Ask A Designer™
August 9, 2021
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.
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.
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.
Replace your current mirror with two rectangular versions with thin black frames, hung horizontally.
Finally, add two new black wall sconces. Good luck!
House & Home July/August 2021