Bathroom and Kitchen Remodels and Decorating Tips

[Deactivated member 42515]

HI:

I'll just continue to post (alone) in my thread.....dumdeedum....

No surprise I will be getting this 'sink"......

http://www.kohler.ca/onlinecatalog/suites_collections_details.jsp?item=14435102&prod_num=Briolette&category=18

cheers--Sharon

DH and I have been on a standstill for a while about our master bath because we couldn't agree on a sink. But I showed him this one and he loved it too! Hope you don't mind me putting one in my bathroom too!

 

[webdiva]

Ditto on the Toto toilets! We have the dual flush and it's awesome! Aquia 2. Learned all about them on the Toilet Forums! And yes, I'm serious!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I'll just continue to post (alone) in my thread.....dumdeedum....

No surprise I will be getting this 'sink"......

http://www.kohler.ca/onlinecatalog/suites_collections_details.jsp?item=14435102&prod_num=Briolette&category=18

cheers--Sharon

DH and I have been on a standstill for a while about our master bath because we couldn't agree on a sink. But I showed him this one and he loved it too! Hope you don't mind me putting one in my bathroom too!

The bathroom I am putting the sink in, is in a high traffic area--so I hope I don't regret it. My only concern would be dropping something in it and breaking it. Both my DH and I have dropped bottles (my foundation for eg) on our marble vanity in the Master and chipped the edges.

Don't mind at all!

cheers--Sharon

 

[canuk-gal]

Ditto on the Toto toilets! We have the dual flush and it's awesome! Aquia 2. Learned all about them on the Toilet Forums! And yes, I'm serious!

Which toilet forum? I want to go there too! (do they discuss bathtubs???)

cheers--Sharon

 

[webdiva]

Ditto on the Toto toilets! We have the dual flush and it's awesome! Aquia 2. Learned all about them on the Toilet Forums! And yes, I'm serious!

Which toilet forum? I want to go there too! (do they discuss bathtubs???)

cheers--Sharon

http://www.terrylove.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?3-Toilet-Forum-discussions

Look! Bathtub forum on there! http://www.terrylove.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?5-Shower-amp-bathtub-Forum-amp-Blog

I was a serious geek about researching all our bathroom and kitchen stuff! Also spent a lot of time on ikea-fans.com learning how to "hack" our ikea kitchen to make a washer/dryer cabinet!

 

[canuk-gal]

Ditto on the Toto toilets! We have the dual flush and it's awesome! Aquia 2. Learned all about them on the Toilet Forums! And yes, I'm serious!

Which toilet forum? I want to go there too! (do they discuss bathtubs???)

cheers--Sharon

http://www.terrylove.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?3-Toilet-Forum-discussions

Look! Bathtub forum on there! http://www.terrylove.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?5-Shower-amp-bathtub-Forum-amp-Blog

I was a serious geek about researching all our bathroom and kitchen stuff! Also spent a lot of time on ikea-fans.com learning how to "hack" our ikea kitchen to make a washer/dryer cabinet!

I love that place! Thanks SO much!!!

 

[rainwood]

Sharon -

If you love to do research, go to the Garden Web forums. I've picked up tons of info on there. I particularly like the Kitchens, Appliances, and Baths forums there.

 

[canuk-gal]

Sharon -

If you love to do research, go to the Garden Web forums. I've picked up tons of info on there. I particularly like the Kitchens, Appliances, and Baths forums there.

Will revisit soon since I am likely to do the kitchen next. Need inspiration for "French" Country colored cabinets..to go with complicated granite and backsplash!

Of course this is silly, but I am noticing all the bathrooms in restaurants I visit--new funky place in town had my fav TOTO toilet!

cheers--Sharon

 

[ksinger]

I only have one word for all of this: Houzz.

I'm planning a bathroom remodel and that place has sucked more of my time than I care to admit. But hey, it's also given me oodles of ideas AND information. It has helped me with design ideas and helped me narrow down choices, including whether or not I wanted a shower door, the width of the shower curb, tile (OMG the tile choices!!), lighting, drain (linear!) and so much more.

And yes to the Toto. I was in a local fixture showroom and the guy really waved me away from Kohler. I went behind him and did the research and all he said rings true. I do like the Kohler sinks though. I'm sticking with the Kohler Memoirs Stately even though I've ditched the matching toilet idea...

Anyone here in love with Walker Zanger tile? I'm going to do at least part of the shower surround in their turquoise Mantra mosaic. Mmm!

