functionality of a bathroom.

Shower Niches – To avoid clunky over-the-showerhead organizers, a recessed cubby in a shower or tub is a great way to clean up the look of your bathroom in a practical way.

Radiant Floor Heating – Living in a Chicago condo means you’re bound to experience some chilly winter mornings. Radiant heat beneath your tiles is a wonderful solution for cold floors and cold feet.

If you’re planning on moving forward with a condo bathroom remodel, be sure to first understand your condo’s renovation rules before beginning any work. HOA’s often have restrictions around these types of home improvement projects and you want to make sure you’re up to speed with all of the guidelines.

For those looking for a new condo, Luxury Living Chicago Realty can help you find the perfect home with the right number and size of bathrooms for you and your family. Connect with one of our licensed brokers today to begin the search process.

For more condo renovation ideas for your new home, check out our comprehensive guide below.

Condo Renovation Ideas For Every Room

Condo Kitchen Remodel — Get the Kitchen You Want in the Space You Already Have

The kitchen is one of the spaces in your home that you spend the most time in, so it’s important that it is well designed for your everyday needs. If you’re looking to remodel your condo kitchen, we have some ideas for you below.

Condo Kitchen Remodel Ideas

Before embarking on your condo renovation journey, make sure you understand your condo’s renovation rules first.

After uncovering any rules and regulations within your building, it’s time to start the remodeling process. The first thing you should do before looking to remodel your condo kitchen is to gather inspiration. Pull things like textures, colors, and other materials that you want to base your new kitchen design around, and then begin picking finishes and features. For a deeper dive into the initial design process, check out our helpful guide to luxury interior designNow, on to a few kitchen renovation ideas.

One of the best ways to give your kitchen a complete makeover is to change out your cabinetry. Cabinetry takes up a lot of space, so updating these can completely change the look and feel of your space. If your cabinets are completely outdated, it may be best to just rip them out and get brand-new ones; but if they’re just a little dated, consider giving them a fresh paint of color. You can’t go wrong with white, black, or gray, as the neutrals tend to stay timeless.

Hardware goes hand-in-hand with your cabinetry updates, so when you make the switch on your cabinets consider doing the same with the hardware. Some of the most trending finishes right now are brass, mixed metals, and natural finishes like solid wood and stone.

When updating your cabinetry and hardware, you will most likely be swapping out your countertops too. Quartz is a fantastic option, as it’s a timeless choice and is extremely durable. Other popular countertop ideas include raw wood, natural stone, and acrylic solid surface countertops. Another recent trend is a seamless countertop that runs up the backsplash. If you have a stunning piece of stone, this is a great way to showcase the beautiful veins and details in it.

Speaking of backsplashes, upgrading your kitchen backsplash is another way you can elevate your space. If you’re looking for an alternative to the classic subway tile, interior designers suggest looking into handmade and organic backsplash tiles with out-of-the-box shapes and textures.

Another kitchen renovation idea that can increase the value of your home is adding stainless steel appliances. Stainless steel is all the rave nowadays, so it’s a big bonus when it comes time to sell and you have these sleek appliances. Whirlpool, LG, or Bosch are just a few great picks. Aside from the classic stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, and range, consider adding a beautiful stainless steel range hood into the mix as well for that extra “wow” factor.

Looking for a cheap and easy way to breathe new life into your kitchen space? Consider painting or wallpapering the space. If you want the focal point to be your cabinetry, backsplash, or countertops, it’s best to go with a more neutral color on the walls so the focus can stay elsewhere; but if you’re looking to amp up your kitchen space, go all out with a pop of color or even some wallpaper. 

Another way to add value to your home is by upgrading the kitchen floors. According to designers, flooring trends that are up and coming include terracotta tile flooring, concrete, mid-tone woods, and patterned tiles. If you’re in need of a durable pick, you can’t go wrong with solid and engineered hardwood, porcelain tile, or vinyl.

If you’re ready to start the search for your new home to remodel or a brand-new luxury home, LLCR can help. Our team of experienced professionals are well-equipped with industry knowledge to help you find your perfect place.

Looking to renovate other areas of your home? Check out our complete guide to condo renovations for every room below.

Condo Renovation Ideas For Every Room

Condo Renovation Ideas for Every Room

Renovating your condo can help turn your house into a home and is also a great way to improve the value of your home.

If you are looking to freshen up spaces in your condo, consider these renovation ideas for every room.

Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Whether you’re looking for a complete gut renovation or a smaller scale kitchen facelift, there are many different ways to add value to your kitchen.

One of the largest improvements you can make to your kitchen is upgrading your kitchen cabinets. This can include completely swapping out your old cabinets for new ones or just giving them a fresh paint job. In addition to switching out your cabinetry color, adding new hardware to your cabinets can also add to the look and feel of your space.

