Consolidated Plumbing Blog

There’s much more of a science to bathroom renovation design than most homeowners want to admit. While it might seem as simple as picking out the shower, toilet, sink and fixtures of your dreams and plugging them in like a Lego set, the reality is that bathroom design snafus can run from problematic all the way up to disastrous.

Here are five common mistakes that are best avoided before you call in the demolition man.

A room with a view

Bathroom sight lines are extremely important, both the view out and the view in.

Regardless of your color scheme, natural light is essential for making the room feel bright and inviting. Not leaving wall space for a large enough window could leave your bathroom feeling cramped and uncomfortable. Plus, not having proper air circulation can lead to excess dampness and even mildew and mold.

If you are truly short on space consider installing a powerful extraction fan and an alternative source of sunlight such as glass blocks or a skylight.

A similar mistake would be not taking into consideration the view into your bathroom from other rooms in the house. Occupied or not, you won’t want your toilet to be visible from the kitchen, dining room or living room.

Short term thinking

A bathroom renovation can be a huge investment, not just financially but also in terms of time and energy. Make sure the concept you come up with is poised to last.

Perhaps you’re a young childless couple today, but the pitter-patter of little feet might be just around the corner.

Think this is your dream home and you’ll never sell? Think again—you never know when a job opportunity might pop up elsewhere.

There are a million and one changes that could take place in your life and alter your bathroom tastes and needs. Choose a design that is bold and exciting but also safe enough to pass the test of time and meet your (or another owner’s) future needs.

Minimalism provides minimal storage

Less truly can be more if you are disposed to fully hop on board with the minimalist lifestyle, but unless you’re willing to halve those beauty products and don’t mind storing hair dryers, curlers and electric toothbrush chargers in the hall closet, you’d best think twice before cutting out too much of your storage space.

From extra toilet paper to wash cloths, towels and those ten bottles of your favorite shampoo that you stocked up on because it was on sale—all this stuff needs to go “somewhere,” so beware of skimping on storage to try and create a chic aesthetic.

Here today, gone tomorrow

What’s the danger of going too trendy? I’ll give you a hint, it’s right there in the definition of the word. What is “currently” popular won’t always be. Remember that when contemplating cutting-edge installations.

It’s gonna get wet in there

When it comes to using natural building products in the bathroom, think “buyer beware.” While plenty of manufacturers feature wood and paper products specifically treated to be appropriate for bathroom use, this doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to have zero issues with moisture. And you definitely don’t want to use fiber-based materials that aren’t exclusively meant for use in a wet room.

How closely you toe the line on this one will also depend greatly on factors such as the climate where you live and how efficient the ventilation is in your bathroom.

Wallpaper will fare better in warmer locales where the window is left open most of the year than it will in harsher climates that experience prolonged winters with plenty of rain and ice.

Use your better judgment, but remember that glass, porcelain and ceramic are better suited for moisture than paper, wood or other porous materials.

Everywhere you look you’ll find tips and tricks for maximizing space in a small bathroom, but there is a real shortage of advice for people with the opposite problem.

Homeowners suffering with insufficient bathroom floor space might think it impossible to have a bathroom be “too big”, but too much barren space has the potential of leaving you feeling like you’re showering in a gym locker room.

Trying to fill the space up without a clear direction will leave your bathroom looking disorganized and perpetually messy. Here are eight great ideas for filling up all that extra space the right way!

1. Divide and conquer

The first thing you’ll want to do is divide your generous bathroom space into two distinct areas: a wet zone and a dry zone.

Your bath, shower and sinks all fall into the wet zone while the vanity storage and hanging space should all be in the dry area. With the room cut in half you’ll never feel like you’re out in the open.

2. Kick your shoes off and chill

Take a cue from Hollywood mega stars. There’s nothing more luxurious than having a comfy sofa or plush chair included in your bathroom layout.

Creating a relaxing place to sit while you paint your nails or put on your socks helps to transform your bathroom into a peaceful retreat.

3. Double up

As an alternative method for cutting up the space, especially in a master suite bathroom, why not consider taking the “his and hers” route?

If you share your bathroom you could install double sinks, double vanities and even double sets of shower heads in an extended shower. There are a variety of options that look luxurious while being totally practical. With your own dedicated sink and counter space, you and your products will never have to shuffle over to make room for your partner’s.

4. Lights, camera, action!

Lighting is important in any bathroom, but especially important in a large bathroom. Dimly lit areas can make your bathroom feel like a dank dungeon.

