Accessible Bath Style

Universal Design

The latest bath trends and safety accessories offer barrier-free design with an emphasis on style. Universal design is an approach to the design of objects, facilities and environments intended to make them easy to use by all persons, not just those with disabilities.

In addition to universal design, the following bath safety accessories can improve the overall appearance of your bathroom while making it more accessible and functional for everyone.

Bathroom Safety Tips

Bathrooms are a unique mixture of both practical and aesthetic elements. The design should include a well-planned layout styled to reflect your personality and taste but no matter how cautious people try to be, accidents happen.

Taking the following additional precautions will ensure that your bath stays stylish and safe for everyone:

• Stick double-faced carpet tape on rugs or use non-staining anti-skid mats to ensure they don’t slide on a wet floor
• Use slip-resistant floor tile
• Make certain grab bars are anchored to the wall framing
• Set hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors on a wide surface away from water sources
• Ensure all electric outlets are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected
• Use plastic glasses, soap trays and other accessories that won’t shatter if they hit a hard floor or countertop
• Lower the temperature in your water heater to 120 F and install anti-scald valves in faucets, tubs and showers
• Consider installing a cordless telephone in the bathroom, as it is a great aid for seeking assistance in cases of emergency

Playful and Practical
Children look at the bathroom as another place to play, so never leave them unsupervised in the bath. Designing a bathroom for children can be deceptively difficult. Before your children splish-splash in the bath, make certain the room is safe for lots of get-clean fun.

Consult the chart below to learn about products that make the bathroom safer and easier for them to use:

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As more and more people focus their home improvement efforts on the bathroom, expressive designs and luxury amenities are taking the place of drab white private sanctums.

EXPERT METHODS. For an impressive bathroom, it’s best to consult the experts. Architects, interior designers, remodeling contractors, and plumbing contractors may all be necessary for the most complex of projects, but an increasing number of homeowners are employing full-service design firms that both plan the room and make it come to life.

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Transform Your Bathroom

Whether your taste is contemporary, traditional or somewhere in-between, a vanity can provide a central focal point for your entire bathroom, offering both style and function. With a wealth of styles and a wide range of materials to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding a vanity that reflects your unique taste, style and personality.

In a larger bath, an ornate, intricately detailed vanity can make the room feel like an entirely different space, while smaller bathrooms will benefit from more practical vanities that feature plenty of storage for various necessities.

Selecting Your Vanity
Vanities come in a variety of styles including, single sink, double sink, corner, curved front, bow front and wall-hung. When selecting a vanity, you will want to choose one that is durable, stylish and maximizes available space.

With a wealth of designs and a wide range of materials to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect vanity for your bathroom project. Keep the following questions in mind as you shop:

• What material is the best fit for your bathroom?
• How high would you like the countertop to be?
• How large is your bathroom?
• How much space is available for the vanity?
• Who primarily uses the bathroom?
• Do you prefer a framed or frameless design?

Installation and Design Tips

Depending on how big the vanity is and how many pieces are involved, installing one can make for a great do-it-yourself project. Whether you decide to hire a professional or take the job on yourself, here are a few points to keep in mind.

With so many different types of vanities to choose from, it’s important to consider the primary function it will serve. Think about how many people will be using the bathroom, and whether or not multiple people will be using it at the same time.

In such cases, you may want to install a vanity that features two sinks instead of one to speed preparation time in the morning. If it’s being installed in a guest bathroom that’s used less frequently, you can worry less about storage space and focus more on aesthetic appeal.

Unless you’re putting it in a bathroom used primarily by younger children, consider a vanity height of around 34” inches high. Also for younger children, you’ll want plenty of space to store their favorite tub toys and a color scheme that fits in well with any decorative elements that adorn the wall or mirror.

Tools and Materials
Installing a vanity is almost the same as installing a kitchen cabinet. Some vanities have a back that will require you to cut access holes for pipes. Others have only a mounting rail, making installation much easier. The basic tools and materials you will need are: an electric drill, screwdriver bit, stud finder, a 2-foot level, utility knife, a hammer, nail set, wood screws, shims, finishing nails and a vanity. Additional accents such as trim moulding will give your vanity a more finished look.

Best Design Practices
Bathrooms are a mixture of both practical and aesthetic elements. To create a room that meets your needs, the design should include a well-planned layout styled to reflect your personality and taste.

Safety
A good design checklist is invaluable, make sure you consider every detail during the planning process. Arrange the room so the placement of fixtures is related to how much you use them and how much space is available. Also take into consideration the best location for installing plumbing and electricity.

Follow generally accepted guidelines for clearance within the bathroom, particularly around fixtures. These guidelines should be available from your local building department. Ensure the room is well lit and safe for occupants of all ages. Include plenty of storage and plan for privacy.

