Fixture Perfect

Some people might argue that fixtures can make or break the look of a room...
Perhaps you have an aversion to brass. An acquaintance of mine is in the process of replacing every trace of brass in her post 2000-constructed home. But it could be worse … another friend just purchased a fixer-upper right out of the '60s. The doors have large, clear plastic knobs with a floating golden nugget embedded in the center. Whether you are fixing up your home for the market or simply want to refurbish the interior décor, updating your fixtures is a fairly inexpensive way to modernize your home for 2011. Let local experts shed light on the do’s and don’ts of making your home fixture perfect. Jión Dietz, owner of Fixture This, explains that lighting fixtures make a huge impact on a home’s interior. “The easiest way to change the look of a space is with a new lighting fixture or ceiling fan,” she says. Typically, dining and entry chandeliers are the most expensive, while bedroom and bathroom fixtures are the least expensive lighting. Kathleen Slaughter, showroom consultant and new construction and remodel specialist at Morrison Supply, says you can also expect to spend more on kitchen faucets and Roman tub (deck-mounted) faucets. Those on a budget should prepare for lighting fixtures and faucets to have the biggest price points. And Dietz offers additional insight: “The most money is usually spent on the rooms that are seen the most by guests ... which makes sense.” And with the spa-like/retreat trend in master suites, Dietz added more is being spent on those fixtures as well.

After deciding which fixtures you’ll replace, the next decision is to decide on the finish. Some things to consider in deciphering the finish: the room’s color; the room’s style; accessories in the room, fabric, furniture; the feel the person is wanting – and personal taste. Slaughter adds that fixtures in the bronzes are very popular in the East Texas market, along with nickel and standard chrome finishes. “Polished brass tends to be one of the least popular finishes of late, but it appears as though weathered brasses and medium bronze finishes are starting to make a big comeback,” Slaughter testifies. “Chrome is still holding it’s own in higher-end faucet design, especially in the Metroplex market, and it is doubtful that it will ever be considered outdated.”

But not every fixture has to be an expensive statement piece. Some pieces are OK to save money on simply because most people (or guests) will not see them. This is an especially handy tip if you are on a tight budget. Places with strictly functional light fixtures include closets, garages and utility rooms. Secondary bathrooms and laundry rooms are also rooms that can accommodate less expensive faucets.
When outfitting your rooms and home with new fixtures, another question may arise ... do all the fixtures have to come from the same line or suite? If the finish is the same, do the patterns have to match? In general, Slaughter said it’s normal for most people to stay with one collection per room. However, installing a performance shower with multiple components is an exception.

If the route chosen is to spring for antique or vintage fixtures, they should be updated (rewired or plumbed) by a professional to ensure they are safe and will function properly. Plumbing fixtures – new, old or antique – should be checked for leaks under and around the fixtures and pipes to prevent water damage. “Any loose or damaged components should be checked and repaired on a regular basis as part of normal home maintenance,” Slaughter recommends.

Another added perk is that newer, more efficient fixtures can save money on the water and electric bill. Look for lighting fixtures with the blue Energy Star, and that use CFL (compact fluorescent) and LED bulbs which are more efficient than traditional light bulbs. “Many people are keeping their lighting but changing the lamps to either CFLs or LEDs to take advantage of their efficiency,” Dietz says. On the other hand, plumbing fixtures are required by law to operate within certain codes for lead-free content and water concentration. Slaughter explained, “These codes were developed not only to save the consumer money, but also to encourage water conservation and encourage green living.” Dietz added a final thought to consider for fixtures: “We tell some of our first-time homebuyers ... just because you grew up with polished brass in your parents’ home doesn’t mean your children have to!”