<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Bathroom design: It’s all in the details</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">(ARA) – It’s most likely one of the top reasons you’ve been putting off that bathroom makeover or remodel — you’re not sure where to begin. What color theme will you use? Do you want a pedestal sink or a furniture-style vanity? Will you incorporate any green faucets or fixtures? And, with all the decisions to make, will it all look good together and still perform well?</span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">These questions, and many others, should be at the top of your list when you start mapping out your next bathroom project. Luckily, many manufacturers have made it easier in recent years for you to answer those questions in a painless, affordable way.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/3a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/3a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"We’ve created several full bathroom suites of fixtures, furniture and faucets," says Ed Detgen from Danze, Inc. "The elements of each collection were literally made for each other, which makes your job easier."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">So what should you look for when you’re planning your next bath or powder room project? Here are a few things to consider when choosing the key pieces:</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Sink and vanity –</strong> Choices are abundant when it comes to the sink area of a bathroom. For those smaller footprint powder rooms, or where storage isn’t as critical, consider a pedestal sink. If a pedestal doesn’t match your taste or needs, furniture-style vanities can have a significant impact on a room’s decor and add extra storage.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Faucet –</strong> This can be one of the most noticeable accessories in the room and one that homeowners and guests interact with the most. Make sure you choose a style and finish that is consistent with the overall decor. A soft brushed nickel or warm oil-rub bronze finish can add a distinct detail to the feeling of the room. If green options are important to you, explore WaterSense-certified faucets that can reduce water usage by 30 percent, without affecting performance.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Toilet –</strong> This is one of the best places to go green in your bathroom. High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf), saving 2 or more gallons of water during each use compared to many toilets installed in the 1980s and prior, and saves 20 percent compared to more recent 1.6 gpf designs standard today. And, just because it’s a very utilitarian element of a bathroom, don’t skimp on design for this piece. Shape, height, styling and color greatly impact how the toilet can enhance the room’s d&#233;cor.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Shower system –</strong> Years ago homeowners had a handful of choices for showerheads. Today, there are hundreds of styles, functions, finishes and components that can comprise a home’s shower system. This is a recently discovered area of the bathroom that can really show off your personality and can help you create a unique retreat. Tastes range from building a "shower spa" with wall- and ceiling-mounted shower heads, to conservation-minded shower stalls equipped with WaterSense-certified showerheads.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Bath accessories -</strong> Careful selection of bath accessories is key to creating a finished look to your project. Once again, homeowners have a huge choice. Whether it’s the ornate styling of an old-world towel ring, or the sleek lines of a contemporary towel bar, make sure to select accessories that match your room’s faucet, sink and other elements.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Storage –</strong> Homeowners can’t seem to get enough storage in most bathroom floor plans. Again, choosing a furniture-style vanity can give you extra storage space, as can many well-designed mirrors. Be sure to match the finish and styling of the vanity and other pieces in the room.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/3c.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/3c.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"Coordinating bathroom pieces is easier than ever," adds Detgen. "Choosing pieces that are created as part of a collection is definitely a time-saver and a reassuring way to know the design details were taken care of for you."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For more information about the variety and beauty of Danze faucets and fixtures, visit <a href="http://www.danze.com/">www.danze.com</a> .</p>  <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>