Whether you are building a custom home or remodeling and upgrading your existing bathroom, these design tips will give you a great place to get started. The first step in designing your dream bathroom is to set a budget for yourself. Just a ball park figure that will help you in the overall planning decisions. Once you have a budget in mind on how much money you want to spend to remodel or build your dream bathroom, then you can start thinking about the layout and the features. Things to keep in mind when you work on the design plan is who will be using the bathroom. Family, friends, and other guests will probably be using and seeing this bathroom, so think a little bit about them, though the primary person to please is to make yourself happy. This is your dream, so everyone else can be an afterthought. This is for you!
Bathroom Design Areas of Focus
•Tub or Shower•Lighting•Flooring•Sinks•Faucets•Toilets•Countertops
Choosing a Tub or A Shower for Your New Bathroom
Trying to choose between a bath tub or a shower is an important decision. Some people will even choose both as separates, or both as a single unit. Showers and baths each have their place, and for some people one or the other is their favorite.A shower is great because it lets you get in, get clean, and get out as quick as you want to. A bath tub is great for soaking, and relaxation. Showers use less water and take up less floor space. Because they use less water you will use less electricitry or gas to warm up the water in your water heater. You can also add extra features to your shower by adding more showerheads, or special shower heads with rain style water flows, built in seating, and door less designs so there are less areas to clean. Walk in showers are very nice for couples, if you add multiple shower heads, and can be a good place for some quite, romantic, quality time to keep romance alive and well in a busy household.There are several different types of materials to choose from like fiberglass, natural stone, or tile. You can add special features like grab bars, non-slip tiles, or benches for added useability and comfort. The downside to buying a shower is that the shower doors are hard to keep clean, and shower curtains and rods require constant replacement. It is hard to wash kids and pets in a shower, you really need a tub for this. Bath tubs offer a contrast to the shower by giving you a place to lock the door and have some peace and tranquility and just relax. They are also good for bathing the kids, or pets. There are many design options when it comes to style, size, and material. Choices include clawfoot, freestanding, soaking, and walk in. Tubs are also customizable in that you can add jets or whirlpools to give you some more relaxing features. Freestanding tubs can be placed just about anywhere in your bathroom. The drawbacks to tubs are that they do typically take up more space than a standard sized shower. They use more water, and more energy costs to heat that water. They take a long time to fill up. Walk in tubs are quite expensive and can range anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.
How About a Shower and Bath Tub Combo?
Installing a shower tub combo unit will give you the best of both worlds. It will save you space vs having both units separate. A bath tub shower combo will typically set you back about $500, but can cost upwards of $2000, depending on the style and brand.
Bathroom Lighting
Adding fancy lighting int he bathroom, along with dimmer switches, gives you a great opportunity for relaxation and date night romance with the one you love. The types and styles of bulbs are limitless to give you that perfect look that you are looking for in your bathroom. LED lights are a must, as they last longer, and save a lot on energy costs.
Bathroom Flooring
There are a lot of variables in the bathroom flooring arena. You could do carpet, tile, natural stone, and you can even add heating properties so your feet are warm walking along the floor in your bathroom.
Bathroom Sinks
Choosing the perfect sink for your dream bathroom is an important step. There are so many options available to choose from that the decision can be a difficult one. Some of the things to think about in making your decision is which bathroom in the house will this be going into, who will see it, and who will use it.
Undermount Sink
An undermount sink sits underneath the counter top. The rim of the sink is actually fixed to the underside of the countertop, instead of sitting on top of it. This creates a clean and seamless look. Water can be wiped directly from the countertop right into the sink with nothing in the way, which makes this an easy to clean option. This is a good choice if you go with stone or other solid surface countertop. This is not a good option for laminate countertops because it can’t be sealed as well. An undermount sink will cost you a little more, but it is worth the added cost.
Top Mount Sink
A top mount drop in sink is designed to sit on top of the counter. Most of the sink sits below the countertop, with just the rim visible above the counter. They are suitable for most countertop materials, including wood and laminate. The cut out for the sink is covered by the sink, so it does not risk being damaged by water. A top mount drop in sink is a little cheaper than the other alternatives. Because there is this lip on top of the counter, it’s not as easy to clean by wiping water and spills from the counter straight into the sink, but it’s not a big deal.