 

[canuk-gal]

I only have one word for all of this: Houzz.

I'm planning a bathroom remodel and that place has sucked more of my time than I care to admit. But hey, it's also given me oodles of ideas AND information. It has helped me with design ideas and helped me narrow down choices, including whether or not I wanted a shower door, the width of the shower curb, tile (OMG the tile choices!!), lighting, drain (linear!) and so much more.

And yes to the Toto. I was in a local fixture showroom and the guy really waved me away from Kohler. I went behind him and did the research and all he said rings true. I do like the Kohler sinks though. I'm sticking with the Kohler Memoirs Stately even though I've ditched the matching toilet idea...

Anyone here in love with Walker Zanger tile? I'm going to do at least part of the shower surround in their turquoise Mantra mosaic. Mmm!

HI:

Must check out Houzz! Will look upo the tile you refer to since I am otherwise clueless. Kohler sinks are good as are the tubs.

cheers--Sharon

 

[rosetta]

I only have one word for all of this: Houzz.

I'm planning a bathroom remodel and that place has sucked more of my time than I care to admit. But hey, it's also given me oodles of ideas AND information. It has helped me with design ideas and helped me narrow down choices, including whether or not I wanted a shower door, the width of the shower curb, tile (OMG the tile choices!!), lighting, drain (linear!) and so much more.

And yes to the Toto. I was in a local fixture showroom and the guy really waved me away from Kohler. I went behind him and did the research and all he said rings true. I do like the Kohler sinks though. I'm sticking with the Kohler Memoirs Stately even though I've ditched the matching toilet idea...

Anyone here in love with Walker Zanger tile? I'm going to do at least part of the shower surround in their turquoise Mantra mosaic. Mmm!

HI:

Must check out Houzz! Will look upo the tile you refer to since I am otherwise clueless. Kohler sinks are good as are the tubs.

cheers--Sharon

OMG Sharon, Houzz is HOUSE **** (and I might have a slight addiction problem )

I have the iPad version and I may have saved a thousand or several thousand photos.

 

[canuk-gal]

I only have one word for all of this: Houzz.

I'm planning a bathroom remodel and that place has sucked more of my time than I care to admit. But hey, it's also given me oodles of ideas AND information. It has helped me with design ideas and helped me narrow down choices, including whether or not I wanted a shower door, the width of the shower curb, tile (OMG the tile choices!!), lighting, drain (linear!) and so much more.

And yes to the Toto. I was in a local fixture showroom and the guy really waved me away from Kohler. I went behind him and did the research and all he said rings true. I do like the Kohler sinks though. I'm sticking with the Kohler Memoirs Stately even though I've ditched the matching toilet idea...

Anyone here in love with Walker Zanger tile? I'm going to do at least part of the shower surround in their turquoise Mantra mosaic. Mmm!

HI:

Must check out Houzz! Will look upo the tile you refer to since I am otherwise clueless. Kohler sinks are good as are the tubs.

cheers--Sharon

OMG Sharon, Houzz is HOUSE **** (and I might have a slight addiction problem )

I have the iPad version and I may have saved a thousand or several thousand photos.

Rosetta:

Welllllll, just what I needed ANOTHER site to oogle...spent, well, several hours looking for that perfect color for cabinets.....

And that Walker Zanger Tile! Tile **** to be sure! They are evil to tease.....

cheers--Sharon

 

[ksinger]

(in my most evil, seductive, beguiling tone....)

But wait...that's not all! If you are into mosaics of any kind, you simply MUST look at Oceanside, Sicis, and Bisazza tile....
Each of them ALMOST pulled me from my first choice of WZ.

For the record, my shower surround (at least the main wall of it) will be done in the turquoise Mantra by WZ. The other walls of the surround and part of the bathroom will be done in a Daltile 4.5" x 12" clear light turquoise tile. Floors in 12" x 24" American Olean Volcana Rock, the cream color, and the shower base in a 5/8" tumbled crema marfil travertine mosaic.

Planning this thing is more fun than kittens!

Oh and be sure and check out some of the truly different dichroic deco tiles by Cibola Glassworks. VERY temping as borders....

 

[canuk-gal]

(in my most evil, seductive, beguiling tone....)

But wait...that's not all! If you are into mosaics of any kind, you simply MUST look at Oceanside, Sicis, and Bisazza tile....
Each of them ALMOST pulled me from my first choice of WZ.

