Remodeling, Updating or Expanding Your Bathroom

Thinking about a new look for your bathroom?  During the design process, it is important to think about usage, storage and convenience in your bathroom, such as:

        o Does more than one person use the bathroom?
        o Is there adequate counter space?   
        o Do you need a second sink?
        o Do storage limitations affect the appearance and usage?
        o Are items stored in your cabinets readily accessible?               

When remodeling, the most cost effective approach is to work around existing mechanical and electrical systems, but one of the easiest ways to upgrade or update is to replace the vanity. With all the exciting color options available in laminate, hard and solid countertop surfaces, homeowners can easily match existing accessories to new fixtures, find a complimentary decorating scheme, or request custom color matching.

Today’s updated vanity tops and sinks come in many combinations, styles and options. Is your old laminate vanity top starting to separate?  Recent technological advances have provided the world’s first sinks seamlessly undermounted directly to your laminate vanity top.  Our Karran acrylic sinks are available in over a dozen undermount and self-rimming styles in both white and bisque.

Karran York sink under mounted to laminate

Karran under mount sinks can be under mounted to the following surfacing materials:
    - Laminate
    - Solid surface (Corian™, LG HI MACS®, Meganite™)
    - Hard Surfaces (Granite, Quartz, Cultured Custom Marble Concrete)

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Laminate. Granite. Quartz. Marble.  What is the difference?
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Selecting Your Sink

The simplest sinks are wall-hung; they are also the least expensive. Vanity sinks may be deck-mounted - in other words, set into a hole cut in the countertop - or part of an integral bowl and countertop (typically a cultured marble top). There are three types of deck-mounted sinks:

·Self-rimming sinks have a molded lip that rests on the countertop, around the edge of the hole. They are the easiest to install, and there are a wide variety of styles available.

·Flush or frame-rimmed sinks have a metal frame that is attached to the rim of the hole in the countertop. The sink is then fastened to the frame. In older homes, this style was typically used with laminate countertops.

·Unrimmed sinks are recessed below the surface of the countertop and held in place with metal clips or molded into the top. They are often used with ceramic tile or custom cultured marble countertops.

Size, shape and configuration are up to you!  At Kitchens and Interiors, we can custom design the bathroom environment you’ve dreamed about, or help you select a vanity top to fit standard cabinetry sizes within your space, budget and lifestyle limitations.

Bathroom Storage

New storage options in cabinetry can help keep a busy household organized.   If you have space, a Utility Cabinet in the bathroom can store towels and other necessities. Add a built in hamper and sliding shelves or bins to maximize your space.  Your vanity cabinets will provide the bulk of the storage so it's important to choose them carefully. 

There are three basic types of base cabinets. A modular (as opposed to custom-built) sink base is typically 24" to 36" wide, with false drawer fronts and doors below. A drawer base may range from 12" to 18" wide; it generally makes the most of the space, with three or four drawers. A standard vanity base has one drawer, with a door below, and also comes in 12" to 18" widths.

Combination units are also available, with drawers on one side and a false drawer front and door on the other to accommodate a sink. All modular vanities are about 30" high and either 19" or 21" deep.

A standard vanity base has one drawer; a vanity drawer sink base has three or four drawers on one side, and a false drawer front on the other.   False drawer fronts may be replaced with tilt downs and space under the sink can be enhanced with pullout racks or bins.

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Bathroom Design Tips

Some manufacturers offer decorative cabinet door inserts, including glass, that look great and provide functionality in Water Closets. 

A popular option for bathroom cabinetry is white thermofoil for a clean, sterile appearance.

Another affordable option to keep in mind when trying to organize and maximize space are Diamond Vanity SuperCabinets, pullouts, hampers, tilt downs and rollouts for under the bathroom sink.

Pullouts are most often used in kitchens to fill space (fillers) between large cabinets and organize spices or canned goods, but these sectionals are ideal storage solutions for the bathroom too.

A Base Pantry Pullout (3 or 6” wide) has shelves for small personal toiletry items such as deodorant, make up, lotion, etc

The Wall Box Column Pullout (9 or 12” wide) sections are the perfect size for larger personal toiletry items at a minimal price.

Call Kitchens and Interiors today for details!

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