To avoid gloomy dark zones, invest in good quality lighting that illuminates the whole room. With all that extra space you can even choose to go super luxurious and install a chandelier. Ooh-la-la.

5. Mirror, mirror, on the wall

Mirrors enhance the lighting in your bathroom and are therefore a must, but you need to use them wisely. Don’t hang mirrors that reflect into each other as this can ruin the effect and make you feel like you’re in the hall of mirrors at the circus!

6. Customize, customize, customize

One-size-fits-all vanities don’t necessarily work well in extra-large bathrooms. Take advantage of your roomy bath and have custom made vanities designed and installed specifically for your space.

Not only will a larger vanity provide ample storage and help control clutter, but the custom build will better fill up the space and tie everything else in the room together nicely.

7. It’s like a jungle in there

Incorporating plants into your bathroom will give your bathroom a luxurious and fresh feel. Be careful to research the plants before purchasing them as not all plants will flourish in a humid indoor climate.

8. Expand your color palette

Finally, having a large bathroom means you have more flexibility with your color palette.

In a smaller bathroom, light colors give a feeling of more space. But in a larger bathroom you have the option to take a chance on a bolder or darker color. You could also opt for one contrast wall in a darker color.

Scandinavian design emerged during the early 1950’s out of Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden. With clean, quadratic lines the look is easy to recognize but not always so easy to recreate. It focuses on functionality and minimalism and uses simple but high quality materials.

In this post we’ll take a peek at the materials, colors and fixtures that can help you to install this style in your bathroom.

Watch your colors

Scandinavian colors tend to be grays, moody gray/blues or fresh stark whites. To contrast with the muted tone, consider using a touch of color to catch the eye. A collection of colorful towels is a perfect way to provide this splash.

Clutter is out

Paramount to achieving the Scandinavian look is uncluttering your bathroom. Removing unnecessary items is vital and you’ll need to commit to keeping your bathroom mess free. If you’re a natural hoarder or just someone who enjoys sharing your space with little keepsakes and mementos, this style may not be for you.

If you want to keep all your lotions and potions, you could invest in a large glass fronted vanity that would keep them out of sight without breaking up the simplicity of the room.

Sleek and modern fixtures

Look at your bathroom fixtures. Are they aesthetically simple, pleasing to look at and functional? They need to pass these three tests to meet muster.

If your bathroom fixtures are dated, you’ll need to give them an overhaul. Simple silver fixtures with a very minimalist look are what you’re after.

The less detail they have and the more quality functional design that has gone into them, the better they will work at achieving the look you’re after.

It comes from the forest

Wood is a popular material used in Scandinavian homes, frequently installed as flooring or even wall paneling. In the bathroom, however, you’ll need to take into consideration the element of practicality.

Thick lumber floorboards that get water stained easily are out, so think about blond wood touches and possibly a slatted floor overlay in the area of the shower. Alternatively use wood effect floor tiles.

Of course, if you’ve got the space and budget, a cedar sauna would be the ultimate way to have your bathroom screaming Scandinavia.

Break out the Windex

Glass is another popular material that can be used in lieu of traditional sheetrock. Consider a glass room divider separating the bath from the toilet or a simple glass wall to close your shower in on one side.

Keep it as simple and clean cut as possible. You could choose to use glass with a blue tint that matches the colors of the rest of the bathroom, but avoid smoked or otherwise treated glass.

Matching over contrast

The overall look of the room needs to be seamless. Ensure there is a harmony in the items you choose. If you invest in a new oval bathtub, get a toilet and sink that match it in style and color.

Vintage is a term bandied about a great deal by designers these days, but what does it mean for the average American homeowner?

In terms of interior design, vintage usually refers to one of these three themes: Victorian, Art Deco and the 50’s and 60’s.

We’re going to take a look at how each of these vintage styles can be pulled off by using the simple but classic black and white color palette. So if you’ve been considering “retro” for your next bathroom renovation, this is the post for you.

Victorian

Victorian is generally overstated and not averse to clutter. A Victorian bath is populated with little glass bottles, gilt mirrors, detailed lamps and crafted bureaus. With form reigning over function, think of a white claw foot bathtub and a glittering crystal chandelier.

Modern fixtures of Victorian design are not difficult to find and it is worth purchasing these items new as opposed to seeking out used antiques.  The Victorian era is not well known for safe, reliable design. Go with a predominantly white room, perhaps with black stenciled design on the walls. It’s also possible to find Victorian patterned wallpaper in a black and white print.

