Bathrooms are unique! Baths require every type of contractor in the smallest space! And unlike a kitchen with appliances and more cabinetry, the bath has isolated areas-the tiled shower, cabinetry combined with plumbing and electrical much like the kitchen and toilets! Luxury homes typically have ensuite baths for every bedroom, with options of his and hers masters, steam showers, flotation tubs, body sprays, rain showers, refrigerated storage for drugs and cosmetics, exercise mirrors and tv's in the mirrors. The most consolidated, highly used space deserves careful planning. New products debut daily. Showrooms with product and knowledgeable staff are invaluable.
Toilets: Toilets can easily be replaced by a plumber if the flooring is not an issue. (Save extra pieces at time of installation for unforseen needs) Upgrade for low flow, a Washlette (need electric) for hygiene, or to change style or color. The most popular are TOTO and Kohler. TOTO is an industry-standard for low water use coupled with dependable function. If you want the sani-gloss finish on the inside of the bowl choose a style with the SG designation. The soft-close lid is a must. Specify if the lever is to match the other finishes on bath hardware. If you want a flat top to hold tissues, select the style accordingly. If you want it to disappear as much as possible Geberit has the tank in the wall (height optional)! Additional features are the comfort-height (slightly higher) and bidets or all in one with the toilet for water-based cleansing (Washlette). The Washlette needs electrical. Kohler has Numi 2.0-responding to voice commands, it is heated, can play music and news. Touchless models are available from American Standard and Kohler. An enclosed toilet's minimum space is 32”x60”. Villeroy &Boch and Duravit have urinals and bidets as well. Allow 30” standing room.
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| TOTO toilet colors | Kohler toilet colors |
There is more inspiration and information on my Pinterest boards!
Bath Details Great Sinks Cabinetry Countertops
Showers are done by the stone/tile installers and typically natural stone in custom homes although porcelain is becoming more widely used. A relatively new option is natural stone or porcelain veneer. The larger format of 4'x8', 4'x9', etc. updates the look with fewer grout joints. Due to more exacting installation requirements use installers trained for these products. Check Dekton's Slimline for info. Eliminate the shower door if you have enough space for a more open look and one less surface to clean. The architect will draw showers of sufficient size so a door is not necessary. With a 60” length from the water source you need curbing, but ideally, with more length or a snail, the curbing can be avoided. The entry to the shower can be a zero threshold for safety, aging in place, and visual flow. Slope the floor toward a finish coordinated, plated drain (California Faucet, Newport Brass, or Ebbe ) or infinity/trough drain (ID Infinity Drain). If you are not using the trough drain the drainage should not be where the occupant will be standing. The floor is typically 1”x1” or 2”x2” tile or stone/grout to add traction. Better shower pans are becoming available for a seamless look and ease of installation. Add a bench inside or out for your convenience. Walls of stone or tile complete the space. Waterproof backer board and bracing for grab bars are necessary. The patterns for the walls may be the focal point of the area or tie in with adjoining areas. Interior designers typically coordinate this area with the overall color palette. Trim pieces that may be needed influence the selection. Universal design adds ample space and allows for aging in place.
The tile/stone details need to be drawn to scale for use by the installer. Actual measurements are rarely compatible with CAD drawings. Select a tile that has options if needed like inside corner, radius bullnose, etc. A super on-site should oversee critical pattern installations. Many new Alexa/wi-fi options can add to your comfort. Horizontal showers are also available. Outdoor showers adjoining the master or in the pool area are the same just address exposure to the elements! Hansgrohe Clubmaster is a well-rated showerhead. Check with the plumber for pipe diameter consistency.
Rohl, Dornbracht, Waterworks, Kohler, Phylrich, Newport Brass, California Faucet, Sigma, LaCava, Watermark, Brizo, Hansgrohe, Delta, and many other companies have faucets, handles, and showerheads that are solid brass with a lifetime warranty. U by Moen connects through your phone! LiveinShower preprograms. Lever handles comply with universal design for faucets. Delta's Zura has sensors to limit water waste while brushing. Wall-mounted faucets free up counter space and there is less clean up. We recently completed a bath with a ceiling tub fill (splashing/tub size and placement of water source during rough in all have to be calculated), adjoining shower with body sprays (small enough space so they do hit your body), overhead rain shower (hope you wash your hair every time you shower), controls at the entry so the water temperature is correct (or use an auxiliary pump for instant hot or on command hot) and don’t forget the new attractive grab bars. I typically install these level at 42-44” high from finished floor (aff) and use for balance and drying cloths. Add blocking behind the wall prior to drywall/backer board. Need light? Let an expert assist to meet code. Also, the entrance to the shower needs to be at least 27” wide. The architect will apply the codes to all of these areas. If you are remodeling without inspection it is especially important to hire a licensed contractor that follows through with coded areas. These codes are for your safety.
If you always take a shower you may not want to sacrifice the space for a stand-alone tub. For resale it is best to have both. Tubs look inviting and more spa-like. Tubs may be high and narrow or the older style with a tub deck deep enough to sit on for lotions. Many shower options use clear glass. It is your home, if you want more privacy the tub may be in a room by itself and the shower more private. Check Toto's Aerolet+ showerhead. ThermaSol Digital Shower controls water, sound, steam, and light. Combined with a ThermaTouch valve and Serenity Light, Sound, Rainhead you are customized. Steam generator and steam can also be added.