For the record, my shower surround (at least the main wall of it) will be done in the turquoise Mantra by WZ. The other walls of the surround and part of the bathroom will be done in a Daltile 4.5" x 12" clear light turquoise tile. Floors in 12" x 24" American Olean Volcana Rock, the cream color, and the shower base in a 5/8" tumbled crema marfil travertine mosaic.

Planning this thing is more fun than kittens!

Oh and be sure and check out some of the truly different dichroic deco tiles by Cibola Glassworks. VERY temping as borders....

HI:

Sicis = no words.

cheers--Sharon

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Any opinions on glass for my vanity top--powder room? I still want the Kohler sink posted earlier....

http://www.thinkglass.com/glass-countertop-residential/bathroom/bathroom-vanity

Interesting options---I like the organic form.....(#7 I think)

cheers--Sharon

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Am redoing my kitchen cupboards, work to start Oct. 22nd...question: for those of you who have redone their kitchen did you try and match the hardware on the cupboards--to the handles on the appliances? Oddly enough my french door LG and Bosch DW and range have very similar handle styles.

Does it matter? Should I matchy-matchy or get big fish?

cheers--Sharon

 

[ksinger]

HI:

Am redoing my kitchen cupboards, work to start Oct. 22nd...question: for those of you who have redone their kitchen did you try and match the hardware on the cupboards--to the handles on the appliances? Oddly enough my french door LG and Bosch DW and range have very similar handle styles.

Does it matter? Should I matchy-matchy or get big fish?

cheers--Sharon

I'd not go matchy-matchy. Appliances can and do change - usually pretty boringly, while the hardware of your cupboards is too much of an opportunity to give your space a very personal style touch that will please your eye and get noticed by visitors. I wouldn't give that up just to match handles.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Am redoing my kitchen cupboards, work to start Oct. 22nd...question: for those of you who have redone their kitchen did you try and match the hardware on the cupboards--to the handles on the appliances? Oddly enough my french door LG and Bosch DW and range have very similar handle styles.

Does it matter? Should I matchy-matchy or get big fish?

cheers--Sharon

I'd not go matchy-matchy. Appliances can and do change - usually pretty boringly, while the hardware of your cupboards is too much of an opportunity to give your space a very personal style touch that will please your eye and get noticed by visitors. I wouldn't give that up just to match handles.

HI:


Very sensible and well stated. I'll make an effort to get across town to a couple of shops that supply unique hardware. Thanks!

cheers--Sharon

 

[webdiva]

HI:

Am redoing my kitchen cupboards, work to start Oct. 22nd...question: for those of you who have redone their kitchen did you try and match the hardware on the cupboards--to the handles on the appliances? Oddly enough my french door LG and Bosch DW and range have very similar handle styles.

Does it matter? Should I matchy-matchy or get big fish?

cheers--Sharon

You don't have to - but mine are brushed stainless and happen to match my (current - we upgraded recently) appliances. If you're in Canada - Lee Valley has awesome hardware!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Am redoing my kitchen cupboards, work to start Oct. 22nd...question: for those of you who have redone their kitchen did you try and match the hardware on the cupboards--to the handles on the appliances? Oddly enough my french door LG and Bosch DW and range have very similar handle styles.

Does it matter? Should I matchy-matchy or get big fish?

cheers--Sharon

You don't have to - but mine are brushed stainless and happen to match my (current - we upgraded recently) appliances. If you're in Canada - Lee Valley has awesome hardware!

I just checked out their catalog--thanks!! Might be worth the drive across town...

cheers--Shaorn

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Yes, yes I am still posting in my own thread....

For those of you who reno'd your BR and put in a stand alone tub--what did you do for the shower? Did you eliminate it altogether? Get one of those awesome all-in-one nozzles that they have in Europe--the fixture that stems from the same place as your tub controls? Did you worry about a shower curtain at all--or have a circular rod from the ceiling?

I am leaning toward no curtain--as we have two other showers in the house, that are used on a regular basis. I am getting to the point, where I want less clutter and fuss and just an elegant appearance. My husband calls it sterile, but what the hell!


PS I found some gorgeous hardware for my kitchen cupboards--thanks for the suggestion! Kitchen reno's start on MOnday....

cheers--Sharon

 

[ksinger]

HI:

Yes, yes I am still posting in my own thread....

For those of you who reno'd your BR and put in a stand alone tub--what did you do for the shower? Did you eliminate it altogether? Get one of those awesome all-in-one nozzles that they have in Europe--the fixture that stems from the same place as your tub controls? Did you worry about a shower curtain at all--or have a circular rod from the ceiling?

