Design your own bathroom choosing a sink and faucet

There are many options to consider when choosing a sink and faucet for your bathroom. Colors, shapes, and textures of these two important fixtures can go a long way in helping to establish the look and feel you want in your bathroom.

The first thing you will need to consider is how large or small the sink needs to be. Pedestal sinks do not offer any storage, but are wonderful solutions for very small spaces. They also tend to work well with the style in older homes. Vanities can hold a single or a double bowl, depending on the length of the counter. Many cabinet options can make a vanity-style sink work in even the most historical home. Homeowners tend to appreciate the storage features of vanity cabinets. Decide which will work best for the space you have to work with.

Once you have the size of your sink and the style you would like in mind, consider how long the fixture needs to last. This not only helps to determine the quality of the sink and faucet you choose, but also how enduring the shape and color of the fixtures must be. Classic bone or ivory may be the best options for sink color if you don't plan to replace the sink and faucet within a few years. Bold colors tend to look tired after awhile. If you seek a bold splash of color in your bathroom, remember it is much easier to paint or to wallpaper than it is to rip out the sink and faucet.

Now think about the budget. A small budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Prioritize the features that are most important to you. You can splurge on the clamshell-shaped bowl and pair it with a more lackluster faucet to stay within budget. Or maybe you prefer to spend your budget on a magnificent faucet. You may be able to afford the latest faucet if you scour outlets for more run-of-the-mill basins to even out the budget. Last year's styles may offer great savings, and buying floor models may provide additional opportunities for savings.

Don't let a very small budget prevent you from visiting high-end stores. You may get ideas for the types of sink and faucet you would like that aren't typically stocked at the big box stores. The Home Depot and Lowe's are two prominent warehouse-style home improvement stores that stock a variety of sinks and faucets. Most do not stock particularly unique items since they don't have a wide appeal, and they need to turnover items quickly. Because of the volume of merchandise they buy from their suppliers, they may be able to special order the same sink or faucet from the high-end store for a much lower price.

You can also hire a local artisan to fashion a sink for you. This tends to be very expensive, so unless you want something particularly unique, it may be best to stick with a major manufacturer. An artist can stencil a favorite design or cobble a mosaic onto purchased bowls to give them an artisan touch without the overwhelming price tag.

Faucets come in two basic tones: chrome and brass. The handles of the faucets can be accented with acrylics or porcelain in different shapes and colors. Before deciding on a finish for your faucet, visualize what is already in the room. Brass light fixtures and doorknobs in the bathroom may make a chrome finish on the faucet look uncoordinated. Chrome finishes tend to be the least expensive. To save money, a chrome faucet with brass accents can look very polished. Speaking of polished, the brass or chrome can come in a highly polished or a brushed finish. A brushed finish is sometimes referred to as a satin finish. These tend to resist wear better than a polished finish, and don't show water spots as readily.

Finally, if you are going to be installing the sink and faucet yourself, make certain the installation instructions are suitable for your skill level. When hiring a professional, make certain he is well-versed in whatever materials you have selected for your bathroom.