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If you’re remodeling your bathroom or building a new house, you’ll find that your lavatory sink options are far more plentiful than they once were. Gone are they days when a simple white, round sink was your only choice. Pedestal sinks, wall-hung sinks and vanity-mounted sinks all offer a host of colors, sizes and shapes. If you’re remodeling, a new sink can be a budget-conscious way to completely alter a bathroom’s appearance. Consider how frequently the bathroom is used, what kind of look you’re going for, and keep the following questions in mind as you shop to find the perfect fit:

• What style of sink best suits your bathroom?
• What color will fit best with your décor?
• How big does the sink need to be?
• Do you need storage room underneath?
• What materials are available, and what are the advantages of each?

Design Considerations, Styles and Materials

The frequency with which you use your bathroom will help dictate which type of sink will fit best. Seldom used guest bathrooms, for example, probably won’t require as much storage or counter space, so a stylish pedestal sink could be a perfect fit. If you’re working with a large master bathroom, you may want to consider installing multiple sinks to make it easier for two people to get ready for work simultaneously in the morning. Choose a material that will wear well, look good and fit within your budget, and select a style that is both easy to clean and attractive.

Color, Shape and Size: Choosing a color for your new sink will depend on the surrounding décor, whether you wish the sink to blend in or stand out, and your personal preferences. Available shapes include round, oval, rectangle and asymmetrical designs. Some sinks are specially designed to fit into corners while others work better out in the open. If you need storage room, install a vanity-mounted sink. If you’re installing the sink in a smaller bathroom and want to conserve floor space, choose a pedestal or wall-hung sink.

• Colors range from muted earth tones to bold, bright blues and greens
• Deeper sinks minimize the chances of water splashing back out
• Choose the largest sink you have room for to maximize available space
• 34″ is a typical installation height

Pedestal, Vessel and Wall-Hung Sinks: In smaller bathrooms, powder rooms or guest bathrooms, pedestal, vessel and wall-hung sinks can provide style without taking up a lot of floor space. Because they do not provide storage room, however, they may not work well in large or frequently used bathrooms. Be sure that the faucet spout is long enough to reach the bowl, and bear in mind that freestanding sinks don’t usually have an overflow hole and must be fitted with a grid drain. Vessel sinks, also called countertop sinks, sit directly on a counter and make a bold design statement. Faucets are often wall-mounted above a vessel sink.

• Wall-hung sinks are economical and easy to install
• Wall-hung sinks can easily accommodate wheelchairs
• Pedestal sinks offer a range of styles from Victorian to contemporary
• Pedestal sinks may require a larger up-front investment
• Choose a toilet to complement a pedestal sink’s stylized leg
• Make sure a countertop sink doesn’t sit up too high

Vanity-Mounted Sinks: If you need storage space for toilet paper, cleaning products and more, a vanity-mounted sink is the perfect choice. They do require more floor space, so you’ll want to install them in larger bathrooms. There are a number of styles available, making it easy to choose one that best suits your bathroom. Self-rimming sinks are dropped into a hole in the countertop and are easy to install, though the rim joint can be difficult to keep clean.

Integral sinks are molded from the same material as the counter, usually a solid-surface material. They are stylish and easy to install and clean, though you’ll need to replace the entire unit if either the sink or counter gets damaged. Integral sinks are often oval or round, but they may be rectangular or even trough-shaped.

• Self-rimming sinks sit just above counter level and can be matched to the faucet
• Self-rimming sinks may be more difficult to install and keep clean
• Under-mounted sinks have a low profile and emphasize the look of the countertop
• Countertops must be completely waterproof if you install an under-mounted sink
• Flush-mounted sinks are used with tile counters and have square edges equal in thickness to the tiles, allowing them to sit flush with the countertop

Materials: Most sinks are available in a wide range of materials, though some styles, such as under-mounted sinks, can only be made from certain materials. Use the chart below to learn more about some of the more commonly used materials.

Features

Shroud: If you choose to install a wall-mount sink and don’t like how the pipes look, use a shroud to cover them and provide a stylish look.

Painted Motifs: Hand-painted designs may add some cost, but they provide a unique, exquisite look. Designs may range from simple and classical to modern and intricate. You can even find animals and cartoon characters for sinks being installed into children’s bathrooms.

Etching: Glass sinks with etched bottoms are less likely to show water spots.

Console Sinks: Console sinks are a sort of hybrid mixture of a pedestal sink and a vanity. They feature a large basin and two-to-four table-like legs. Some models include storage space below for added utility.

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Adding a new faucet to your bathroom can provide a stylish accent that enhances the entire room. Select from a variety of options ranging from the economical to the elegant. High-quality faucets give you precise control, have few maintenance problems and don’t cost any more to install than less expensive units. Plan your bathroom décor around the faucet when building a new house or remodeling the bathroom. If you’re replacing an old faucet that has broken down, you’ll have no trouble finding a new one to complement your existing décor. With four basic styles and an array of finishes to choose from, you’ll be able to find the faucet that best expresses your personality while providing a high level of performance. Keep the following questions in mind as you shop:

• What faucet styles are available?
• What types of finishes can faucets feature?
• Would you prefer one or two handles?
• What type of valve should you install?
• Which spout type do you prefer?
• What features would you like to have?

