Fixtures, flooring and lighting are the basic elements of a bathroom remodel.
A bathroom remodel can be one of the most expensive investments in your home, but it is well worth the cost if you create a relaxing oasis that suits your design style. The major components of a remodel are the tub and shower, sinks, toilet, flooring and lighting. Splurge on expensive features or choose elegant, budget-friendly options, and then add decorative features to enhance the bathroom design scheme.
Tub and Shower
Choose from a shower stall with separate tub or a shower and tub combination. Enclose a separate shower stall with frosted glass doors for a sleek look. Install a floor drain, to add an open shower with a tiled wall that contains the spray of water. Claw-foot and garden tubs make interesting choices for soaking tubs, while whirlpool tubs with high-pressure water jets typically appear in new construction. Tiled shower walls are the preferred choice for luxurious bathrooms. Install a steam shower that acts like a sauna if you want to feel like you are at a spa.
Sinks
The basic options for sinks are vanity sinks, pedestal sinks and wall-mount sinks. Wall-mount sinks and pedestals save space in small bathrooms, although pedestals are more widely regarded for the architectural design. Master bathrooms typically have double-vanity sinks so that each person who shares the bathroom has his and her own sink and counter space. For a distinct or specialty sink style, go with separate countertop and sink pieces. Counter options include high-price granite and marble, or budget-friendly porcelain and Formica.
Toilets
Energy-efficient toilets that flush with 1.6 gallons of water instead of 5 gallons are a smart choice for any bathroom remodel. You can find these modern innovations in contemporary and vintage styles; choose from a standard model round or oblong toilet bowl with a simple tank. A one-piece toilet, in which the tank and bowl are combined, is a sleek option for contemporary bathroom designs. You can also find toilets that replicate old-fashioned models and can make an intriguing statement in your bathroom; a toilet with a 1920s-style chain-pull in which the tank mounts to the wall and connects to the toilet with a pipe adds period charm.
Floors
A hard-surface floor in your bathroom prevents water damage. Budget-option vinyl comes in peel-and-stick or rolls and is easy for DIYers to install. Vinyl is available in a wide variety of prints to go with any decor. Granite and marble are popular choices for bathrooms with big budgets and are the ultimate in luxury. A natural slate tile brings the look of the outdoors inside and absorbs some of the surface moisture, which prevents slipping. The moisture in the slate evaporates naturally, so you don't have to worry about water damage. Whatever your tile choice, add the same tile inside your shower for continuity.
Lighting
Whatever your budget, you can dress up your bathroom with lighting choices that range in styles from classic to contemporary. Vanity lighting strips provide task lighting over your mirrors. You can get these with exposed round bulbs or romantic, downward-facing lights with shades. Bright pendant lights are a contemporary alternative to standard vanity strips. Your bathroom also needs a central light to illuminate the room for basic use. Choose a simple light fixture that includes an exhaust fan or expand your options by installing the light and exhaust fan separately. Globe fixtures come in different shapes to suit any taste, but if you're a romantic, go with an elaborate chandelier. For a modern look, accent your bathroom features with dim sconces or can lighting.
Tags: bathroom remodel, your bathroom, flooring lighting, separate shower, shower stall