7 Designers’ Go-To Loos
Get a handle on some of the toilet styles and options available today
It’s hard to hold back bathroom humor puns when discussing this topic, but we need to talk about the toilet. An important functional part of our homes is the loo. Not too ago, a toilet was a toilet. But being in the market for a new one myself, I can’t get over how many options there are to choose from: dual flush, water conserving, space saving, wall hung, low profile, comfort height, ones with automatic self-closing lids. Some even have heated seats. Find out more about the go-to commodes seven designers present when advising their clients.
Wall-hung space saver. For tight spaces where every inch counts, Stephens has a wall-hung favorite. “Code requires 21 inches of clearance in front of a toilet, so its short length — 21 1/16 inches versus round front at 26 inches or elongated at 28 to 30 inches — can make the difference between having a legal, functional powder room or not,” she says. “It also has a cool modern look.” The tank is accessible for repairs through the flush panel on the wall.
Duofit in-wall tank system with Aquia dual-flush wall-hung toilet: Toto
Duofit in-wall tank system with Aquia dual-flush wall-hung toilet: Toto
European style. Kitchen and bath designer Lorey Cavanaugh is also a fan of wall-hung toilets. “We love the move toward incorporating wall-hung toilets in residential baths here in the U.S. Our European neighbors have used this technology extensively,” she says. “The combination of streamlined good looks, easy maintenance and space-saving features makes this a winner.”
Note that the structural support in the wall for a wall-hung toilet will be an important part of the installation.
Veil wall-hung toilet with chrome dual-flush actuator plate: Kohler
Note that the structural support in the wall for a wall-hung toilet will be an important part of the installation.
Veil wall-hung toilet with chrome dual-flush actuator plate: Kohler
Versatile style. When not installing a wall-hung toilet, Cavanaugh has another favorite that’s popular among Houzz design pros: Persuade by Kohler, pictured.
“This toilet is gorgeous — like a piece of sculpture,” she says, adding that it’s streamlined and easy-care because of the skirted base. “This toilet is great in a contemporary or traditional setting like this powder room.”
“This toilet is gorgeous — like a piece of sculpture,” she says, adding that it’s streamlined and easy-care because of the skirted base. “This toilet is great in a contemporary or traditional setting like this powder room.”
Here’s a look at the Persuade from a different angle.
Clean lines. Architect Andrew Mikhael also likes a sleek toilet base. For this bathroom, he found a loo with nice lines at a reasonable price.
“I’m not a fan of toilets that have the sides shaped in the mold of the pipes. It creates lots of edges and crevices to clean,” he says. “This toilet has a smooth apron body down to the floor for clean lines, literally and figuratively!”
Studio flush right-height elongated toilet: American Standard
“I’m not a fan of toilets that have the sides shaped in the mold of the pipes. It creates lots of edges and crevices to clean,” he says. “This toilet has a smooth apron body down to the floor for clean lines, literally and figuratively!”
Studio flush right-height elongated toilet: American Standard
Sculptural and super luxe.
For total luxury, Mikhael has an aspirational pick. “I recommend a multifunction toilet for most master bathrooms — it’s a very worthwhile luxury,” he says.
For this bathroom, he chose a toilet in an abstract egg shape to play against the modern lines of the room. “The whole feel in that project was to make coming home feel like walking into a calming spa,” he says. The best part — it has a seat warmer.
Karing toilet: Kohler
For total luxury, Mikhael has an aspirational pick. “I recommend a multifunction toilet for most master bathrooms — it’s a very worthwhile luxury,” he says.
For this bathroom, he chose a toilet in an abstract egg shape to play against the modern lines of the room. “The whole feel in that project was to make coming home feel like walking into a calming spa,” he says. The best part — it has a seat warmer.
Karing toilet: Kohler
Transitional style. “This toilet is great when it comes to being sanitary and eco-friendly — both of which are prized qualities when it comes to purchasing a toilet,” says bathroom designer Michelle Fee about American Standard’s H2Option, pictured. “The dual flush is nothing new to the industry, but the functionality of this system uses less water, eliminates more bulk and does it all quietly.” She’s also a fan of the finish. “The EverClean surfaces protect against mold, mildew, algae and fungus that could cause deterioration or staining, making it easier to clean and maintain.”
In addition to these features, Fee likes its budget-friendly price, comfort height and versatile style. “This transitional toilet features a squared tank and lid, which give it a more edgy appeal without being too modern or contemporary, but also a very traditional elongated seat, making it a go-to for most bathroom styles,” she says.
In addition to these features, Fee likes its budget-friendly price, comfort height and versatile style. “This transitional toilet features a squared tank and lid, which give it a more edgy appeal without being too modern or contemporary, but also a very traditional elongated seat, making it a go-to for most bathroom styles,” she says.
Sleek and modern. “Duravit has been my go-to brand for toilets for years. I love how they combine style and function while maintaining an achievable price point for most clients,” says interior designer Trish Knight.
Instantly boost your bathroom style with a few nifty accessories
This Starck 3 model has a modern skirted style with an elongated bowl and a comfort height. “It is available with soft-close seat or SensoWash [a bidet-like functionality for hygiene with remote control and warm air dryer]; wall-hung or floor-mounted; and even in a compact size for small spaces,” she says. “The skirting to the floor makes this toilet quite modern and easy to clean.”
Instantly boost your bathroom style with a few nifty accessories
This Starck 3 model has a modern skirted style with an elongated bowl and a comfort height. “It is available with soft-close seat or SensoWash [a bidet-like functionality for hygiene with remote control and warm air dryer]; wall-hung or floor-mounted; and even in a compact size for small spaces,” she says. “The skirting to the floor makes this toilet quite modern and easy to clean.”
Low profile. When maximizing storage in a bathroom, interior designer Bridget McMullin loves to use a low-profile loo. “The low-profile toilet leaves room for an additional shelf above it,” she says. It’s a trick she picked up from hotel rooms.
In this room, she used Kohler’s San Raphael, but she recently discovered another go-to one since then. “I have to say I have another new favorite — the San Souci by Kohler.”
In this room, she used Kohler’s San Raphael, but she recently discovered another go-to one since then. “I have to say I have another new favorite — the San Souci by Kohler.”
Upscale looks. “We have a favorite ‘water closet’ we like to use — it’s a quality product, with cool looks, WaterSense technology, dual flush and looks like a $2,000 item,” says architect John T. Conroy, referring to the Arquitect by Porcelanosa.
He is able to get this model for clients for under $500. He thinks so much of it that he’s using it in his parents’ remodel.
He is able to get this model for clients for under $500. He thinks so much of it that he’s using it in his parents’ remodel.
Here’s a look at the wall-hung version of the Arquitect.
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The first, this Eco Promenade two-piece, has a simple traditional look that works well in almost any bathroom. “I have it in my own bathroom,” she says.