Ask A Designer: How To Elevate A Builder-Basic Bathroom

In this Ask A Designer column, Stacy Begg shares her advice for giving your ensuite a stylish (and splash-free) update.

Question: I moved into a new home three years ago and this is the builder’s ensuite bathroom. The sinks aren’t deep enough, water splashes onto the side walls and the counter shows water stains. I love a minimalist look, maybe with a bit of bling. Can you help? — L.S., Ottawa

Do you have a design dilemma? Send your questions to [email protected].

Answer: It sounds like your bathroom needs a splash-free update! The faucets are too high for your flat-bottomed sinks. There are a few ways to address this: the simplest and least expensive is to swap out your faucets.

Replacing them with a pair by Riobel would improve the splashing issue.

Riobel

Parabola Single Handle Lavatory Faucet in Brushed Gold, $886, riobel.ca

If you’re ready for a full update — and it sounds like you are — I would start by looking for two 30-inch-wide ready-made vanities with sinks. One option would be this one from Wetstyle. A pair will cost you about $7,880, plus taxes and shipping.

If you’d like one continuous vanity from wall to wall, consider going custom. You’ll need a good cabinetry shop, a source for engineered or natural stone, a stone fabricator and a source for undermount sinks and faucets.

Choose two sinks that are deep enough so that there’s no splash. I suggest a minimum of five inches deep, preferably more. I like the Kohler Caxton undermount sink with its seven-inch-deep bowl.

Wet Style

Frame Linea 30″ Wall-Mount Metro Vanity with Cube Metro Sink, $3,940, wetstyle.ca

For faucets, look at Kohler’s Purist in its newest finish, Vibrant Brass — this will give you the bling you’re looking for. A custom vanity like this will come in at around $10,000, total.

The Home Depot Canada

Kohler Purist Widespread Bathroom Sink Faucet in Vibrant Brass, $1,325, homedepot.ca

Replace your current mirror with two rectangular versions with thin black frames, hung horizontally.

Elte Mkt

Ironside Wall Mirror, $565, eltemkt.com

Finally, add two new black wall sconces. Good luck!

Wayfair Canada

Cournoyer Two-Light Dimmable Wallchiere in Black by George Oliver, $100, wayfair.ca