- By Element Cabinet Design
- In Bathroom Remodel, Bathroom Renovation, Cabinets, Countertops, Custom Master Bath, Design, Flooring, Plumbing, Renovation, Tub Shower
- Tags Bath Remodeler, Bathroom Remodeling, Bathroom Renovation, Top Bathroom Remodeling Company
How To Select Bath Fixtures
When choosing the bathroom fixtures and materials one of the most important aspects to consider is the quality construction and finish on the product you select. In the last ten years bathroom fixtures and materials have changed dramatically. Energy efficiency has become a focus with companies producing more efficient flushing toilets, faucets and shower heads. The products and fixtures you choose for your bathroom will ultimately determine how the room will function and taking the time to research quality products will pay you dividends with longevity of you purchase.
To get started:
- Develop a list of fixtures and furniture needed for your new bathroom. For example; a separate shower and tub requires double the fixtures as well as a glass enclosure as opposed to a combination tub and shower enclosure.
- Purchase and dig through consumer home magazines as well as interior and architectural design magazines.
- Visit design blogs such as this one and manufacturer websites to look at the newest fixtures and to read reviews on features and how they perform.
- Visit home and plumbing centers to look at actual life size displays, check out the fit and finish quality as well as see what it costs.
- Communicate directly with your contractor and plumber. Many times he or she has extensive knowledge and experience with quality products.
- Consider hiring a professional designer to assist you in the process.
Bathtubs and Jetted Tubs:
How much room you have will be a big factor in the tub you choose. Other factors to consider are; how big you want the tub, where the drain needs to be located, whether or not you will be installing glass doors, walls and surrounds.
Choose a tub that not only looks great but is also functional. A modern Acrylic Tub featuring a massage system for the ultimate home spa experience that uses 50 percent less energy and produces 70 percent less noise are all available options. Air bath systems offer a variety of massage options ranging from a gentle air bubble massage to an invigorating water jet massage.
Showers:
When I think of glass doors I immediately go back to my childhood and think about the sliding glass doors that were affixed on top of tubs. While those types of doors still exist today’s walk in showers are becoming the norm in higher end bathrooms. Large luxurious walk in showers seem to dominate with custom glass enclosures. Shower options are only limited to your imagination and budget. Many folk’s showers have spa like steam systems, music, lights, seating, rain-simulating shower heads, body sprays, hand held sprayers enclosed in custom glass enclosures. Glass options such as the open look of clear glass to the distinctive patterns of rain, etched, fluted or beveled tempered glass. I work with Basco shower Doors for my shower remodels because they custom make any style and size shower enclosure that my customer needs.
Sinks:
Sinks come in all shapes, sizes, styles and colors. They can look like a vessel or basin or have a simple minimalist look similar to the American Standard Studio Under-Counter Sink which is known for its unique curved basin. Under-mount sinks are popular in bathrooms with granite counter tops and are easy to clean and offer a striking, modern look.
Faucets and Shower heads:
Shower heads can be a simple no adjustment spray heat to an elaborate rain drop head. Many showers these days are also being plumbed with hand sprayers. Most hand sprayers offer a selector button on the hand grip that makes it easy to change spray patterns, even with wet, soapy hands. Each setting offers different spray patterns ― from an invigorating massage spray to a gentle aerated spray ― can be changed with the flick of a finger. Be sure not to overlook the shower valve. The valves are installed behind the wall but are very important to the functionality of your shower. Thermostatic valves can be one handled or two. Two handled vales are used with hand sprayers and have a built-in diverter for easier, more convenient operation of both the hand shower and the rain shower head with a cleaner, more attractive installation. This type of valve is more economical to install, and the thermostatic feature prevents scalding and loss of pressure.
Sink Faucet can be sleek and modern or incorporate iconic, turn-of-the-century design details while offering water saving, reliable performance. Today’s quality faucets are constructed of durable cast brass and ceramic disc valves to provide long term use and drip-free performance.
Toilets:
The sky is the limit with toilet selection to simple design to the elegant, standard height to tall and the ever popular elongated bowls design. Many manufacturers offer toilets as part of a collection that match sinks, tub and bidets. Toilets today can have dual flush or even automated features that rival robotics.
Cabinets:
Vanity cabinets today are more like kitchen cabinets and pieces of furniture. From stock cabinets at the big box stores to semi-custom and custom cabinets the choices are many. Look for a cabinet that is well made, has solid dovetail drawer construction and high quality drawer slides. Many of today’s vanity cabinet drawers have self-closing and anti-slam mechanisms built into the drawer slide which is a nice feature.
Counter-tops:
Probably the most popular counter top these days is granite but there are many, many different alternatives to look at and choose from.
Lighting:
Lighting can be as simple as a surface mounted overhead light, recessed lighting or wall mounted sconces. I’ve even seen chandeliers in large luxury bathrooms. One thing to think about is that the bathroom should have general lighting as well as task lighting for applying make-up or looking into the mirror. Don’t forget lighting over the tub or in the shower. A combination of both is usually the best solution.
If you have any questions we are one of our friendly and very skilled home interior designers can help! Don’t hesitate to call us for all of your bathroom remodeling needs in Las Vegas.
