Installing a new bathroom vanity and bathroom sink is a project that will make most people cringe, but with just a little knowledge and enthusiasm it can be performed by anyone. If you are renovating your bathroom and have decided that replacing your bathroom vanity is something that you are going to do, you should consider these tips and tricks. The vanity is the centerpiece of your bathroom, so you will want to begin by choosing one that is the size, color, and texture that best compliments your decor.

When looking for a bathroom vanity you will have a large variety of sizes and styles that you can choose from. Start sorting through the choices by acknowledging the type of theme and furnishings that you would like to have in your bathroom. Decide on the layout, color scheme, decor, and any accessories you want to include. Write notes down and keep record of your ideas, as they can turn out to be quite helpful.

Having trouble thinking of a theme to coincide with the rest of your home’s decor? Don’t worry. Nowadays, it’s common practice to decorate each room with a different theme. If you have a southern, country style living room but would like a sleeker, contemporary decor for your bathroom, you should decorate your bathroom the way you want! Many homeowners are finding that by decorating each room in a different theme they really get to express all of the wonderful styles that they want to represent the home. If you need ideas, try browsing through magazines or home-decorating books to find some styles that fit you.

The next step is to create a budget list and begin pricing furnishings. You can replace your bathroom vanity and stay within your target budget more easily if you keep track of your goals and budget with a list. By planning out your strategy and utilizing these tips, you can ensure that you have covered every step to assuring the bathroom of your dreams.

After you have chosen and purchased your new vanity it is time to begin installation. Below are some of the basic steps that I follow. If you are not comfortable with the plumbing part of the installation, make sure to contact a licensed and trusted plumber.

Step 1. Turn off the hot and cold water supply lines connected to your old vanity sink and disconnect the water supply lines.

Step 2. Remove the sink trap. You will want to put a pail or small bucket underneath it to catch any dripping water.

Step 3. Detach the sink top from the vanity, usually held in place by some type of caulk. You may use a utility knife to cut along the caulk line to aid in the sink top removal, but be careful not to damage the wall.

Step 4. Unscrew the screws that are holding the old vanity to the wall and remove vanity from room.

Step 5. Measure the location of the drain pipes and water supply lines and find the locations of the wall studs. Use these measurements to mark on the back of your new vanity.

Step 6. Cut a hole where the drain pipes and water supply lines will be located.

Step 7. Move your new vanity into position using the measurements you recorded and screw it into the wall.

Step 8. Grab your new sink and install your faucets, drain pipes, and any other plumbing accessories to the sink following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 9. Install the new sink onto the top of the new vanity.

Step 10. Reconnect the drain pipes, sink trap, and water supply lines.

Step 11. Turn your water supply lines back on and check for leaks. Tighten the fittings if you see any leaks.

Step 12. Enjoy your new bathroom vanity!

Though some bathroom trends are simply for aesthetics, many bathroom trends seek to improve our quality of life; these include hands-free faucets, ergonomically designed toilet seats and double-sink bathroom vanities.

Dual Sinks
Double-sink vanities give busy couples a chance to get ready at the same time. Instead of fighting over who gets to use the sink during that morning rush, a double-sink vanity lets both husband and wife brush their teeth and complete their other morning routines – at the same time! Of course, traditional single-sink bathroom vanities are also available, and these can feature the latest in sink trends, including copper and glass basins.

Storage Space with Style
One trend is toward greater storage in the bathroom: Bathroom storage can be found in vanities and in wall and floor cabinets. These pieces of furniture are increasingly as varied as the furniture you’d find in your living room: From gorgeous, traditional details found in solid wood bathroom vanities, to the brushed metal found in a bathroom vanity with a modern twist; today’s bathroom storage solutions are made to fit any decor.

Brighten Up Your Day
To complement a bathroom vanity – and an entire room – a new bathroom trend is to accentuate the bathroom lighting. As part of a bathroom vanity set – which includes a bathroom vanity, sink and mirror – lighting rails are also made to match the exact specifications of the rest of the set. These lighting rails feature the latest electronic technologies, including modular, low-voltage cathode systems and LED lights.

Look in the Mirror
And while mirrors have for a long time been part of a bathroom vanity set, as have medicine cabinets, a new bathroom trend combines the two in a stylish way: Instead of the drab-looking medicine cabinets of old, the current bathroom trend combines the gorgeous, wood styling found on living room-quality mirrors and cabinetry with the functionality of a medicine cabinet.

Even though you might not think of your bathroom as the epitome of style, today’s bathroom trends are centered on good, practical design.