Friday, September 22, 2017

Pottery Barn Style Brick Bathroom


Pottery Barn Style for a Brick Bathroom Remodel


I love the look of this brick wall bathroom with a classic vanity console from Pottery Barn. The rustic brick wall is tempered with a half-wall of bead board and chair rail, and the roughness of the brick contrasts beautifully with the cool, grey veined cararra marble counter top and floor. It's a look that somehow just works - but for a price.

KBC Bella Vanity - a less costly version of the PB Custom Classic Double Console
Luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune to get this pricey vanity from Pottery Barn (it starts at $2699 without hardware!) when you can order the Bella Vanity from Kitchen Bath Collection on Amazon. Kitchen Bath Collection has been selling replica PB style vanities on Amazon for years and has a trove of positive customer reviews to back them up. This 60" double vanity from Kitchen Bath Collection with wood frame construction, a cararra marble countertop, double under mount sinks and chrome gooseneck faucets sells for only $1,403. Right there, you've saved $1,296 on your bathroom renovation. Lets look at accessories!

Moen T6620 Brantford Two-Handle Low-Arc Widespread Bathroom Faucet


As I said above, the vanity comes complete with 2 gooseneck faucets. But, if you're trying to copy the look pictured above to a T, replace the gooseneck faucet with this somewhat more contemporary Brantford low-arc widespread faucet in chrome from Moen. 

White framed bathroom mirrors from Kitchen Bath Collection are a perfect match
The white framed mirrors make a cool calming contrast to the vibrant brick wall. I'd snap up two of these from Kitchen Bath Collection in a frame finish which matches their white painted vanities instead of driving myself crazy looking for the same look locally. 



A classic, affordable train rack from Moen

One of my favorite elements in this bathroom is not even in the picture. But if you look closely, you can see the reflection of a chrome towel rack in the mirror above the sink, This is a great accessory for any bathroom and imparts a luxury, hotel feel - especially when you load it up with neatly rolled fluffy white towels. This version from Moen is priced just right at under $100 and has 130 customer reviews on Amazon to vouch for it.

Moen Iso Chrome Towel Ring
There's nothing better than a well placed towel in the bathroom to dry off after washing your hands. These inexpensive Iso towel rings by Moen come in at $15 in a matching shiny chrome finish. The bead board trim makes them easy to install. I suggest you order 2 of these - you'll be glad! (Plus, it will keep your beautiful marble countertop clutter free!)

I love the vintage industrial look of the pendant lights in this designer bathroom remodel. To get that look for less, I picked out these pendant lights with chrome trim and milk glass shades from Elk. Customer reviews on this pendant light are good and buyers report that the lights are sturdy and well made. Hanging three of them over a double vanity - one on each side and the third directly down the middle - should provide adequate lighting for the vanity area. A secondary lighting source over the bathtub or toilet area may be necessary for sufficient lighting throughout, depending on the size of your bathroom.

Love this Look? Let me know in the comments if you tried it in your home!

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Freestanding Tubs with Deck Mount Faucets

Save Money with a Deck Mount Tub




Love the look of a freestanding tub but afraid it will push your renovation budget over the edge? While the price of freestanding tubs has come down in recent years, it's the hardware that can put you over the top. The price of a floor-standing tub filler can easily run upwards of $300. An easy hack to save some money? Finding a freestanding tub that can use a deck mounted tub filler. Here are some options.


Sax 5 ft. Freestanding Reversible Drain Bathtub in White by Maax  
The tub pictured in the photo above was installed in a shower - the perfect application when you're short on space but want to incorporate a freestanding tub and shower into your bathroom. A deck mounting the tub filler frees up much needed floorspace. Because this tub has a wide rim, your installer can drill holes to install the tub filler directly on the rim just like in the photo above.

You can order this Sax 5ft acrylic tub on Amazon here.


Woodbridge 67" Acrylic Freestanding Tub


Woodbridge 67" B-0002 Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub Contemporary Soaking Tub
This contemporary freestanding tub by Woodbridge is another great option when you're looking for an affordable acrylic tub AND want the ability to deck mount your faucet hardware. With a 31/4" lip there is adequate space for holes to be drilled for this application - once again, saving you money on your remodel or new bath.