If you upgrade your cabinets, you’re more than likely going to want to consider upgrading your countertops as well. If you’re going for a long-lasting option, a neutral quartz or granite countertop is a great way to go. 

If your space allows, you could also add an island. An island is such a great addition to your kitchen space, as it allows for more room to prep your food, adds a little extra storage space, and you can also use it as additional bar seating as well. When mapping out your island, just be sure there’s at least 42” of space between the kitchen counter and the island and there’s enough space for an island at least 4’ x 2’, but ideally larger. When choosing your island materials, you could either choose a cohesive palette to match the kitchen counters or mix it up by going with a complimentary scheme. For example, you could use white for the kitchen cabinets and black for the island, but feel free to play around to find a combo you like best.

When renovating your kitchen, you could also swap out your current appliances for brand new ones. Stainless steel is all the rave right now, so you truly can’t go wrong with those. If you’re working in a small space, there are also plenty of appliances built for small condo living you could incorporate throughout the space as well.

Another quick and easy renovation idea that you could do to upgrade your kitchen is adding a splash of new paint. No matter the vibe of your home, a fresh coat of paint can always help the space feel brand new. If you’re looking for a timeless color, you can’t go wrong with white, beige, gray, or any other neutral color.

If you want to showcase some of your beautiful kitchenware, you could also swap out a few cabinets for open shelving. If you need some inspiration, Pinterest has loads of ideas on what types of materials work best with your cabinets and finishes.

Calling all coffee aficionados and wine enthusiasts! Creating a space for your most beloved beverages is a must, but if you don’t have space to store them or you don’t want to leave them out on the kitchen counters, consider creating a wet bar in an unused corner of the kitchen.

Living Room Renovation Ideas

In addition to the kitchen, the living room is one of the spots you spend the most time in at home, so it’s important that your space feels homey and inviting.

One of the best ways to do this is to create more open space. If you have a closed-off living area, consider opening up some walls into the kitchen or dining areas to allow for more light to flow throughout your home. This will require getting in touch with your HOA for approval and local contractor to be sure any walls aren’t load-bearing.

Another renovation idea for your condo living space is to paint the walls. Lighter colors make your space feel more open and light, but there isn’t anything wrong with throwing a splash of color on the walls every now and then either. If you’re up for something a bit different, try out wallpaper on a wall or two. This trend is well on its way back and we highly recommend.

A great way to elevate your living room to the next level is by switching up the flooring. The most popular flooring for living rooms is hardwood, as it’s ultra durable for all the traffic throughout the space. If you’re leaning towards carpeting the living room, look for a low-pile option, as this tends to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life a bit more than other options.

Elevating your lighting situation in your living area is another way you can enhance your space. Recessed lighting is always a great option, but consider adding a chandelier or other statement light to give the room a more professional finished look.

If your living area doesn’t have a focal point, consider adding one of your own. One of the best ways you can do this is by adding a fireplace. Electric might be best if you’re working with a condo, but you can add a gorgeous tiling or brick surround to really bring the wow factor up a notch.

Fireplace not an option? Try a built-in bookshelf as your focal point. This will act as additional storage and a way to show off your personal belongings, prized possessions, and plethora of books.

Once your living room renovations are complete, consider these decorating tips and tricks to elevate your space even more.

Bedroom Renovation Ideas

Bedrooms are the place to get some shut eye, so it’s important to make sure your space feels calm and relaxed.

If you haven’t already updated your wall color or flooring, those are two simple ways to elevate your bedroom space. As for the color, choose something soothing like blues or beiges. For the flooring, carpeting is a great pick to amp up the coziness, and it also adds a little extra warmth for when you roll out of bed in the mornings too.

Another renovation idea for your bedroom is adding a walk-in closet or closet organizers where room allows. Turn that awkward unused space in your room into a closet or amp up the one you currently have by adding built-ins so you can have a perfectly organized closet all year around.

If you have a huge bedroom that you don’t even know what to do with, consider converting the space into two bedrooms. This one may require a little back and forth with the HOA, but if you get the green light, it’s a huge value-add to your property.

Tons of windows but no seating space? Consider adding a built-in bench. Creating a space to sit while putting on your shoes or curling up with a good book is so important for a bedroom, and it’s made even better if you can position it in front of a few windows. Bonus: built-in benches are also great for the storage you can get out of it too.

Another great way to elevate your bedroom space is by adding a wall-mounted headboard. This could cover the entire portion of your wall or just the little space above the bed, but adding a wall-mounted headboard helps create the focal point of the space. You could install a wall-mounted headboard with built-in side tables for more compact spaces, or make a big impact by covering the entire wall in upholstered wall panels or stained wood.

If you already have a headboard, you could also consider adding some floating shelves above the bed for additional decor and storage.

Bathroom Renovation Ideas

The bathroom may just be the easiest spot to upgrade on a smaller budget because of its size.

