Are you planning a new kitchen design or bathroom remodel? There are many choices to make when undertaking a home renovation project, from determining the ideal layout to selecting color schemes, products, accessories, and more. One of the key product selections for any kitchen or bathroom update is plumbing fixtures. Find out what we mean by plumbing fixtures, what you need for your project, and how to choose the ideal option for your home.
What are plumbing fixtures?
We all know how important water is to a kitchen or bathroom. Plumbing fixtures are obviously key to keeping water and waste flowing to and from these spaces, but what exactly do we mean when we say plumbing fixtures? This refers to a range of key fixtures that connect to your plumbing system. For a kitchen design, this includes kitchen sinks and faucets. Bathroom design plumbing fixtures depend on which bathroom type you are remodeling. A powder room incorporates a toilet, sink, and faucet, while a main bathroom also includes a shower enclosure with showerheads and possibly a bathtub and bath filler.
What are your requirements?
The initial consideration should be the family’s needs and the requirements of your individual living space. Each kitchen design or bathroom remodel is unique in that it must cater to the specific requirements of the home and its occupants. Before you proceed with selecting styles and finishes, first look at your own unique needs. What does this look like? Think about who lives in your home and the mobility needs of your family members during the lifespan of this remodel.
To determine the type of sink and faucet combination needed in a kitchen design, evaluate how the kitchen is used. Depending on the kitchen’s size, frequency of cooking and entertaining, and budget, you may want to consider adding a pot filler or separate beverage bar sink.
For bathroom remodeling, assess whether a tub, shower, or both are necessary, depending on the home and family’s size. If there is more than one bathroom, consider replacing the bathtub in one bathroom design with an extra-large shower while you keep the tub in another bathroom. Determine how many people will be using the bathroom and, if space permits include a larger vanity with two sinks to allow two people to get ready at the same time.
Homes designed for aging in place may require fixtures that are easily reachable and operable if one has issues gripping handles. Touchless faucets or simple single-handled faucets are ideal, and a handheld showerhead is a must for assisting family members with showering. A curbless shower is also worth considering to avoid trip hazards stepping in and out of the shower. Comfort height toilets are a top choice for aging in place as they make it easier to sit and stand up from the toilet.
A young, growing family might prefer fixtures that are easy for small hands to operate and don’t show fingerprints easily. Include at least one simple-to-use bathtub for bathing small children when planning your home’s bathrooms. An alcove tub in a hall bath design is ideal, as it’s easier to lift kids in and out of this style than a freestanding tub. Single-handled or touchless faucets also work well in a bathroom designed for children.
What style do you prefer?
Selecting plumbing fixtures is crucial for your room’s overall style, as they are highly visible and play a significant role in any bathroom remodel or kitchen redesign. When choosing your plumbing fixtures, consider your home’s design aesthetic. If your home is decorated in a traditional style, opt for more intricate faucets or showerheads with extra detailing. You could even go for a claw foot bathtub for true old-world glamor. In contrast, for a contemporary design style, choose fixtures with simple, straight lines. A transitional style is an ideal choice that combines these styles, where simple curved faucets and single-handled levers accentuate your design style. For industrial, rustic, farmhouse, and more, there are plumbing fixtures to enhance your kitchen or bath design style.
Furthermore, your plumbing fixtures’ color should complement your home’s color scheme. Your faucets don’t necessarily have to match your cabinet hardware and light fixtures but should complement them. You can either accessorize your room with a single metallic tone, such as brushed gold or chrome or choose a contrasting shade that makes a statement yet still complements other features. Sinks and bathtubs come in a wide selection of styles that can enhance any design aesthetic, so you will definitely find the ideal choice for your home.
What are the key bath design plumbing fixtures?
Every bathroom, from the smallest powder room to a hall or master bath design, requires a toilet and a sink. Larger bathrooms used by family members or visitors typically also include a shower or possibly a shower and tub. Depending on which bathroom you are remodeling you may also need showerheads, tub fillers, and faucets.
