Finishing Touches
Bring your bathroom up to speed - here's what you can update this weekend
Image courtesy Walker Zanger
From sinks to showerheads and finishes to flowers, choosing the right bathroom hardware and accessories can be a challenge. The wide range of options can easily induce a headache, so follow these expert tips and trends to get a good mix of style, functionality and sophistication, and even save on energy.
"Today's plumbing fixtures are much more efficient than the old ones in most people's homes," says Debbie Nassetta a certified bath designer with Laguna Niguel, Calif.-based Roomscapes, Inc. "Better shower heads that deliver a better spray and use less water, toilets with lower water usage and options for a light flush, faucets with hands-free features or adding a pedal valve all help to save water."
Newer sink designs also allow for added service, says Kohler marketing manager Lynn Schrage. "Many sinks have built-in storage options that enhance functionality. Extending the surface of a sink is another great option for kid's baths and for shaving."
The size and shape of sinks has transformed from the traditional bowl to a softened, curved linear shape. "Consumers are selecting more geometrical and elongated sinks, which also increase the functionality," Schrage says.
According to Seattle designer Karen Ellentuck of Ellentuck Interiors, the finishes of faucets have evolved over the past few years. "There are more options for finishes, people are moving to more of an antique bronze look," Ellentuck says. Cast-iron vessels created with recycled iron also offer an eco-friendly angle.
The time of bath jets is no longer, as companies are instead installing small air bubble pockets rather than heavy jet openings - a more sanitary option, Ellentuck says. These small holes allow for a steady stream of bubbles into the tub, unlike whirlpools that circulate a mixture of air and water. Increasing the comfort and depth of the tub, manufacturers are also extending the front edge of the bath.
When it comes to saving energy and water, toilets are one of the best options for homeowners. A dual-flush toilet allows individuals to choose between solids and liquids to flush, saving 20 percent more water, Schrage says. "Homeowners also have the option of taking their existing toilets and converting them to be energy efficient."
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