Art Deco

Art deco is a vintage option that will be more popular with minimalists.

Look for wall sconce lighting with frosted glass and bold black and white geometric floor and wall tile designs to complete this look.

Claw foot bathtubs are out for this era. Instead you’ll need a freestanding bathtub that sits directly on the floor. Black and white was a common color choice of this period, especially when combined with small, checkered-pattern wall tiles.

A pedestal sink works well with this style and it is particularly important to select a well matched mirror to hang over the sink.

The 50’s & 60’s

A white pedestal sink, a rectangular bathtub and a black and white linoleum floor set the tone for these bathrooms. Chrome fittings and furniture with chrome or plastic legs were definitely big in the 50’s. Pastels were popular then too. Use a variety of ice cream colored towels or mats to highlight the room and give it a distinct 50’s feel.

The 60’s look is similar but with bigger, bolder shapes. Think big circles or checks on the wallpaper and perhaps a transparent shower curtain with large white and black polka dots.

With both of these looks there is a danger in making your bathroom look too authentic, particularly if you live in a home built during this time period.

If this is your concern, blend in a few modern features, such as a luscious modern shower head or a wall mounted toilet. Modern additions will give the impression that you designed the bathroom intentionally for this period.

There are few events more exciting to a homeowner than putting together a brand new bathroom. But before you rip out your toilet and head down to our showroom to pick out a new one, take a deep breath and work out a plan.

Another decade or more will pass before you’re afforded another shot at this, so let’s get it right the first time.

In this post we’re going to look at the importance of approaching the design of your new bathroom with a “whole house” perspective. Hold tight and we’ll explain what we mean.

You can’t see the big picture from the doorway

One of the biggest mistakes people make when envisaging their new bathroom is to park themselves right at the entrance to work out upgrades.

The problem here is that most homes are over twenty years old and until recently bathrooms weren’t given much priority in terms of floor space. Plus, it’s hard to really get those creative juices flowing when staring directly at the set-up you’re looking to replace.

Now, we understand your potential apprehension towards ripping out a wall and turning your bathroom re-do project into a major home renovation, but often with a little creativity you can find extra room with minimal financial outlay.

Adding a few more square feet can make the difference between a truly inspired design and just another bathroom.

Here are a few good examples of space that can often be easily repurposed, rearranged or refocused:

1. Hallways running adjacent to your bathroom
2. Closets backing on to your bathroom
3. Baths that back on to a utility room that can be combined into one larger multi-use space by enclosing the washer/dryer behind cabinetry.

It’s not that you must add additional square feet in order to create the bathroom of your dreams, but the idea is to get a clearer picture of your options and not automatically presume you don’t have any wiggle room.

Match the aesthetic of your home

Taking a “whole house” approach isn’t limited just to thinking about the nuts and bolts, either. Your house is a reflection of your lifestyle and so the overall theme of your home ought to be incorporated into your new bath.

If your overriding aesthetic is modern and chic, then an old fashioned bathroom may feel out of place, even if the design is well orchestrated within the confines of that one room.

It’s not that everything needs to match, far from it, but high character items such as your faucet, sink, toilet and shower/tub ought to be chosen carefully to ensure fluidity with the rest of your home.

Make it yours

For a bath that matches your personality best, think first about what you’d like to be able to do in there. Forget about the obvious and let your imagination do the talking. Today’s bathroom should be more of a retreat and less of an afterthought.

Like to relax in the bath with a glass of wine after work? Then surely the new trend of foregoing a tub for a more spacious and luxurious shower isn’t for you.

Treasure your own space? Consider his and hers sinks and vanities.

Finding the perfect layout for you takes more than thumbing through design magazines and selecting a style that jumps off the page. Other people’s ideas are great for inspiration, but never forget that your bathroom needs to be perfect for your home and not somebody else’s.

Feng shui is about controlling the flow of energy through your home. It’s about encouraging positive energy to stick around whilst quickly shooing out the negative.

Whether you believe in the power of yin and yang or not, following the principles of feng shui is a great way to create a bathroom with a tranquil and relaxing ambience. Even if you only pick the ideas that seem relevant to you.

Here are 10 feng shui tips for your bathroom.

1. Choose your bathroom color carefully

Greens symbolize nature, growth and fresh starts. Blues symbolize water and the feeling of cleansing. White suggests purity. Reds introduce the element of fire.