I am leaning toward no curtain--as we have two other showers in the house, that are used on a regular basis. I am getting to the point, where I want less clutter and fuss and just an elegant appearance. My husband calls it sterile, but what the hell!


PS I found some gorgeous hardware for my kitchen cupboards--thanks for the suggestion! Kitchen reno's start on MOnday....

cheers--Sharon

Hey! Glad you found some great hardware. Wasn't that fun, picking that out? I was in a local high-end hardware/plumbing showroom the other day - I've will be ordering - and have already ordered - some things from them. I was in to order door knobs (replacing my interior doors is an interim project before the bathroom re-do) , and was waiting for my salesguy to get off the phone. So I'm browsing over in the door hardware section, and noticed (like I hadn't on previous visits) a wall of cabinetry. The ceilings are quite high and it appeared that they had those narrow pull-out cabinets - you know, kinda like spice drawers? all the way to the ceiling. So I went over and started poking around and pulled one out. OMG! One giant slide-y display board after another of drawer pulls and knobs! I don't even NEED any of those and I was like ooo! ahhh!! I did not manufacture a "need" though, and only bought my doorknobs. And a foldable teak seat for the shower surround.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/693290/Guest-Bathroom-contemporary-bathroom-san-francisco

For your doorknob viewing pleasure: http://www.handlesets.com/emtek-passage-knobsets/c4393
I ordered Waverly door knobs with Lancaster backplates. I have a Lancaster entry set with the fancier knob, but the price was a bit steep for that knob on 6 doors, so I settled for just echoing the entry with the backplate. Oh, and bit of random doorknob advice? Don't ever get satin nickel on an entry set. Emtek is a better than decent brand, but after a few years of constant use - as an entry set will get - you wear that nickel coating right off, and you're back to the underlying brass in those places where you touch it all the time. Needless to say I ordered antiqued brass for the rest of the knobs. Might as well start our like you're going to end up, right?

As for your tub, I can't say from personal experience, because I don't have room for a stand-alone tub. But it sounds like you are putting it in an alcove and that you'll really only be using it for baths. In that case, I'd go without a curtain too, although I must say that so many of the pictures I see on Houzz are of these HUUUUGE bathrooms with the tubs out in the middle of the room, and honestly, that level of exposure (yes, I know you're still supposed to be in there by yourself) just creeps me out. Maybe I've just been conditioned by small houses and smaller baths.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Yes, yes I am still posting in my own thread....

For those of you who reno'd your BR and put in a stand alone tub--what did you do for the shower? Did you eliminate it altogether? Get one of those awesome all-in-one nozzles that they have in Europe--the fixture that stems from the same place as your tub controls? Did you worry about a shower curtain at all--or have a circular rod from the ceiling?

I am leaning toward no curtain--as we have two other showers in the house, that are used on a regular basis. I am getting to the point, where I want less clutter and fuss and just an elegant appearance. My husband calls it sterile, but what the hell!


PS I found some gorgeous hardware for my kitchen cupboards--thanks for the suggestion! Kitchen reno's start on MOnday....

cheers--Sharon

Hey! Glad you found some great hardware. Wasn't that fun, picking that out? I was in a local high-end hardware/plumbing showroom the other day - I've will be ordering - and have already ordered - some things from them. I was in to order door knobs (replacing my interior doors is an interim project before the bathroom re-do) , and was waiting for my salesguy to get off the phone. So I'm browsing over in the door hardware section, and noticed (like I hadn't on previous visits) a wall of cabinetry. The ceilings are quite high and it appeared that they had those narrow pull-out cabinets - you know, kinda like spice drawers? all the way to the ceiling. So I went over and started poking around and pulled one out. OMG! One giant slide-y display board after another of drawer pulls and knobs! I don't even NEED any of those and I was like ooo! ahhh!! I did not manufacture a "need" though, and only bought my doorknobs. And a foldable teak seat for the shower surround.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/693290/Guest-Bathroom-contemporary-bathroom-san-francisco

For your doorknob viewing pleasure: http://www.handlesets.com/emtek-passage-knobsets/c4393
I ordered Waverly door knobs with Lancaster backplates. I have a Lancaster entry set with the fancier knob, but the price was a bit steep for that knob on 6 doors, so I settled for just echoing the entry with the backplate. Oh, and bit of random doorknob advice? Don't ever get satin nickel on an entry set. Emtek is a better than decent brand, but after a few years of constant use - as an entry set will get - you wear that nickel coating right off, and you're back to the underlying brass in those places where you touch it all the time. Needless to say I ordered antiqued brass for the rest of the knobs. Might as well start our like you're going to end up, right?

