Arts & Crafts seminar, indoor farmers market, free remodeling class and more

Did you know that Arts & Crafts is considered the first modern style of the 20th century? Find out more facts at the Twin Cities Bungalow Club's illustrated presentations "Exploring the American Arts & Crafts Movement" from 1 to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 1895 Laurel Av., St. Paul. Presenter Larry Crawford is a Twin Cities Arts & Crafts enthusiast with a background in comparative arts studies. He'll combine historic and contemporary images to detail how Arts & Crafts made a lasting impact in the U.S. between 1900 and 1925, including the creation of Twin Cities bungalow neighborhoods. Cost $3; free for bungalow club members. Go to bungalowclub.org or call 612-724-5816.

Cheese, honey and dried beans are all for sale at Bachman's Winter Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 25, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Bring a shopping bag to fill with fresh bread, apples, root veggies, jams, meat and other local products offered inside Bachman's cozy greenhouse. The event also features beer and wine sold by the glass and live music. Call 612-861-7600.

Want to rework the upstairs of your home to create more functional living space? Castle Building & Remodeling is offering a free class, Planning a ½ Story Remodel, designed to help attendees plan for, budget and get more value from this common remodeling project. The class will cover the design process, typical budgets, cost-saving ideas, timelines and affordable design tips. All attendees will receive a certificate for $100 off design and planning services. The class will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at Castle's St. Paul design studio, 362 Snelling Av. S., St. Paul. To attend, please register in advance at castlebri.com/education-class-schedule-sign-sheet.

Squire House Gardens' free winter "Talk and Tea" series continues with "Best of British Gardens." Guests will take an armchair tour of examples of garden artistry in England, including Hidcote Manor, Sissinghurst Castle and others, led by landscape designer Martin Stern. There will be two sessions, 1 and 3 p.m. Feb. 25. Squire House Gardens is located at 3390 St. Croix Trail S., in a historic house in Afton.

The era of the trophy kitchen being the most important room of the house may be fading. For Barbara Sallick, co-founder of Waterworks, bathrooms reflect more personal style than the rooms where we roast our turkeys.

Her new book, "The Perfect Bath," celebrates the best bathrooms she's encountered since the 1978 founding of the bath and kitchen company where she now serves as senior vice president of design.

"Kitchens are all about the community, family and friends," Sallick said. "The bathroom is a little more indulgent, especially the master bath. It's all about you and relaxation and your favorite things and a place of privacy."

1. Shop carefully. Research the style that is most appropriate for you and house. Then align yourself with a knowledgeable sales associate to help you navigate endless choices, define priorities, manage the budget, select appropriate materials and assure on-time deliveries.

2. Install proper lighting. Lighting is often not high enough on the priority list of essentials. The result is a bath where there is not enough light, annoying shadows and a lack of decorative sconces. Plan for too much incandescent light, and install a dimmer. There is so much new technology in the market that it's important to do your homework on the type of lighting appropriate for the size of your space. Take advantage of natural light; it helps soften and warm the space.

3. Consider storage options. Nothing will derail your new bathroom more quickly than not planning for your "stuff" — extra towels, toilet paper, bath amenities, makeup, shaving tools and toothbrushes all need their own place. Early in the planning stage, lay out the bathroom with a closet or vanity to conveniently accommodate the rituals of daily life and keep the space neat.

4. Invest in the installation. Vet the contractor before signing a contract by asking for references and requesting a visit to completed projects. A great contractor can make the difference in how a bathroom looks, no matter the cost of the materials. A good contractor will measure carefully so there are no unsightly cuts in either the stone or tile, help select grout, make sure the placement of the shower valve is convenient, test every part of the installation with a level to ensure everything is straight, and clean up the daily installation mess.

5. Make it your own. Bath accessories make the difference between a space that reflects your own taste and one that looks like it walked right out of a showroom. Personalize the space by shopping for vintage pieces, adding art, buying beautiful towels, selecting the right color paint, finding a great rug, placing an orchid in a decorative container, displaying special items on a tray, and adding a beautiful mirror and fabulous sconces.