WaterSense Bathroom Products from American Standard

Water conservation will become more of a focus for local residents in upcoming years. If you’d like to save water a good idea is to make sure your bathroom remodeling includes some of the new WaterSense products. The good news at Metropolitan Bath and Tile is you don’t have to sacrifice – water saving products and gorgeous designs make fabulous decorating partners.

What are WATERSENSE PRODUCTS?
WaterSense® is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Similar to the Energy Star program for appliances. WaterSense was designed to give consumers confidence that water-saving products will work properly and efficiently. The WaterSense label is used on toilets and bathroom faucets that are certified by independent laboratory testing to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency. It assures customers that a product delivers dependable performance while reducing water use by 20 percent or more. Many American Standard® and Kohler® products are WaterSense certified. To ensure you are purchasing dependable products that help you save water Look for the WaterSense label .

Some water facts:

• By 2050 40% of the world’s countries will have severe water shortages
• 36 states anticipate water shortages by 2013 (US Government Accountability Office). Some, like Texas are experiencing them today.
• 1.6 billion gallons of water are wasted in the US because of inefficient toilets every day

Kohler WaterSense Toilets

Toilets are big water (& money) wasters
½ the toilets in the US today are older inefficient models – the newest innovations improve toilet performance. If your home had its toilets installed more than 10 years ago, you may be flushing your money and conservation down the drain. Replacing an old toilet could automatically and permanently cut your home water consumption by 25% or more. Newer technology not only saves water, but can actually improve performance and work quietly.

WaterSense and its partners across the country helped Americans save 9.3 billion gallons of water and 1 billion kilowatt hours through use of WaterSense labeled products in 2008, the most recent reporting period. That translates to consumers realizing more than $55 million in water and sewer bill savings.

Watersaving Toilets
Look for toilets that flush 1.28 gallons or less, when compared to a 3.5-gallon toilet, can save homeowners up to 16,500 gallons of water per fixture per year.*
* Based on average usage of a household of four. Dual Flush can save even more.

• How can I conserve with a new faucet?
  

  Kohler WaterSense Faucets

• Dripping faucets can waste around 20 gallons of water a day.
• You won’t save money by hanging on to your old-fashioned faucets when you remodel. A complete remodeling is the smart course to take – get fully updated with the future in mind. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste from 75 to hundreds of gallons of water a week.
• Replace older rubber-washer faucets. The lifetime, drip-free performance of ceramic disc valving can save you money spent on maintenance and wasted water due to leaks. You also get smooth and easy handle control.
• Replace faucets without aerated flow restrictors. These restrictors incorporate air into the water stream. The result is a bubbling flow that provides excellent rinsing action while reducing water usage. Removing the flow restrictors from these aerators is not recommended as it may reduce the effectiveness of the aerator, and may make temperature control more difficult.

Watersaving Faucets
Small in size, big on impact, KOHLER faucets with low-flow aerators deliver up to 45% water savings over traditional 2.75 gpm faucets.

Are Multi-Spray Showers sustainable?
Multi-spray showers are a fabulous way to relax and give yourself the “spa” treatment. Indulgent, yes, but there are options that can make your new shower experience “green”.

When Metropolitan Bath and Tile installs your new shower we can install diverters to alternate between showerheads. Actually the preferred experience for most users, diverter valves shift the water flow among different showerheads. Use a high-efficiency showerhead as your main showerhead.

Watersaving Showerheads and Handshowers
KOHLER 1.75 gpm water-conserving showerheads and handshowers deliver an impressive 35% water savings over traditional 2.75 gpm showerheads and handshowers.

Remodeling your bathroom with the newest products can save you money (& the planet) in the long run. You’ll love your new bathroom and feel good about doing your part in saving water (& your water bills) at the same time.

