A Guide to Plumbing Fixtures for Kitchen and Bath Design

It’s important to consider plumbing fixtures when you are designing your dream kitchen or bath remodel. They are a key functional part of the design, but they also need to look good and fit in with the style you have chosen. Showerheads, faucets, sinks, bathtubs, and toilets are essential elements that must co-ordinate and set the tone of your new remodel. These fixtures should fit within your budget and suit practical requirements as well as being stylish.

How do you begin choosing from the wide selection of plumbing fixtures on offer? At Lang’s Kitchen & Bath, we can help you narrow down all the options to those that work best for you. Before you get started, it helps to learn about the plumbing fixtures that are central to any bathroom or kitchen design, and the many styles available for today’s remodeling projects.

Read on for our guide to plumbing fixtures for kitchen and bath design.

1. What Do You Need?

Think about how you use your plumbing fixtures. Do you want to stay with the types that you currently have but update your style? Would you prefer to enhance your functionality and keep the existing aesthetic? What you choose depends primarily on how you plan to utilize them.

If you previously had a busy house but your children have grown up and moved out, then plan accordingly and consider aging-in-place solutions such as thresholdless showers and single lever or sensor faucets. Would you prefer a shower/tub combination instead of separate options? When choosing a tub take the capacity of your water heater into account as well as how much weight your floor can take. Would it make sense to install more than one shower head if you are planning to use one large shower for two people? Take finishes into account, as high-end ones such as antique copper or matte black are more expensive. When you have decided on your budget and functional requirements, your kitchen or bath designer can show you the styles and finishes available to suit your design.

2. Call the Experts

When installing new plumbing fixtures as part of a renovation project, it’s worth employing a kitchen or bath design expert to oversee your whole project. They will be able to foresee any potential problems at the kitchen and bathroom design stage, thus avoiding expensive issues down the line. A design expert is familiar with code compliance and deals with reputable suppliers, so you won’t be buying unauthenticated products online. They also check that your new plumbing fixtures are of a high standard and understand the warranties available from different suppliers. Having a project manager gives you peace of mind and ensures that your plumbing fixtures function properly in addition to looking stylish and enhancing your design.

3. Decide on a Style

Once you have decided on a style for your kitchen or bath remodel, you can focus on what plumbing fixtures to choose. Are you going for an Industrial, Coastal, or Craftsman style, for example? Would you be more interested in a curated mix of styles for a contemporary or eclectic look? Choosing the right style of fixtures makes for a cohesive design. It also means that your kitchen or bath remodel will function effectively as well as looking effortlessly stylish.

4. Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen sinks come in many styles and finishes. They can be as multifunctional or basic as your budget allows. Stainless steel top or undermount sinks are the basic type but if you want a higher end option, then consider cast iron or enamel, or change it up for an apron front sink style.

If your sink is going to be the hub of your work area, why not go for a multi-functional workstation sink? Lang’s Kitchen & Bath is the area’s authorized Galley Workstation dealer, and your source for expertise and installation of the Galley.

This complete culinary system lets you prep, cook, serve, and clean up in one multi-purpose area. It comes in a wide range of sizes, styles, materials, and configurations. Why not choose Galley accessories in bamboo, black, or white? Exceptional design combined with efficiency make The Galley Workstation the ultimate sink area for your kitchen remodel. We love it so much we installed one in our own home and could not live without it. Check out our full Galley display in our Newtown, PA showroom.

5. Kitchen Faucets

Kitchen faucets all have the same purpose but can differ dramatically when it comes to style, finish, and how they operate. A better-quality faucet may look the same but has longer lasting internal components. A regular faucet just controls water temperature and flow but a more expensive one could include extra features such as motion sensors. Boiling or carbonated water can also be accommodated in a kitchen faucet. Finishes range from basic chrome or polished nickel right up to a luxury finish such as oil rubbed bronze. In addition to function and finish, faucets can be as minimalist or embellished as you like, if they work with the overall look for your kitchen design.

