Cabinet Ideas for Every Room

Finishing Touches

Once you establish an overall layout for your bath, you´ll want to focus on other important details ranging from safety to style. Planning these items according to your lifestyle and tastes will help bring continuity and extra convenience to your bath. It will also help give you extra peace of mind and the satisfaction that comes from creating a bath you´ll be happy to use every day.

1. Include proper safety measures. Safety is a crucial issue to address in any bath for family members of any age. "Items like grab bars and non-slip flooring surfaces are essential to safety in the bath," says designer Sharon Hopkins. Also consider a Step Stool for hard-to-reach places, or for easy access for children or grandchildren who might use the sink.

2. Choose lighting carefully. Lighting serves purposes that are both functional (e.g., putting in contacts, shaving, applying make-up) and aesthetic (e.g., adding depth to the room). "You should direct lighting to light the face, not the top of the head or chest area," Hopkins advises. To open up and brighten an existing bathroom, remove any low-hung ceiling fixtures and install recessed lighting for general lighting. In a larger space, think about general, task and indirect lighting working together.

3. Ventilate properly. To avoid build-up of mildew and molds from excessive moisture, be sure to install a reliable mechanical ventilation system. Hopkins recommends a vent-fan-light combination that´s water resistant for inside the shower and bath, which she says are often overlooked when it comes to lighting. Automatic fan ventilation systems are also available that turn on when they sense steam in the air.

4. Add a style all your own. Planning a bath gives you an opportunity to express your uniquely personal design statement for this all-important room. For cabinetry, select from beautiful details such as moldings, bun feet, decorative hardware, and finishes. Ask your builder or remodeler for photos or examples of how different wood species, finishes and trims might look together.

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