Wood in the Bathroom? Absolutely!

Article By: Mark Clement

The conventional wisdom is that tile is the go-to for bathroom surfaces. We see tile everywhere, from the bathroom at work to the subway, to everybody's house.

I love tile, but just because it's so popular doesn't mean we have to design with it. And tile and grout aren't as impervious as you might think and are not required for looks, durability or cleanliness in wet areas like kitchens and baths. 

In fact, you can do amazing things with wood, even in the bathroom. The way it feels, sounds and even reflects light is wonderful. It also offers color and depth, and can soften the look of hard ceramic finishes. 

Traditional Bathroom by New Canaan Design-Build Firms TR Building & Remodeling Inc. 

While wood is a durable choice for bathroom floors, it's also fantastic on the ceiling. It adds a sense of natural warmth in a space where, well, most of us are au naturel. 

Yes, this ceiling is above a shower. You can imagine the potential moisture problems. I always recommend using a fan in the bathroom, but adding a second barrier between the steam rising from the shower and what's behind the ceiling might be smart here. I recommend sealing the wood surface with boiled linseed oil and/or urethane. I also recommend sheeting the ceiling joists with 15-pound tar paper (the black paper you see under roof shingles) before installing the wood. 

Tar paper is water resistant and will keep moisture that does make it through the ceiling (not much, if any) inside the room. The moisture will evaporate back into the room and dry with the rest of the air, especially if you're using planks instead of a tongue and groove material.

Contemporary Bathroom 

Wood on an accent wall — in this case, beveled siding — softens and adds texture. Moisture is always a concern in a wet area, and the usual go-to bathroom coating is semigloss paint. 

When it comes to wood, I like the texture to be the star, so I prime the base coat with oil (it's smelly, so do it outside) and make sure the end grains and backs get coated to thoroughly seal the wood. 

Installing wood is often easy, fast and cleaner than sanding drywall.

Contemporary Bathroom by Alpharetta Kitchen and Bath Fixtures Inspirations Kitchen and Bath 

When you're remodeling a bathroom, there are many materials you can use for the walls that'll help battle ever-present moisture. Water-resistant drywall (often called green board) and cement board are popular, but they're not necessary or any more durable than natural softwood planks like eastern white pine. 

Bare wood will stain, but coating it with a water-based urethane will help keep all that natural wood grain vibrant. And having different-colored wood cabinets and storage is a nice touch, with clean, horizontal lines drywall can't touch. 

I recommend tongue and groove stock, as opposed to planks, to create a continuous barrier to minimize moisture migration into the walls. 

Contemporary Bathroom by Highland Park Architects & Designers Becker Architects Limited 

Think creatively. Wood is used on decks and docks, where it is constantly shifting between wet and dry (and getting snowed on). So why not use it the shower floor or another bathroom area?

This pallet floor is custom detailed for this shower assembly. An easily customizable pallet built from any number of widely available lumber species — pine, cedar, Douglas fir — could be designed for a standard shower with a poured and sealed shower pan in place of tile. Or it could cover tile, which is my preference, because I find it easier to clean. 

I also like the idea of creating a simpler element inspired by this design: a wooden bath mat. Wood is easy to seal and clean with basic household detergents, and it's much less slippery than glazed tile.  

Contemporary Bathroom by San Francisco Architects & Designers Erickson Zebroski Design Group, Inc. 

Using wood in the bathroom enables a mix of materials to create depth and warmth across different materials and styles. This concrete wall might have appeared cold and heartless were it not for the soaring rafters and V-joint roof decking above. Scale this feature down to convey the same effect in a smaller space. 

Traditional Bathroom by Fort Washington General Contractors HomeTech Renovations, Inc. 

I've installed wood flooring in bathrooms. Not only does it deliver a sweet style, but it's durable, in large part because urethane finishes are fantastic. I always put 15-pound tar paper down to protect the floor from any water that does get through.