Pedestal Sink
A pedestal sink is a simple sink to install. The pedestal for the sink sits under the sink between the bottom of the sink and the floor. This conceals the pipes neatly. This type of sink will give your bathroom a classical vibe. The major downfall with choosing a pedestal sink for your dream bathroom is that you won’t have any storage space underneath the sink, and no countertop space around the sink.
Vessel Sink
A vessel sink sits directly on top of the countertop, but there are some models that sit partially below the countertop. Vessel sinks provide a unique style and look in your bathroom. It’s basically like a large bowl, which is good if you like a deep sink that can hold a lot of water.
Integrated Sink and Countertop
Most local home improvement store bathroom sinks are the type that you buy as an all in one countertop with a sink. This type of sink is molded as part of the countertop, and can be made from various materials, like porcelain or acrylic. The integrated sink and countertop option is easy to clean with no ridges or seams. It is a great choice for half bathroom, and buys family bathrooms. If you are looking for the ease and convenience of buying off the shelf with a quick installation, as well as a more affordable sink, this may be the option for you.
Semi Recessed Sink
If you are limited for space in your bathroom, and looking for some cabinet space below your sink for storing your bathroom supplies, then this semi recessed sink may be the style you are looking for. It sits at the front of the cabinet and countertop, allowing you to have shallower cabinets. This can be a great sink for the kids bathroom, or for people with limited mobility, or for bathroom with limited space, because you can get closer to the sink to reach the faucet with less countertop space between you and the faucet. The main drawback of the semi recessed sink is that there is less storage speach underneath the sink.
Wall Mounted Sink
A wall mounted sink is fixed directly to the wall without needing to sit in or on a countertop. A wall mounted sink does not have cabinets below it, which saves on space and makes the room feel bigger. This is the perfect sink for bathrooms with small spaces.
Washplane Sink
Washplane sinks are typically found in sleek hotels and restaurant bathrooms because they are slim, and stylish. They take up very little space, so they are also great for bathrooms where space is limited.
Bathroom Faucets
It’s important to learn about all of the different types of bathroom faucet configurations, finishes, and features, so that you can choose the best one for your dream bathroom.
Bathroom Faucet Installation Types
The kind of faucet you choose will really depend partly on the arrangement of the sink or vanity in your bathroom. You will want to note how many installation holes are available before you make your decision on the exact bathroom faucet to buy.
Single Hole Bathroom Faucets
Single hole bathroom faucets are installed into a single hole on the back of the sink. They usually have a single handle, lever, or knob that controls the water flow and temperature, but some models will have two separate controls. These faucets provide more precise volume and temperature control and are much quicker to install than any other faucet types.
Centerset Bathroom Faucets
The centerset bathroom faucets are a popular installation type. It has a versatile design for a nice fit in any size bathroom. In this type of faucet, the spout and handles are mounted together to create a single unit. They typically have individual controls for hot and cold water so you can have the perfect temperature every time, with easy operation.
Widespread Bathroom Faucets
The widespread bathroom faucets give you the most style variety and options, which is why it is the most popular installation type. The individually installed handles are not attached to the spout mounting base, as they are installed in a three hole sink basin as separate individual pieces.
Vessel Bathroom Faucets
Vessel faucets have a taller spout to accommodate the higher lip of the above the countertop vessel sinks. They are typically available as a single hole faucet, and often as a lever handle. This sink fits perfectly in the vessel sinks, and provides for an elegant focal point for your dream bathroom.
Wall Mounted Bathroom Faucets
The wall mounted bathroom faucet is a fashionable alternative to traditional sink mounted faucets. It clear up extra space on the vanity or sink surround, so it can be the perfect choice for freestanding vessel sinks or inset basin sinks. These faucets require a wall mounted valve connection, which can add to the cost of your bathroom upgrade project.
Bathroom Faucet Handle Types
The faucet handles help determine the character of your faucet and how they operate. The handles control the water from the hot and cold water lines to mix the water temperature in the spout before it pours into the sink.
One Handle Bathroom Faucet
One handle faucets give you optimal temperature and volume control. Simple design lets you control the temparature by turning the handle, and control the volume of water coming out by lifting or lowering the handle.
Two Handle Bathroom Faucet
If you are looking for a bigger range of styles and sizes, the two handle faucet is the right choice for you. Handles are located on the left and right of each other, or of the spout. The dual handles let you control the hot and cold water supply individually.
