When it comes to things like home renovations and updates, kitchens, and bathrooms are at the top of the list of priorities. These areas not only serve functionally but are where the households and guests tend to share space and enjoy this environment.
Choosing the right fixtures is both an aesthetic need and also helps create value for your home. We will go over a few insights into what fixture may need an upgrade and why, as well as the benefits of giving your home an update with a little more appealing TLC.
Kitchen Fixture Options
Kitchen fixture options are often some of the most used and most seen when it comes to guests in your home. there are more than a few things to consider for the focal points of your kitchen.
Faucets
The faucet is a focal point in any kitchen, and selecting the right one can greatly enhance both functionality and style as well as choosing one that can last for years to come.
• Pull-Down and Pull-Out Faucets: These types of faucets are known for a very versatile and convenient experience. These feature the spray head many of us have become accustomed to that can be pulled down or out which makes cleaning the sink and dishes easier.
• Touchless Faucets: These modern touchless faucets add a touch of luxury and they also improve hygiene by allowing you to turn the water on and off with a wave of your hand. Not to mention, kids and adults find them quite fun and a bit magical.
• Bridge Faucets: This is a classic and vintage look. Bridge faucets have been around a long time and feature a distinctive design where the hot and cold water handles are connected by a horizontal bar.
Sinks
The sink is another element in your kitchen that combines utility with design and is something meant to last for many years.
• Undermount Sinks: These sinks are very common where they are installed beneath the countertop, creating a seamless look and making countertop cleanup easy.
• Farmhouse Sinks: A classic favorite. The farmhouse sinks are deep and spacious, ideal for large families but also are ideal for those looking to create a more vintage look to their kitchen of a bygone era.
• Integrated Sinks: These sinks are made from the same material as the countertop, providing a sleek and very seamless appearance. If you are looking for that ultra-modern appeal that makes it easy to clean as well, this may be the choice for you.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential in the kitchen for both practicality and ambiance. This is a choice that can be completely for design integration or pure fun to give the room a little something extra.
A few considerations that may go with your sense of style include:
• Pendant Lights: Pendant lights are an excellent choice when it comes to illuminating specific areas. They are not very intrusive and come in so many different designs, that you could spend hours looking for the right style for you to get that customized look.
• Under-Cabinet Lighting: This is a type of lighting that is installed under cabinets to provide direct light on countertops. This type of lighting has changed a lot over the years with improvements in LED lighting and more color options and aesthetics that can give a more intimate and calm feel in comparison to overhead lighting.
• Recessed Lighting: Recessed lights are installed into the ceiling and provide a clean lighting solution. Recessed, or can lighting has also come along with color, materials, and styles to be far less obtrusive and more minimal than in years past. They are ideal for general illumination and can be paired with other lighting types.
Bathroom Fixture Options
Bathroom fixtures get a lot of attention when you think of how often they are used and also by the guests in your home. This is where functionality and design play a big part in decision-making.
Faucets
Bathroom faucets come in a variety of styles and finishes to match your design preferences. This is also where a bit of fun and style in selecting a faucet happens.
• Single-Hole Faucets: These faucets are easy to install and clean. If you want a sleek and modern look or a more rustic look, the style choices are endless here as well.
• Widespread Faucets: With separate handles for hot and cold water, this classic widespread faucet design provides a clean and elegant appearance. They are easy to use and ideal if you have a bathroom with a very large sink or vanity area.
• Wall-Mounted Faucets: These faucets are mounted on the wall above the sink, freeing up countertop space and adding a contemporary touch to the bathroom. Some interesting designs are mirror-mounted faucets and both minimalist and ornate faucets for your specific design sense.
Sinks
The sink is a central element in any bathroom and comes in various designs to suit different styles and needs that will correlate with the faucet design of your choice.
• Vessel Sinks: These sinks sit on top of the countertop and create a striking visual statement. They come in a wide variety of styles and you can customize your look with various materials, including glass, stone, and ceramic.
• Pedestal Sinks: Pedestal sinks are freestanding units that offer a great space-saving solution. These are perfect for smaller bathrooms or rooms that do not need cabinet and vanity space.
• Integrated Sinks: Similar to kitchen integrated sinks, these are made from the same material as the countertop, providing a smooth and cohesive look. If a modern or Scandinavian style is your cup of tea, this may be a great choice for you.
Showerheads
Not to be overlooked, upgrading your showerhead can significantly improve your showering experience. There are more styles than ever for the wide range of bathrooms and showers.
• Rainfall Showerheads: These showerheads provide a definite spa-like experience by simulating natural rainfall. They are typically larger and provide a gentle, even flow of water, and there are styles out there that include a dual showerhead with a waterfall flow for an extra added spa-like feel. Most importantly, they are fun and look amazing.
• Handheld Showerheads: Handheld showerheads offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to direct the water where you need it. They are particularly useful for cleaning the shower and for those homes that need ease in bathing children or pets.
• Dual Showerheads: Dual showerheads combine the features of a fixed showerhead and a handheld showerhead, offering versatility and an enhanced shower experience. These are a very modern and common choice that combines traditional with a spa-like experience with that much-needed convenience.
Final Decisions
Now that you have made some choices, make sure to give a little extra thought to things like finishes and materials used in your fixtures. You may also consider eco-friendly fixtures for that environmental footprint.
Make surer to have key points ready when making fixture choices:
• Consider your budget.
• Understand and match your style.
• Combine functionality with style.
• Think about the maintenance involved in your choice.
Lastly, most fixtures explain the water-saving elements to them, so just make sure they are the right fit for your home and style. Your kitchen and bathroom are investments for fixtures that showcase your design and the identity of your home to others, so enjoy selecting from this wide array of choices to make your home environment special.
When you have those questions and concerns about fixtures and plumbing help to make your fixture replacement decision, always reach out to The Plumbing Doctor® to help get you going in the right direction.