Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
(HIT) - New materials and technologies are redefining options for homeowners contemplating a bathroom remodeling project. The bathroom remodeling ideas that follow are just a small sampling of the many creative, efficient and stylish options available.
Low Maintenance Shower Walls
New shower wall systems offer homeowners a low maintenance alternative to ceramic tile when remodeling a bathroom. Available in both two- and three-panel units, low maintenance plastic and synthetic composite shower wall systems coordinate with standard size shower bases to create either alcove or corner shower units.
Low maintenance shower walls are made from advanced plastic or plastic composite products. These engineered plastics provide a high gloss, waterproof finish. And, unlike tile, which has grout lines to trap mold and mildew, engineered plastics offer a smooth easy-to-clean finish for remodeling that resists against bacterial build-up.
"Why get stuck scrubbing grout lines when there is a good looking alternative." said Bill Menke, vice president, composite surface products for American Standard.
Not just a sleek-looking bathroom remodeling idea, American Standard's engineereed AquaTouch shower walls are as hard working as they are beautiful. Deep, molded-in shelves store toiletries, a self-draining soap holder minimizes soap film, and a color-matched towel holder keeps washclothes and bath towels at the ready.
"Homeowners are demanding a whole new set of attributes from household products as the remodel. In addition to styling, cleaning, and price concerns, products must work efficiently too," said Gary Uhl, group design manager. "The AquaTouch system was designed to answer all these needs and more."
The "more" is a design that eliminates out-of-plumb installation problems, has fewer seams, and can be installed directly on shower wall board. The AquaTouch shower system is available in four alcove and three corner sizes. The rolled and finished edge treatment gives a professionally finished look while concealed caulking channels maintain a water tight installation.
AquaTouch shower surrounds are available in White, Bone and Silver.
Idealcast Whirlpools
The Ellisse Remodel from American Standard offers homeowners beginning a bathroom remodeling project increased options in whirlpool bathing. The five foot acrylic whirlpool fits existing recess spaces yet features a luxurious 21-1/2" depth. With four of the whirlpool's six jets positioned lower in the tub, bathers can still enjoy the benefits of a whirlpool bath while using less water. Two on/off adjustable recessed lumbar jets provide vigorous massage action for sore backs.
The Ellisse Remodel is backed by American Standard's exclusive Idealcast material, which is more durable than fiberglass reinforcement and means easier installation. The Ellisse Remodel is available with a choice of two operating systems: System I features a three-quarter horsepower pump and motor, while the System II upgrade features two-speeds, a one-horsepower pump, and a 20-minute electronic shut off timer for safety.
An integral tile flange feature eliminates time-consuming caulking and water seepage often associated with traditional style flange treatments. The Ellisse Remodel is available in 19 colors.
Idealcast Added To Symphany Collection
Best known for award-winning design, American Standard's Symphony Collection adds yet another winning idea to three bathing pools and whirlpools. Idealcast, the company's patented process for acrylics, is now available on the six foot Rondo and Intermezzo, as well as Cadenza, a corner model.
"Introducing the Idealcast process to the Symphony Collection means consumers don't have to choose between award-winning design and superior construction," said Bill Menke, vice president, composite surface products. "Now they can have both."
Idealcast products outperform traditional fiberglass reinforced products (FRP) with enhanced durability, greater resistance to reverse impact damage and easier installation. "Unlike FRP products, when you step into an Idealcast vessel you know you'll be on solid ground," said Ron Barndt, manager of engineering, composite surface products. With Idealcast products the bounce or "oil canning" effect traditionally associated with products reinforced with fiberglass shards is eliminated.
In addition to the precision engineering of Idealcast, the three whirlpools also feature powerful one horsepower motors and adjustable two-speed pumps for vigorous or soothing massage action. A twenty-minute electronic shut-off provides an added measure of safety.
American Standard first introduced Idealcast in 1993 on three models of whirlpools and bathing pools, and on five models of shower bases. The company is the first to bring closed mold technology to acrylics.
Attractive Pedestal Styling At An Affordable Price
A vitreous china lavatory from American Standard offers beautiful pedestal styling for even the smallest bathroom remodeling budgets. With contemporary styling and a generous basin, the 24" x 18" lavatory is a welcome addition to any bathroom. And with four-inch or eight-inch faucet punchings and 19 available colors, the Cadet offers no shortage of design choices.