Farmhouse Bedroom by Austin Architects & Designers Rauser Design 

Other reasons to use wood floors in the bathroom, besides looks, are ease and continuity. It's easier to run flooring that exists in the other rooms of the house through to the bathroom. And it creates a flow, a feeling of continuity, that I find calming.

8 Fabulous Faucets for All Kinds of Bathrooms

Article By: Michelle Gann

Bathroom sink faucet options are limitless, and choosing one can be overwhelming. There are lot of different factors to consider, and every house has different needs. Do you need a faucet that's easy to use for all ages? Is space an issue? Or perhaps budget?

Check out these eight types of faucets to get an idea of what to look for when you're shopping for your bathroom. 

Modern Bathroom by Newport Beach Kitchen & Bath Designers maestrobath 

1. Waterfall faucet. With its clean lines and minimalist approach, this faucet lends itself to a more modern style. It's most commonly constructed out of metal and glass.

Some waterfall faucets have beautiful colored designs throughout the glass, which give the bathroom a cheery feel. Others have LED lights, creating a colorful display when the water is flowing. 

Modern Bathroom by Tucson Architects & Designers Patricia B. Warren, AIA Warren Architecture, LLC 

2. Four-inch-spread faucet. A great budget option, 4-inch-spread faucets (measured from the center of one handle to the center of the other) offer value and functionality. Not only do they come in almost every shape, size and color, but they are also a good space-saving option for smaller vanity areas and can be used in almost any application.

Mediterranean Bathroom 

3. Eight-inch-spread faucet. One of the most popular styles today, the 8-inch-spread faucet (also measured from one handle center to the other) comes in many styles and materials. From metal to marble to crystal, the options are almost endless. 

You can find an 8-inch-spread faucet in popular finishes (such as brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and the ever-popular gold) and some not-so-popular ones (such as polished nickel and matte black).

Eclectic Kids

4. Single-lever faucet.Single-lever faucets are very easy to use and are a great option for all styles of bathrooms. They come in a variety of designs from traditional to contemporary. 

Single-lever faucets are a popular option because of their simple design and the multitude of colors and styles available.

Rustic Bathroom by Atlanta Architects & Designers Peace Design 

5. Wall-mounted faucet. Wall-mounted faucets offer the same functionality as countertop-mounted faucets without taking up any counter space. They also provide a great focal point whether you are mounting them on a sink or a backsplash. 

Wall faucet styles range from minimalist to traditional, and many different colors and finishes are available.

Spaces by Other Metro bornrich.org 

6. Digital faucet. Want a faucet that will always give you the perfect temperature? Digital faucets aren't all about the sleek looks; they can detect each user and adjust the temperature according to preset comfort levels. Not to mention you can also check the weather and your email while washing your hands.

Contemporary Powder Room by Scottsdale Interior Designers & Decorators Angelica Henry Design 

7. Motion-sensor faucet.Many faucets can be installed to work with a motion sensor. This not only frees up your hands, but it's a great way to keep the faucet sanitary and to prevent water waste. Motion-sensing faucets aregreat for children as well; setting the faucet to a comfortable temperature will ensure that children never burn themselves. Also, this option is neat to show off at parties.

Modern Bathroom by Bloomfield Hills Architects & Designers kevin akey - azd associates 

8. Foot-controlled faucet. Looking for a little convenience in the morning? This faucet operates without hands; foot pedals mounted underneath the sink area control it. Step on the left side for hot, the right side for cold or both at the same time for warm water. Foot controls are a handy option no matter the application and can work with many kinds of faucets.

Bathroom Details: Show Off Your Sink Line

Article By: John Whipple

Many modern and classic sink designs expose our waste and water supply lines. If your new sink is going to show off your plumbing, you'll want to choose a good sink trap — specifically a P-trap, named for its shape, like the letter "P" — and matching sink fittings. 

