Kristina Ferrigan, Author at Normandy Remodeling

You’ve selected gorgeous shower tile for your bathroom remodel and now you need to decide whether to show it off by installing a glass shower door or allow it to be a hidden surprise behind a shower curtain. Normandy Designer Becca Ruggiero offers the pros and cons for each option.

“Overall, a shower door is better than a shower curtain at retaining heat and keeping you warmer, because it creates more of a seal,” says Becca. “Shower doors also offer a contemporary feel, and the aesthetic of glass doors present a cleaner look to the bathroom, while also showing off the tile you selected.”

If you chose a standard size bathtub, a stock shower door can be ordered off the shelf. “With nonstandard tub sizes or dimensions, you’ll likely need to order a custom shower door,” says Becca. There are a variety of shower door styles and types, such as sliders, which will have a narrower opening or frameless shower doors, where one piece is stationary and the door swings out. “Be mindful of clearances with the door swings,” Becca cautions. “You’ll want to make sure there is clearance for the toilet or a towel bar that may be in the vicinity.”

Another factor to keep in mind when choosing your shower door is the height of the people who will be using the shower. “Shower doors come in different heights and not many people take this into consideration,” Becca says. “If you’re taller than average, you’ll want a shower door closer to the 7’ version. This way the top of your head and the shower head will remain below the top edge of the shower wall, keeping you warmer, and preventing ove rspray.”

There are a few drawbacks with shower doors, however. “Since shower doors are mounted to a track usually on the lip of the bathtub, this means more elbow grease is needed to keep it clean,” Becca says. “The shower door track can also get in the way if you’re bending over to bathe children or pets, making a shower curtain the better option.”

Some additional benefits to selecting a shower curtain for your shower/tub combo are that it’s easy to change décor by simply changing out the curtain and you can curate a look that best fits your bathroom’s aesthetic with a fun or unique shower curtain rod and rings. Cost wise, installing a shower curtain will be significantly more affordable than a shower door.

If you’re still in the design idea phase of your bathroom remodel project, reach out to Becca. She can help you design a beautiful retreat within your home, no matter your choice of shower door or curtain. You can find some of our most recent bathroom, kitchen, and home remodeling projects under our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest accounts.

When it comes to kitchen design, incorporating existing structural beams, posts, and headers can present both challenges and opportunities. These architectural elements add character and can serve structural purposes, but they might not always align with the desired aesthetics or flow of the space.

“When working with beams, posts, or columns around the kitchen, you should ask if it makes more sense to move the structure or embrace it,” says Normandy Designer Jackie Jensen.

Residential homes offer more opportunity for removing an obstructive beam or post, though you might need to add support in another form, such as installing a longer beam to compensate for the removed post. Working with a designer or structural engineer is the best way to determine whether a beam or post can be removed safely.

“Often in high rise condos or buildings with multiple units, structural columns or posts cannot be moved due to the building’s design and engineering,” says Jackie. “This limitation requires a different approach to the kitchen design where we’d focus on integrating them seamlessly into the remodel.”

“Often, immovable structural posts show up in inconvenient locations, or are off-center in the room,” notes Jackie. “In those cases, you have no choice but to incorporate them into the design. You may opt to add a second post to create symmetry and balance, or wing walls can be added with a header above to frame the space.”

An option for an off-center singular beam on the ceiling is to add a faux beam to complement it. “This is especially appealing in modern farmhouse or rustic kitchens,” Jackie says. “Wood beams on the ceiling add texture and warmth.”

In some situations, existing beams may be unattractive or don’t align with the desired design style. A header can be employed to conceal these unsightly elements effectively.

“By attaching drywall and painting it to match the ceiling, the beam can blend in and effectively disappear, creating a more cohesive look for the kitchen,” Jackie says,

Alternatively, if a post or column is strategically positioned, it can be transformed into a decorative element.

“Many lofts in Chicago have structural columns that at first glance seem obtrusive,” Jackie says, “But in a recent remodel, we successfully incorporated a column into the design of a wet bar island by adding a waterfall edge on the opposite end of the beam. This helped balance the visual weight and ensured a harmonious appearance on both sides of the island.”

Integrating these elements creatively can elevate your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal, creating a beautiful and functional space that surpasses your vision. Deciding how to handle structural posts, beams, and columns can cause pause when you’re planning to remodel your kitchen. Set up a time to discuss your concerns with Jackie. For inspiration, you can find some of our most recent projects in our photo gallery, or on Instagram and Facebook.