During the winter months, we tend to spend more time inside. More time inside our homes means more time revisiting and reimagining updates we’ve wanted to have made for years. Whether it’s installing a kitchen island, floor resurfacing or a complete redesign of our master bathroom, there’s no avoiding this “to-do.” It has become a “let’s get it done before summer,” coupled with an inner nagging of, “what are you waiting for…retirement?”

But, where does one go for inspiration? Pinterest? Our friends’ stylish abodes? An endless binge-fest of HGTV, pausing episodes and grabbing photos with our phones? 

Kara at Mark-Woods shared a shortcut: their new online portfolio. I decided to check it out with my husband to help draw a clearer line between wants and needs for the master bath update we’ve wanted for more than two years. We need to get on common ground and come to agreement on the overall aesthetic. And no, I do not think a heated bathroom floor is a necessity, but men…There is a special time of year that is approaching soon: annual bonus time and tax return season. What an opportune time to finally dig into that home improvement project (wink, wink)!

Mark-Woods Portfolio is clean and simple, providing the starting choice of Exteriors, Interiors, Kitchens, and Bathrooms. 

I select Bathrooms:

Instead of clicking on a specific style, I browse all, because apparently “contemporary” is not what I thought I wanted. I’m actually taken by the French Country Flare. I also like a bath with a view, but we’ll have to move to make that happen. Yet, I’m not beyond vision boards, so perhaps there’s a use for that image, too.

Not only are there tons of different layouts, but each image provides inspiration for different tile textures and patterns – and hardware and sinks. I think I’ve now gone from contemporary to “eclectic” in a matter of minutes.

Definitely, take some time to peruse through the myriad of options, because it’s fun to dream and it’s even more fun when you can finally make it a reality.

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