Read the customer reviews as well as Questions and Answers on this product listing on Amazon here.


Ariel AM128JDCLZ Bath Whirlpool Tub


Ariel AM128JDCLZ Bath Whirlpool Tub, Rounded Front
If you're looking for a jets and whirlpool - take a look at this model by Ariel. This jetted tub includes 14 jets and chromotherapy lighting effects as well as hardware integrated into the deck. Just make sure you have an outlet nearby as this tub does require electricity to operate its multiple features. Also, the back side has a visible access panel and is flat, not rounded - so you'll want to make sure this one backs up to a wall, and a shower installation is probably not feasible with the electrical requirements.

Read reviews and questions about the Ariel Whirlpool tub on Amazon here.

Have other ways to save money on a bathroom remodel? Share them with us on our Facebook Page!

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Considering the Kohler Brockway Sink? Read these Tips First

Kohler Brockway: Modern Industrial Style for Your Bath



Have you fallen in love with the Kohler Brockway sink? It's a great look, with very few imitations. While I usually try to find my readers an alternative solution to find the look they love for less, when it comes to finding the perfect trough sink for your home, the Kohler Brockway is hands-down the best option out there.

However, there are lots of questions that come up when it comes to installing a Brockway sink, so read on for my answers about faucets, plumbing, painting and more.

Faucets for Kohler Brockway Sink

The biggest complaints I see from shoppers who purchase the Kohler Brockway sink is that they have trouble finding faucets to go with it. Because this sink was intended as an industrial washbasin Kohler's faucet option, the Cannock Wash Sink faucet has a more industrial look with a rough finish. You might not like this - especially if you're using your sink in a children's bath. For a more refined  faucet option for your residential trough sink, many homeowners and builders opt for faucets from Chicago Faucets like this chrome option available on Amazon:




P-Traps for Kohler Brockway

Chrome P-Traps

Kohler Chrome P-Trap

One thing to note about your Kohler Brockway sink - with no cabinet, all of your plumbing will be exposed. That means P-Traps will be visible beneath the sink. For this reason, pick a high-quality chrome option as these will be visible in your bathroom. You don't want ugly PVC pipes ruining the look. Here's one by Kohler you can order with your sink.

Painting Your Kohler Brockway Sink

One of the most common questions people have about the Brockway sink is "How do you paint it?" Luckily, you have a few options. Most buyers simply paint with an oil-based paint in the color of their choosing (just be careful, this can get messy!). You can use a semi-gloss or flat finish depending on the look you're going for. For those who are perfectionists and want a perfect finish, powder coating is an option and can be done at your local auto body shop. However you do it, that perfect pop of color from the bottom of your trough sink is sure to brighten the room.



Leaving the Brockway in its original black finish creates a striking, industrial modern statement which looks great paired with rustic elements like this rough wood timber shelf. Here's one you can buy online from Etsy.

Where to Install a Kohler Brockway Sink

My favorite use for this popular trough sink is in a kids bathroom. Here's why I think the Kohler Brockway is perfect for use in a children's bathroom - especially a shared one.

  • A wall-mounted trough sink is perfect for tucking away those step stools that would otherwise clutter up your bathroom.
  • The Brockway 2-faucet style fits into smaller bathrooms when you're kids share a bedtime but don't want to share sinks.
  • There's even a 3-faucet style for larger families.
  • No wooden cabinet for your kids to drop water and toothpaste all over and completely ruin faster than you can say "Remodel".
  • No counter top to wipe up toothpaste blobs from...ever!


Love the red barn lighting pictured above? Here's an affordable option from Amazon.





We found the lowest price for the 3-faucet Kohler Brockway sink on Amazon. Click here to shop and read the customer review.

You can wall-mount a shelf underneath your Brockway sink for extra storage, like in the photo above. This is a great place to store rolled up towels, extra toilet paper and more. Pick teak or eucalyptus for a wood that won't warp or decay in the damp environment of your bath. Just make sure you install after you're P-traps and in so you don't mount it too high up.

