Fixtures and Textures

Has anyone ever purchased fixtures online? Are there specific websites to buy your fixtures? I see things on overstock.com or on Spiegel.com that are super cheap and look great, but is the quality just crap?

We just installed a vessel sink faucet and we love it. We ordered it from Sinks, Faucets and more. It wasn't too expensive and the materials are very nice. I was worried about the water spilling over, but it is perfect. It adds a modern touch to the bathroom and it feels a little fancy. I think we are going to get a rainfall shower head next.

I'm a fan of marble. In Berkeley, there's a great place called Urban Ore where you can get used materials for good prices. I've gotten tiles, marble, French doors... all kinds of great things there. I've refinished simple cabinets and dressers and dressed them up with glass or ceramic knobs and marble tops. For me it's been an affordable way to bring something new to the bathroom that will also be durable and long-lasting.

Venetian Plaster is a really beautiful Faux Painting/Faux Finishing technique that creates a smooth surface with an illusion of a lot of texture. It would look great in a bathroom. Since it is usually sealed with water based waxes it should stand the test of time. Ventilation is an important thing to consider as well. Since bathrooms generate humidity and moisture, it can cause problems for bathroom fixtures and wall finishes. Installing a power ventilator is a great way to get the moisture out of the bathroom and protect fixtures.

When researching floor options for my new kitchen, I spent a lot of time debating whether or not to do tile. While most people believe its easy to clean, I read a lot of complaints by people who warn about the between-tile sections. You have to get into those cracks, its simply not as easy as wiping a mop around. Also, theres the backsplash factor. When you spill something hot, it could splash up and burn you from the tile! Also, tile can be very slippery! So be careful!

Personally, I'm really into concrete, but it has drawbacks and is expensive. Tile is always an option, plaster is fine, you can use almost anything actually, it just has to be properly sealed and cared for. If you don't know how to finish properly, there's a wealth of info on the web or you can ask a professional.