Modern Fixtures for Your Bathroom Remodel
If you plan to remodel your bathroom and you want it to look very modern, then you must take special care in choosing plumbing fixtures that are in line with this design aesthetic. Your sink, toilet and shower all must feature clean lines and be made of modern material. Going out to your local home improvement store and purchasing just any fixture won’t do.
Many sinks are made of porcelain, and some fit into a counter while others are made to stand freely as a pedestal. If you want an especially modern sink, look for one that is minimal and mounts under your counter, which is called an undermount sink. Or if you want your sink to look more sculptural, opt for a sink design that sits on top of your counter and doubles as an art object. Look for sinks made of stainless steel, black or gray porcelain or clear glass. Your sink will look modern and anything but typical.
When choosing a toilet, avoid the standard issue model and instead, look for a wall mount toilet. These toilets are far more popular in Europe than the United States, but they look much more modern than the traditional toilet. The tank element is not exposed; instead, it is hidden within the wall so all you see is the toilet seat projecting into the space. The toilet does not touch the floor, so the floor plan looks open and is easier to clean.
Finally, select a modern shower design. A neo angle shower can be purchased as a single unit and placed in the corner. These walk in showers are very stylish, made with glass panels and a metal frame that is mounted atop a base. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, you should also consider the bi fold glass shower door in order to conserve space without compromising the modern aesthetic.
Planning and Designing a Bathroom
For most homeowners, the design and planning of a new bathroom can be a very daunting process. However, it need not be. If you are renovating an existing space or building from scratch, it is useful to consider the following questions: who, what, where and how?
Who is going to use the bathroom may seem rather simple when it comes to bathrooms, but the answer can have a significant impact on project plans. A bathroom that is used from time to time, by guests, will probably be very different from that which is used mainly by children on a daily basis.
Once you have worked out who is mainly going to be using the bathroom, where is usually the next point to consider. This is often an easy question to answer. In a new construction, the master bathroom often adjoins the bedroom, with guest’s and children’s bathrooms often adjoining their respective bedrooms. In existing homes, the bathroom will often have to remain where it is.
One of the most important aspects of bathroom design is what, which certainly depends on the who and where. A master bathroom suite may contain a spa, toilet, his-and-her vanity units, and a floor made from more exotic materials such as marble or bamboo. A family room that receives a lot of traffic should be equipped with basic equipment and durable flooring.
Keep the proportion of the room in mind so as not to fill the space with a large bath only to find yourself trying to cram a vanity and toilet into the remaining space. Think about what equipment is needed (toilet, shower, wash basin) and what are the extra options you want to include (towel warmers, bidets, steam bath). Also a vital aspect to consider is do not forget to budget adequately!
Now we come to the question of how. This includes both the style of the bathroom and the technical aspect of the work required. Think about the style you prefer. Do you want a sleek contemporary room, or a cozy cottage style? Home design magazines and show homes are a good way to get ideas and inspiration. It is useful to take notes on what features and designs you like and features you do not like.
Bathroom remodeling should not be boring or stressful. Once you come up with a plan, it’s just a matter of following through with it and having fun.