Bathroom Fixtures Worth Investing In

We just completed a beautiful bathroom renovation and I am excited to share with you why we made the choices we made so we can help you too when it comes to figuring out what you want for your own bathroom renovation project. Even when hiring a design team (Element Design Network, obviously!), it is helpful to know a bit about what you want and why before you start your project.

A bathroom remodel can be a daunting project, but it not only improves your property value, it also gives you a little bit of luxury in your every day life. A well-designed bathroom is one that both looks beautiful and functions well for your needs. With life as busy as it is these days, creating relaxing daily routines that help us wind down and relax is oh-so important.

[Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to see the before photos - you will be happy you did!]

Elegant bathroom with glass shower, gold fixtures, and marble accent wall. Neutral towels hang nearby; serene and modern ambiance. freestanding tub, marble shower, marble slab, porcelain slab, gold bathroom fixtures, white shutter, charcoal tile, primary bathroom — Photo by: Erin Konrath

The Design Plan

For this project, the layout worked quite well for my clients which saved us from having to do more extensive renovations. By keeping the plumbing in the same general location, we were able to save about 30% of the total renovation cost which let us invest a bit more in quality fixtures. My clients' main concern was updating the dated 90's bathroom into a modern spa-like retreat.

We knew we wanted to get rid of the built in bathtub and replace it with a more sleek freestanding tub, increase the size of the shower a bit (and of course make it much more beautiful), rework the dated vanity area, and add a modern privacy wall to conceal the new toilet. Keeping things visually clean and simple, we wanted the premium materials to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space. The main goal here was to create a luxury at-home spa experience in a neutral palette that would stand the test of time.

Modern bathroom with wooden cabinets, double sink with brass faucets, and a large mirror. Potted plant, framed photos, and cozy ambiance. primary bathroom, floating vanity, reeded sconces, makeup counter, charcoal tile, signature hardware

Do Quality Fixtures Really Make A Difference?

Investing in quality bathroom fixtures made of high-quality materials may require a higher initial investment, but the benefits are undeniable in the long run. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your space, but they also improve your home’s value. A thoughtfully designed bathroom with luxurious fixtures creates a serene escape, making it an investment in your quality of life. In the world of luxury design, every detail matters, and the right fixtures can make all the difference.

As an interior designer, I often highlight the importance of investing in high-quality bathroom fixtures. Good fixtures are a smart investment in a bathroom renovation. This is a project that you are putting some serious money into and you want to do it the right way. Be sure your selections will stand the test of time, which will give you peace of mind that your money was well spent. The bathroom is not just a functional space; it's a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, something we all need more of. Quality fixtures elevate your experience, turning a routine visit to your bathroom into a moment of indulgence.

The Bathtub

Bathroom with a modern tub, striped glass shower, and wooden shelves with decor. Gray robe hangs on wall; vase of flowers on table. Calm mood. built in shelves, bathroom shelves, reeded glass, privacy wall

First and foremost, let’s talk about bathtubs, specifically freestanding tubs. A bathtub, often serves as the focal point of a bathroom. Replacing the built in bathtub with a freestanding option changed the overall look of the space. Signature Hardware has so many sleek modern designs and here we used the gorgeous 64" Winfred bathtub paired with this gorgeous faucet. It is made of Solid Surface material (think countertop material) making this bathtub perfect for long baths as it retains heat beautifully. This material is also low maintenance as it is resistant to mold, staining, chipping, and cracking. Investing in a durable material ensures longevity and retains heat, allowing for longer, more enjoyable baths. The slope of this bathtub has the perfect pitch to lay back and relax for as long as you like.

Here we used the Greyfield Tub Filler from Signature Hardware which has a multifunction hand shower allowing you to switch between a full spray and a powerful massage or use both at the same time. It is sleek and the minimalist design looks perfect in this space.

