fbpx

Design Studios

630.455.5600 847.291.7701
Request An Appointment

What is Design Build?

See Our Work

Make a Payment

630.455.5600 847.291.7701

Make a Payment

Request An Appointment
CLOSE MENU

Let’s get started!

To request an appointment please call 630.455.5600

    Month: May 2021

    Bathroom Cabinets with a Side of Storage

    Posted on by normandy

    tall vanity cabinet master bathroom

    The beautiful cabinets you choose for bathroom storage are hiding a resource in plain sight. They are a smart, and space saving, spot for a towel bar or hooks.

    “When you don’t have room for a wall-mounted towel bar, the outside of a cabinet can be a space saving solution,” says Normandy Designer Jackie Jensen. Jackie adds, “It’s especially nice for hand towels and decorative towels. These don’t get as heavily wet as a bath towel, which means less worry about moisture near your wood.”

    Hooks are another option. Jackie says, “I’ve seen really great executions of hooks. One client used a series of rope hooks. She has one for towels, one for clothes, one for a robe. It looks great and makes her bathroom really efficient.”

    Master bathroom vanity with navy paint and separate shower

    In tight quarters the side of the cabinet can also be the right spot to mount your toilet paper holder.

    And what if you really do need to hang your bath towels here and you do have moisture concerns?

    “Remember to turn on your fan,” Jackie says, adding, “It’s recommended that you let your fan run for 20 minutes after your shower.” If you have trouble remembering, many newer fans have timers that will do the countdown for you. Some are even super quiet, which should keep any noise objections at bay.

    Bathroom vanity with light sconces on the mirror

    Families do keep more towels on hand these days and having a variety of storage, including inside the cabinets and on towel bars and hooks helps keep things organized.

    “We like to give every bathroom options for storage and organization,” Jackie says. She adds, “using the side of the cabinet is a clever way to enhance those options.”

    If your towel collection is bursting out of your cabinets, it might be time to refresh your bathroom. Why not set up a time to talk to Jackie about all the ways to make your bathroom more efficient and more beautiful? You can also join us at an upcoming virtual webinar to learn more about remodeling. If you are looking for ideas, the Normandy Remodeling photo galleries are filled with good ones. We share inspiration and tips on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest, follow along for design right in your feeds.

    spa inspired master bathroom with ceiling beams and ample storage

     

    Basement Bathroom Basics and Beyond

    Posted on by normandy

    basement bathroom with showerAdding a bathroom in the basement of your house is a smart way to make the lower level more functional. A basement bathroom is a nice to have when you watch movies, workout or spend time in your office downstairs.

    That basement bathroom becomes a must-have when an older teen decides to stake out the space as their living quarters. If you occasionally host guests in the basement, putting in a bathroom is also a must. Your visiting family members and friends will definitely be grateful to not have to troop up and down the stairs for showers and such.

    “When a family is finishing a basement or creating a separate living space, a basement bathroom makes it feel more welcoming and less like an afterthought,” says Normandy Design Manager Leslie Molloy, CKBD.

    Most families agree that a three-piece bath, which gives you a sink, toilet and standing shower, rather than a separate tub and shower or tub/shower combination, is the right arrangement. “Most people aren’t going to sit for a long, leisurely soak as a guest. A shower is just right,” says Leslie.

    full bathroom in basement. walk in shower, vanity

    The big decision is deciding the level of finish you want. “We see it two ways. The first is finishing the basement bathroom to match that of the rest of the house. This happens when it’s a true extension of the living space and you expect it to get more use,” Leslie says.

    She adds, “The second choice is to let it be more basic.” This is a smart way to approach a basement bathroom that might only be used a few times a year. You still want it to be welcoming, but no one is expecting mixed metals, statement tile and layers of lighting.

    Aside from a finish strategy, Leslie assures us that planning for efficient plumbing is a big part of the process. “We’re very aware of water needs and water flow. It’s important for efficiencies and also to keep the project economically sound. There’s no reason to place new plumbing fixtures any farther away from an ejector pit than they absolutely need to be.”

    Basement powder room with bold wallpaper

    Leslie advises looking at your overall wish list for the basement to assist in planning for plumbing needs. “If you’re putting in a wet bar, we’ll take that into consideration and find the efficiencies,” she says.

    On that note, Leslie often reminds families who are reimagining their basements not to over plan. “Remember that you’ll still need a spot to stash holiday decorations and off-season sporting goods. Plan for a storage area alongside your new bar, office basement, bedroom and yes, bathroom.”

    If you find yourself peering down the stairs and wishing for more from your basement, why not set up a time to talk about the possibilities? The Normandy Remodeling photo galleries are an excellent place to find inspiration. If you’d rather have ideas and tips delivered straight to your feed, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

     

    Explore More

    Schedule an Appointment