Coordinating Your Bathroom Design: A Guide to Selecting Fixtures and Accessories That Work Together

October 22, 2024

15 minute read

Why Coordinating Bathroom Fixtures and Accessories Matters
Best Practices for Mixing Finishes
Eco-Friendly Bathroom Design
Functional Considerations in Bathroom Design
2025 Bathroom Design Trends
Practical Next Steps to Finish your Design

We've all stepped into a bathroom that feels …a little disjointed. Maybe you’ve seen it in an older home or even in a newer build where design wasn’t a top priority. The bathroom might feature a random assortment of finishes—brushed nickel faucets, gold drawer pulls, and chrome towel bars. The vanity could be dark wood, while the floors are light tile, and the walls sport a completely different shade of paint.

Nothing quite seems to match. The result? A space that feels disconnected, chaotic, and lacks any sort of cohesive design. In the end, this kind of bathroom leaves you with a jarring visual experience.

Now, picture walking into a different kind of bathroom—a well-thought-out, intentionally designed space.

In this room, the faucets and shower trims are focal points, chosen not only for their functionality but for their ability to complement the other design elements.

The finishes match or are thoughtfully mixed, and every fixture—from the lighting to the towel bars—shares a common thread. The vanity’s wood tones tie seamlessly with the floors, and the walls are a soothing neutral, allowing the polished chrome or matte black fixtures to stand out as focal points.

It’s a space that feels unified, with fixtures that don’t just serve a purpose, but contribute to the room’s overall beauty.

This difference doesn’t happen by accident. It comes down to thoughtful planning and intentional design. In the bathroom, more than perhaps any other room, coordination matters. Fixtures and accessories are used every day, and the choices you make can either elevate the space or leave it feeling mismatched.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to avoid the common pitfalls of a disjointed bathroom and create a cohesive, well-planned space where form and function come together seamlessly. Whether you’re working on a large multi-family project, a hospitality build, or a smaller residential space, we’ll provide insights to help you create a bathroom design that impresses.

Chapter 1: Why Coordinating Bathroom Fixtures and Accessories Matters

The goal of any well-designed space is to create an environment that is visually appealing, functional, and cohesive. While every room can have standout features, the bathroom—alongside the kitchen—is especially important when it comes to coordinating fixtures and finishes.

Why are bathrooms one of the most important rooms for designers to consider when planning a new home?

These spaces have more built-in elements than other areas of the home, which increases the risk of clashing styles and colors if not thoughtfully planned. However, with careful coordination, they offer the greatest opportunity for achieving a polished, harmonious design that feels intentional.

Bathrooms include many permanent fixtures—sinks, faucets, showers, tubs, mirrors, and accessories like towel bars and shelves, which are all important features that are semi-permanent.

The coordination of these elements is crucial to avoid a disjointed and visually chaotic look. When you think about the number of different finishes, shapes, and styles available for each of these elements, it’s easy to see how things could go awry if not properly planned.

This also means that a bathroom offers high potential for achieving a sophisticated, cohesive look that elevates the entire space. By carefully coordinating the finishes, colors, and styles of each fixture, you can create a sense of harmony that brings the room together.

Plumbing fixtures are a key element that should never be overlooked—they have the power to act as accents or even focal points, contributing significantly to the overall aesthetic of the space.

1.1 Focal Points and Accents in Bathroom Design

What is a focal point, and why is it important?

A focal point is the primary element in a room that draws the eye and creates a central area of visual interest. It serves as the "anchor" of the space, commanding attention and often setting the tone for the rest of the room.

In a bathroom, focal points can be anything from a statement vanity, an eye-catching bathtub, to a luxurious shower with a bold showerhead. The focal point should be something striking, beautiful, and reflective of the room's overall theme or mood.

Other potential focal points could include artwork, such as framed prints that align with the bathroom’s color scheme or a large decorative mirror with a unique frame that complements the room’s style.

These elements draw attention and add personality to the bathroom, giving it character beyond the basic functional features. Lighting fixtures, such as hanging chandeliers or bold sconces, can also serve as focal points, especially when they stand out visually and create a sense of balance in the room.

What is the difference between a focal point and an accent?

While a focal point is the centerpiece of the room, designed to draw immediate attention—such as a statement vanity or bold shower fixture—an accent serves to enhance and support that main feature.

Accents, like towel bars, robe hooks, and cabinet hardware, are more understated elements that add to the overall cohesion of the space. Rather than competing with the focal point, accents harmonize with it, ensuring the entire design feels intentional and polished.

In bathroom design, accents often come in the form of smaller fixtures, hardware, or accessories, such as towel bars, drawer handles, or decorative lighting. Accents can reinforce the color scheme, emphasize a particular design style, or provide pops of contrasting color for added interest.

Using focal points and accents together allows for a layered design approach where the main features stand out while all supporting elements work to create a cohesive and visually rich space.

1.2 How Fixtures Serve as Focal Points and Accents

Choosing a Focal Point

When planning a bathroom, choosing a focal point is a key step in creating a cohesive and memorable design. Plumbing fixtures are often a great choice for focal points due to their combination of visual and functional appeal. For example:

Freestanding Bathtubs: A luxurious freestanding bathtub can serve as a stunning focal point in a bathroom.

The combination of a sculptural tub and elegant fixture draws the eye and immediately conveys a sense of luxury.

Statement Showers: Transform the shower area into a striking focal point by using bold fixtures in finishes like matte black. Pair one of Allora USA’s oversized matte black rainfall showerheads with a clear glass enclosure to enhance the sense of elegance and sophistication.

This choice can create a captivating visual feature that stands out.