The Shower

Sleek bathroom with a marble shower, brass fixtures, potted plant, and beige towel. Glass partition and muted color tones create a serene vibe. marble slab, marble bathroom, porcelain slab, gold bathroom fixtures, gold faucet, gray bathroom tile

We are increasingly transforming our clients bathrooms into personal wellness sanctuaries. This trend includes features like freestanding soaking tubs, rain showers, and seating in the shower, creating a serene environment for relaxation and self-care. We wanted to do the same in this bathroom. One main feature that we wanted to include was a beautiful stone with bold veining. The showpiece of this shower is the gorgeous porcelain slab above the bench. This is one of the first things we chose for the bathroom and we knew everything else had to complement it. This is also the first thing you see when entering the bathroom which naturally makes it a focal point of the space. We chose to clad the rest of the walls in a ribbed tile, utilizing the element of texture instead of color next to the slab creating a stunning look. The porcelain slab created visual appeal while the overall palette remains neutral and serene.

Arguably the most important piece of hardware in a modern bathroom is the shower fixture. While bathtubs are beautiful and serve as a perfect retreat for a little R&R, most of us are using our showers far more often. High-end shower heads and controls can significantly enhance your daily routine. Look for rain showerheads or multi-functional systems that provide a customizable experience.

Quality fixtures often come with advanced technologies, such as water-saving options (while still providing good water pressure) and temperature control, which not only promote sustainability but also ensure comfort and convenience. The simple, sleek silhouette of this Greyfield Shower System looks perfect in this gorgeous shower. With multi-functional options, this system allows you to customize your shower experience to create the perfect start or end to your day.

The Vanity

Calm bathroom with wooden vanity, large abstract wall art, green plant in ceramic vase, gold fixtures, and mirrored lighting. modern art, bathroom art, floating vanity, primary bathroom, makeup chair, reeded sconce

We chose a floating vanity for this space because we wanted it to span the length of the wall (115") but did not want it to feel like a big, heavy piece of furniture. Having the space below gives you a visual respite. The warm wood tone complements the veining in the porcelain slab beautifully. The flat front cabinet doors are modern and adorned with the beautiful details of the cabinet hardware. Here, we used more of a gold tone which pairs perfectly with the aged brass of the fixtures without everything matching too perfectly. Finding complimentary metal tones adds interest to the overall design of the space. By having our custom vanity as large as possible, we were able to incorporate a ton of storage, and customized the layout to work perfectly for my clients.

Bathroom sink with gold faucet, wooden cabinets, and marble countertop. Flowers, towel, and soap create a fresh and elegant vibe. signature hardware, tassle cabinet pull, white oak cabinet

Faucets are another essential element worth investing in. Choosing faucets made from robust materials, like solid brass or stainless steel, means they will withstand wear and tear while maintaining their beauty. A well-designed faucet can serve as both a functional tool and a statement piece, reflecting the overall style of the bathroom. In the same Aged Brass as the rest of the bathroom fixtures, this Greyfield widespread faucet looks perfect with our new custom vanity.

The Lighting

We knew lighting was going to make a real impact in this space so we opted for layered lighting through the combination of beautiful reeded sconces in the vanity mirror, a natural jute large flush mount fixture above the bathtub and strip lighting both underneath the vanity and in the built-in shelves to create the perfect ambiance. Lighting is what can really make the difference between a nice bathroom and a beautiful spa-like retreat. Soft, adjustable lighting is crucial in creating a serene atmosphere. We used dimmers on all of the lights, sconces, and even the LED strips to set the perfect mood, casting a warm glow throughout the bathroom.

A bathroom renovation is a wise investment and is a great way not only to increase your home's overall value but more importantly improve your quality of life by giving you an at-home spa experience. These trends reflect a growing desire for luxury that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, creating spaces that cater to comfort, style, and sustainability.

Spa-like bathroom retreats are designed to evoke tranquility and relaxation, transforming the ordinary bathroom into a personal sanctuary. There is nothing better after a long day than unwinding in your very own retreat. If you are considering your very own bathroom upgrade and need help with the process, give us a call, we would love to work with you to make your bathroom dreams become a reality! You'll wonder why you hadn't done it sooner.

All photos taken by our incredible photographer, Erin Konrath.