Bathroom Design Help:Resources, Products and Ideas

Ready for a Bathroom Remodel?

Check Out This List...

• First and foremost, start dreaming!
  
  I think the most important start to any bathroom remodel is the "dream process". Start letting your mind wander on the "what ifs". This is my favorite part. Pay attention to what isn't working in your bathroom and what changes could really make you happy.
• Taking your dream into a "what if".
  
  Start looking through magazines, bathroom design books, go check out some showrooms locally, watch tv, ie: HGTV, or even realty shows such as "Big Brother" for ideas. Keep your eyes open and start answering your "what ifs".
  
  Keep your ideas in a special BATHROOM DREAM FILE. Photocopies, pictures ripped out of a magazine or book (make sure you own it), DVR a show, keep brochures etc.
• A mandatory step...Not always the funniest but a MUST! The budget.
  
  Start planning a budget. If you have NO idea where to start with that, go to your local Home Depot, or other kitchen showroom and just start asking a lot of questions. The more educated in the process you can get the less intimidating it will be when you are finally ready to hire your team.
• Ahh yes hiring the team.
  
  I would recommend starting off by asking friends or family who have recently remodeled their bathrooms. I think referrals from this source is the best. If you don't know anyone or that hasn't happened to anyone you know, good you'll hopefully have a great referral for them when they are ready after seeing your new, beautiful bathroom.
  
  Check out under my links section on this lens the Nationnal Kitchen & Bath Association website, it is a great source to identify someone locally as well.
• In regards to your team, please make sure whomever you hire are licensed professionals for your bathroom. There is too much room for error and better safe than sorry.
  
  You have to like them or this process will suck. Also, there are a lot of designers who are intimidating and if you don't like them DON'T HIRE them. You always have options and you will find someone who will be great for you.
  
  If you are a TRUE DIYer then you can tackle a bathroom with probably not alot of problems but if you are uncomfortable with plumbing, etc. I would avoid the DIYer mentality on this one.
• In remodeling once you get your budget solidified be aware with change orders and last minute items you end up having to add to your budget. They will typically be 20% over your initial budget. I think it's good to know this going in, so you aren't in shock.
• Keep in mind even the best planned bathroom usually isn't ever on time. Be prepared if your Designer tells you, you'll be without your bathroom for 4 weeks add 2 weeks to that in your mind. So if it's less, big yeah and if it's really 6 weeks then you were mentally prepared for it.
• Construction is messy!
  
  Don't look and don't worry, eventually you will have your new bathroom and while you are soaking in your new tub you won't even remember what you had to go through to get there. :)
• If you are remodeling a master bathroom, I recommend if you have another bath in the house, moving into that one and just staying out of the way of the workers. I like to tell my clients to pack up all their bathroom stuff as if they are moving and move them out of the way of the bathroom that is being worked on. Keep what necessities you will need thoughout, ie: toothpaste, brush, etc. I don't need to tell this to women, we already know.
• Lastly, keep the lines of communication open between you and your remodel team. Make sure that neither one of you are surprised at any part of the process.

Bathroom Fixture Finishes

Jewerly for the Bathroom

• (POLISHED) CHROME:
  
  This finish has an ageless appeal and can ability to coordinate with many different design styles. This is a classic finish that coordinates with a wide variety of styles and decors, This finish almost has a blueish-cold feel to it in comparison to polished nickel that is why I love to use it most in contemporary bathrooms. This finish has been around for a long time so they are very tarnish-resistant and durable. This finish has been around the longest so it is the least expensive finish out there.
• BRASS:
  
  POLISHED BRASS is gold in color and shiny and recalls classical, hand formed, and naturally aged hardware. Because the antique look will always have a place in the bathroom, brass finishes are here to stay. I use polished brass mostly in period style bathrooms or a for a client who wants a luxurious/elegant feel.
  
  ANTIQUE BRASS finishes combine soft gold-brown bases with darker streaks.
• NICKEL:
  
  Polished nickel looks very similar to chrome but next to each other you will see that it appears warmer and a little more elegant/rich. I like using this finish in a more vintage/traditional style bathroom. In certain circumstances it looks very nice in contemporary bathrooms as well.
  
  BRUSHED NICKEL has a warm appearance and adds a softer feel to a bathroom and less sterile because of it being brushed. This finish doesn't show water spots and fingerprints as easily as the polished finishes. This finish was a little more unique about 10 years ago but still is a high choice amongst a lot of my clients. Brushed nickel can fit into virtually any bathroom style. Brushed nickel ensures longevity and beauty with corrosion and scratch-resistant surfaces.
  
  SATIN NICKEL is even a little warmer than brushed nickel. It looks like a mix between gold and silver and has a matte finish.
  
  BLACK NICKEL is darker along the color scale. It encompasses a dark, almost black color with quiet greay overtones. This makes for an elegant and richly textured fixture.
• BRONZE:
  
  BRONZE compliment neutral color palettes and have a brushed, rich texture. These fixtures are also durable because the finished color is bonded to the surface, helping it resist scratches, tarnishing and corrosion.
  
  OIL RUBBED BRONZE is the dark brown-black color with copper highlights and has a old world feel to them. This finish is usually achieved through powder coatings.
• WROUGHT IRON (BLACK):
  
  Is a dramatic fixture color choice. I like to use them in old world/tuscan style bathrooms. The finish is durable but spatters of toothpaste or shampoo if not rinsed off right away do show up on this finish quite often.

Bathroom Sinks

Brief Explanations on different choices.

• SELF RIM:
  
  A self rim sink is just that it has a rim around the top of the sink that you see. I like using self rim sinks for a couple of big reasons...
  1) It adds weight to a bathroom counter
  2) It "hides" your sink hole edges. So if you wanted to tile your countertop you
  need a self rim sink to hide the edges.
  3) Easiest to install.
• UNDERMOUNT:
  
  A undermount sink is mounted underneath the countertop. So you only see the basin of the sink, no edges/rims. I use these sinks for solid surfaces such as granite. This look is a lot more contemporary looking. One of my favorite things about an undermount sink though is if you are cleaning your countertops off you have a clean sweep right into your sink which a self rim prevents.
• VESSEL:
  
  Most everyone knows now what a vessel type sink is. This a sink that sits above the countertop, like a big bowl. They come in tons of different materials and shapes, everything from contemporary glass to old world living hammered copper. If you are planning on using these sinks couple of things to think about...
  1) You will need to change the height of your cabinet
  2) Plumbing will need to be changed to accomodate the higher sink.
  3) Higher maintenance to clean if not done in your standard porcelain/china.
  
  Consider using in a powder, for the biggest wow factor.
• INTREGRATED SINKS:
  
  These are sinks that are of the same material as the countertop with no seams. So for instance if you want to replace your countertop your sink will have to be replaced at the same time.
  
  Cultured marble was a popular choice in cookie cutter and older homes.
  
  There are other intregrated sinks that are becoming more popular for powder rooms for instance with wall mounts and pedestals.

Remodeling Basics

Couple of tips to remember before remodeling....

1. Don't get caught up in the "bigger is better" syndrome.
2. To enhance resale value, ignore the urge to go trendy, instead, incorporate a timeless look and design.
3. Do your research on your remodeler. Everyone can provide references, but does the company have a history of filed complaints? And remember if you hear a price that is too good to be true, it is.
4. Know your budget.