Contemporary Styling Meets Accessible Design
American Standard's Ellisse ADA lavatory combines accessibility and good looks in one. The contemporary wall-hung lavatory has an optional semi-pedestal feature and meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Made of durable vitreous china, the Ellisse ADA is the newest addition to the company's line of barrier-free products.
The optional semi-pedestal feature conceals drain pipes for a finished appearance in a remodeled bathroom, while also allowing ample room to manuever a wheelchair underneath. "In a perfect world the term barrier-free wouldn't exist because there'd be no barriers to break down," said Gary Uhl, group design manager. "We get closer to that ideal by incorporating accessible features into all the products we design."
The Ellisse ADA can accommodate either eight-inch or four-inch spread faucets. The lavatory is available in White, Bone, Silver and Black.
European Inspired Toilets
"Euro" style toilets from American Standard offers sophisticated design in a water saving toilet. Not just another pretty face, Calais' gentle curves and sinuous lines combine both water saving features and good looks. The unbroken aesthetic of the high tank design defines the toilets appeal to remodelers. The tank sleekly sits astride the bowl and is topped off by a fitted lid. A color-matched trip lever with fluid lines completes the design.
"Some remodelers may find the design of Calais similar to contemporary sculpture," noted Gary Uhl, group design manager. "Who says you can't have a little visual harmony in the bathroom."
Calais is available in 19 American Standard colors. The two-piece toilet features gravity fed, 1.6 gpf siphon flushing action.
Luxury Lavatories Add A New Dimension
Two cast iron lavatories from American Standard add a new dimension to bathroom remodeling and design, with gentle sculpted patterns. The graceful Delicacy features a subtle scallop design, while the horizontal stepped-down view of La Terrasse lends a terraced effect.
The two countertop lavatories measure 20" x 16-1/2" and are self-rimming for easy installation. Deck-mounted faucets can be paired at back or side angles for increased design interest and accessibility. Both lavatories feature front overflow styling for an unbroken view of the sculptured designs.
Lavatories Bring Geometric Style To The Bathroom
A collection of vitreous china lavatories from American Standard may just alter the common view of bathroom remodeling and design. That's because the Shapes Collection, a series of Oval, Rectangle and Trapezoid forms, gives homeowners design flexibility not found with other styles. The three geometric lavatories feature a center drain and symmetrical styling for greater installation flexibility.
Homeowners can create a mirror-image by mounting two Trapezoids back-to-back. A side-by-side installation might feature one Trapezoid upright, and the other reversed.
With Shapes, creating your own individual design is half the fun. For a unique spin on the traditional bathroom look, homeowners can place a faucet anywhere along the lavatory rim. Placing a faucet on a 45 degree angle will provide asymmetrical and accessible styling—a move that will also bring the water source closer to young hands.
"Consumers interested in a customized look in the remodeled bathrooms will find the possibilities endless," said Gary Uhl, group design manager. "Creative homeowners will really have fun with this collection."
The Shapes Collection is perfect for smaller bathroom remodeling projects because the compact 14-1/8" size fits in tighter spaces. In addition, all three lavatories feature narrow and low-profile rims for easier cleaning. The lavatories are available in the company's full range of 19 colors.
Affordable Styling Meets Accessible Design In Cadet Faucet
American Standard's Cadet faucet family is best known for contemporary good looks and affordable design. Thanks to the addition of a new handle offering, Cadet is accessible too.
Cadet's new Lever handles have a contemporary winged appearance and are easy to turn. Handles are marked with red and blue indexing for added safety.
Cadet's durable design is equally at home in both residential and commercial applications. The faucet features NuSeal valving and is backed with a limited lifetime warranty against drips. A simple vandal-resistant modification provides extra protection against theft and damage.
The new Lever handles are available for Cadet centerset lavatory faucets and Cadet kitchen and bar sink faucets. The handle is available in Polished Chrome.
Fans of American Standard's popular Cadet and Cadet Prestige faucets now have more styles from which to choose. The Crescent spout introduces a stylish, contemporary aesthetic to the faucet family, while the understated lines of the Conventional spout are suitable for any decor.
With a shape reminiscent of its name, the affordable Crescent boasts a softly curving arc that delivers water in style. The spout is available for widespread, minispread and deck-mount tub installations.
Best noted for its clean, simple lines, the Conventional spout is available for widespread and deck-mount tub installations.
Both feature NuSeal valving and are backed with a limited lifetime warranty against drips. The low-lead, cast brass spouts are available in Polished Chrome, Polished Brass and White.
For more bathroom remodeling ideas, visit American Standard online at www.americanstandard-us.com.
Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center
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