Talk to your designer at one of our four convenient locations in Rockville, Bowie, or Towson Maryland or Chantilly Virginia - serving the entire Washington and Baltimore Metro areas for the newest in design and functionality for your new bathroom remodel. MetroBath can help you replace that old, inefficient bathroom with the future in mind. Contact us today to get started…

Conserve Water in Your New Bathroom is a post from: MBTalk from Metropolitan Bath and Tile

Bathroom Lighting for Remodeling

When you are remodeling your bathroom and you are faced with the various options to choose from to achieve a great design, one thing is certain: you must have good lighting. Bathroom lighting can have quite a few different functions – to set a mood, to light a mirror, to create an artful effect. Your Metropolitan Bath and Tile designer can suggest appropriate lighting that can make your bathroom a glowing showcase.

 
Here are the different types of lighting to consider so your new bathroom can not just be adequately but interestingly illuminated:

• Task lighting – this is the most important if you will be grooming in your new bathroom. It is generally located at the vanity but can also be located in the shower in larger bathrooms. Vertical cross lighting at eye level is an excellent way to get even shadow-free lighting. You can browse the wide range of task lighting options Metropolitan Bath and Tile has in their displays to get you started.

• General light – add general lighting to ceiling or walls. The larger the bathroom the more general lighting you will need so you won’t have dark areas in the space. You will need about 1 watt of incandescent light per sq. ft. of floor area for ceiling mounted fixtures, twice that for recessed fixtures, and 1/3 to 1/2 that for fluorescent fixtures. Look for the newest daylight, full spectrum bulbs for the most natural light from fluorescent. Many bathroom ceiling lights do double-duty with ventilation fans and heaters to help draw out the moisture from the bathroom and keep you from feeling a chill when drying off.
• Decorative lighting – most likely decorative lighting is the focal point in itself but acts as indirect lighting for both task and general lighting. Sconces that direct the light softly towards the ceiling are good for this purpose. Try a small, sparkling chandelier to add luxury.
• Natural light – Not just for bringing in the daylight, windows and skylights can add a good source of ventilation. If possible, the minimum should be at least 10% of the bathrooms floor area for a nice open feel. Replace old drafty windows with the new, energy-efficient ones available today that open and close easily.
• Wet location lighting – with the new walk-in showers built for two in bathroom design that are so popular you may want to add needed lighting for a relaxing shower that is especially made for wet areas. These lights are designated vapor-proof.
• Accent lighting – be creative – used to bring out the interesting lines in the architecture or materials. Imagine lights glowing behind glass block walls, spotlighting a lovely glass vessel bowl, behind a mirror, to emphasize the texture of your tile, or in the toe-kick of vanities that make them look like they’re floating (& can also act as night lighting).
• Candlelight – yes, you’ll love to relax in your gorgeous, new bathroom and candles can really bring the pace down and evoke a spa experience when you’re soaking in your tub.

MetroBath looks forward to you bringing your ideas to us so we can light the way to a fabulous and satisfying bathroom remodeling experience. Our past customers love their new bathrooms – we’re certain you will, too. Our Maryland and Virginia showrooms are the perfect place to start…

Well-Chosen Lighting Makes a Bathroom Remodeling Shine is a post from: MBTalk from Metropolitan Bath and Tile

Tradition - Eclectic - Contemporary - What's Your Style?

Often a house’s architectural style plays a major role in determining the style of its bathrooms. Even the location of your home effects your style’s direction (urban or resort). It makes sense to incorporate those same features in your bathroom’s design. But newer homes or even houses that have seen multiple owners are less bound by tradition, and the bathrooms in them offer a wider range of options for self-expression. Whether you remain contemporary or try to re-create a period look, choose a style that reflects your own interests, that creates an atmosphere that invigorates you in the morning and relaxes you at night and that makes the room a desirable place to be.

Are you Vintage/Traditional? Look to add these details:

• Subway Tile
• Wainscoting
• Small hexagonal floor tiles
• Beadboard paneling
• Footed bathtub, pedestal sink
• Period-style fixtures
• Wood & stone
• Traditional Details
• Cozy floor plan
• Curvy lines

Are you Contemporary? Look to add these details:

• Frameless glass shower doors or open shower
• High Tech Showerheads and Handheld
• Wide open floor plan
• Floating cabinets
• Mirrors and Glass
• Metal & unusual materials
• Floor to Ceiling Tile
• Unusual shaped sink(s)
• Minimalist with straight lines
• Modern lighting