6. Bathroom Sinks

Bathroom sinks come in an array styles and materials. Typical options include under or over-mount ceramic or porcelain models. You could also go for a stainless or hammered metal sink style or invest in natural stone or concrete for a more custom- made look. Countertop vessel sinks are ideal for utilizing high-end materials in a sleek, spa style bath design. There are several luxurious sink options, with finishes including hammered copper and stylized glass. Unusual finishes are also ideal for a contemporary or vintage bath design, tailoring them to the appearance of your design.

7. Bathroom Faucets

The faucets you choose for your bathroom design can be basic or high-end, depending on your requirements. Single lever handles are standard bathroom faucets and it’s worth investing in a brushed finish to hide water marks and fingerprints. If you prefer double handles on a single spout, then go for it. Always check what your sink can accommodate in terms of faucets. As with kitchen faucets, the more you spend the better the internal parts will be.

An emerging trend is to create an eclectic style by pairing a fixture style and finish that do not normally go together. For example, putting an antique finish on a minimalist faucet is an unusual choice that makes your faucet a design focal point. The material you choose sets the tone of your bath design and should tie in with, but not necessarily match, your cabinetry hardware. You could have the same finish but use different materials. Bronze or gold look great in an all-white design. Matte black, brass, and glossy colors are all ways of enlivening your faucets.

8. Bathtubs

What are the most popular styles and materials when it comes to bathtubs? Alcove, corner, drop-in, and freestanding tubs are all good options, depending on the layout of your bath design. Freestanding tubs are becoming smaller and flat bottomed to fit neatly into most bathroom designs, but there is still a demand for larger models and even traditional claw-foot styles.

An excellent option for universal design bathrooms is a walk-in shower/tub combo with added safety bars. If you have a spacious design then consider a garden tub, which is a large tub that can be lowered into the floor. Extras such as hydro massage air jets or whirlpools can be added to your bathtub. Another cost is the material you choose, ranging from lightweight plastic to cast iron.

Cast polymer can come in any color or mimic granite or marble, but they are prone to cracking. Luxury tubs in hardwood, copper or natural stone can be customized to your requirements. You can choose an inexpensive option, such as plastic, that is not exceptionally durable but will perform adequately. Consider a heavier material like steel or enameled cast iron for more durability but look at other modern options too. Proprietary composites are made up of quality elements that are strong without being very heavy.

9. Tub Fillers

Tub fillers are faucets with increased flow to ensure your tub fills as quickly as possible. You need to choose a tub filler that works with your tub style and position. Wall or deck mounted faucets suit alcove and drop-in tubs. Floor-mounted faucets work in your preferred position for a freestanding tub.

If it is a slipper tub, place the tub filler at the lower end so you can lean back on the higher end. With any tub, the filler should be placed so that water enters at the right depth, and you can easily access the handle from inside or outside the tub. Choose from the many styles, materials, and finishes available to ensure your filler works with the functionality and style of your bath remodel.

10. Showerheads

Standard showers have fixed shower heads with single diverters, often in chrome. The more you decide to spend, the better the internal components will be, and you can opt for brushed finishes and materials such as gold or matte black. Removable and height adjustable handheld shower heads are a wise investment. Why not consider spray jets, waterfall shower heads and smart options such as digital temperature settings or voice-activated controls? The sky is the limit for shower options, which can be doubled to cater for two in a large shower enclosure.

11. Toilets

Toilets come in different heights and bowl shapes with different flush types, including single flush and dual flush. One-piece toilets have the tank and bowl integrated into one unit and tend to be more expensive than two-piece models, where the tank is attached to the bowl with bolts and a gasket. In-wall toilets are perfect for a sleek bath design as the tank is hidden in the wall. Integrated base toilets have a smooth, rounded toilet bowl as the base, which is easier to clean than more intricate two-piece toilets. You can go high-end and invest in sprays, heated seats, self-cleaning, noise-masking, smart technology incorporating everything from entertainment to lighting. There is a toilet for every budget.

Water is essential to any kitchen or bathroom design, and your plumbing fixtures are necessary functional items that provide water for washing and sanitation. Pair these functional necessities with fun styles and finishes and your plumbing fixtures also serve to accessorize your bath or kitchen design. Contact us today to discuss the right plumbing fixtures for your kitchen or bath remodel.