There are two basic kinds of P-traps: A European-style P-trap has no U-shaped pipe, while the North American style does. Regardless of which shape you choose, you can find a sink trap in all kinds of materials — including nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, stainless steel, brass and copper — to coordinate with your bathroom's style. 

Contemporary Bathroom by Denver Architects & Designers roth sheppard architects 

Your sink trap holds back a little water after each use to keep air from your sewer pipes from coming back into your home. Consistent sink use, from simply running the tap to washing your hands, keeps the system working well. 

In seldom-used bathrooms, water in the trap slowly evaporates. If you have a guest bath you don't use very often, get into the habit of sending a little water down the sink from time to time to maintain the proper water level in the P-trap. 

Toilets need this same care; make sure you flush toilets in seldom-used bathrooms once every one to three weeks.

Contemporary Bath And Spa Accessories by Kohler Kitchen and Bath Fixtures Kohler 

Kohler Adjustable P-trap With Tubing Outlet, 1¼ by 1½ Inches - $126.15 »

This shot of a Kohler adjustable P-trap (North American style) shows where the trap got its name; if you tilt your head to the right, the pipe looks a lot like the letter "P." The curved part of the trap retains a small amount of water after the sink is used.

Modern Spaces by Cornelius Kitchen & Bath Designers Sterling Construction, Inc.

This shot shows a European-style sink trap, which doesn't have the same P shape and can actually save a little more room under your sink. The water in these traps acts the same way as in the previous trap. This clever installation has a shelf notched around the well-placed trap, creating great towel storage under the sink. 

Traditional Bathroom by Cornelius Kitchen & Bath Designers Sterling Construction, Inc. 

Here's a shot of the same sink in the previous photo. The installer did a great job with this setup. If you have a small vanity and need extra storage, consider using one of these European-style P-traps to save room under your sink. 

Modern Bathroom by San Francisco Architects & Designers Cary Bernstein Architect 

Most sink traps are installed perfectly centered on the sink with the pipe running from the front of the sink to the back ...

Modern Powder Room by Dc Metro Interior Designers & Decorators Supon Phornirunlit / Naked Decor 

... while some installations show off the curve with the pipe run parallel to the wall, allowing you to see the full P shape.

Traditional Bathroom by Philadelphia General Contractors Hanson General Contracting, Inc. 

Plan your fittings to fit the space and feel of the room. This bathroom has loads of old-home charm, and the exposed plumbing is part of that look. A sleek, modern pipe would look out of place with this sink.

Modern Powder Room by San Francisco Furniture and Accessories ladimoradesign.com 

If you're planning for your golden years and want a more universal bathroom design, understand thatAmericans with Disability Act–compliant bathrooms have room to roll under a bathroom sink with a wheelchair. This means choosing a pipe that won't bang anyone's legs or knees. 

Make sure the front of your sink is no higher than 34 inches off your finished flooring to comply with theNational Kitchen and Bath Association's planning guidelines for accessibility. 

Tip: If you want more room under your sink, ask your plumber to send the sink waste line to the back wall and install the P-trap in the wall or right up against it.

Contemporary Bathroom by Other Metro Interior Designers & Decorators FOC Design 

Some of today's sink designs don't need a P-trap, like the one in this photo. This sink doesn't even have a waste line; the water simply slides down into the shower drain! 

Tip: Today a sink's graywater (wastewater) can be used to fill the toilet and cut down on water use. If you want your home to save on natural resources, this is a great ecofriendly option.

Bathroom Design: Getting Tile Around the Vanity Right

Article By: John Whipple

Tiling under your new vanity or custom cabinets can prevent shower or sink water from finding its way into your house. Extending tile all the way under freestanding or floating vanities can make a room look and feel larger, too. These vanities are popular choices in today's bathrooms, so it's important to understand the pros and cons of bringing tile all the way under your bathroom storage. 

See how these bathrooms combine vanities and floor tiles, and learn what you should specify when working with your bathroom contractor. 

