There are so many options now in bathroom design. Tile, (from mosaic to large format), acrylic surrounds, LVT and LVP, solid surface panels and countertops etc. And then there are all the hardware finishes. Chrome is making a comeback, brass is one of my personal favorites, rubbed bronze and matte black make statements and the perennial builder favorite, brushed nickel, is still used quite a lot.
With so many options it’s easy to get overwhelmed and either stick with what you have or pick the plain safe choice with absolutely no personality. Worse yet, you take the recommendation of Gary at the Home Depot.
I am always learning about new materials and I love to pass along the information as well as give advice on colors, textures and finishes. It’s integral to my job.
Below are some photos of my most recent bathroom remodel. It was the kind of bathroom that just needs a refresh, the layout still works, and the homeowner did not want a lot of bells and whistles. Just an update to make it look fresh and give them some modern conveniences. That does not mean all the decisions were taking lightly. After a consultation, tile options were given, then vanity colors, countertop, paint, lighting and mirrors. It all needs to work together.
Before: Nothing wrong with it, just dated
And after: The vanity is not just a color change, it also provided more storage. The floor and wall tile look identical but we made sure it was matte on the floor to prevent slipping. Rain shower gives a little luxury but the handheld provides needed function. Lighting was moved to accommodate the homeowners height and outlets were added for convenience. Details matter.
And this is my new favorite thing to do, call it my signature move. Using artwork as the door to the medicine cabinet (particularly one that is ill-placed) is a great way to add visual interest and hide a necessary feature in your bathroom
Bathrooms are not an easy project, you never know what you’ll find, AND, as I said, there are a lot of choices out there. Save your self some money and a headache by consulting the pros who do it every day. I guarantee it will result in the bathroom you wanted.
PS: See how the molding above the bead board runs right into the countertop backsplash in the last photo? That’s because instead of doing the typical 4″ backsplash (which is completely useless anyway, but that’s a rant for a different time) we did a 2″ so that there would be no height difference and look more seamless. (just look at photo2 and then photo4) Those are the decisions a designer makes, it may be a small detail, but it does not get missed by a good designer and makes the world of difference in the overall aesthetic.