Inexpensive schoolhouse pendant lights are also easy to find on Amazon.

Where to Get the Lowest Prices on Kohler

And lastly, if you're just wondering where to get the best price on Kohler sinks, faucets...and really all Kohler products check out the Kohler store on Amazon. This is where Kohler sells directly to consumers and I've found the prices are always lower here. So before you buy, compare your quotes to the prices on Amazon and check out the customer reviews and the Questions and Answers from Kohler on the product pages on Amazon. They tend to be very helpful!

Did you install a Kohler Brockway sink in your bath? If so, let us know how it turned out in the comments section!

Monday, January 9, 2017

5 Modern Grey Bathroom Vanities (that won't break the bank!)

Modern Bathrooms are the Trend for 2017

Planning to update your bathroom in 2017? The trends that are hot right now include transitional grey finishes (think painted as well as rustic wood tones), integrated sinks for easy clean-up, square or rectangular basins and floating wall mounted style. Here are 5 vanities which fit the bill and will get you on your way to an updated bathroom - and increased home value - in 2017.

KubeBath Dolce Ash Grey Modern Vanity

 KubeBath Doce Ash Grey Vanity
KubeBath Dolce Vanity available at Amazon
Modern styling with a touch of rustic flair makes the KubeBath Dolce vanity in ash grey a great touch for an updated bathroom look. The wood veneer drawer and door fronts in an updated ash grey tone work perfectly with the white quartz countertop to create a sleek look with a certain warmth that comes from the wood tones.

The KubeBath Dolce vanity comes in an assortment of styles and finishes to complement any contemporary bathroom. Find them all here with Free Shipping from Amazon.

American Imaginations Modern Plywood-Melamine Vanity Set in Dawn Grey Finish


American Imaginations Melamine Vanity Set




This sleek vanity set from American Imaginations has great retro modern styling and an amazing price tag. The chromed legs and glossy melamine cabinet give it an art deco modern era appeal and the marble top and backsplash elevate the look to fit in a variety of settings.

Quality construction includes dove-tail joints and hidden drawer glides. A multi-layer 7-step stain finish enhances the grains of natural wood and gives it a luxurious look. Solid wood frame with no MDF or chipboard used. Order now on Amazon.com.



Wyndham Collection Amare Vanity in Grey Oak

Wyndham Amare Floating Vanity

If you're looking to update a large bathroom in a midcentury home, or you just love midcentury style - look no further than the Amare vanity by Wyndham. This configuration includes a floating - wall mounted - vanity with plenty of storage as well as a mirrored medicine cabinet combo with shelving for a  complete bathroom suite look at an affordable price point.

The Wyndham brand is synonymous with quality and sustainability. You can also shop the wide range of their bathroom vanity styles- from modern to traditional online at Modernbathroom.com.

Kitchen Bath Collection Abbey Vanity in Charcoal

Kitchen Bath Collection Abbey Vanity in Charcoal
A solid transitional pick - the Abbey Vanity by KBC has a classic profile and subtle updates that make it the perfect piece for a modern bathroom makeover. The rectangular under-mount sink basin, marble countertop and rich painted wood finish in charcoal grey keep this piece on trend for the fashion-forward home.

Kitchen Bath Collection has been selling bathroom vanities on Amazon for several years now and also sells these pieces through Houzz.com. But to get the lowest prices and free shipping make sure you purchase it from Amazon.

The Abbey collection is available in multiple widths to fit any bathroom. Shop them all here.


ACF Italy 19 Inch Grey Oak Vanity Set


Even the smallest of bathrooms can get a modern update with this 19 inch wall mounted petite vanity set. The ACF Italy 19" Grey Oak Set includes a self-rimming ceramic sink and waterproof panels. A depth of less than 9" makes this the perfect vanity to place across from the door in a tight powder room and will solve even your most challenging bathroom layouts with modern style. 


Find the right Grey vanity for your space here? If not, shop these additional recommendations from Amazon: