Shower Heads

There are many options when it comes to shower heads, which all comes down to personal preference.  Below is a list of types of shower heads we often see.  There may be shower heads that combine multiple features from the different types listed below, so keep in mind these are not entirely exclusive.  For example, we've seen shower heads that combine a rain-style shower together with a handheld shower head. 

• Single Spray Shower Head - the most basic type of shower head that has one spray pattern.  It is generally the most affordable, so we recommend this if you're on a tight budget. 
• Adjustable Shower Head - these have various spray patterns that can be selected, typically ranging from 2 to 12 types of patterns with varying water pressures. 
• Rain Shower Head - this shower head comes down directly from above the head (as opposed to coming from an angle in typical shower heads).  While aesthetically pleasing, there are limitations to these types of shower heads, including limited spray pattern options.  They're also generally lower pressure, so it doesn't provide the massage-like feel with higher pressured shower heads.  Installing piping into the ceiling is also more labor-intensive and will be more costly.   
• Handheld Shower Head - if being able to spray your body from any angle, this may be the optimal choice, as you're able to feel a higher pressure as you bring the nozzle closer to your skin.  It's also a great option if you have children or pets, as you can bring the nozzle closer to them, ultimately making it easier to bathe them.  These require a hose attachment, which may not be preferred from an aesthetic standpoint, but if you can look past this, we would highly recommend it! 
• Dual Shower Heads - this is a great option for those that like having a choice between 2 shower heads or even using both at the same time.  Many of these come in the form of a rain style plus a handheld shower head.  This is one of our favorite options as it provides multiple spray patterns, making it a very versatile shower head. 
• Shower Panels - probably the most complex of all, these generally have multiple spray nozzles at different locations along the panel. They're packed with many features, which make them a costly choice.  They take up a considerable amount of wall space, but they may also protrude overhead.  They also require more holes for the different nozzles, so more labor is required.
• High-Pressure Shower Heads - as the name suggest, these heads have a high-pressure water stream for those that prefer a massage-type feeling when showering.  The downside is that this may consume more water, which can drive your water bill up. 
• Eco-Performance Shower Heads - opposite to high-pressure shower heads, these shower heads focus on using less water and lower pressure to conserve for the environment. 

Faucets

Faucets are very subjective and the best option comes down to personal taste.  They usually come in sets and we generally recommend staying within the same set for the sinks, shower, and bath tub for a consistent theme if possible.  While this is not necessarily always the case, it is a general rule of thumb we like to follow.  In the end, we will always respect the customer's decision!

Sinks

There are multiple forms of sinks that can be considered when remodeling a bathroom.  From the various shapes and mounting styles, the choices can be overwhelming.  The different mounting options generally fall into the following categories:

• Drop-in Sinks - also known as top-mount sinks, these are characterized by having a visible lip that rests on the countertop.  The sink basin fits into a cutout in the countertop and rests on the lip perimeter.  They can be accompanied by hidden metal clips underneath to help support and seal the sink.  These are easier to install than undermount sinks and ideal for DIY projects. 
• Undermount Sinks - as the name suggests, undermount sinks are mounted from underneath the countertop and provide more countertop space than drop-in sinks.  If your bathroom is limited in countertop space, an undermount sink would be the recommended option to go with.  Many homeowners choose this option for its ease of cleaning as well, since you do not have to worry about the perimeter of the sink on top of the counter as you get with drop-in sinks and vessel sinks, where there is an opportunity for dirt to get trapped.     
• Wall-mount Sinks - these types of sinks are generally standalone sinks that are not attached to any cabinetry or countertop.  These are more commonly used in a commercial setting, but does not necessarily mean they do not belong in residential properties.  Some wall-mount sinks are large and offer multiple faucets or even provide its own counter space.  This saves from needing to buy a separate countertop.  It should be noted that wall-mount sinks will usually have pipes exposed underneath, unless there is a vanity cabinet that's paired with it. 
• Pedestal Sinks - these sinks are standalone but have a single slim column and a small sink basin at the top.  Usually these are in place of cabinets and generally used in smaller areas.  The sink can be a wall-mount sink, which would be attached to the column or pedestal. 
• Vessel Sinks - a vessel sink is one that completely sits on top of the countertop, and can be in the form of unique shapes and sizes.  These types of sinks can have beautiful designs that don't require a countertop cutout of the same shape.  Depending on the shape and size, these can also be a challenge to clean since this creates crevices on above the countertop that can catch dirt.  Lastly, these can be a challenge to reach for children, as it extends above the countertop height. 
• Vanity Tops - these are usually a sink and countertop combination that rests on top of a vanity cabinet.  This option may be an ideal option for DIY projects.  There are many selections that can be found at local retailers like Home Depot or Lowe's, and can be a great alternative to custom cabinetry and countertops.  Since these are usually pre-fabricated, it's critical to ensure that the cabinet vanity measurements match up to the vanity top.  With pre-fabricated vanity cabinets and vanity tops, it may be difficult to find one that will fit wall-to-wall, which is part of the appeal of having custom cut cabinets and countertops. 
  
