Hand Hammered Patina Copper Ventilation Hood with Custom Bands and Rivets Jimmy Chiarella Photography
Example of a large mountain style galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design with an integrated sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

Nicholas Gingold Photography

Renovating a bathroom is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can undertake. It adds immediate value to your property and elevates your daily routine. However, designing the perfect space requires balancing aesthetics with practical utility. At the heart of this balance is the vanity — it is the functional hub where you get ready each morning, a vital storage unit, and the visual centerpiece of the room. To ensure you make the right investment, here is an in-depth look at choosing a bathroom vanity that blends style, longevity, and everyday functionality.
1. Assessing the Layout and Space Constraints
Before you fall in love with a specific design or finish, you must determine what your bathroom can physically handle. Scale is everything. A vanity that is too large disrupts traffic flow, while one that is too small gets lost visually and lacks adequate storage.

• Take Precise Measurements: measure the available width, depth, and height. Remember to account for surrounding fixtures.
• Check Clearance Zones: ensure there is enough clearance for the bathroom door to swing open, for shower glass doors to clear the vanity, and for drawers and cabinet doors to extend fully without hitting the toilet or walls.
• Locate Existing Plumbing: moving pipes can significantly increase renovation costs. If you want a seamless installation, look for a vanity configuration that aligns easily with your current plumbing setup.
  
  

2. Sizing Up Layouts: how to choose a bathroom sink and vanity
The next major step is determining the scale of your plumbing fixtures. Understanding how to choose a bathroom sink and vanity setup comes down to a simple choice: single or double sinks. Your choice will depend on who uses the bathroom and the overall footprint of the space.
Single Sink Vanities
Typically ranging from 20 to 48 inches (50–120 cm) in width, single vanities are the ideal choice for powder rooms, guest bathrooms, or small master suites. For very compact spaces, you can find narrower options starting around 16 inches (40 cm). The major advantage of a single-sink layout is that it provides more usable countertop space for cosmetics, toiletries, and decorative items. If you want to skip the guesswork and invest in a premium, beautifully handcrafted fixture, explore the luxury collections at Willow Bath and Vanity. From elegant single vanities to spacious double setups, their masterfully built furniture combines solid wood construction with elite styling to transform any bathroom into a spa-like retreat.
Double Sink Vanities
Usually starting at 48 inches (120 cm) and extending up to 72 inches (180 cm) or more, double vanities are a lifesaver for shared master bathrooms. They allow two people to get ready simultaneously without fighting for sink space. Keep in mind that a double vanity naturally reduces both cabinet storage space and countertop real estate since a second sink basin and plumbing lines take up substantial interior room.
Sink Types to Consider

• Undermount: installed beneath the counter for a smooth, seamless surface that is incredibly easy to wipe down.
• Vessel: sits atop the counter like a decorative bowl. It makes a bold style statement but raises the overall height of the counter surface.
• Drop-In: features a lip that rests on the counter cutout. It is easier to install, but its edges can catch dirt.
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3. Surface Selection: how to choose a bathroom vanity top
The countertop is the workhorse of the bathroom. It regularly comes into contact with running water, toothpaste, soapy residue, and high-heat styling tools. Knowing how to choose a bathroom vanity top requires evaluating how much maintenance you are willing to perform against the look you want to achieve. Material Pros Cons Maintenance Level Quartz Highly durable, non-porous, stain and scratch-resistant. Offers the look of stone without the hassle. Premium pricing; can show seams on very large custom layouts. Low (No sealing required) Marble Timeless, elegant, and luxurious. Every slab features a completely unique veining pattern. Porous; prone to scratching, etching from acids, and water stains. Requires careful daily use. High (Requires regular sealing) Granite Naturally strong, heat-resistant, and chemically stable. Unique earthy patterns. Porous; can chip if subjected to heavy impacts. Medium (Requires occasional sealing) When coordinating your countertop, ensure it complements your bathroom’s floor tiles, shower surround, and plumbing hardware to maintain visual harmony.
4. Selecting the Core Vanity Style and Finish
Once the functional components are locked in, you can focus on the architectural style of the vanity base. The base dictates the design theme of the entire room.

• Freestanding vanities: sit directly on the floor, supported by legs or a solid kickboard base. This is a traditional, stable configuration that offers the maximum hidden cabinet and drawer storage space.
• Wall-Mounted (Floating) vanities: anchored directly onto the wall studs, leaving the floor underneath completely clear. Floating vanities are staples of modern, minimalist design. They create an illusion of space, making small rooms look larger, and make cleaning the bathroom floor incredibly easy.
• Console vanities: feature an open shelving design supported by a metal or wood frame. It offers a light, airy look reminiscent of a boutique hotel, though it sacrifices hidden storage.

Don’t forget to look at the construction materials. Because bathrooms are high-humidity environments, look for vanities crafted from solid wood or high-grade plywood rather than cheap particleboard, which can swell and warp when exposed to moisture.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect vanity is a step-by-step process that combines precise measurements with your personal design taste. By taking careful measurements, choosing between a single- or double-sink setup, and picking a durable counter material like quartz or granite, you can transform your bathroom into a beautiful, organized retreat. Prioritize high-quality materials and smart craftsmanship, and your new vanity will look spectacular and serve your household reliably for years to come.

Garage - contemporary garage idea in San Diego

Traditional luxury swimming pool in River Oaks District Houston, Texas.
Pool - traditional pool idea in Houston

While the master bathroom may be the most simple of all the bathrooms in terms of the design, it was actually the most difficult to execute. The homeowners wanted a serene, clean escape, but needed ample storage and wanted to incorporate a slightly more luxurious feel. Alongside the homeowner Daniella, the designers looked through many different tile options, finally settling on Bianco Dolomiti – Direto polished marble. They all loved the bright white background with the slight variation and veining, which gave it more character than a traditional Thassos. The designers opted to use 12 x 24 tiles to create a focus wall behind the vanity, which created the perfect backdrop for the custom-made floating vanity, medicine cabinets, wall mounted faucets and sconces. The designers originally wanted the floor to be cement, but when they saw the Area grey porcelain tile installed at the NEMO Tile Red Bank showroom, they knew it would be perfect. They opted for the larger 48 x 48 tiles to minimize the number of seams, which maintains the focus on the beautiful Bianco Dolomiti – Direto marble.

Master bathroom Photos: Natalia Lorca Ruiz
Mid-sized trendy master white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and black floor doorless shower photo in New York with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls, an integrated sink, solid surface countertops and a hinged shower door

Example of a minimalist kitchen design in Dallas

"Brandon Stengel - www.farmkidstudios.com”
Large minimalist l-shaped concrete floor eat-in kitchen photo in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, black appliances and an island

Smaller master bathroom complete with LARGE ideas! Shower tile with horizontal border catches your eye. The bronze shower hardware matches perfectly. Ultra-modern vanity imported from our friends at Tampa Home Designs is a staple in our designs.

Our Ridgewood Estate project is a new build custom home located on acreage with a lake. It is filled with luxurious materials and family friendly details.

Ryan Garvin
Open concept kitchen - contemporary galley medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and multicolored backsplash

BC-HERR-POL
Minimalist bathroom photo in New York

Garage - large traditional attached two-car garage idea in Atlanta

Home design - modern home design idea in Toronto

Calacatta Verona Quartz has a soft white background and subtle veins. This stunning quartz requires no ongoing maintenance, is easy to clean, and durable, making it the perfect choice for busy residential and commercial kitchens.

Tom Marks
Inspiration for a 1960s u-shaped home design remodel in Seattle with stainless steel appliances and an island