As for your tub, I can't say from personal experience, because I don't have room for a stand-alone tub. But it sounds like you are putting it in an alcove and that you'll really only be using it for baths. In that case, I'd go without a curtain too, although I must say that so many of the pictures I see on Houzz are of these HUUUUGE bathrooms with the tubs out in the middle of the room, and honestly, that level of exposure (yes, I know you're still supposed to be in there by yourself) just creeps me out. Maybe I've just been conditioned by small houses and smaller baths.

Hey to you KS;

That fold out is a great idea!!! Wish I had thought of it before we did out basement--that shower is very large and could have easily accomodated a fold out....

I like your choice of exterior knobs. Our is the large Orb! (egg) We will be replacing our exterior doors and side panels, also. Gosh, if isn't one thing or another! And on this subject--if you cannot get the color on your new exterior door to match your house--what color does one get?

I found the assortment/choice in the hardware a little overwhelming, because of the vast selection. Thing is, I hate decorating. I am NOT that gal who could spend hours looking....and dreaming.....I jsut want to go in and get it down. I saw a few walls and panels or options, then ZING the handles/knobs popped out, and that was that.

In short, I've always disliked shower curtains. Necessary evil if you don't have doors/screen. Hence I believe I will eliminate it altogether--and yes our tub will be in a formal space--the window being opposite, so no "unnecessary" exposures.... I will purchase a Kohler or Grohe tap mechanism that has a shower unit on it... (my kitchen hardware is Grohe and if the BR units work as well and look as beautiful, then great)

BTW I saw SHOCKED at the price of our interior/pantry door--the LABOUR to hang it was MORE than the prodcut. It is a lovely french oak door with glass, but SHEESH!

cheers--Sharon

 

[ksinger]

HI:

Yes, yes I am still posting in my own thread....

For those of you who reno'd your BR and put in a stand alone tub--what did you do for the shower? Did you eliminate it altogether? Get one of those awesome all-in-one nozzles that they have in Europe--the fixture that stems from the same place as your tub controls? Did you worry about a shower curtain at all--or have a circular rod from the ceiling?

I am leaning toward no curtain--as we have two other showers in the house, that are used on a regular basis. I am getting to the point, where I want less clutter and fuss and just an elegant appearance. My husband calls it sterile, but what the hell!


PS I found some gorgeous hardware for my kitchen cupboards--thanks for the suggestion! Kitchen reno's start on MOnday....

cheers--Sharon

Hey! Glad you found some great hardware. Wasn't that fun, picking that out? I was in a local high-end hardware/plumbing showroom the other day - I've will be ordering - and have already ordered - some things from them. I was in to order door knobs (replacing my interior doors is an interim project before the bathroom re-do) , and was waiting for my salesguy to get off the phone. So I'm browsing over in the door hardware section, and noticed (like I hadn't on previous visits) a wall of cabinetry. The ceilings are quite high and it appeared that they had those narrow pull-out cabinets - you know, kinda like spice drawers? all the way to the ceiling. So I went over and started poking around and pulled one out. OMG! One giant slide-y display board after another of drawer pulls and knobs! I don't even NEED any of those and I was like ooo! ahhh!! I did not manufacture a "need" though, and only bought my doorknobs. And a foldable teak seat for the shower surround.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/693290/Guest-Bathroom-contemporary-bathroom-san-francisco

For your doorknob viewing pleasure: http://www.handlesets.com/emtek-passage-knobsets/c4393
I ordered Waverly door knobs with Lancaster backplates. I have a Lancaster entry set with the fancier knob, but the price was a bit steep for that knob on 6 doors, so I settled for just echoing the entry with the backplate. Oh, and bit of random doorknob advice? Don't ever get satin nickel on an entry set. Emtek is a better than decent brand, but after a few years of constant use - as an entry set will get - you wear that nickel coating right off, and you're back to the underlying brass in those places where you touch it all the time. Needless to say I ordered antiqued brass for the rest of the knobs. Might as well start our like you're going to end up, right?

