North Texas Real Estate Talk

Not every item or knickknack in your bathroom is so attractive that it warrants being out in the open. Here are ten ways to maximize your space and enhance the style of your bathroom. Form and function for any size.

Woven baskets can store just about anything – use them on shelves, the floor or in your cabinets. Towels can be neatly rolled and placed inside. Baskets are also great for keeping personal items separate. Plus, they add a touch of “spa-ahhhh” to any bathroom.

Cabinet organizers are definitely one of the easiest and least expensive ways to get your bathroom in order. Use extra baskets and tubs you find around the house – even flower pots and vases. You can neatly organize your bottles, linens, perfumes and more with little effort.

Countertop décor can double as an organization tool. Use decorative glass bottles, jars and vases to store little things like mouthwash, cotton swabs and soap.

Over-the-toilet storage works well when space is limited. Try a traditional over-the-toilet shelving unit or a wall-mounted cabinet to keep toiletries, small linens and accessories.

Corner shelving units utilize corner space, making it more functional and less boxy. Display fresh linens and towels, and the shelf doubles as decor.

Wall-mounted shelves help free up counter and cabinet space, plus they provide a more modern, linear style. Glass, free-floating shelves are easy to install and work well in any bathroom. They’re perfect for perfumes and any small, decorative items.

Wall hooks are essential, especially for bath towels, hand towels and robes. Hooks can also be installed inside cabinets to hold hairdryers and other frequently used items. You can get creative by using cabinet hardware and vintage doorknobs instead of traditional wall hooks.

Wire racks and towel racks are often the most cost-effective options for adding storage space on your walls.  Keep in mind that wire shelves may not be the best option for small items, but they’re perfect for storing your towels and clothes and freeing up cabinet space.

Drawer organizers keep drawers and cabinets clutter-free. You can find several options at any home organization store.

Shower caddies can really help keep showers organized, especially when you have multiple family members using the same space. Multiple designs and price ranges give you options for what’s best in your space.

Getting organized will save you time and sanity, especially when space is small. Find what works for you and get started today.

For years, the north Collin County area has awaited the long-rumored arrival of Costco. Well, the wait is over. You will no longer have to travel into Plano to shop with the well-known wholesale company. Costco will anchor a new shopping center at the SE corner of Eldorado and the North Dallas Tollway. They’ve already broken ground and expect to open in September 2011.

The city of Frisco has wooed the wholesaler and the area residents couldn’t be happier about it. Friscoans have long wondered why the fast-growing city didn’t house one of the two popular wholesale retailers, Costco or Sam’s Club. The arrival of Costco will save many of its customers time and gas now, as before they had to drive to one of the two nearest Costco locations, both in Plano or shop at Sam’s Club in McKinney or Plano. But those days will soon be over.

Frisco will soon have hospital number three. Forest Park Medical Center, a full service acute care hospital that focuses on surgery, has broken ground at Frisco Square.

The $59 million medical campus will include a 130,000-sf hospital, a 90,000-sf medical office building with multi-tenant retail, restaurant, and medical office space, and a 600-space parking garage. Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2012.

The hospital’s managing partner, Alan Beauchamp, said “The construction of the facility will bring several hundred new jobs, and once it is open for business, several hundred more jobs will be created,” Beauchamp said. “Since we are a for-profit facility, we will bring in tax dollars to the city. We also believe we are building a hospital that will be aesthetically beautiful, which will add to the look of the Square.”

Vibrant Healthcare, will operate the facility, that will be physician-owned and will be located at the southeast corner of Main Street and the Dallas North Tollway.