2. Reflect positive energy back into the house

Add a small mirror to the outside of your bathroom door to discourage energy from flowing into the bathroom and being flushed away.

3. Keep the air in your bathroom fresh

Open windows to encourage a fresh breeze or treat the air with incense or potpourri. In bathrooms with poor ventilation purchase a small fan to get the air moving.

4. Don’t be a clutter-bug

To encourage positive energy flow make sure the room is always organized and all counters are chaos free. Install sufficient storage so you don’t have a mess of lotions and potions all over your sink top.

5. Keep your bathroom and bedroom separated

Place a screen between the bathroom and your bedroom. This is particularly important if your bed faces the bathroom door and even more important if your toilet points in the direction of your bed. If you don’t have space for a divider make sure you keep the bathroom door closed.

6. When not in use keep the toilet seat down

In feng shui all drains are seen as an escape for energy.

7. Discard used bottles

Don’t keep items that are gathering dust as this drains away energy. For the same reason be quick to repair or replace any dripping, leaking, badly maintained or worn fixtures.

8. Let there be light

Install good quality lighting and try to maximize natural light in the room during the day. Gentle lighting encourages good energy flow.

9. Add a crystal

Place a multi-faceted crystal in the room for energy. You can also use a combination of different crystals or even a basket of river rock to encourage good energy. Even if you’re not a “believer”, crystals can give your bathroom a unique feel.

10. The more nature the better

Use plants in your bathroom. Make sure your bathroom plants are well looked after and not overwatered or dry. An ailing plant will drain away energy.

Here are some kitchen concepts to consider if you want to update to today’s modern look.

Opening up the kitchen

The kitchen is transforming from a utilitarian work zone into a major hub in the home.

We’re spending a lot more time in the kitchen these days and this isn’t a trend that’s about to change. The kitchen has morphed into a proper living space and so it should be treated as such.

The traditional “closed-in” look of continuous counters and cabinets is giving way to a more open style. Under-utilized hallway closets are being converted into pantries to reduce the need for storage in the kitchen.

Many families are knocking down the separating walls between their kitchen and dining room and moving their meals to the kitchen.

Let the sun shine in

If you live in an older home there’s a good chance that the only natural light coming into your kitchen is via a single window behind the sink.

Adding additional windows or a skylight will create more avenues for sunshine and make the kitchen a more pleasant place to hang out. If knocking holes into your walls or ceiling isn’t an option, consider a revamp of your lighting fixtures.

No more hard to reach shelves

Dishes are being stored in under-counter dish drawers. Dish drawers are so convenient that everything’s going into a drawer these days. From the dishwasher to the microwave, custom drawers give the kitchen a clutter-free feel.

Take the concept one step further with sleek built-ins like high-end coffeemakers, ice machines or a wine cooler. Anything that’s bound to make your kitchen more convenient.

Upgrade to a high tech faucet

If you’ve never used a touch activated kitchen faucet, you don’t know what you’re missing.

When your hands are covered in chocolate brownie mix, the last thing you want to do is mess up your faucet handle. With a touch activated faucet it’s as easy as tapping anywhere on the fixture with the side of your wrist.

In fact, Kohler’s even taken the idea one step further with a 100% touch-free faucet. The Sensate™ works with a special state-of-the-art sensor that starts the flow of water with just the wave of your hand.

Rip out your traditional top-mount sink and upgrade to a contemporary under-mount model. An under-mount sink makes clean up a breeze as you can easily wipe food off the counter and into the bowl without getting crumbs stuck on the rim of the sink.

Not all design concepts need to step firmly outside of the box. Sometimes the next big thing is a new version of a classic style from the past.

The design team at Kohler is known for finding beauty in iconic styles and making just the right modifications to create lines that jive perfectly with today’s looks. Without question they’ve hit the nail on the head with their current line of apron-front kitchen sinks. Let’s take a look at why this old-fashioned sink is making waves in 2014.

Ergonomics, my dear Watson

Traditional drop-in or under-mount sinks require a minimum of an inch of space between the front of the bowl and the edge of the countertop. Apron-front sinks, on the other hand, are installed slightly forward of the counter to allow you to get closer and work without straining your back.

The classic deep bowl design also makes it easier to wash oversized pots and pans. Whether you go with single bowl or double bowl with Smart Divide®, you’ll have plenty of space to accommodate bulky cookware.

Whitehaven® apron-front sinks are a breeze to keep clean and new-looking with an enameled cast-iron construction that is guaranteed not to chip, crack or burn. Not only are these sinks gorgeous, they’re durable.

