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How to Design an Efficient Bathroom Floor Plan
All bathrooms have the same building elements in common - plumbing drains, water lines, vents and more. Unless you have a hefty budget, you need to pay attention to where these things are located in your existing space. If you don't have to relocate the bathroom infrastructure, you can save a substantial amount of money on your remodel.
Professional designers refer to bathroom floor plans as one, two or three wet-wall layouts. As the term implies, a one wet-wall layout accommodates the shower, sink and toilet all on one wall; a two wet-wall layout can plumb the sink and toilet on one wall, and the tub and shower on the other; and a three wet-wall layout installs these fixtures on three different walls.
As you increase the number of walls you plumb for these fixtures, you gain more flexibility in your layout. But, you also add more cost and complexity. It's best to work with an experienced bathroom remodeling company to avoid costly mistakes.
Another consideration for an efficient layout is to fully leverage your existing space. For example, you can install recessed storage cabinets in between wall studs. This is a great way to maximize storage yet save on floor space, especially if you have a smaller bathroom.
How to Determine the Best Bathroom Sink Style
You have tons of different styles to choose from today - vessels, pedestals, integral, under-mounted and self-rimming. Vessels are beautiful sculptured sinks that sit on top of vanities or counters. They come in a variety of shapes, styles, materials and colors. Although vessels make a dramatic statement, some designs may cause more water to splash outside the sink. Therefore, they may not be the best choice for a kid's bathroom.
Pedestal sinks are great-looking options as well and can make a small bathroom appear larger and less cluttered. Many people find the graceful lines of pedestal sinks more attractive than blocky vanities. However, they don't offer any storage space.
With an under-mounted or integral sink, you can easily wipe excess water into the bowl. An integral sink is a molded, one-piece sink and vanity counter combo.
Self-rimming sinks have a perimeter lip that can collect typical bathroom grime. They're the easiest and cheapest to install, but usually the hardest to keep clean.
Also, think about the mirrors over your sinks. Professional designers usually choose to hang a beautifully framed mirror over a sink instead of covering large wall surfaces with mirror. The end result creates a more attractive, stylish space.
How to Design Bathroom Lighting
Many bathroom lighting plans fall short of what is most functional and visually-appealing. Mirror lighting should ideally be located on the sides around eye level and above the mirror. This lighting arrangement eliminates shadows.
Ceiling-mounted fixtures serve well for general purpose lighting. And if you want to add a special ambiance, chandeliers, pendants and accent lights make good choices. For showers, install enclosed vapor-proof down lights.
How to Select the Right Bathtub
A tub can provide a main focal point for your bathroom. Just like sinks, bathtubs come in many shapes, sizes and styles. The old-world claw foot tubs make a powerful statement. In fact, any free-standing or pedestal bathtub can look like a beautiful sculpture.
Another style is the platform tub. These bathtubs have a box-like structure that has tile, marble or limestone decking. Usually any model you choose can come as a soaking or whirlpool tub.
Whatever your preference, make sure you sit in the tub before buying it. You may find you don't need as large of a tub as you thought, and can save on space and budget. You can also determine how deep you want your tub to be. Sometimes with smaller spaces, it's better to go with a deeper tub rather than a larger one.
How to Design a Great Shower
For many homeowners, showers have replaced tubs, especially if space is at a premium. Today's showers can be made into spa-like, luxurious retreats. A high-end shower might include several different shower heads, such as ceiling-mounted rain shower heads, vertical body sprays and handheld shower heads. A variety of spray heads allows water to reach you from all locations.
Popular shower stalls include waterproof coverings, like tile, stone or marble for walls, floors and ceilings. Frameless glass doors give the appearance of more space and allow your beautiful coverings to show through.
How to Select Bathroom Cabinetry
Whatever design style you choose, you'll have an abundance of cabinet options available for your bathroom remodel. You're no longer limited to the single vanity cabinet. Today, you can select double sink vanities, custom storage hutches, wall-mounted cabinets and more to fit your design theme.
Just like kitchen cabinets, you can install stock, semi-custom or custom cabinetry. Prices vary significantly depending on material, construction, finish and accessories. Your available budget will dictate whether you select the least expensive stock cabinets or the priciest custom options.
How to Choose Bathroom Flooring
Bathrooms are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. So, you need to find the right balance between functionality and beauty. Of course, your floors need to be safe, water-resistant, durable and easy to maintain. No yucky carpeting. And no slick floors that could cause you to slip.
Nice choices today include stone, marble and ceramic tiles. Just be sure they aren't polished and provide enough traction when wet. Also, tile grout needs to be properly sealed so it's easy to clean.
How to Determine What Bathroom Amenities You Should Include
If you want to really make your bathroom a retreat, you might consider incorporating some high-end features. For example, a fireplace can make your bath time cozy and inviting. What better way to get pampered than soaking next to a beautiful fire? Other luxuries include flat screen TVs, stereo sound systems and more.
How to Use Color and Texture in Your Bathroom
The colors you choose will help convey whatever statement you want to make. If you want a soothing bathroom environment, select a color palette to reflect this. And don't limit your color scheme to just your wall colors and fabrics. It also needs to extend to cabinetry, tiles, fixtures and more. A professional designer can help you use color to create the desired mood and impact.
You also want to think about varying the textures in your bathroom design. With all the hard surfaces, you should think about adding softer window treatments. Sticking with your color scheme, you can incorporate valances, balloon shades, Roman shades, pleated blinds and more to provide nice texture contrast.
With some careful planning and a good remodeling company on your team, you can have the bathroom of your dreams. Today's abundant options let you create a beautiful, inviting retreat that you may never want to leave!
Welcome to the Dream Assurance Plan„
Republic West Remodeling makes the bathroom remodeling process as painless as possible. With over 18 years in business, we've learned a thing to two about how to efficiently complete projects to every customer's expectation. And our testimonials, references and track record back this up.
We've also developed the Dream Assurance Plan„, a custom remodeling process that strives to deliver a pleasant experience and a successful outcome for our customers. We're determined to transform the expectations that every remodeling project will be a nightmare.
The Dream Assurance Plan includes three concepts:
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