These types of architecture will most likely dictate traditional style:

• Cape Cod Style
• Federal and Adam House Styles
• Folk Victorian
• Queen Anne Victorian
• Shingle Style
• Colonial Revival
• Tudor
• Prairie Style
• American Foursquare
• Arts and Crafts (Craftsman/Bungalow)

You can go either old or new with:

• Ranch Style
• Raised Ranch
• Split-Level
• Builder’s Colonial / Neocolonial
• Neoeclectic Houses

You may be most comfortable with Contemporary details if your home is:

• Ultra-Modern
• Contemporary

Of course you can mix and match styles to fit your personal style, such as add a chandelier to a contemporary bathroom or incorporate a whirlpool in a period-style bathroom as long as it doesn’t tip the scales away from the look you’re trying to achieve. If you’re undecided and need assistance with your bathroom remodeling direction, stop by one of Metropolitan Bath and Tile’s 4 showrooms in Maryland or Virginia and one of our talented designers are ready to assist you and will get your bathroom remodeling on its way – in style. Check out our photo galleries for more ideas…

Bathroom Style & Your Home’s Architecture is a post from: MBTalk from Metropolitan Bath and Tile

Choose Your Trend for a Fabulous Bathroom

Your new bathroom from Metropolitan Bath and Tile can have that contemporary look that you’ve been longing for if you consider some of the popular trends for this year that can transform your remodel from functional to fabulous.

Luxurious details. Quality goes a long way in the bathroom in both aesthetics and return on investment. Splurge on the newest in Fixtures. A good quality set of matching fixtures can take your design to an all new level. Our MetroBath designer’s are happy to research with you the interesting shapes and ways to mount your faucets to make your bathroom extraordinary.

Reach for hi-tech. Add Shower heads and sprays to your open or frameless glass shower and turn bathing into an invigorating spa experience.

Shine with Lighting. It’s is always at the top of the list for adding that special glow to your new bathroom. Depending on your ceiling height you can add a glistening chandelier – or try a multi-light fixture over your vanity in a bulb shade and finish that matches your mood.

Mosaic tile has captured the attention of Metropolitan Bath and Tile designers and design-savvy homeowners even though it’s been around for millenniums. Take a look at earliest architecture and you will see the beautiful pieced together bits of glass, ceramic and tiles embellishing ancient ruins, decorating walls and floors. Mosaic tiles are available from the softest muted tones in tumbled stone to jewel-like glass -for a glamorous touch.

Back to Nature. If you like to feel like you’re one with nature while taking a shower or bath then the natural look is for you. Honest materials of wood, stone tile, granite, bamboo, slate, neutrals, organically shaped sinks and faucets. Choose colors from nature like deep browns and beiges, greens, greys, and water blues – and make sure you have lots of natural sunlight bathing your room from windows or skylights.

Try a little Color – or not

Neutrals in the bathroom are always peaceful and relaxing but if you’re feeling adventurous and want to showcase your personality in the newest shades, it’s definitely a way to get a bathroom noticed. The nine palettes for 2012 are: Nonchalance, Subtleties, Resilience, Indigo Effects, and Transcending Time, Back to the Fuchsia, Reflections, Nouveau Neon and The Comics. You get the idea. Pantone Color of the Year? Tangerine Tango. For fun, check out what color matches your birthday month at Colorstrology.

Try Whites with: accent brights, biscuit, mixed glossy and softer matte, textured surfaces, colored tile (select depending on whether the white is yellow or blue base), retro black and white with subway tiles.

Ideas? Talk to your Metropolitan Bath and Tile designer at one of our four bathroom remodeling showrooms about your unique design goals. Creating the perfect bathroom design with the latest and greatest for your new bathroom is the only trend at MetroBath. Be sure to visit our Gallery for more bathroom ideas…

Decorating Trends for This Year’s Bathroom Remodel is a post from: MBTalk from Metropolitan Bath and Tile

Kohler Elevance™ rising wall bath with left-hand drain

Do you need special features for your new bathroom remodeling that will make it more accessible?