As for your tub, I can't say from personal experience, because I don't have room for a stand-alone tub. But it sounds like you are putting it in an alcove and that you'll really only be using it for baths. In that case, I'd go without a curtain too, although I must say that so many of the pictures I see on Houzz are of these HUUUUGE bathrooms with the tubs out in the middle of the room, and honestly, that level of exposure (yes, I know you're still supposed to be in there by yourself) just creeps me out. Maybe I've just been conditioned by small houses and smaller baths.

Hey to you KS;

That fold out is a great idea!!! Wish I had thought of it before we did out basement--that shower is very large and could have easily accomodated a fold out....

I like your choice of exterior knobs. Our is the large Orb! (egg) We will be replacing our exterior doors and side panels, also. Gosh, if isn't one thing or another! And on this subject--if you cannot get the color on your new exterior door to match your house--what color does one get?

I found the assortment/choice in the hardware a little overwhelming, because of the vast selection. Thing is, I hate decorating. I am NOT that gal who could spend hours looking....and dreaming.....I jsut want to go in and get it down. I saw a few walls and panels or options, then ZING the handles/knobs popped out, and that was that.

In short, I've always disliked shower curtains. Necessary evil if you don't have doors/screen. Hence I believe I will eliminate it altogether--and yes our tub will be in a formal space--the window being opposite, so no "unnecessary" exposures.... I will purchase a Kohler or Grohe tap mechanism that has a shower unit on it... (my kitchen hardware is Grohe and if the BR units work as well and look as beautiful, then great)

BTW I saw SHOCKED at the price of our interior/pantry door--the LABOUR to hang it was MORE than the prodcut. It is a lovely french oak door with glass, but SHEESH!

cheers--Sharon

Red exterior door. Always red. That's my color and I'm sticking to it. I'd draw the line at red siding or shutters though...

Shower curtains - love/hate. I love the look of the new frameless shower doors/enclosures, but our space is so small it wouldn't be practical. You'd bang your elbows getting ready in the morning, and I KNOW my man will NOT squeegee a door, so I'D be cleaning it all the time and I'd be constantly pissed off about it. Bad for domestic tranquility, you know? Not to mention the expense of those things - I nearly had a coronary pricing JUST a fixed glass barrier about half the width of the enclosure. No moving parts even! No, I've given in to the shower curtain, after going in circles for a bit.

Yeah, I haven't picked out the shower plumbing yet - I feel a bit overwhelmed by that little task - there's SO many choices out there. I've wondered about the Grohe stuff. I've seen some of it in person, and been told it's good - albeit pricey - but I wonder how easy/costly it is if it needs repair, being a foreign company and all. And I don't need anything fancy - I just want a hand shower setup - no jets, no steam, no raincan, just a handset. That practical thing again - I have champagne tastes, but we both take quick, efficient showers.

And don't tell me that about the install costs on doors. I'm in permanent flinch mode right now - I've got SIX to do. Just an inexpensive 6 panel slab door and knob combo is about $120, without labor. I'm hoping a good friend of ours who does construction can hook us up with a good guy to do that...

 

[canuk-gal]

Hey! Glad you found some great hardware. Wasn't that fun, picking that out? I was in a local high-end hardware/plumbing showroom the other day - I've will be ordering - and have already ordered - some things from them. I was in to order door knobs (replacing my interior doors is an interim project before the bathroom re-do) , and was waiting for my salesguy to get off the phone. So I'm browsing over in the door hardware section, and noticed (like I hadn't on previous visits) a wall of cabinetry. The ceilings are quite high and it appeared that they had those narrow pull-out cabinets - you know, kinda like spice drawers? all the way to the ceiling. So I went over and started poking around and pulled one out. OMG! One giant slide-y display board after another of drawer pulls and knobs! I don't even NEED any of those and I was like ooo! ahhh!! I did not manufacture a "need" though, and only bought my doorknobs. And a foldable teak seat for the shower surround.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/693290/Guest-Bathroom-contemporary-bathroom-san-francisco

For your doorknob viewing pleasure: http://www.handlesets.com/emtek-passage-knobsets/c4393
I ordered Waverly door knobs with Lancaster backplates. I have a Lancaster entry set with the fancier knob, but the price was a bit steep for that knob on 6 doors, so I settled for just echoing the entry with the backplate. Oh, and bit of random doorknob advice? Don't ever get satin nickel on an entry set. Emtek is a better than decent brand, but after a few years of constant use - as an entry set will get - you wear that nickel coating right off, and you're back to the underlying brass in those places where you touch it all the time. Needless to say I ordered antiqued brass for the rest of the knobs. Might as well start our like you're going to end up, right?