Here is a rundown of the key fixtures for bath remodels:
- Bath sinks are available in a wide range of styles, materials, and sizes to fit your needs. Vitreous china is a common choice, but enameled cast iron, copper, stainless, and glass are all possibilities. Undermount sinks are a popular option that sits below the countertop, in different shapes including circular, oval, and rectangular. If you want your sink to become a focal point, consider a vessel sink that sits on top of the countertop.
- Bathroom faucets are determined by the style and finish, as well as the inner workings. Better internal workings are more expensive, but also more reliable, so it pays to get the best you can afford. Consider how you want to mount the faucet, either deck or wall mounted, and make sure you choose a faucet that is sized and positioned correctly for your sink. Then select the style, material, and finish that fits your bathroom design aesthetic. You can either match the finish to other features like lighting and cabinet hardware or choose a complementary tone.
- Showerhead selections really depend on who will be using the shower and your personal preferences. Dual showerheads that include a handheld model are ideal for assisting others in bathing or for rinsing down the shower when cleaning it. Rainfall models bring the soothing feel of a rain shower while massaging showerheads or shower panels offer the ultimate relaxation. Like with faucets, once you know the functionality you want, you can then consider styles and finishes that fit your design. You can also go for extras like digital, voice, or device-controlled settings. Each family member can save their preferred settings for temperature, water pressure, and more!
- Tubs and tub fillers depend on your available space and your preferred bathing options. If you have enough room in your bath design, consider including a separate shower and bathtub, particularly with an on-trend freestanding tub. If space is more limited you may want to go for a larger shower in place of a separate tub, or a shower/tub combination. Tub materials include porcelain, acrylic, stone, and more, and you can add extras like whirlpool jet features. The tub filler is simply a special kind of faucet that uses a high-water flow rate to fill the tub quickly, meaning it is still warm when the tub is full. Tub fillers can be found in deck, wall, or floor mount models, and come in different styles and finishes to complement your design style.
- Toilets are a necessity, but the latest options let you customize your style and experience. Basic toilets come in one- or two-piece models, with one-piece being more streamlined and carrying a higher price tag. A wall-mounted toilet with a concealed tank offers a sleek option that is ideal for a contemporary or spa-style bathroom. The latest innovations also include remote- or app-controlled functions like self-cleaning, heated seats, and noise-masking.
What are the top kitchen design plumbing fixtures?
In a kitchen design, plumbing fixtures are focused on sinks and faucets. Depending on how you use your kitchen, you may decide to include extras such as a pot filler, beverage bar sink, or a workstation sink.
Here are the top options for kitchen plumbing fixtures:
- Kitchen sinks are one of the hardest working tools in any kitchen design, where you wash hands, prepare food, and clear up dishes and pots. They are a focal point of a kitchen’s work, so make sure you select a model that lives up to your functional needs. Kitchen sink options include top mount, undermount, and apron front, as well as single or double bowl, sink size, and material. Sinks are typically stainless steel, but other options include cast iron, granite, quartz, and composite. Each option brings a unique edge to your kitchen’s style, and each one varies in durability, price, and maintenance requirements.
- Kitchen faucets, like their bathroom counterparts, come in a range of styles and finishes to complement an array of kitchen design styles. Satin finishes are ideal for a busy household, as they are less likely to show up fingerprints. Stainless and polished chrome are also still popular options, while matte black and gold are other on-trend choices that fit well with today’s kitchen styles. Consider going for extra features like a pull-down spray model, pull-out sprayer, or touchless faucet control. Some faucets even come with options to provide filtered, carbonated, or boiling water on demand. In a large kitchen design, you may install more than one sink, each with different faucet requirements, such as a main sink and a beverage bar sink. Alternatively, install one sink and faucet designated for food prep and another specifically for cleanup.
Pick the perfect plumbing fixtures for your kitchen design or bathroom remodel.
Water is central to any kitchen design or bathroom remodel, so your plumbing fixtures are an essential component of your functional needs in a remodeling project. Plumbing fixtures also enhance your room’s aesthetic, as they come in an array of styles, colors, materials, and finishes. Think about your home and family’s needs when selecting plumbing fixtures and consider how these elements fit into your overall design style. An experienced kitchen or bath design professional can work with you to create your ideal design with the perfect products to complete your space. Contact our team to learn more!