Plumber: Bathroom decoration is all in the details – Entertainment & Life – The Topeka Capital-Journal

Q: Dear Ed, in the past you have written about using bathroom faucets that all go together to create a common design theme. How far can you go Can you take this concept further to deal with things like accessories?

– Holly, Florida

A: Some plumbing fixture manufacturers offer suite manifold fixtures such as toilets, sinks, faucets, and bathtubs, all of which are designed to work with one another.

The good news is that there have been more suite product offerings available lately. The concept was expanded to include bathroom accessories such as lighting, shelves, door handles, towel rails and bathrobe hooks. Speaking of bathrobes, I’ve even seen bathroom suite deals that even include bathrobes! You can also add matching floor rugs, bath mats and towels along this line.

Bottom line: bathroom suite packages can be a great choice to end your dilemmas about decorating details.

Q: Dear Ed: My husband and I are planning a kitchen remodel with an oversized sink that will fit my large pots. While I like the look of a large kitchen sink, decoratively I prefer an understated looking faucet. Any ideas how I can avoid a very high arched tap spout and still fill my tall pots?

– Keri, Michigan

A: I have an idea but keep in mind that it may or may not work for your style and / or budget.

I suggest looking into a wall-mounted kitchen faucet. Since kitchen fittings are attached to the wall behind the sink, a lower spout can usually also fill a large pot.

Other benefits of wall-mounted kitchen faucets include less clutter and easier cleaning around the sink. However, because the faucet’s water lines need to be roughened behind the wall, the labor cost can be higher than installing a faucet on deck.

Bottom line: a new wall-mounted kitchen faucet can help you overcome your decoration barrier.

Q: Dear Ed: We are planning a simple kitchen update by changing things like the faucet and cabinet hardware. With that in mind, is there anything else you can suggest to give our kitchen a fresh look without getting into a complicated installation?

– Betsy, Washington State

A: When you mentioned the need to replace your kitchen faucet, I had a good idea.

A recent trend is to install a modern looking kitchen chandelier with a touch of antique style. This type of lighting design is usually suitable for most kitchen layouts.

Now to the kicker.

Kitchen chandeliers have become so popular that some faucet manufacturers have started to market the chandeliers with metal finishes that go perfectly with the kitchen faucet. If your current electrical setup can adapt to this type of light fixture, a new kitchen chandelier can really brighten your morning.

General contractor / plumber Ed Del Grande is internationally known as the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call”, host of television and Internet shows and LEED Green Associate.