As for your tub, I can't say from personal experience, because I don't have room for a stand-alone tub. But it sounds like you are putting it in an alcove and that you'll really only be using it for baths. In that case, I'd go without a curtain too, although I must say that so many of the pictures I see on Houzz are of these HUUUUGE bathrooms with the tubs out in the middle of the room, and honestly, that level of exposure (yes, I know you're still supposed to be in there by yourself) just creeps me out. Maybe I've just been conditioned by small houses and smaller baths.[/quote]


Hey to you KS;

That fold out is a great idea!!! Wish I had thought of it before we did out basement--that shower is very large and could have easily accomodated a fold out....

I like your choice of exterior knobs. Our is the large Orb! (egg) We will be replacing our exterior doors and side panels, also. Gosh, if isn't one thing or another! And on this subject--if you cannot get the color on your new exterior door to match your house--what color does one get?

I found the assortment/choice in the hardware a little overwhelming, because of the vast selection. Thing is, I hate decorating. I am NOT that gal who could spend hours looking....and dreaming.....I jsut want to go in and get it down. I saw a few walls and panels or options, then ZING the handles/knobs popped out, and that was that.

In short, I've always disliked shower curtains. Necessary evil if you don't have doors/screen. Hence I believe I will eliminate it altogether--and yes our tub will be in a formal space--the window being opposite, so no "unnecessary" exposures.... I will purchase a Kohler or Grohe tap mechanism that has a shower unit on it... (my kitchen hardware is Grohe and if the BR units work as well and look as beautiful, then great)

BTW I saw SHOCKED at the price of our interior/pantry door--the LABOUR to hang it was MORE than the prodcut. It is a lovely french oak door with glass, but SHEESH!

cheers--Sharon[/quote]

Red exterior door. Always red. That's my color and I'm sticking to it. I'd draw the line at red siding or shutters though...

Shower curtains - love/hate. I love the look of the new frameless shower doors/enclosures, but our space is so small it wouldn't be practical. You'd bang your elbows getting ready in the morning, and I KNOW my man will NOT squeegee a door, so I'D be cleaning it all the time and I'd be constantly pissed off about it. Bad for domestic tranquility, you know? Not to mention the expense of those things - I nearly had a coronary pricing JUST a fixed glass barrier about half the width of the enclosure. No moving parts even! No, I've given in to the shower curtain, after going in circles for a bit.

Yeah, I haven't picked out the shower plumbing yet - I feel a bit overwhelmed by that little task - there's SO many choices out there. I've wondered about the Grohe stuff. I've seen some of it in person, and been told it's good - albeit pricey - but I wonder how easy/costly it is if it needs repair, being a foreign company and all. And I don't need anything fancy - I just want a hand shower setup - no jets, no steam, no raincan, just a handset. That practical thing again - I have champagne tastes, but we both take quick, efficient showers.

And don't tell me that about the install costs on doors. I'm in permanent flinch mode right now - I've got SIX to do. Just an inexpensive 6 panel slab door and knob combo is about $120, without labor. I'm hoping a good friend of ours who does construction can hook us up with a good guy to do that...[/quote]


HI:

I asked the same question--answer was: easier to get parts than many USA made products! (and they don't "fail") For that reason I will never use Price-Pfitzer stuff again. Each tap had a part (that all failed sooner or later after years of use) had to wait a week for the the $30 insert.....for each dam tap!

cheers--Sharon

 

[Starzin]

Apologies for butting in...don't know if you resolved the towel issue. http://www.organizeit.com/free-standing-towel-racks.asp

 

[canuk-gal]

Apologies for butting in...don't know if you resolved the towel issue. http://www.organizeit.com/free-standing-towel-racks.asp

HI:

Yes, solved that problem...Thanksx!

cheer--Sharon

 

[webdiva]

Sharon,

I can HIGHLY recommend Hansgrohe. Fantastic quality and fantastic service. I got a faulty shower valve (Um, I actually ordered it via Ebay, someone was liquidating it) and they overnighted me the part to fix it no questions asked!. We also have a Hansgrohe kitchen faucet and we bought all the other shower pieces from Hansgrohe when Expo Design went out of business.

The quality and features are outstanding. The rainshower hand shower has this rubbery stuff on it so that when a little mineral deposit clogs it, you just run your fingers over it to remove it. The main shower handle has two settings - one sets your temperature and one turns it on. I hate, hate, hate having to mix the temp when I get in the shower (and get scalded or cold while mixing it) - so, voila - it's set to the exact same temperature every time I turn on the shower! Yay! We also have the shower bar with the attachable raindance hand shower so I can adjust the height since I'm short and taller guests/hubby can put it up higher.
http://www.hansgrohe-usa.com/4278.htm

It's a different company than Grohe and apparently now owned by Delta (the US company). Sometimes you can find some pieces at Costco and it's apparently the same quality.

http://www.hansgrohe-usa.com/

p.s. for shower curtains, we just use a high quality clear one. It approximates the feel of a glass shower door without the expense, clean up. I just spray it to keep it clean, and replace it every year or so. Not bad for $5-10!

 

[canuk-gal]

Sharon,

I can HIGHLY recommend Hansgrohe. Fantastic quality and fantastic service. I got a faulty shower valve (Um, I actually ordered it via Ebay, someone was liquidating it) and they overnighted me the part to fix it no questions asked!. We also have a Hansgrohe kitchen faucet and we bought all the other shower pieces from Hansgrohe when Expo Design went out of business.

The quality and features are outstanding. The rainshower hand shower has this rubbery stuff on it so that when a little mineral deposit clogs it, you just run your fingers over it to remove it. The main shower handle has two settings - one sets your temperature and one turns it on. I hate, hate, hate having to mix the temp when I get in the shower (and get scalded or cold while mixing it) - so, voila - it's set to the exact same temperature every time I turn on the shower! Yay! We also have the shower bar with the attachable raindance hand shower so I can adjust the height since I'm short and taller guests/hubby can put it up higher.
http://www.hansgrohe-usa.com/4278.htm

It's a different company than Grohe and apparently now owned by Delta (the US company). Sometimes you can find some pieces at Costco and it's apparently the same quality.

http://www.hansgrohe-usa.com/

p.s. for shower curtains, we just use a high quality clear one. It approximates the feel of a glass shower door without the expense, clean up. I just spray it to keep it clean, and replace it every year or so. Not bad for $5-10!

WD:

Thanks! I meant Hansgrohe! I love my kitchen faucet--it is a thing of beauty and function. Glad they stand behind their product. That temp technology is worth seeking....

I use a microfibre cloth to dry my glass doors after squeege--yanno in truth the new shower glass is so nice, one doesn't even need to do either. No more spots--totally worth the price. Just looks dam good!!

cheers--Sharon
cheers--Sharon

 

[ksinger]

Sharon,

I can HIGHLY recommend Hansgrohe. Fantastic quality and fantastic service. I got a faulty shower valve (Um, I actually ordered it via Ebay, someone was liquidating it) and they overnighted me the part to fix it no questions asked!. We also have a Hansgrohe kitchen faucet and we bought all the other shower pieces from Hansgrohe when Expo Design went out of business.

The quality and features are outstanding. The rainshower hand shower has this rubbery stuff on it so that when a little mineral deposit clogs it, you just run your fingers over it to remove it. The main shower handle has two settings - one sets your temperature and one turns it on. I hate, hate, hate having to mix the temp when I get in the shower (and get scalded or cold while mixing it) - so, voila - it's set to the exact same temperature every time I turn on the shower! Yay! We also have the shower bar with the attachable raindance hand shower so I can adjust the height since I'm short and taller guests/hubby can put it up higher.
http://www.hansgrohe-usa.com/4278.htm

It's a different company than Grohe and apparently now owned by Delta (the US company). Sometimes you can find some pieces at Costco and it's apparently the same quality.

http://www.hansgrohe-usa.com/

p.s. for shower curtains, we just use a high quality clear one. It approximates the feel of a glass shower door without the expense, clean up. I just spray it to keep it clean, and replace it every year or so. Not bad for $5-10!

WD:

Thanks! I meant Hansgrohe! I love my kitchen faucet--it is a thing of beauty and function. Glad they stand behind their product. That temp technology is worth seeking....

I use a microfibre cloth to dry my glass doors after squeege--yanno in truth the new shower glass is so nice, one doesn't even need to do either. No more spots--totally worth the price. Just looks dam good!!

cheers--Sharon
cheers--Sharon

Ha! You're trying to trick me!! But I'm taking NOTES. Hansgroghe, not Grohe. Right. (jk)

OOO! I just got home! Hubs picked up my doorknobs and seat! Must go look!

Grrr. They didn't give me my single lockset. Five are just passage sets but one was supposed to be a lockset. Guess hubs, who didn't check them there at the store, gets to take one back for me. Silly man.