Traditional Bathroom by Denver Architects & Designers Chalet 

Making sure the floor is perfectly level is an important step for a vanity like this. Trying to level a vanity after tile installation can be a real chore. If you're having a vanity custom built, designing adjustable legs can help get your vanity and vanity top perfectly level. 

Tip: Consider omitting extra legs in custom vanity designs and securing the vanity to the wall if needed. Getting eight legs to sit perfectly flat is much harder than four! 

Traditional Bathroom by Charleston General Contractors Cinder Creek Construction 

If your bathroom floor is a little unlevel and you don't want to spend the money or time making it perfectly level, a little shoe molding (the small strip of molding at the bottom of the vanity toe kick in this photo) on your vanity can visually even things up. Shoe moldings add a lot of charm to a vanity's look and help protect the vanity from water damage. 

Tip: If you are going to use a shoe molding, plan to shim the vanity off the ground by about ⅛ inch or so, so that the only wood in contact with the floor is the shoe molding. If there's ever a leak in your bathroom, the shoe molding, rather than the bottom of your vanity, will absorb the damage. It's much easier (and more affordable) to replace shoe than the entire vanity.

Traditional Bathroom by Atlanta Photographers Erica George Dines Photography 

I love how this vanity has higher legs and extra foot room. Traditional bathroom and kitchen cabinets often have a smaller kick space (the little recess below the bottom drawers) with little to no room for your toes. If you like to get up close to your vanity and lean toward the mirror when getting ready, a freestanding vanity with extra leg height is a great idea. 

Tip: If you're installing radiant floor heating, you'll want it to go all the way under your vanity with a design like this. That way your feet will still stay warm when you're up close to the mirror. We prefer cable heating systems rather than heating maps for this very reason; they allow for greater heat placement control.

Traditional Bathroom by Minneapolis Kitchen & Bath Designers Casa Verde Design 

Tiling under your vanity can help seal up any voids that might collect water and harm your home's construction. Sink and drain lines can leak if not properly installed or prepared, and often this leak runs down the back side of a vanity and into the floor. 

Tip: Make sure all your water supply lines have trim collars inside the vanity. These collars act like little water deflectors and can keep water from running back along a pipe and into the wall. 

Traditional Bathroom by Grand Prairie Kitchen & Bath Designers USI Design & Remodeling 

In a larger bathroom, the high cost of tile could be a big factor when you're deciding whether or not to tile under a vanity. Usually we order a 10 percent overage in bathrooms, but for some large bathrooms I'll just order 5 percent and use the off cuts under the vanity. This allows the client to get the benefits of tile under their vanity without added cost. 

Tip: If your tile is crazy expensive, consider using a cheaper, similar tile under the vanity. No one will know but you. 

Contemporary Bathroom by Edina General Contractors REFINED LLC

Larger vanities with a solid countertop like this can add a lot of weight to a tiled floor. If you're aiming for a similar look and style, considered the added weight your vanity will bring to the room and make sure your contractor prepares the floor for this kind of installation. 

Tip: Curious if your floor is strong enough? Try this simple test for excessive floor deflection: Fill a drinking glass to the top with water, place it in the room before tiling and walk around the room. Move the glass to a few different locations and walk around each time. If the water spills from the glass anywhere, the floor most likely has too much bounce and might not be suitable for a heavier vanity. 

Contemporary Bathroom by Seattle Design-Build Firms RW Anderson Homes 

Adding some light under a vanity makes for a great night feature and brings another layer of lighting to the room. Some tile is so shiny that it acts like a mirror under the vanity, so make sure that the bottom of your vanity is not littered with job tags, addresses or overspray from finishing.

Tip: If you want a more even glow from the lighting, consider shining the light toward the back wall instead of straight down. This creates a little less light but a more even glow.

9 Features to Consider for Your Dream Bathroom

Article By: Gabrielle Di Stefano

Bathrooms were originally designed to be no-frills, functional, hardworking rooms. But today's endless design layouts and fixture choices provide us with the opportunity to create a space that we can actually enjoy being in. Now, the challenge is to design a bathroom that offers the functionality of yesteryear while reflecting our personal style. 