Metropolitan Bath and Tile can maximize your bathroom design with accessible features that can accommodate seniors who need a higher level of safety, a child with physical disabilities who needs wheelchair accessibility – or you just may be an astute homeowner who wants to stay independent in your home as long as possible. We can create a quality bathroom that will address your safety and possible mobility issues for years to come. An accessible bathroom doesn’t have to look like it belongs in a hospital.

MetroBath designers will answer your concerns by creating a unique design for you that is beautiful as well as sensible. Our helpful team will listen to your needs, analyze your space and budget and present a variety of  options for your bathroom remodeling that doesn’t look dull or utilitarian , such as:

• Wide clearance of pathways, doorways, shower openings to accomodate wheelchairs and walkers
• In-law suite bathrooms that keep your senior guests safer when they’re staying with you
• Safe changes in levels  At age 60+ slip and fall accidents become the leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Reach and height standards in accessible-living bathrooms
• Grab bars and built-in or fold-down seating
• Wall hung lavatories
• Barrier-Free showers with no sill or obstruction
• Faucets that are easy on/ easy off
• Moveable wall tubs and drop-in baths
• Slip resistant flooring 
• Easy maintenance surfaces
• Low open shelving vs high, deep cabinets

ADA Compatible Bathroom Remodeling with MetroBath is a post from: MBTalk from Metropolitan Bath and Tile

Cleaning Your New Bathroom

After Metropolitan Bath and Tile remodels your home’s old bathroom and it looks perfect and stunning, there will come a time after when you will actually have to clean it! To keep it looking like the day we finished here are a few bathroom cleaning tips to undo all the daily use you will be giving your gorgeous bathroom and to keep it looking like new:

 CLEANING ENGINEERED STONE COUNTERTOPS

Engineered stone like Silestone®, Corian® & Cambria® doesn’t require regular maintenance like sealing and they are very stain resistant so our bathroom designers at Metropolitan Bath and Tile recommend them as an ideal bathroom surface.

Solid surface countertops are created by pouring crushed up pieces of stone and acrylics into a mold. Sometimes called “synthetic stone”, they are becoming increasingly popular in new home construction and remodeling and are available in a myriad of colors, plus they are becoming more realistic looking like real stone all the time.Don’t worry about spills from coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, makeup, and many other common household products; just avoid harsh chemicals. And you don’t have to don’t worry about scorching your countertop – although extreme heat for prolonged periods will damage it.

• To clean solid surface countertops, just use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down.
• For more dirty or stained areas, try a mild dish soap and water. Towel dry the surface.
• Shiny surface countertops can use a liquid mildly abrasive cleaner, while non-shiny (matte) finishes can use baking soda or another mild abrasive cleaner to remove tougher stains.
• Really difficult stains or spots may benefit from a solid-surface cleaning spray available at most home stores.
• For Silestone Quartz with a polished finish, we recommend you use a mild household cleaner, such as 409®, Fantastik®, Lysol®, or Windex®. In case of stubborn spills or stains, soak the area for up to 10 minutes with one of the above cleaners and vigorously wipe away with a non scratch Scotch Brite® pad.
• Silestone® Leather™ does show daily living more frequently and therefore requires more daily maintenance than other Silestone Quartz products.

CLEANING NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS

Granite countertops are gorgeous additions to a home, with each piece like a unique work of art. Because granite is available in so many colors, homeowners have many options to choose from. Granite is also very durable and resists heat. Because it is so hard it’s not forgiving should you drop a glass bottle on it – it will shatter the softer glass.

Granite requires regular maintenance. Besides just cleaning your countertops, you’ll need to make sure the granite is sealed periodically. Stains on granite can be difficult to remove, but not impossible.

• To keep granite countertops clean, use a microfiber cloth to dust off the surface. Wipe down the granite countertop daily and as needed using water.Use only gentle soap and water with natural stone.There are many brands specially formulated for granite  (some even have sealer in them so it gets sealed a little at a time).
• Once a week wipe down with a damp cloth and a stone cleaner formulated with a neutral pH. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Do not use Windex, especially with Vinegar, as it will damage the sealant. . They can scratch, pit, and etch the surface of the stone. For oily stains, try a poultice made of a cup of flour or baking soda and 5 tablespoons of dish soap. Add water to make it the consistency of sour cream or yogurt. Place the solution directly on the stain and cover with plastic wrap overnight, before washing away the poultice.
• Re-seal the countertop when water splashed on the surface no longer beads up and you want to bring back the shine.Stains or damage can be repaired by a stone-care professional.
•  Marble contains calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar, citrus beverages, and soda.

CLEANING FAUCETS AND FIXTURES

After your bathroom remodeling, read your manufacturer information of the fixtures you chose for your remodeling. While the most common type of faucet is chrome, there are other types that may need special care instructions. Longer warranties are a result of significant improvements in finish technology, manufacturing tolerances and new models designed to provide an extended faucet life.Most new faucets have PVD finish, which is Physical Vapor Deposition,w hich creates an extra tight bond for the finish.  Chances are it won’t PEEL (or crack, chip, etc).  But it might tarnish, fade, etc.  Most of these have a simple seal on them to protect against all the abuse that comes about on a bathroom sink.

Different manufacturers have varying warranties on their faucets and showerheads so again, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with them. They will usually list their recommendations for good and bad ways to clean your faucets. More information is always available on the manufacturer’s websites.Some of the new fixtures have superior finishes that resists spots, fingerprints so they are extra-easy to maintain. Harsh chemicals can take off that off that protective layer and void your warranty. Soaking the faucet with rubber or plastic corrosive chemicals can break down pieces that keep the faucet from disintegrating.  This includes the seats (o-rings), valves, or even some basic silicone that may have been used for lubricant for smooth movement.

• Try the most basic way to clean your faucet first. Plain water, or mild dish soap and water can take care of the cleaning needs for most faucet types. Drying the faucet with a dry cleaning cloth after cleaning will allow you buff the shine of the faucet. This will also help prevent spotting on the faucet finish. A mild glass and surface cleaner may be another option to clean your faucet. Never use a scratch-pad sponge, scrub brush, or harsh abrasives on your faucet finishes for obvious reasons.
• If a simple wiping-off is not enough to get the gunk from your faucet, the next step is white vinegar. A mix of half vinegar and half water applied with a cleaning cloth  can remove water spots and fingerprints (if you have natural stone, avoid getting on that surface as it harms the sealant). If you aren’t sure of your faucet’s finish or want to be extra careful, it’s a good idea to test the vinegar/water in a hidden area to make sure the finish isn’t damaged. Avoid bleach-based cleaners.
• Repurpose your old toothbrushes. An old toothbrush can be a great tool to clean around the edges where the sink and the faucet meet. Use dish soap or plain water to clean the edges. Wipe the faucet dry with a cleaning cloth.
• Clean the drain. The drain part of a faucet is often the part that needs the most cleaning. Try using a non abrasive cleaner like Softscrub or Barkeeper’s Friend to clean this portion of the faucet. Again, testing any cleaner on a hidden portion of the faucet to check for damage to the finish is a good idea.

Added Shine: To make your chrome faucets gleam and shine, try putting a dab of baby oil on a cotton ball and polish for extra gleam.

Tips from manufacturers:

Delta®: Avoid abrasives and polishes, including bleach-based cleansers.  Delta specifically states to avoid Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol Basin Tub, Soft Scrub and Tile Cleaner (avoid on the brushed nickel – it probably works just fine on tile/tubs/sinks).  Beware product that say they “remove rust or tarnish” – those containing hydrofluoric, hydrochloric and/or phosphoric acids, anything with caustic agents (usually mentioned in the warning sections of the product).

Kohler® mentions to avoid anything with ammonia, bleach or acid.  Kohler also suggests considering Windex Original (has “Ammonia-D”?), Fantastic Antibacterial Heavy Duty (avoid the Bleach version!), Comet Bathroom Cleaner (Comet has citric acid – 6%).

Moen® doesn’t suggest anything specific other than 50/50 of white vinegar and water, and a soft cloth.

Showerheads

Showerheads are prone to calcium buildup  - be sure to ask our bathroom designers about some of the new ones out there that resist calcium problems.

• Always blot dry any water from any faucet surface. Allowing water to evaporate on the surface can lead to build up of mineral deposits. Cleaning with a damp non-abrasive sponge and buffing it dry with a clean soft cloth should help keep your product looking beautiful. To remove water spots, use warm water and a soft, damp cloth. Hard water stains may be removed using a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water.  Make certain that you rinse thoroughly with water afterward.
• Avoid industrial cleaners, bleach-based, and abrasive cleaners, such as those used for toilet bowls, green Scotch-Brite heavy duty scrub sponges, Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner and Lysol Basin Tub, Soft Scrub, and Tile Cleaner.
• Avoid products that state on the label that they remove tarnish and rust, and those containing hydrofluoric, hydrochloric and/or phosphoric acids and caustic agents.

CLEANING GLASS SHOWER DOORS

• We have one word for you: Squeegee. Daily maintenance is key to keeping your shower doors sparkling. Use a daily shower spray, make it a habit to wipe down with a squeegee after every shower to avoid scum and streaks.
• More wiping tools to keep handy are include microfiber cloth & Magic Eraser
• Hard water and soap from bar soap cause scum. If you switch to liquid soap your cleaning will be greatly reduced.
• A handy trick is to polish your doors with a wet fabric softener dryer sheet. Even newsprint is a handy wipe because of the ph of the sheets.

Your bathroom is one of the most-used rooms in your home. When it has seen its day and it’s time to remodel, visit one or Metropolitan Bath and Tile’s 4 convenient showrooms (Bowie, Rockville, Towson, MD & Chantilly, VA). Our talented designers will be happy to give you a “clean” start with a gorgeous newly-designed room with the latest elements that are easy to maintain in your home – a true investment in your lifestyle’s time & quality. Visit our Inspiration Gallery for ideas.

Cleaning Tips for Your Newly Remodeled Bathroom is a post from: MBTalk from Metropolitan Bath and Tile

One of the newer showrooms, Chantilly Metropolitan Bath and Tile sports some of the most popular looks for residential bathrooms today. Here is just a glimpse of smart design elements to consider for your future bathroom remodeling:

Must-Have bathroom tile collections

rain-frosted glass shower doors

popular tile colors and fixture finishes

full-tile frameless showers

creative ideas with tile

basin sinks - perfect for powder rooms

Chantilly Virginia MetroBath Showroom Style is a post from: MBTalk from Metropolitan Bath and Tile

Storage

Enough storage is paramount. If it’s a husband and wife or 2 teens sharing the same bathroom you should have enough room to keep your toiletries and electronics out of sight without a big tangle – literally.

There will be separate towels also so a linen tower is a smart addition so fresh towels can be at hand for twice the bathers.

Lighting

Lighting (always) should be set up so it is even and bright no matter where you’re standing in front of the mirror to facilitate grooming. With two people sharing the bathroom this is even more important. Separate mirrors over the sinks are always a nice touch and can also make getting ready together less distracting and gives a clearer line of space division.

Sinks

A double-sink vanity is a practical feature for large (or growing) families, or for a working couple whose morning routine would be vastly improved without the daily flip-flop at a single sink.

There should be a maximum run of 30 inches between the centers of the two basins. This will allow you to tie the two sinks together with a single waste line. However, separate traps and drains are usually required if the vanity contains a stack of full-length drawers between the basins, because the pipes are blocked by the drawer boxes. For a trendier look try basins with wall mounted faucets.

Toilet

The toilet may be sequestered so as to provide more privacy. A half wall or glass block wall can help without making the space feel cramped or confined.

Showers

With so many options in showers available today- if space is available- you can opt to have a large shower installed with many shower heads so two can shower at once. Add a bench to the tile and have a relaxing conversation in the steam.

Metropolitan Bath & Tile designers have the answers to your 2-plus bathroom waiting line. Let them suggest ways for your remodeling to not just be elegant but highly functional and comfortable for multi-users.

A Bathroom for Two is a post from: MBTalk from Metropolitan Bath and Tile

A bathroom whose style is deemed “Contemporary” is one that is modern and fashionable with the newest in materials – or traditional materials used in a new and surprising way. There is no set template – your imagination is your guide.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular elements that comprise the bathroom du jour:

Cabinets

• Sleek, clean lines, simple drawers
• Modern, sophisticated hardware
• Floating cabinets, floor to ceiling storage
• Espresso, chocolate, rich walnut – or light or eco-woods
• Brushed nickel, chrome, bronze hardware

Sinks & Faucets – (hint: look at the newest lines manufacturers are offering)

• Vessel sinks or basins with innovative wall-mounted faucets
• All in one countertop/sinks for the sleekest line
• Rectangular sinks

Tiles (mostly shown with stark white or cream porcelain). Many styles to choose from from slate, stonelike greys to pops of glassy, bright color depending on whether you’re looking for ultra-minimalist or designer chic.

• Floor to ceiling tile makes a small room look larger (easy maintenance, too!)
• Accents of mosaic or horizontal tile banding
• Serene, earthy, large ceramic tile
• Pebble or stone-textured, outdoor-feel tiles
• Glass mosaics
• “New” shapes of small squares, long horizontals
• Just about any material (natural or man-made) for countertops but keep it streamlined

Shower & Tubs

• Ultra clean-lines
• Frameless glass shower enclosures
• Matching bathtub platform and vanity
• Showers with steam and body sprays
• Tubs in minimalist shapes
• Shower curtains in unexpected fabrics

Trending Themes & Elements

• Asian spa accessories
• Stainless Steel
• Oversized molding
• Eco-friendly materials & colors
• Frameless mirrors, interesting shapes
• Artistic sconces (always coupled with with good overhead lighting)

Fashionable Colors That Play Out Your Mood

• White and naturals are always in style (often with a surprising accent color or accessories that are playful or contrast by being luxurious)
• Calming colors: think water, citrus greens, tea, sunrise, earth, sand
• Charcoals, greys, slate, cocoa, chocolate, wood
• Dramatic powder room colors or graphic wallpaper against white porcelain
• Black and White

Do you see your new bathroom taking shape in your mind? Is it a peaceful spa, a high-tech grooming space, a dramatic statement of light and form? The bathroom designers at Metropolitan Bath and Tile would love to make that bathroom dream materialize for you.  Visit one of our convenient showroom locations and our talented bathroom remodeling team can present to you the latest ideas, materials, styles and fine-tune them to your unique taste for the perfect contemporary bathroom remodeling. Be sure to visit our online gallery of bathroom ideas.

Elements of Today’s Contemporary Bathroom is a post from: MBTalk from Metropolitan Bath and Tile

Silestone Surfaces for Bathrooms

Imagine a bathroom surface that resists stains, scratches and heat, it is available in a tasteful selection of colors, textures and edge finishes…and, is so protected against germs, mildew, and microbes that your bathroom stays cleaner longer.

We’ve just described Silestone®. It’s made of 94% natural quartz – that makes it hard but earth-friendly. It’s also the first and only countertop with built-in Microban® antimicrobial protection. All you have to do is wipe it clean with soap and water – and you never need to seal it. It stays beautiful and shiny for years to come.

GreenGuard Certified

How eco-friendly is it? Silestone® has been Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified® by the Greenguard Environmental Institute. This certificate proves that Silestone does not generate any substance that is harmful to the environment and is recommended for surfaces used in closed areas.

Silestone® can fit into your design plans with ease. Colors range from natural to designer brilliant with pattern ranging from none to fine, to pebbley, to granite-like. Silestone’s quartz countertops are available in 100 colors, with different finishes like Leather® and Volcano® , plus style-setting edge options.

Metropolitan Bath and Tile Designers are pleased to show you the many ways you can get all this for your next bathroom remodeling. Many homeowners are so sold on how ideal Silestone® is for the bathroom they use it for for floors and walls also. There are one-piece, solid Silestone® sink/countertops also for non-stop beauty and protection. Stop by one of our convenient showrooms to see examples of luxurious, bacteriostatic Silestone® in our bathroom displays soon and see how luxurious practical can be.

Silestone – Quite Possibly the Perfect Bathroom Surface is a post from: MBTalk from Metropolitan Bath and Tile