  

Mirrors

There are several types of mirrors that can be considered when remodeling a bathroom.  Any of these or combinations of these mirrors can be custom built or sourced from a local home goods retail store:

• Lighted Mirrors - As the name suggests, these mirrors have built-in lights on the mirrors, which can be especially useful during the application of makeup or just lighting up the bathroom in general.  In general, this may be a good option for bathrooms without windows.  Lighted mirrors have evolved significantly over the recent years, and have particularly become popular with the Instagram and TikTok generation - the lighting simulates natural, soft, even lighting and provides optimal conditions for filming content. 
• Framed Mirrors - A great way to enhance the look of your bathroom, framed mirrors are a popular option that adds to the decor and theme to your bathroom.  While custom built framed mirrors are certainly an option, these can often be found at home goods retail stores at very affordable prices! Make sure you measure out the space ahead of time before so that you know if it will fit in your bathroom. 
• Ledge Mirrors - These types of mirrors have built-in ledges that can be utilized for additional storage space.  Along with medicine cabinet mirrors, this is a good choice for additional storage space in the bathroom.  They are sometimes also referred to as shadow boxes. 
• Venetian Mirrors - Originating from Venice in the 15th century, these mirrors were really only seen in royal and noble households.  They were very rare and expensive, given the complex techniques used to produce them.  While a more traditional style, these often exhibit very elegant designs etched on the mirror border, which is usually beveled glass.  Today, these are much more readily available due to scaling of manufacturing and automation, and can be had at a much more affordable price than they once were. 
• Frameless Mirrors - This is a common option that is very useful and often time provides the most amount of mirror coverage.  The higher the mirror coverage, the larger the space will be perceived.  We've found that large frameless pieces typically require custom building, but if your space is small enough, there are certainly pre-built vanity frameless mirrors in home goods retail stores. 
• Vanity Mirrors - Vanity mirrors have evolved to be a general term meaning any mirror that's used for grooming or applying make up, and are generally small to mid-sized that can sit above a sink or dresser.  Any of the mirrors listed here could be considered a vanity mirror.  However, in this context, we're referring to the small mirrors that are usually double-sided, with one side being a magnified to catch the small details.  They're commonly attached by a hinge, and can be standalone or attached to a wall. 
• Captain's Mirrors - This is a nautical-inspired type mirror, which is characterized by a round mirror that is suspended from leather straps that are anchored above the mirror.  While great for powder rooms and half bathrooms, we've seen as wall decor in the common spaces.  This type of mirror was made popular by the design firm BDDW in Manhattan, but with a price tag of nearly $2000, many replicas and DIY-projects have yielded very similar results at a much more affordable price.   
• Extension Mirrors - As you might've guessed, these mirrors can be extended from the wall with a retractable arm.  The benefits of this type of mirror are being able to have a close up without leaning so far in, and saving space in smaller areas. 
• Medicine Cabinet Mirrors - These mirrors are a great way to find additional storage space in the bathroom.  The hidden shelves that come with medicine cabinets can be very utilitarian.  Medicine cabinets are often seen as traditional styling, but nowadays there are many medicine cabinets that take on a modern styling.  Can be used for the vanity mirror or standalone side mirror, depending on the space of your bathroom. 
• Pivot Mirrors - These are wall-mounted mirrors that are mounted on a swivel type mechanism that can allow the mirror to change direction.  This allows the mirror to be viewed in multiple angles, with some even having a magnified surface on the opposite side,  Some of these can be smaller, mirrors on the side that are ideal for make up, while others are larger that serve as more of the mid-length vanity mirror that covers the entire area above the sink.