DIY Network

Bathrooms: Lighting and Tile Selection From "Home IQ" episode DHIQ-115

With the bathroom fixtures picked out, it's time to consider the lighting. Because placement of lighting in a bathroom is critical, Brad Oberg (homeowner) spends lots of time with his lighting contractor determining where it will go. Viewers also see how Brad and Lynn address handicap accessibility in one of the bathrooms for Lynn's mom. In addition, viewers go along with the Obergs on the selection of their bathroom tile and see the installation of the decorative tile in the girls' bathroom.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Lighting Selection and Handicap Accessibility

• John Holton, a senior architect at Ibacos, says that lighting at the sink and counter and by the mirror (figure A) is one of the more demanding spots for getting adequate illumination in a home. It has to be approached like theatrical lighting, which is perfect for applying makeup -- and do remember that three women and Brad home will inhabit the Oberg home!

• Brad spends lots of time with the lighting contractor to figure out where each fixture will go. By utilizing a combination of ceilings lights, wall sconces and natural light (figure B) a lighting design is created in each bathroom that is both practical and beautiful.

• Another vitally important consideration for the homeowners is handicap accessibility because Lynn's mother is confined to a wheelchair. One bathroom on the main level had to be fully equipped to accommodate this consideration. Right off the bat the door had to be widened from its original specifications.

  Solution: By widening the door opening a few inches, hinging the door so it opens into the hallway and installing a wall-mounted sink (figure C) with "no" cabinetry below it the smallest bathroom in the house into one that is wheelchair friendly.

  "Adaptability is just as important as accessibility," Lynn says, because it's important to know that if she or Brad become disabled they can still live in this home.

	Figure D
	Figure E