Paint and flooring take the cake again for the easiest two ways to really upgrade your bathroom. In the bathroom, it’s okay to splurge a little on the flooring since it’s such a small footprint. Consider adding that tile you’ve been dreaming about but was too expensive to go all out in the kitchen. As for the paint, neutral never disappoints, but wallpapering is another great pick for the bathroom. Since it’s a smaller space and you won’t need as much, wallpapering will give you less of a headache and is less of a burden on your wallet. 

Another way to upgrade your bathroom is to optimize your storage by swapping your pedestal sink for a vanity. Doing so allows you to get rid of any clunky storage devices you were using in the bathroom and hide it in the new vanity. And if you already have a vanity in your bathroom but it needs an update, consider painting it to match your new style and throw in some updated hardware as well.

You could also switch up the metals throughout your bathroom. Instead of going for a full-out nickel or brass set, switch it up by throwing a black neutral hardware into the mix.

Another great addition to your bathroom is an upgraded showerhead. You could pick one with multiple sprays, an eco-friendly option, or a smart showerhead.

Installing new tiling is another option when you’re looking to renovate your bathroom. You could just swap out new tiles in the shower, or you could extend the tiling throughout the bathroom halfway up the wall as well.

Office Renovation Ideas

Our home offices have quickly become our new best friend and there’s no sign of it slowing down any time soon.

The first thing you can do to elevate your office space is by fixing up the walls. If you’re looking to paint, blue is a great color for an office, as it’s known to stimulate the mind. Neutrals always go well in this space too, especially if it’s small. And if you’re looking for something a little more outside of the box, wallpapering is a great option too.

Another renovation idea for your home office is to create a reading nook. This could be a built-in bench by a window or just pull up some accent chairs to a corner and add some built-in bookshelves beside it.

To help define the space a bit more, you could also consider adding some french doors to your home office. This also helps bring more light into the space.

If you’ve been working from your couch or dining space and are in need of a workspace of your own, you could create your own desk nook within an unused closet space. Throw a different color or wallpaper in the closet, hang some shelves, add a desk, and voila!

For more ways to maximize your office space, check out this blog.

Smart Home Condo Renovation Ideas

Smart home integration is such a great upgrade to your space, as it will help with selling your place down the road and takes your living experience to the next level.

Smart thermostats are one of the most popular features in homes that we’re seeing today. These smart home upgrades allow you to create automatic temperature settings based on your daily schedule or weather conditions and can also connect to Alexa for a further seamless experience.

Built-in speakers are another great option when looking to upgrade your home. Speakers can get clunky and wiring can be an eyesore, but integrated speakers in the ceiling is a great option for creating a luxe space in a minimalist setting.

Another smart home renovation idea is to upgrade your electrical switches and outlets. Newer homes are accommodating USB ports so you no longer have to worry about the charging blocks.

There are many questions you may have when you begin your condo renovations, so be sure to check out our blog about everything you need to know before you start your condo renovations.

Ready to find your next home to renovate? Take the next step in your home-buying process and reach out to one of our experienced professionals today. They can help answer any questions you have and provide you with further insight on your home buying journey.

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Senior Broker Spotlight: Sam Kahn

Sam Kahn serves as Director of Listings for Luxury Living Chicago Realty where he works around the clock with clients looking to purchase, sell, or rent throughout Chicago.

As one of the top agents at Luxury Living Chicago Realty, Sam has been involved in some of the most successful building sell outs/lease ups across the city. Sam is also recognized and awarded as a Top Producer by the Chicago Association of Realtors and a member of TAN’s (Top Agent Network) top 10% of agents in the city.

An Ohio native, Sam made his way to Chicago after spending his undergraduate years earning his sports management degree from The University of Kansas. When he’s not deep in real estate deals, Sam likes to spend his free time working out, watching sports, and running along the lake path.

Share some of your experiences as a Chicago broker

Where do I even begin?  Starting off as an agent in 2013, I was working on every lead imaginable. Going to neighborhoods I didn’t even know existed. Working at price points I didn’t think had options available. But truthfully starting at that level has elevated me throughout nine years to where I am today. I consider myself a full service broker. I work with rental clients that have a $2000 budget up to buyers looking for properties north of $5 million and selling properties at every range.

I’ve worked with athletes, A-list celebrities, friends of mine from high school, co-workers, you name it. Making sure you don’t just “pigeon hole” yourself into a certain category has allowed me to grow my business organically, thus has given me different experiences throughout the city. I love working under pressure and with timelines. We don’t sit in front of a computer (although we do drafting up paperwork and sending emails), so every day brings a sort of unique challenge.

