ASK THE EXPERTS DESIGN & LIVING
What are some unique storage solutions that you are doing for people? “Including a single sink in a vanity design instead of two sinks will allow for more storage. Industry standard for vanity height is 32 inches. Ask for a taller vanity height of 34-36 inches and you’ll have less bending over and gain storage. Recessed medicine cabinets are a great option to add space without taking from the room. Pullout haircare organizers with hidden outlets are a great solution for hiding styling tools and products. Open cubbies for baskets and towel displays are a great way to add interest to your bathroom designs. We’re also receiving client requests for dresser-style drawers so clothing can be stored right in the bathroom.”
What stain and wood styles are you seeing most right now? “We still have a lot of people asking for dark stains on all species of wood. We do see many people asking for painted cabinetry and now, most recently, the gray-toned finishes. Light finishes can brighten up a space since most bathrooms are a bit on the small side.”
What type of bathroom countertops are a big hit with homeowners today? ”The Corian countertop on this (bottom
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middle photo) painted vanity has an integral sink and coved backsplash for easy maintenance. Corian has standard sink designs, but you can also have custom sinks made to order. We often direct people to use a lighter colored countertop in bathrooms as it helps to brighten up the space and helps to reflect light back up to your face to reduce shadows. Quartz and granite are also popular choices for bathroom countertops. However, laminate countertops remain the most affordable.”
Beth: “I did a pullout foot stool for kids at the sink. It was in the toe kick and could be pushed back when not needed. A makeup counter at the same height as the rest of the vanity with an open space below to store a counter stool is a wonderful feature as you can either sit or stand to apply makeup or do your hair.”
Which hardware color is most popular right now?
“Make note that electrical might need to be moved up higher in older homes to accommodate a taller vanity height. If you are looking to add a drawer at the bottom of a sink section of cabinetry or go with an off-thefloor designed vanity, make sure to check the height of your existing plumbing, as it might need to be moved up. Look for space from closets or other rooms attached that you can take from and add to your remodel for more square footage.
“We are using a lot of graphite, pewter and gunmetal finishes that seem to be taking over that brushed nickel trend. Brown/bronze hardware remains popular. Crystal knobs in the bathroom are also a great look, especially on painted cabinetry. We are seeing some gold come back in, but we think it will take some time to catch on in our area.”
What was one of your favorite bathroom designs? Cathy: “I’ve designed a couple of bathrooms with his-and-hers vanities in different styles and finishes within the same room, either next to each other or on opposite walls. If you coordinate the styles and colors it all looks great.”
What are some challenges that homeowners should be aware of when remodeling a bathroom?
“Keep in mind that painting your existing cabinetry might require more work than you’ve planned on. We don’t just use paint for our painted cabinetry, we use a high-quality, tinted varnish. It is a much sturdier finish that we rarely ever have to repair. If you are considering a total ‘revamp’ of your bathroom layout, a plumber may need to be consulted to let you know if a new floor plan is feasible.”