Touchless Bathroom Faucets
The touchless faucets usually don’t even have a handle. You set the temperature when you do the installation. They run on electronic sensors that detect movement in the bathroom and will turn the water on and off when it senses that your hand is in front of the faucet. This can be great for saving water.
Touch Activated Bathroom Faucets
There are no handles needed with touch activated faucets, as they are turned on by tapping the sensor to turn on or off. You can preset the temperature, or it can be adjusted with a knob or handle if it comes equipped with them.
Bathroom Faucet Handle Styles
The Lever Handle Bathroom Faucet is the most contemporary handle type that has blade, wedge, or rounded shaped handles. The Cross Handle Bathroom Faucet combines traditional looks with modern day ease of use. They have cross shaped handles that let you easily grasp them. Bathroom Faucet Knobs are the standard rounded handle that is found in most homes as they are the most affordable. They have multi-directional control for water volume and temperature. Bathroom Faucet Joystick Handles are similar in shape to lever handles. They are designed to raise above the spout, and have multi-directional control for water volume and temparature control. Bathroom Faucet Finish OptionsMost high quality bathroom faucets are made of solid or cast brass, which is the preferred material for bathroom faucet construction to ensure durability and reliability. Ceramic disc cartridges are becoming the standard in bathroom faucets. They have ceramic discs that have replaced the rubber discs inside the spout for a lifetime of drip free and leak free performance.
Other Bathroom Faucet Features
Other features that you can look for are WaterSense Bathroom Faucets, which feature an eco-friendly flow rate that save both water and money. A feature that you typically see in nice kitchen faucets, the Pullout Spout Bathroom Faucets is a convenient choice that lets you easily clean every area of your bathroom sink.
Bathroom Toilets
When choosing a toilet for your bathroom, you should consider your budget, and the size of your bathroom, as well as the style that you like the best.
The Basics About Choosing the Right Bathroom Toilet
The bathroom toilet is one of the most important items in your house. Reasons for making the right choice for you may be the color, the cost, the water usage, and how well it flushes. A good quality toilet will do both conserve water, but also generate enough power to clean the bowl in a single flush. If you choose the wrong one, it may be a ten year worth of frustration and regret.
New Generation Low Flow Toilets
Low flow toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush or less, as per the federal standard. The original low flow models of the 1990s were terrible. The manufacturers tweaked a few things to reduce the amount of water used but didn’t change the overall design. When you hear people saying that they have to flush their toilets multiple times, it’s because they either have one of these earlier models, or they have a track home or custom home that really cut corners on price in the bathroom. Fast forward a few generations, and today’s new generation low flow toilets have significant design improvements that make them actually do what they are designed to do, which is to flush it all down in one flush.
How Much Does a New Toilet Cost?
You can get cheap toilets at most home improvement stores for under a hundred bucks. These are a good deal, but they just don’t have the quality you are looking for. You are going to be using the toilet for generations, so it’s important to spend a little extra so that you can avoid the frustration and pain points. You should plan to spend about $120 to $550 for a gravity toilet, or about $250 to $650 for a pressure-assist toilet. If your really wanting a fancy toilet you should consider a bidet, which will leave you feeling super clean down there and refreshed.
Save Money by Checking for Rebates on High Efficiency Toilets
High efficiency toilets can save thousands of gallons of water per person each year, and some water utilitity companies will offer rebates if you install one. Your local county offices may also have rebates available, so take a look around and see if you can find a rebate that could save you on the cost of buying a nicer toilet for your dream bathroom.
Get a Pressure Assist Toilet
With the lower water use toilets of today, if you can get a pressure assist toilet, you will be much happier. These toilets have a separate tank that holds water under pressure, which releases with great velocity to give you a complete and clean flush every time. They are a little more expensive, and make a little extra noise when compated to the gravity toilets.
Consider a Wall Hung Toilet for Easy Cleaning
One piece toilets are easier to clean as they have fewer nooks and crannies to deal with. However, they are also more expensive and are a little bit harder to install than the typical two piece toilets. They are so much easier to clean, and look great.
Consider a Taller Toilet
A higher bowl can be more comfortable for bigger, taller, older people, and people with disabilities. It’s easier on the back of your knees, and is more comfortable to sit on. The draw back is that it can be harder for kids, or shorter adults to use.
Go With The Bigger Toilet Bowl
Elongated bowls longer, and more comfortable. For a guy, that extra size makes sure that you have plenty of room, and body parts don’t rest on the front inside the bowl, which is not a pleasant experience or thought. It’s worth the extra money, if you have the extra room to be able to have the bigger toilet bowl.
