Everything I want: clear glass, curvy, only 21" wide, with an overflow and towel bar!
(ignore the mirror and faucet - my mirror is this one, and my faucet will match the shower trim)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
April showers ...
I need to choose plumbing and trim for my bathroom. The first part's easy: I know I want shiny chrome. It's classic modern, it's surprisingly much cheaper than newer finishes like brushed nickel, and they all show water spots equally.
Basically there are two configuration options:
- I can have a thermostatic valve (controls hotness/coldness) all by its lonesome, and then separate volume controls for each waterspout (overhead shower, handshower, tub), or
- I can have one valve that does it all, with two concentric spinners (sort of like focus and aperature on a manual camera). One dial will set the temperature. The other dial will choose where the water comes from (tub only, overhead only, overhead + handshower, or handshower only), and sort-of control the volume (e.g. if you turn it only partway to the option, you get less water).
The plumbing store originally sold me on Option # 1 - lots of valves. On the upside, you get more control, I suppose (plus the possibility of locating the tub's volume control where it can easily be turned with one toe.) On the downside, the wallspace will be cluttered with bath hardware; it's not so big a tub, or a bathroom, to begin with. And more valves = gobs more money. The first two sets I priced (a Jaclo and a Hansgrohe) were astronomical. Then I found a few Kohler sets I loved for a reasonable price.
This one's called "Stillness" -
And these two variations are "Purist" -
Then I read further on the internet, and discovered Option # 2 - the Hansgrohe "Thermobalance III" valve that does it all.
I'm thinking either the "Metris" trim -
or the "Talis" style -
The tub faucet would be this one:
The Hansgrohe handshower (which I'd probably choose even if I otherwise went for Kohler, because it's nicer) will be mounted on a bar to keep the hose neater -
And for the overhead shower - with either system - I'm thinking of the well-reviewed, cool, and cheap American Standard (Hansgrohe has one just like it for 5x the price) -
Opinions, anyone? I like the Hansgrohe concept, but I think I like the Kohler trims better.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Ordering cabinets!
Here's the final kitchen layout -
Doors and tile here, handles and knobs here. The fridge, dishwasher, and long drawers will get handles; everything else gets knobs.
I really love the way it turned out - particularly the false double doors on the fridge (my contractor's idea). He's also doing something fancy with the crown molding that I don't quite understand.
Doors and tile here, handles and knobs here. The fridge, dishwasher, and long drawers will get handles; everything else gets knobs.
I really love the way it turned out - particularly the false double doors on the fridge (my contractor's idea). He's also doing something fancy with the crown molding that I don't quite understand.
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About Me
- Suzanne
- I just bought my first home - an estate-sale 1BR prewar co-op on the UWS in Manhattan. It needs a new kitchen, a new bathroom, new windows, and the parquet floors restored. (Other than that, it's perfect!) This blog is for sharing my renovation ideas and adventures with friends, family, and fellow renovators.