Styles, Design, Finish and Installation Considerations

Faucets are generally available in four styles, including single-hole, center-set, widespread and wall mount. If you’re simply replacing an old faucet, your new faucet may need to be the same type as the old one, depending on the installation setup. If you are remodeling or building a new house, however, you’ll be able to choose from a wider range of styles and finishes. A good valve is crucial to long life, so consider installing the best one your budget will allow. Choose a finish that will look as good in ten years as it does now, one that will be at home with your current décor while providing versatility to fit in with future redecorating projects.

Styles: The design of your sink plays a large role in determining which style of faucet you decide to install. If a sink has only one hole, you’ll need to install a single-hole faucet. These units often have one handle connected to the spout, though some may have separate handles for hot and cold water. Center-set faucets combine the handles and spout on a 4″ base unit. These are the most commonly used faucets and are usually the least expensive and easiest to install. Widespread models feature hot- and cold-water valves that are separate from the spout. They are often more expensive than other styles but allow for a wide range of placement flexibility. For something different, choose a wall-mounted faucet. Pair one with an above-counter basin for an especially striking look. While they may be more difficult to install, wall-mounted faucets reduce clutter on the sink and make cleanup easier.

• Single-hole faucets are simple to install and maintain and are compact and easy to use
• Single-hole faucets are often used on smaller sinks and may have an optional cover plate
• Center-set faucets are ideal for smaller, predrilled or preexisting basins
• Widespread faucets have a standard spread of at least 8″
• Mini-widespread, or minispread, faucets have a spread of 4″

Design: Along with the style, you’ll also need to choose a spout, handle and valve for your new faucet. Spouts may be aerated or nonaerated. Aerated spouts mix air with the water and utilize a screen and restrictor to limit flow while simultaneously improving water pressure. Nonaerated spouts do not have a screen and allow water to flow freely, causing a waterfall-like effect. Handles come in a wide range of styles including ring-type cylinder, round, cross and lever and may be a single unit or separate for customized hot- and cold-water control. Touchless electronic handles help conserve water by shutting off automatically as soon as you’re done washing your hands. The internal valve mechanism is crucial to high-quality operation, as it governs the flow of water through the spout. Compression valves, which feature a rubber washer to stem the flow of water, are the most common type, but they tend to drip when the washers become worn. Consider choosing a ball, cartridge or ceramic-disc valve for better performance. The chart below details some of the features and a few points to consider for each type of valve.

Finish: Once you’ve selected a style and design, you’ll need to select a finish. Many manufacturers offer lifetime finishes that won’t tarnish over time to ensure that your faucet stays looking great for years. Commonly used finishes include chrome, brass, colored, gold plate, nickel, stainless steel and PVD. The following points identify some of the primary benefits and considerations of these finishes.

• Chrome may have a polished, brushed or matte finish and is durable and economical
• Brass is ideal for traditional styles, and faucets with lifetime finishes resist fading, scratches and corrosion
• Colored finishes may be epoxy or baked-on enamel coating and are easy to clean
• High-quality gold plate won’t tarnish, though it is more expensive
• Nickel may be brushed or satin and is stylish, durable and easy to clean
• Stainless steel is stylish and won’t show water spots, though it is often more expensive
• PVD, or physical vapor deposition, is highly durable and resists abrasion and discoloration

Installation and Care: When installing a new faucet, there are a few points you’ll want to consider. Wall-mount faucets will require a longer spout for extended reach. If you wish to install a new faucet that doesn’t utilize all of the holes in your existing sink, use metal plates called escutcheons to cover the holes. Taller faucets are easier to get your hands under for washing, but shorter faucets will minimize splashing.

• Avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaning chemicals that may damage the finish
• Gentle soap and warm water will generally be sufficient for cleaning faucets
• Extra sink holes can be utilized for sprayers, soap dispensers and more

Features

Anti-Scald Protection: If you have young children or elderly parents in your house, you may want to consider installing a faucet with built-in anti-scald protection to protect them from accidentally burning themselves.

Filtering: Sinks with filtration systems provide high-quality drinking water, helping you save money on bottled water.

Common-Valve Setup: Some newer sinks feature common-valve architecture that fits a number of different faucet styles, allowing you to remodel or upgrade your existing faucet simply by unscrewing the handle and spout from the top. Not having to reinstall the valve system under the sink will save you time and effort.

Adjustable Flow-Rate Restrictor: If you’re concerned about conserving water or live in an area where your water supply is limited, an adjustable flow-rate restrictor will give you complete control over how much water you use.