With updated shapes, vibrant new colors and attractive designs, apron-front sinks create a bold presence that makes them the star of your kitchen.

The option of a modern twist

If want something with a modern vibe, take a look at Kohler’s Vault™ stainless steel line.

Vault™ sinks are classic, yet contemporary. They come in both top-mount (as pictured) and under-mount versions with both single and double-bowl options.

Easy-to-install Self-Trimming® design

Installing an apron-front sink can quickly change the feel of your kitchen. Kohler’s innovative Self-Trimming® system allows you to make this change without the hefty expense of replacing your cabinetry. Simply replace your sink and countertop and your kitchen will enjoy a fresh new look in less than a day.

Bringing you back to a simpler time

If the fast pace of modern life has you yearning for the “good ole days” then perhaps an apron-front sink is right for you. Imagine what your new kitchen could look like with an infusion of this revamped classic.

There are nice bathrooms, and then there are nice bathrooms. If you’d like yours to be truly elegant, then this is the post for you.

Here are five pointers for any homeowner looking to transform their master suite into a place to escape the worries of everyday life and fade off into luxury.

1. Say good-bye to out-of-the-box cabinetry

No two bathrooms are the same, so you’ll want to avoid purchasing one size fits all cabinets. Have fitted counters and vanities custom-designed for your bathroom.

Working with a professional to design your own units will ensure your bathroom storage is as elegant and practical as you desire. Dealing with a master craftsman is the best way to guarantee a quality product that will be long lasting while capturing the look you want.

2. Think all sinks, toilets and faucets are the same?

Spare no expense when it comes to your sink, faucets and toilet. How these items feel and function relates directly to how your bathroom feels to you. Choose items that match the image you have in mind for your renovation but don’t lose sight of the need for them to be durable.

If you have a Victorian era bathroom in mind, select modern fixtures that feature the latest technology with a classic Victorian design. Don’t seek out authentic Victorian pieces that will leak and have other maintenance issues.

If you do want to incorporate original era antiques into your bathroom it’s best to use them ornamentally. How about a set of sophisticated glass bottles to house your toiletries?

3. Lay back and relax in a modern freestanding bathtub

For a touch of true elegance consider installing a freestanding bathtub. As with other fixtures, quality is everything, so choose carefully.

Coupling your new freestanding tub with a chandelier completes the look of sheer elegance. Hang it directly over the tub so that the light reflects off the water.

4. Luxurious showers are door-free

A design trend these days is to replace that 1980’s glass encased shower unit with a large designated shower zone that is both door and curtain free.

Instead of an enclosed unit, you’ll simply slope your floor towards a drain and install a slight rim to demarcate the shower area.

Use an elegant and smooth finish, such as elongated gray slate tiles to line the base and sides of your new open shower. Invest in a rainwater shower head and powerful side shower nozzles. Light the area with recessed fixtures in the ceiling above the shower.

5. Windows and doors should be dramatic

Take a close look at two of your bathroom’s more permanent features: windows and doors.

Nothing beats a captivating view from a huge window or an entranceway of graceful French doors. If you don’t have a great view to showcase, you can consider opening your bathroom out into your garden.

Nothing says summer quite like the sight and smell of a smoking backyard grill!

But traipsing back and forth to the kitchen to grab utensils, marinade, potato salad and extra buns can put a real damper on your BBQ Zen.

Upgrading your open-air dining room with an outdoor kitchen will elevate your barbecue experience from “Coach” all the way past the curtain and on up into “First Class”.

Here’s what you need to know to create an outdoor kitchen that’s not only built for longevity and functionality but designed to leave the neighbors drooling with envy.

Not just another brick in the wall

Many homeowners in the northeast make the mistake of building their outdoor kitchen out of lumber. Sure, wood is easier to work with for the average DIYer, but just one harsh winter can leave your new kitchen worn and weathered.

Instead, consider using terra cotta or stone brick. Not only will brick continue to look great for years to come, it matches with any home and creates the perfect ambience for al fresco dining.

While you’ve got the mason out there, build in a wood-fired pizza oven to complement the barbecue.

Maintenance free longevity

From appliances to backsplash, install stainless steel to make cleaning up and long-term care a breeze while contrasting the rustic feel of brick with modern flair.

When looking at sinks think sturdy and simple yet chic. With classically angled corners and a gently curving faucet deck, the Toccata™ by Kohler is a great choice.