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CREATE YOUR DREAM BATHROOM
WITH VESSEL SINKS:
What You
Should Consider When Designing a Bathroom
A bathroom
is a room that may have different functions depending on the
cultural context. In the most literal sense, the word bathroom
means "a room with a bath". Because the traditional bathtubs
have partly made way for modern showers, including steam showers,
the more general definition is "a room where one bathes". There
can be just a shower, just a bathtub or both; and often both
plumbing fixtures are combined in the bathtub. The room may
also contain a sink, often called a "wash basin", "hand basin"
or "lavatory", and often a toilet fixture.
In the United
States, bathrooms are generally categorized as a "full bathroom"
(or "full bath"), containing four plumbing fixtures: bathtub,
shower, toilet, and sink; "half (1/2) bath" (or "powder room")
containing just a toilet and sink; and "3/4 bath" containing
toilet, sink, and shower, although the terms vary from market
to market. In some U.S. markets, a toilet, sink, and shower
are considered a "full bath". This lack of a single, universal
definition commonly results in discrepancies between advertised
and actual number of baths in real estate listings. An additional
complication is that there are currently two ways of notating
the number of bathrooms in a dwelling. One method is to count
a half bathroom as ".5" and then add this to the number of full
bathrooms (e.g., "2.5" baths would mean 2 full baths and 1 half
bath). The other, newer method is to put the number of full
bathrooms to the left side of the decimal point and to put the
number of half bathrooms to the right of the decimal point (e.g.,
"2.1" would mean 2 full baths and 1 half bath; "3.2" would mean
3 full baths and 2 half baths).
A bathroom
directly connected to a bedroom is often called an en-suite
bathroom. Its use is primarily intended for the occupants of
that bedroom only. In French the term "en-suite" literally means
"a following", in this case referring to the bathroom being
part of the bedroom to which it is attached. A bathroom adjacent
to or directly connected to a master bedroom in a private home
is generally called a master bathroom, unless it is shared by
other bedrooms or is the only bathroom in the home. An en-suite
bathroom attached to two bedrooms is sometimes referred to as
a "Jack and Jill bathroom". Travelers often get confused regarding
different types of bathrooms when booking rooms in hotels and
bed and breakfast accommodation. Some common questions relate
to en-suite, "private" and "shared" bathrooms (sometimes called
"facilities"). Both en-suite and private bathrooms are for the
exclusive use of the occupants of a particular bedroom. An en-suite
bathroom is accessed from within the bedroom, however, whereas
a private bathroom is accessed from outside the bedroom but
is normally adjacent or near to the bedroom. A shared bathroom
is a bathroom outside of any bedroom that is shared between
guests staying in two or more separate bedrooms. Although the
word bathroom may be used, this can refer to a room with a shower
rather than a bath. The bathroom would also normally include
a toilet as well as washing facilities.
Design
considerations
Electrical
appliances, such as lights, heaters, and heated towel rails,
generally need to be installed as fixtures, with permanent connections
rather than plugs and sockets. This minimizes the risk of electric
shock. Ground-fault circuit interruptor electrical sockets can
reduce the risk of electric shock, and are required for bathroom
socket installation by electrical and building codes in the
United States.
Water may
be splashed on the walls and floor, and hot humid air may cause
condensation on cold surfaces. From a decorating point of view
the bathroom presents a challenge. Ceiling, wall and floor materials
and coverings should be impervious to water and readily and
easily cleaned. The use of ceramic or glass, as well as smooth
plastic materials, is common in bathrooms for their ease of
cleaning. Such surfaces are often cold to the touch, however,
and so water-resistant bath mats or even bathroom carpets may
be used on the floor to make the room more comfortable. Alternatively,
the floor may be heated, possibly by strategically placing heater
conduits close to the surface.
Designing
If you want
to change the design of your existing bathroom, a simple way to
transform the look is by adding a new vanity. Installing a vessel
sink vanity can instantly change the look from traditional to
contemporary.
