Toilet Basics

Question: How often do you think about your toilet?  
Answer: Probably not often enough … well, at least during a design project, that is!

Today’s toilets don’t just flush … they offer heated seats, cleaning wands, sound systems, and chroma-therapy. But you don’t need a luxury bathroom to have a well-designed, high-functioning toilet. And even if you don’t need all the extra fluff, you’ll still want to pay attention to the details. For instance, do you want comfort height? How about an elongated bowl? Flushing technology? Dual-flush vs. standard flush? Wall-mount vs. standard installation? One-piece vs. two-piece? And the list goes on and on. Let me help break it down for you …

Most toilets are now offered in comfort height, which feels more like chair height and enables the user to stand up with greater ease. I would recommend comfort height in most applications with exception of a child’s bath. An elongated bowl is more popular than the standard round front in terms of comfort, but not every space has the extra inches to devote to the protruding toilet seat, so keep that in mind. As far as flushing technology is concerned, Kohler offers thorough information on this topic. Most toilets are moving towards the 1.28gpf (gallons per flush) system, which is much more efficient than the 1.6gpf models of old. There are plenty of dual-flush options on the market as well, but have your checkbook handy, as these come at a premium! When tight on space, consider a wall-mount toilet – not only do these models look great, but the tank is hidden in the wall, so there’s less mess to clean up. And while we’re talking about cleaning, a one-piece system is a little easier to clean than a two-piece model, however, they are more costly as well.

So now what? Start by talking to your designer and plumbing showroom representative who can offer ideas on style, comfort, and functionality that fits your needs. Here are some helpful links:

http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/category.jsp?section=2&nsection=2&nsubsection=3&category=13&nitem=cat13

http://www.geberitnorthamerica.com/web/appl/us/wcmsus.nsf/pages/index

http://www.duravit.us/website/homepage/products.us-en.html

http://www.totousa.com/Products/Toilets.aspx

http://www.ferguson.com

College City Design-Build Fall 2010 Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase

Don’t Miss our Parade of Homes Kitchen Design party at The Legacy Model #134 — Saturday, Sept. 11th at 12 noon


Join us for “Lunch and Learn” with design ideas, good food and lively discussion as our Design Team discusses Kitchen Design: Current trends and cost vs. value aspects of kitchen design.

REGISTER NOW!

WELCOME College City Design/Build FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Visit our Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase Models and see why we are the best choice for custom/move-up home building and remodeling in the Twin Cities. 

Parade of Homes

Sept. 11 – Oct. 3 

(Wed–Sun noon – 6pm)

Model Home #134

13024 Independence Ave. S., Savage

Is family time important to you? Do you like to entertain? If so, come see College City Design-Build’s newest floor plan – the Legacy. Featuring a large mud room, with lockers, drop zone, large closet and powder bath. In the gourmet kitchen, kids and guests can sit at the island, near the convenient beverage center, informal and formal dining areas. The Legacy has four bedrooms up that include a Jack and Jill bathroom and a separate guest/teen suite. The owners’ suite offers a large, custom tile, walk-in shower, soaking tub, double sinks with a makeup tower, his and hers closets and a dramatic tray vault.

Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase

Oct. 1  noon – 8 pm

Oct. 2–3  noon – 6 pm

KITCHEN TRANSFORMATIONS

Remodelers ShowcaseSM Home #69

12673 Emmer Court, Apple Valley

Fluorescent lighting and ugly boxy soffits had to go! The space was converted into a large, multifunction kitchen and dining area – perfect for a family with two teenagers. Recessed lights, pendants and under-cabinet lighting improve overall visibility, while red birch floors, beech cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances make the space current and fresh. Overall functionality was improved by adding a large island with prep sink and a raised counter for casual dining, along with a buffet area and window seat.

Remodelers ShowcaseSM Home #06

6804 Brittany Rd., Edina 

The closed-off kitchen and dining room in this 1966 rambler were transformed into one large, open gathering area,  great for family cooking, dining and entertaining. The look was updated with red birch floors, mixed-finish cabinetry, granite countertops, tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Functionality was improved by adding hidden plug-mold outlets in the backsplash, as well as a large island with space for casual dining. The update was completed by adding new front and back doors and new wrought iron handrail.

Design Trend: Custom Showers

Custom showering is the number 2 design trend in bathrooms. From rainshowers and body sprays to chromotherapy lighting, custom showering is accessible for the everyday user. Statistics show that 70 percent of Americans shower daily, so the need and desire for exceptional performance and multiple water jets are fast becoming the "norm" in bathroom design. Further, many people desire to create spa like environments in the bathroom which include 3 to 4 experiences, such as soaking tubs, steam, custom showering and chromotherapy. For those concerned about water consumption, low flow showerheads and body sprays are available.

Lower Levels

What are you waiting for? It's now the perfect market to finish or transform your lower level.

Did you know that fun, creative design elements (such as an elegant Irish pub or a walk-through library wall) not only add a rich character to a space, but also utilize visual depth to help define entertaining areas without "closing off" separate spaces? The addition of warm, rich color schemes add drama to the space, helping your lower level no longer feel like a cold basement.