Depending on the style of the home there are great looking sleek contemporary tubs along with wood, stone, and footed tubs. Jetted tubs are available, as well as calmer circulating water (BainUltra) tubs and soaking tubs without added features. Toto's Neorest Flotation is for a zero-gravity experience! Kohler offers many tub models. Most tubs are plastic (gel coat or acrylic), Lithocast to cast resin, porcelain, and enamel finish over a metal composite or enameled cast iron. The latter two are more durable but heavier to ship and can be colder. A hand spray added makes the tub useful for other purposes and can be used for cleaning. A special order pole allows you to raise the faucet to shower height or lower it for easy access if you are bathing children. If your tub is a drop-in with custom surround a 12” deck allows you to sit and turn into the tub as well as using it for seating. This is a more attractive option for aging in place than the walk-in tubs. Kohler's VibrAcoustic delivers hydrotherapy. Avoid steps in the bathing area.
Broan-Nu Tone has a great light/fan combination.
There are at least 25 reputable companies that make bath faucets, handles, showerheads, towel bars, and accessories. The most popular finishes for these items are brushed nickel, stainless steel, satin nickel, black and polished chrome. Oil rubbed bronze is popular in traditional and old world designed homes and gold is back! Ventilation is covered by code, but there are sensor models that turn on and off automatically and are very quiet.
The sink area of the bath is often the main focal point. Typically the master has two sinks that may be together or separate. Vessel sinks sit on the surface of the bathroom cabinetry. Check height of faucet and compatibility with handles or use wall-mounted faucets that require correct measure during framing. Many companies such as LaCava and Zephyr are making sink and cabinet combinations.
Pedestal sinks are a great look but eliminate storage below so may not work in the master bath. Kohler, Waterworks, and others have many examples. Under-mount sinks are more utilitarian with maximum countertop space and cleanability. A self-rimming sink is more decorative.
Bathrooms usually have mirrors and the most popular trend now is a hanging mirror with wall-mounted sconces flanking each side. Additional lighting can be provided with overhead cans, lit glass countertops, and lit mirrors. Chandeliers are a great look for general illumination. Variety is more interesting so every bath in one home needs to have its own look. Besides the free-hanging, individual mirrors that are available from many sources the entire space can be mirrored and framed with tile or wood. This gives the most spacious look. These mirrors are cut to order by a glass and mirror company after the framing is in place unless the molding is to be glued to the surface. The mirror can also be cut to accommodate a surface mounted light fixture. Custom homes should have finished lighting and mirror detailing in all baths. Mirror panels are available with televisions. Full-length mirrors with moveable side mirror panels allow clothing to be checked and also add visual space to an area.
Robern, Restoration Hardware, Boyd, and others make mirrored medicine cabinets if you want to store drugs and cosmetics. Robern has refrigerated cabinets for medical or other considerations Add sufficient electrical for toothbrushes and hair dryers along with storage for them and makeup next to where they will be used.
Northstar Waterproof Bathroom TV
Tip: Steam features-Mr. Steam.
Tip: Apply universal design in baths and kitchens. In larger homes it is easy to do and facilitates aging in place. 3' doorways, 5' turning radius, comfort height water closets with grab bars, hand held, height adjustable showerheads, and non slip surfaces. Voice activation options are available. Aqua-Sence combines water, light, and sound via touchpad. Hansgrohe Select's pushbutton provides another option.
Tip: Electrical outlets near water need to be grounded, i.e. kitchen, bath and exterior.
Tip: Interesting grab bars are now easier to find. Try Invisia or GreatGrabz.
Tip: Use anti-scald valves (pressure balance) in guest and children's ares to prevent temperature changes. Delta's Temp2O showerhead has easy to see red and blue color cues and temp. readings
Kohler's LED Nightlight technology on the back rim creates a blue glow for safety in the dark;
Tip: Use tempered glass for windows near stairs, doors and in baths for safety.
Tip: Electric water heaters are usually 50-75 gallons. Bradford & White, American and Rheem are good brands.
Tip: Tankless water heaters are efficient with gas.
Tip: ThermaSol In-Shower lighting with LED technology is a soft, dimmable option if you need additional lighting in this moisture sensitive area!
Brizo's Odin collection includes a single handle electronic lavatory faucet that has rotating handle motion. It offers hands-free Smart TouchPlus Technology. TemplQ showcases an LED light to indicate the water temp.
Kohler has RealRain DTV+digital showering system and VibrAcoustic hydrotherapy. Their Bluetooth wireless speaker - Moxie can be used inside or out.
Newport Brass's top-selling lavatory faucets: 920, 930, 1030, 1620, 1200, 1770, 2030 and 2040-this is constantly changing but will give you a start.
Amazon Alexa-enabled Verdera Voice Lighted Mirror adjusts light, plays music, reads the news, and interfaces with other Kohler Connect products.
All of those wonderful looking floating tubs require a tub fill. A tub fill originates from the floor to fill the free-standing tub. Brizo Virage is a statement in and of itself! Available in 5 finishes and with other faucets and accessories, this group is beautiful. Brizo is a leader in SmartTouch Technology - one touch and you will be hooked on the ease of use.
La Dava's Linea Vanity and Mirror have integrated LED lighting with solid surface countertop and towel rod.
Hastings Tile & Bath has bath cabinetry. More companies are offering finished cabinetry options. Faster, but custom is often the best choice as it fills the space from wall to wall, no under counter cleaning and best storage. For a more contemporary/open look, the wall-mounted cabinets are great!
This Kohler Numi toilet has LED night lights and ambient lighting, built-in surround sound speakers, a heated seat, bidet, warm-air dryer, automatic open/close and flushing with Alexa! Available in white or black.
