When you shop for bathroom fixtures, it's always a good idea to go with a name-brand item. You'll probably get better service if a problem arises, and replacement parts are easier to get.
White has always been the most popular bathroom fixture color. As a result, white fixtures are usually less expensive. Almond fixtures cost a bit more, and designer colors can really tax a budget by costing up to 50% more.
A distributor's showroom will have high quality fixtures that aren't normally sold in retail stores. Most showrooms aren't open to the public and require a referral by a plumber or contractor.
If you're working with a plumber, ask about arranging a visit to a distributor's showroom because it's an excellent place to get more fixture and design ideas.
Faucets & Sinks
A simple way to give a bathroom a facelift is to buy a new tub or sink (lavatory) faucet. New faucets might not make a big impact on your house guests, but it can provide a refreshing, new look.
Think about faucets in a range of colors like solid white, chrome, gold-plated, even red or black. Installation is relatively easy and may cost around $75 to $200.
NOTE: Consider replacing the shower head, tub faucet and sink faucet all at the same time if matching them is important to your design.
Changing a sink is also an easy fixture upgrade that may cost around $200 to $400. A Cultured-marble countertop and sink is a "pre-formed," integrated piece. Self-rimming sinks set in the vanity opening with the rim resting on the countertop. Undercounter models utilize fasteners to hold the sink in place below the countertop's surface.
Pedestal sinks don't provide a bathroom with countertop space nor storage, but do create more space. They're made to look old-fashioned and can add more charm and character to a wall/corner area.
How a shower door (or curtain) blends with the rest of the bathroom can really make a big difference, so take a look at several shapes and styles.
For example, in limited areas, a three-sided (neo-angle) stall is a good choice. And for access and convenience, many stalls have a built-in seat.
Pressure-balanced valves prevent water temperatures from fluctuating, and two shower heads, 3-way pulsating heads and extra body spray nozzles add more water and convenience.
Bathtubs are very personal items to choose -- a lot like a bed is. You can expect to pay $300 for a basic model or up to $2000 for a top-of-the-line whirlpool tub.
Make sure to buy the tub that's right for you. It seems a bit silly, but when you're shopping for tubs, hop right in and see how they feel. Ask yourself if the tub is big enough and comfortable enough for your needs and tastes. Then decide if you like its looks.
Also, measure the tub's dimensions to make sure you don't have to tear out a door to get it into the house.
Tubs are made from one of several material choices: composite (a plastic material encased by enameled steel), fiber glass, acrylic, cast iron, and steel.
Each material has some advantages & disadvantages:
Fiber Glass & Acrylic:
large sizes & selection, lightweight -- may feel flimsy, scratch easily.
New toilets are made to use less water; 1.6 gallons or less per flush. An old toilet can use up to 5 gallons per flush and that's reason alone to justify replacing it.
You may spend about $200 on a new toilet. Some "royal thrones" cost up to $800, but a good quality toilet may only run about $75.
Most toilets operate by "gravity-flush." Water that's held in the tank above the bowl empties down to remove waste. They're quiet, affordable and popular.
However, "pressure-flush" toilets are gaining ground. These "turbo" toilets inject pressurized water into the bowl and only take a few seconds to flush.
Some models even feature two handles to select either a moderate 1 gallon or a stronger 1.6 gallon flush.
Pressure-flushers have a lot of power, but do have drawbacks. They're noisy, some need electricity to run, more splashing in some cases, and they average up to 50% more than a comparable gravity toilet.
A simple way to give a bathroom a facelift is to buy a new tub or sink (lavatory) faucet. New faucets might not make a big impact on your house guests, but it can provide a refreshing, new look. 
Changing a sink is also an easy fixture upgrade that may cost around $200 to $400. A Cultured-marble countertop and sink is a "pre-formed," integrated piece. Self-rimming sinks set in the vanity opening with the rim resting on the countertop. Undercounter models utilize fasteners to hold the sink in place below the countertop's surface. 
New toilets are made to use less water; 1.6 gallons or less per flush. An old toilet can use up to 5 gallons per flush and that's reason alone to justify replacing it. 