 I remember my first listing and sale like it was yesterday. I just began at Luxury Living Chicago Realty late 2015. Our managing broker Aaron Galvin called me into his office and told me he had repeat investor clients that were looking to cash out on their investment and sell their one bedroom condo. The condo was located in River North at 757 N Orleans Street.  I knew what I was doing from working on a team at my previous real estate company but I didn’t know what I was doing from start to finish. Aaron told me I’m going to go to the property at 10AM the next morning and meet a photographer for photos. Within 48 hours of meeting the photographer that morning we had 7 full priced offers and about another half dozen agents requesting to show the property. From the moment Aaron gave me the listing to the moment it closed was under 1 month. From that point on I was absolutely hooked and enamored with selling real estate. Fast forward to as I’m sitting here typing this out I just rented two very nice ivy league grads 1-bedroom apartments downtown and put together a $3 million dollar sale all in the same day. Real Estate never sleeps. You never know what opportunity is going to present itself next, but if you make sure to put a smile on your face, be available for your clients, and work on every opportunity that comes your way, you’ll feel very satisfied 9 years later.

Why do you do what you do?

 Honestly I enjoy it! I see new properties every day in different neighborhoods and different price points. I grew up with real estate in my family, as both my parents are agents in Cleveland, OH where I grew up.  When I was younger, I remember vividly hammering my mom’s for sale signs in the yard at new listings she was putting on the market. I went to school to pursue a career in sports management, but when I moved to Chicago I was so enamored with the real estate market and working in such a fast paced industry. I began working in real estate in early 2013 and couldn’t envision myself doing something different.

What is your favorite part of your job?

 Closing a deal and the joy it brings to a new buyer, seller or renter. Your home is your most expensive asset and you also spend the majority of your time at your home as opposed to anywhere else. It’s so fun to help advise people and guide them throughout this decision. I like meeting new people and every day in real estate is different and there is always an opportunity to learn something new. Even after spending almost 9 years as a real estate agent, I continue to learn new things.

 What is your best experience as a broker?

 My favorite experience as a real estate agent has been working on the Norweta Condos in Lincoln Park. I had sold new construction before but never represented it as the listing agent.  Luxury Living Chicago Realty took over the project and its remaining 10 condos, and with being the Director of Listings meant I was the lead agent handling the project. There were 4+ agents at different companies all to have a chance with this listing, but since I have taken over we have sold the most challenging units left and the most expensive sale in the 32-unit complex.  The experience I’ve gained from working on this development has furthered my knowledge and expertise in the Chicago real estate market, allowing me to help better assist my clients across my entire portfolio.

If you’re in the market to rent, buy, or sell your home, reach out to Sam today!

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What are the Tax Benefits of Buying a Home?

Purchasing a home is an enormous investment. While this important purchase may require a substantial financial sacrifice, it also comes with big incentives, including financial benefits around tax season.

Luxury Living Chicago Realty wants to help you understand and potentially take advantage of the tax perks involved in house ownership.

How Taxes Work

For every American, taxes are an inevitable part of adulting. Every year, individuals, businesses, and organizations have to pay earned money back to the government to fund various operations, from road maintenance to the construction of new buildings.

While you can’t avoid paying taxes, tax deductions may help reduce your final payment back to the IRS.

So what exactly is a tax deduction? Essentially, it’s an expense that someone can write off or subtract from their gross income. Deductions help reduce a person’s taxable income so that they can pocket more of their paycheck.

As a taxpayer, you want to learn what tax deductions you are eligible for so that you can maximize your net income.

Tax Breaks for Owning a Home

Buying a home is a great way to reduce your final taxes because the IRS automatically qualifies homeowners for various tax breaks. This is one of the ways that the government has promoted Americans to purchase homes.

While homeowners are eligible for standard IRS deductions, you may potentially qualify for even bigger tax breaks if you itemize your deductions. However, itemizing your deductions only makes sense if your individual deductions combined exceed the standard IRS deductions.

The IRS allows homeowners to receive the following deductions automatically:
$24,800 for married couples filing jointly
$12,400 for single filers and married individuals filing separately.
$18,650 for heads of households.

To determine whether or not it’s worth itemizing your deductions, first add up all qualifying homeowner deductions and additional tax deductions that you qualify for. Then, if the total exceeds the standard IRS deduction, go ahead and itemize your deductions.

So what expenses fall under homeowner deductions?

  • Mortgage interest
  • Interest on Home Equity Loans
  • Discount points
  • Property taxes
  • Home office expenses
  • Medically necessary home improvements

Additionally, if a person chooses to rent their home out, they do not owe taxes on the earned rental income from their own homes. This is one of the reasons that homeownership makes such an attractive investment.

If you are already in the market for a home, hopefully the tax benefits of homeownership provide another incentive to buy.

For help finding the perfect property and any additional questions related to homeownership, connect with one of our licensed team members today.

And don’t forget that the extended tax deadline is quickly approaching. Be sure to file by May 17th!

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