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Published with permission from RISMedia.

A small bathroom can be a major dilemma, especially for families or for anyone who regularly accommodates guests. But making more space in a small bathroom can be like fitting a puzzle together; it takes an eye for design, a little savvy and being open to some outside help.

From bath designers and solution-seeking parents, here are seven ideas for getting maximum use out of small bathroom space:

Redirect the door. A door swinging into a small bathroom makes things seem even tighter. Reposition the door to swing outward or, if thats not feasible, try a sliding pocket door.

Make the most of under-sink storage. If there is no vanity under the sink, install one. If there is one, chances are its a wasteful cavern. Invest in portable, under-sink organizers, available at most hardware or big-box stores, that provide tiered storage bins you can tuck into the vanity to hold bath toys, grooming supplies, cleaning supplies and more.

Install a countertop extension. Expanding the vanity countertop with a banjo-style extension that goes over the toilet provides extra space for guest towels, aerosol containers, tissue boxes, cosmetics and more. If thats not feasible, try hanging a couple of basket shelves on the wall next to the sink.

Capitalize on shelving. Moving the towel bar to behind the door leaves more room on the wall next to the shower for a storage cabinet or shelving. Maximize storage by rolling small towels to fit into small cabinet cubbies.

Keep paper goods in plain sight. Stack toilet paper rolls on an attractive vertical stand tucked in a corner next to the toilet.

Use accessories to your advantage. As space allows, use attractive baskets, bowls, designer hooks and boxes to store a wide variety of bath items.

Trick the eye. A large, well-placed mirror reflects light and adds depth. Give it double duty by positioning it over the sink so that two people can use it at the same time.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you are planning to construct a new home, or if you need more space for vehicles or storage, you may be thinking about building a three-car garage. A three-car garage would cost more to build than a two-car garage, although the extra cost per square foot would most likely be relatively small. A larger garage could increase your homes resale value and help you attract a future buyer.

Reasons to Build a Three-Car Garage
If you have three drivers in your family, or if you have a child who will start driving soon, a three-car garage can be a smart investment. If you decide to sell your home in the future, a three-car garage may be on a wish list for families with teenage drivers.

Even if you dont have three cars in your household, a three-car garage can make sense if you need extra storage or work space. For example, you may decide to park two cars in the garage and designate an area to store lawn and garden equipment or to work on a hobby.

If you currently have items in a storage unit, the monthly fees can quickly add up. Instead of continuing to pay for rental charges, you may save money in the long run by building a larger garage and storing your belongings there.

With a three-car garage, you will be able to keep all your vehicles out of rain, snow and ice, as well as hot summer temperatures. Potential buyers will most likely appreciate not having to clear snow and ice off a car before leaving for work on winter mornings and not having to get into a sweltering vehicle in the summer.

A three-car garage requires a wider driveway than a two-car garage. That means more room for guests to park and more space for your kids to play.

Possible Downsides
Depending on the size and design of the lot, a three-car garage might cause you to lose a significant amount of space in the yard. If you are planning to build a new house from scratch, a three-car garage may limit your design options for the rest of the house.

How Important Would a Three-Car Garage be to Potential Buyers?
Consider other houses in the area. If most have three-car garages, you might have trouble selling your house if it only had a two-car garage. On the other hand, if most houses have two-car garages, a three-car garage may be a bonus for prospective buyers, but not a requirement.

For a potential buyer considering two similar homes, one with a two-car garage and one with a three-car garage, the bigger garage may be the deciding factor. If you have room in your budget, it may be a good idea to spend more for a bigger garage to have the added convenience, raise your homes value and to make it easier to sell in the future.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are 5 features to create the perfect shower area in your home…

Dual Showerheads

Dual showerheads allow for a spacious shower area where couples can go about their routine without having to wait.

Rain Shower

Rain showers create a relaxing and luxurious feeling of water cascading down on you.

Vitamin C-Infused Shower

Vitamin C-infused showers reduce chlorine levels in your water and leave your skin feeling softer and healthier.

Steam Shower

Relax for a few minutes each day and enjoy the restorative benefits of steam heat.

Capture a View

Elevate your shower experience with a breathtaking view.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Barbecue season is upon us, and that means the family is about to be spending a whole lot more time outside. If youre looking to make the most out of your backyard area, lawn games can be the perfect way to have fun together while adding instant appeal to your home. These classic leisure activities are seeing increased popularity among luxury homeowners in recent years, so introducing a little friendly competition to your backyard just might be a sound investment.

Here are a few beloved lawn games that the whole family can enjoy!

Bocce Ball
The laid-back nature of this game makes it ideally suited for playing with a cocktail in hand while the grill is heating up. Though its commonly played on the lawn, traditionally, bocce is played on a court with a fine surface, such as ground oyster shells, that could lend an elegant look to any yard.

Croquet
A manicured lawn thats set up with croquet wickets might look a bit formal, but once the game begins, the gloves come off and all pretense will be out the window. Croquet can provide endless fun in the backyard, but beware: This game is notorious for bringing out the competitive side in everyone.

Shuffleboard
Shuffleboard used to be relegated to retirement homes, but the game has surged in popularity among a younger demographic in recent years. While shuffleboard clubs are now a popular social activity for millennials in cities, some homeowners who have the space are putting courts in their backyards.

Badminton
Be prepared to work up a sweat if you set up badminton court in the backyard. This is a great activity for the family to enjoy together while getting their exercise for the day. Kids especially love badminton, and its easy enough to put away when not in use if you prefer the look of a wide-open lawn.

Published with permission from RISMedia.