STYLE
Start scouring those magazines that you see in the waiting rooms...
make sure you check out the local design studios and design tradeshows.
Styles change year to year, so if you want to keep up with current
trends make sure you do some research. Check out the various choices
of vessel sinks at Top10Vesselsinks.com
MATERIALS
"For master baths, no material is too luxurious or too unusual.
Whether it is installing travertine tile from floor to ceiling,
find a rare type of granite countertops, or buying a one-of-a-kind
decorative bathroom vanity, the options are endless" One of the
most interesting is converting old antiques into vanities for
vessel sinks.
The two most
important decisions to make when installing a vessel sink are
the material and the faucet type.
When
choosing the right vessel sink for your home, one needs to take
a few factors that will go with the design and architecture of
your home into consideration:
FINDING
YOUR VESSEL SINK STYLE:
If
you have a contemporary home,
glass and ceramic vessels show clean contemporary styles to go
with your home décor. For example using frosted glass vessel sinks
that come in different shapes and colors. Some are funky and look
like wildeyed glass with different mixture of colors. If you are
using glass counters, highlight them by using a light underneath
or directly above the sink. You and your guest will not want to
leave your bathroom.
If
your home is more on the traditional side; for example a Victorian
or Craftsman style, there a lot of options to choose from. Ceramic
vessel sink with floral design for a Victorian powder room. With
a Craftsman style home, try glass with deep color more on the
earthy side like golden brown. A vessel sink made of stone or
concrete goes well with the Craftsman and Old World design. Gives
it that rustic feel and texture.
CHOOSING
THE RIGHT VESSEL SINK MATERIAL:
Glass:
The most popular vessel sink material. It is wonderful to see
into and through the glass when the water is running. Glass vessel
sinks come in never ending different colors, designs and shapes.
Some even mimic wood and other textures like rope. The big thing
about glass is you always make sure to clean it up after each
use, especially after brushing your teeth, making sure that the
toothpaste marks are wiped off . The price range for a simple
glass vessel sink can start from the low $100's but the hand blown
with unique artistic designs can cost up to $2,500 a piece.
Stone:
Vessel sinks made of stone are the second most popular material
and are probably the most durable of all materials. Onyx, marble,
granite, concrete, and travertine stones are some of the stone
materials to choose from. They can be used in all types of homes,
from contemporary to craftsman style homes. They can also be very
expensive, since they are made from expensive natural materials.
Usually stone vessel sinks are cut from a single block of stone
adding to the cost.
Ceramic/China:
This is the third most popular material. Vessel sinks made of
ceramics are easy to maintain and clean. They also come in different
shapes and colors. Being over the counter they create beautiful
and unique shape and feel to the bathroom.
Stainless
Steel: Vessel sinks out of stainless is a good choice to use
in your wet bar or sink next to your stove. The finish will go
with your kitchen and bar appliances. They are usually one of
the higher maintenance of the vessel sinks.
Metals
(Copper, Brass, Bronze, and Nickel): Copper is probably the
most popular metal finish vessel sink available in the market.
Copper is also a disenfectant for germs.
Wood:
Still popular and are found in many home is wood vessel sinks.
They come with finishes that are water-proof. Wood needs special
care and attention, but once properly maintained it can be very
rewarding especially if you use it in bathrooms less frequented
or in a spa-like retreat atmosphere.
VESSEL
SINK SHAPES:
Round
or Oval: This is the most common shapes for vessel sinks.
Because they have the highest production volume they usually are
less expensive than other types of sinks.
Square:
Used in smaller counter spaces.
Rectangle/Oblong:
This is a good shape choice. This gives water plenty of room to
move around in the sink and therefore has more functional element
to them other than design shape.
Shell
Shaped/Tapered: Used in themes and children's bathroom, this
shape can add beauty and charm.