Consider a Dual Flush Toilet
A dual flush toilet has an .8 gallon per flush button for liquids, and a 1.6 gallon per flush button for solids. This will save about 25 percent less water than a regular toilet. Dual flush toilets are available in both gravity and pressure assist models, and they are more expensive than other types. They have less colors available, and may cost up around $200 to $300.
Consider a Slow Closing Removable Toilet Seat
The slow close seats are typically an add on, or replacement, that you can buy separately. It is really great if you have kids that like to slam the lid down because they don’t lower it by hand all the way. A slow close seat eliminates that noise because you just start to lower it and it finnishes up the job, and is completely quiet.
Consider a Bidet Toilet or Attachment
A bidet toilet is a plumbing fixture designed to clean your rear, to put it quite simply. It washes your lower region after you urinate or have a bowel movement, eliminating the need for toilet paper. You can buy a bidet toilet, or you can add a bidet attachment to an existing toilet. A bidet can provide a better hygiene experience compared to toilet paper, and leave you feeling clean, refreshed, and no residue or scent.
Bathroom Countertops
There are lots of Bathroom Countertop Materials to choose from. The best choice for your specific project depends on your budget and personal style.
Granite Bathroom Countertops
Granite is a naturally occurring stone, with beautiful patterns and dramatic veins of colors. It is heat resistant, scratch resistant, chemical resistant, and is cheaper than marble countertops. It is a porous material, so it can be stained unless you seal it properly. It is a little pricey.
Quartz Bathroom Countertops
Quartz countertops are manufactured from quartz powder and resin that can be cast into a range of shapes and pretty much any color you can think of. It is not porous, so it resists stains and does not require sealing. It is both heat and scratch resistant. You cannot clean quartz with bleach or abrasive materials as it will cloud up the surface.
Marble Bathroom Countertops
Marble is another natural stone that is mined and cut into slabs to be used in making countertops. It comes in many different colors, and sometimes even has gorgeous flecks and mineral veins. Marble does need to be sealed and maintained, to prevent stains. It is a beautiful material for a countertop. It is heat, scratch, and chip resistant.
Cultured Marble Bathroom Countertops
Kind of like quartz countertops, cultured marble is manufactured with marble dust and resins. Combined they create a dense, durable surface that can be formed into almost any shape, making them perfect for countertops. They are sealed at the manufacturer to resist stains. This countertop is vulnerable to solvents like acetone and nail polish remover.
Wood Bathroom Countertop
Wood countertops are the most do it yourself friendly of any countertops. They can be custom made to fit any space. They can be made from almost any type of wood so you can match the style and fashion that you love. It is vulnerable to water, so it is important to put on a good seal and to maintain that seal to prevent water damage and stains.
Laminate Bathroom Countertops
Laminate bathroom countertops have a smooth top surface that is bonded to a particleboard base. It is the cheapest countertop choice. It is easy to install for the DIY homeowner. It is prone to chipping and scratching, and is not recommended.
Concrete Bathroom Countertops
Concrete countertops can be poured in place, so they don’t have to be transported, or they can be prefinished and installed whole. Concrete is extremely resistant to chips and scratching, and give you a modern look and feel. There is a wide range of style and color options. Concrete is extremely heavy, and it also needs to be sealed to resist staining.
Tile Bathroom Countertops
Tile can be placed over a basic countertop to make it blend or contrast with the rest of the bathroom to give you a clean look and feel. The pricing goes from very affordable to ultra high end luxury. Individual tiles that get scratched or chipped can be easily replaced. The biggest drawback to tile is that the grout can be difficult to keep clean. Though you can seal it to make it easier to maintain. Scratched or chipped tiles can be individually replaced.
Where to Splurge On Your Bathroom Design
One thing that most people struggle with in setting their budget for their bathroom remodel, or new build, is where to splurge on yourself and spend a little more to get fancy. It’s all about what is the most important to you. We recommend spending extra on the shower and flooring to give you a gorgeous look. Your bathroom is meant to be your place for some quick relaxation and rejuvination to wash away the stress from the day. Having a nice beautiful bathroom that you truly enjoy helps add to that relaxation time and gives you what warm feeling each and every time you spend some quality time to take some time out to pamper yourself. Splurge a little on yourself, you deserve it! El Dorado County Home Builders highlights products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and this does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase.