LUXURY BATHROOMS
They're Worth Sinking Into
Home owners now want every room to reflect taste and comfort. As a result, more attention is focused on the bathroom. As lifestyles change, more people dream of a private space to relax. In many instances, it's a room more than one person can enjoy.
Am I displeased with my outdated fixtures?
Are the cabinets unattractive and obsolete?
Is the area too small?
Are the floors in bad shape?
Are the surface areas in need of repair?
The answers to these questions will give you the information you need to make decisions about materials, fixtures and accessories that you really want in your new bath space. As you think about how you want your new room to look, this guide will give you an idea of what materials are available.
Counter surface materials such as: tile, marble or stone can help establish the look you want. Also, in recent years products such as Corian ( a solid material ) have become very popular. Solid material can be used on vanity tops, shower walls or around tubs.
Cultured marble, cultured onyx, and cultured granite are used frequently in the bathroom, these products come in a wide variety of colours and can change a boring bath into the ultimate in beauty. Onyx can be used on a vanity top with a banjo extension over the commode for a finished look and added countertop area. An onyx whirlpool bath will complete the bath in exquisite style.
Ceramic tile is a popular material requested by home owners. It can be used on any bathroom surface such as: floors, walls and counters, and offers endless design and pattern possibilities. Grout that stains easily has in the past been a disadvantage when it comes to using tile. New grout materials practically eliminate this age old complaint. Tiles come in various sizes from 1"x 1", 4-1/4" x 41/4", 6"x 8", 8"x 8". Companion trim and baseboard pieces are also available. You can even use inserts of different designs to create a special look.
More toilet features are offered today than ever before. There are one and two-piece toilet models. These models now offer fixtures with improved flushing systems that provide complete washout and non-overflow features. There is the elongated toilet and seat which give about 1-1/2" added length for more comfort compared to a conventional round toilet. Lowboy toilets have very low tanks and have a non-overflow feature.
Other important choices to make are the lavatories, faucets and accessories. Lavatory bowls are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Vitreous china, plated brass, stainless steel, enameled steel, enameled cast iron, cast composite and cultured marble models can all create a terrific room. Also popular are self-standing pedestal lavatories in all of the above materials, styles and colours. Expect to pay much more for this type of fixture. The best way to see what is available is to visit our showroom.
There are many new innovations in faucets for the lavatory, bath and shower areas, with a wide array of styles and fittings. The engineering, special features and finish determine the price. For example: chrome fixtures are less expensive than gold-tone and can be more durable. Shower valves that control both the water temperature and pressure, both for safety and comfort, cost more than a simple on-and-off handle.
Variety in whirlpool baths is expanding in two different directions; one is to bigger, deeper tubs, the other is to smaller, lighter ones which can be fitted into existing space without major renovation. While exotic features are available, most people admit that comfort, more than high-tech features is the major selling point when it comes to whirlpools. The exotic features appeal to only a limited market. Some features which were once optional, are now standard. Most popular among them is the integral on-off air switch that enables users to control jets without getting out of the tub.
Control of water temperature is also becoming increasingly important both as a safety feature as will as a comfort amenity. Ultravalve is a microprocessor controlled electronic valve which allows the user to set desired water temperature from 70 degrees to 112 degrees F. at the touch of a button. Water pressure is automatically balanced and the system automatically starts at preset temperature of 98 degrees F. It then self-adjusts to the users specific directions and holds it at that temperature.
Kohler is a manufacturer which has added new models to its existing line. The new models are of a special material called Vikrell. Vikrell is equivalent to acrylic but lighter in weight. Another model is the Autofill Bath System, which is in kit form. It is offered at a low price. It is a control module that allows the user to preset the tub filling time as much as 24 hours in advance. The kit can be fitted to any tub or whirlpool that uses Kohlers drain mechanism.
Colours vary between companies. Kohler now offers eighteen colours with new ones added all the time. The most popular are still white, almond and grey.
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