Triangle:
Although not as popular as the other shapes, this is for a unique
take on sinks and contemporary fee.
As
you can see there are many options to choose from. If you really
want to have something that is eye-catching and unique, have it
custom-made. However, with more and more new kinds and of vessel
sinks coming onto the market daily, you many times can find a
unique style that will work right at your finger tips at Top10vesselsinks.com.
One thing also to remember you can order custom sinks from Top10vesselsinks.com
but like anything else there can be a lead time from a few weeks
to a few months on custom pieces depending how complex they are.
NOW
LETS CHOOSE A FAUCET
After
choosing your vessel sinks, you want to choose vessel faucets.
Vessel-sink faucets are meant for use with above-counter vessel
sinks. The faucet you choose must have a spout that is long and
high enough to reach the bowl. You may also consider a wall-mounted
faucet. There are two types of vessel sink faucet types:
MOUNTING TYPES OF VESSEL SINK FAUCETS
Counter
top mount faucets:
These vessel faucets are higher than your normal faucets because
they raise higher than the height of the vessel sink.
Wall-mounted
faucets: Bbecoming more and more popular since mounting faucets
on the wall can save counter space by pushing your bowl closer
to the wall. There is then no need to save space for a faucet
on your countertop.
STYLES
OF VESSEL SINK FAUCETS
Modern/Contemporary
Style:
most vessel faucets come in modern styles since those opting for
vessel sinks like those made of glass. Clean lines and shape is
a distinctive characteristic of a contemporary style vessel faucet.
Vintage/Classical
Style: These are styles that come in curves and forms that
would go well in a traditional- like the Victorian, Old World,
and Country French style homes.
FINISHES OF VESSEL SINK FAUCETS
Vessel
faucets come in varios choices of metal finishes. Some of them
come with glass spouts as well. Please note that different finishes
have different prices. Remember to choose the right finish with
the drains and accessories for a more cohesive look. Examples
of finishes include: Chrome, Brass, Bronze, Nickel, Copper, Gold
Metallic, Pewter, Painted
VARIOUS
SPOUTS OF VESSEL SINK FAUCETS
Cascade/Waterfall
vessel faucets: Usually made of wider spouts, these types
of faucets can add drama to your bathroom. The water cascades
into the glass vessel sink creating an illusion of a waterfall.
Narrow
mouthed spout: This is similar to standard faucets, the water
flows straight down.
Wide
mouthed spout: This allows for more water coverage like the
cascading waterfall type
VESSEL
SINK FAUCETS HANDLES
Single
lever handle: This is very common with the tall counter mounted
faucets.
Double
handle: double handle means one on each side.
Separate
handles (single or double): Used mainly for wall mounted faucets.
Last Tip: Also consider the complexity of installing the
faucet. Wall mounted faucets are more complicated, which may require
a few plumbing adjustments. It may be worth considering hiring
a plumber to do the work; especially if this is the first time
you are going to tackle this type of installation.
Your
bathroom can be one that is designed for heavy traffic or light
traffice. It may be one of the few places you can relax for maybe
just a few minutes. Remeber ideas are critical in designing a
bathroom. Look at pictures, books and magazines. Make your notes
and find out what jumps out at you. Make sure you do not duplicate
what you see in the magazines, but come up with your own new unique
style that is a reflection of your personality.
REMEMBER
- Vessel Sinks create a decorative mood that set the tone for
the entire bathroom.
Installing a vessel sink can instantly change the look from traditional
to contemporary. Simply,
people experience a bathroom via the sink. Most people entering
a bathroom will look at or use the sink. This makes the vessel
sink the centerpiece in the bathroom. People respond to it and
love vessel sinks because of the many colors, shapes and options
for personal taste and style. Vessel sinks have been very popular
and exclusive in high end homes and fine dining across the world.
Since the arrival of vessel sinks, they have been increasingly
gaining ground in homes across the United States.

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