No matter what size or shape of bathroom you're working with, these tips can help you add personality and luxury to your space, without compromising on practicality. 

Eclectic Bathroom by Chicago Interior Designers & Decorators Summer Thornton Design, Inc 

Narrow bathrooms can have plenty of personality. Have fun with a smaller space like this with over-the-top wallpaper and glamorous fixtures and fittings. Custom vanities, like the ones in the photo, offer ample storage and style. 

Tip: Installing mirrored glass on at least one wall creates the illusion of space. Mirrors on opposing walls work even better. If your towel rail is on a wall where you want a mirror, work with your glass manufacturer to install the mirror around the rail.

Modern Bathroom by Other Metro Interior Designers & Decorators Goldfish-Interiors 

Double-duty bathrooms work hard, so put effort into designing a workable space. This bathroom makes good use of existing plumbing fixtures with acompact washer/dryer. Additional storage for cleaning products and clothes would be valuable, too. 
 
Tip: A standard washing machine is often deeper than standard cabinetry. Keep this in mind if you are buying a flat pack vanity and you want to hide your appliances behind a hinged door.

Traditional Bathroom by Saskatoon Home Builders Maison Fine Homes & Interior Design

Comfortable seating is very nice for giving yourself a pedicure or enjoying some sun and solitude.

Tip: Upholstered seating fabric in bathrooms works best if it is mold resistant, so choose an outdoor fabric for these areas. 

Contemporary Bathroom by Deephaven Home Builders Elevation

If you're blessed with an extra-large bathroom, you have the opportunity to work in a healthy mix of natural and artificial lighting, zoning of major wet areas, plenty of storage and a place to sit.

Tip: Try a mix of darker timbers and soft furnishings in a large space to prevent it from looking and feeling too much like a public bathroom.

Contemporary Bathroom by Chicago Architects & Designers KTARCH 

A shower niche is a practical and stylish vessel for all our necessities. A permanent tiled niche not only looks great, it won't gather mold, as a plastic hanging storage unit can.

Tip: Tiling can make or break a bathroom. If you want a contemporary-looking shower, employ a craftsman tiler to miter the tiles, rather than installing prefabricated edging — this will create a seamless-looking niche.

Traditional Bathroom by Novato General Contractors Rasmussen Construction

Of course, privacy is always important in a bathroom. Unlike other rooms, bathroom window treatments need to let in natural light while keeping prying eyes out. Sheer blinds are a practical option, while opaque film is a cost-effective solution.

Tip: If you have the space for a luxurious bath under a window like this one, install window shades with a top-down optionto let light in without sacrificing privacy.

Contemporary Bathroom by Sheboygan Kitchen and Bath Fixtures Kallista Plumbing 

Dual sinks are more of a necessity than a luxury in a family bathroom. They help avoid arguments and keep the morning ritual moving.

Tip: A minimum of 6 feet of overall counter space is best if you are installing two sinks. 

Traditional Bathroom by Atlanta Architects & Designers Mark WIlliams Design Associates 

Shower seating doesn't need to look like it belongs in a hospital. If you are renovating your shower, ask the builder to frame out a seat ready for tiling. In smaller showers, a corner seat will take less room. 

Tip: If you don't have the room or budget for built-in seating, a small stool constructed from a waterproof material like stone is a thoughtful addition to any shower.

Bathroom by Other Metro Interior Designers & Decorators Décoration et provence 

Floor heating is a popular and energy efficient way to warm bathrooms. This heating method provides an even temperature throughout the room and offers programmable thermostats. Reducing the air flow from the outside is perfect for people with allergies. 

Tip: Even if you're not renovating or building a new bathroom, you can put in floor heating. Some manufacturers have heat mats that can be stapled onto the subfloor or up between the joists.