is all in the details

It’s most likely one of the top reasons you’ve been putting off that bathroom makeover or remodel —you’re just not sure which design elements you want to incorporate into the room. What color theme will you use? Do you want a pedestal sink or a furniture-style vanity? Will you incorporate any ‘green’ faucets or fixtures? And, if you do, will they still look good and perform well?

These questions, and many others, should be at the top of your list when you start mapping out your next bathroom project. Luckily, many manufacturers have made it easier in recent years for you to answer those questions in a painless, affordable way — the attention to detail and design that makes powder and bath room collections so popular. Lines, shapes, color tones and texture carry through from piece to piece, giving the entire room the look that typically comes only from a design professional.

So what should you look for when you’re planning your next bath or powder room project? Here are a few things to consider when choosing the critical elements:

Sink and Vanity
Choices are abundant when it comes to the sink area of a bathroom. For those smaller footprint powder rooms, or where storage isn’t as critical, consider a pedestal sink. If a pedestal doesn’t match your taste or function needs, furniture-style vanities can have a significant impact on a room’s decor and add extra storage.

Faucet
This can be one of the most noticeable accessories in the room and one that homeowners and guests interact with the most. Make sure you choose a style and finish that is consistent with the overall decor. A soft brushed nickel or warm oil rub bronze finish can add a distinct detail to the decor. If green options are important to you, explore WaterSense-approved faucets that can reduce water usage by 20 percent, without affecting performance.

Toilet
This is one of the best places to go ‘green’ in your bathroom. High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush, saving two or more gallons of water each use compared to many toilets installed in the 1980s and prior. And, don’t overlook the tank lever. Manufacturers sell individual tank levers in a variety of styles and finishes so you can literally match every aspect of the room’s decor.

Shower System
Years ago homeowners had a handful of choices for showerheads. Today, there are hundreds of styles, functions, finishes and components that can comprise a home’s shower system. This is a recently discovered area of the bathroom that can really show off your design flair and create a unique retreat.

Bath Accessories
Accessories are another important way to share the little detailing that many styles offer in the bathroom. Whether it’s the ornate craftsman look of an old-world towel ring, or the sleek, long lines of a contemporary towel bar, make sure to pair up accessories that match your room’s faucet, sink and other elements.

Storage
Homeowners can’t seem to get enough storage in most bathroom floor plans. Again, choosing a furniture-style vanity can give you extra storage space, as can many well-designed mirrors—which should obviously match the wood, finish and styling of the vanity and other pieces in the room.

Coordinating bathroom pieces is easier than ever. Choosing pieces that are created as part of a collection is definitely a time-saver and a reassuring way to know the design details were taken care of for you.