Elegant Vanities: A standout vanity paired with eye-catching sink faucets can become a key focal point in the room. Consider a faucet with a sleek design and a more understated finish, like Allora’s A-7004-BN brushed nickel faucet, to enhance the vanity’s appeal.

This combination will subtly draw attention to the vanity, creating a striking element that anchors the overall design of the space.

Allora's collection includes a range of statement pieces that are ideal for use as focal points. Our shower trims and bold faucet designs are crafted to create impactful moments that elevate any bathroom design.

Choosing your Accents

Once a focal point is chosen, accents should be selected to complement it without competing for attention.

Bathroom accessories and hardware play an important role in adding cohesion to the overall design.

Elements like towel bars, robe hooks, and cabinet hardware should align with the style of the focal point. If the focal point features a brushed nickel finish, consider using matching accessories for all the smaller fixtures to create a unified look.

Allora USA offers full bathroom collections, with matching accessories in identical styles and finishes, guaranteeing a harmonious and cohesive design throughout the space.

Light fixtures can serve as beautiful accents that reinforce the style of the room. For instance, pairing a matte black faucet with black-framed sconces can help create a sense of balance and cohesion.

Mirrors act as accents when they feature unique framing that complements the finishes of other fixtures in the bathroom. A bold mirror can help tie together different design elements without overpowering the focal point.

By thoughtfully coordinating focal points and accents, you create a well-balanced design that looks polished and intentional. Every element has a role to play—whether it's drawing attention as a focal point or supporting the design as an accent.

Explore Allora USA's Bathroom Accessories Collections

Chapter 2: Best Practices for Mixing Finishes

2.1 Ensuring Finish Consistency

When mixing finishes in a bathroom, one of the most common mistakes designers make is attempting to match finishes that are just slightly different. This subtle mismatch can create a visual clash that disrupts the flow of the design.

For example, if your bathroom features a brushed nickel faucet, opting for a slightly different brushed nickel towel bar from another brand may look like an attempt to match that fails in execution.

How can I ensure consistency when mixing finishes in the bathroom?

For best results, either choose finishes that are intentionally different or select fixtures and accessories from the same company or product line. Introducing a contrasting finish, like matte black, often creates a more visually appealing design than trying to match finishes that are almost the same, which can feel unintentional or mismatched.

While it’s possible to mix finishes from different brands, achieving a cohesive look is much easier when you purchase all fixtures and accessories from the same company, especially if they’re part of a coordinated set. This ensures everything aligns in both style and finish, giving the space a polished, unified feel.

If you decide to mix brands or categories, it's essential to be strategic. For example, you might purchase your shower and faucet in a single finish from one brand, while choosing accessories like towel bars, robe hooks, and drawer pulls in a complementary finish from another company.

This approach can work well if the contrasting finishes are intentional and contribute to the overall design harmony.

Allora USA offers a range of bathroom fixtures and matching accessories designed to maintain perfect consistency throughout a room, ensuring that everything from faucets to hardware looks unified.

PRO-TIP: If mixing finishes across brands, make sure to distribute each finish evenly throughout the bathroom for a more balanced look. We’ll get into this more in the next section.

2.2 Successfully Using Mixed Finishes

Is it ok to mix two different finishes in a bathroom?

Yes, mixing finishes can create a stylish and cohesive look, but the key is to ensure balance and even distribution. If one finish is concentrated in a single area while the other is scattered throughout, it can make the space feel disjointed and unbalanced.

For example, if all your brushed nickel finishes are in one corner, while your matte black hardware is only on the vanity, the room will feel disjointed. The trick is to distribute both finishes in a way that makes them feel deliberate and integrated into the design.

One effective method is to designate one finish for a specific set of fixtures, such as using matte black for all plumbing fixtures, and a contrasting finish, like brushed nickel, for accents such as towel bars, drawer pulls, and lighting. This approach creates harmony without overwhelming the eye.

Alternatively, you can alternate finishes across the room, such as pairing a black faucet with brushed nickel hardware on the vanity and tying the design together with a black-framed mirror.

It’s also important to maintain consistency within certain elements. For example, if you decide to use two-tone fixtures, make sure that other finishes in the bathroom either match or complement it.

Is it ok to mix more than two finishes in a bathroom?

While it's possible to mix more than two finishes, doing so without a clear plan can create visual clutter.

To avoid this, it's best to limit your selections to two finishes and distribute them evenly throughout the space. This balanced approach is especially important in smaller bathrooms, where too much contrast in one area can make the room feel cramped.

By spreading the finishes evenly, you allow the eye to move smoothly through the space, enhancing the overall flow and creating a sense of openness.

PRO-TIP: Spread out each finish across the room rather than clustering them in specific zones.

Chapter 3: Eco-Friendly Bathroom Design

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it's an essential consideration in modern construction and design. In bathroom design, eco-friendly fixtures provide an effortless way to reduce water and energy consumption without compromising on style or functionality.

Allora is dedicated to offering high-quality, sustainable products that reflect these values, seamlessly blending luxury with eco-conscious choices.

3.1 Benefits of WaterSense Fixtures

One of the easiest ways to make a bathroom more sustainable is by incorporating WaterSense-certified fixtures. These products meet rigorous water efficiency and performance criteria, helping reduce water consumption while maintaining excellent functionality.

WaterSense faucets significantly reduce overall water use without compromising comfort and performance. By using technologies that preserve pressure while reducing flow rates, they use at least 20% less water than standard models, ensuring users can still enjoy a high-pressure shower while conserving water.

WaterSense-certified toilets also provide significant water savings. While traditional toilets use around 1.6 gallons per flush, WaterSense toilets use only 1.28 gallons or less. This reduction in water consumption can save a household up to 4,000 gallons of water per year, making it an essential upgrade for eco-conscious builders.

These fixtures not only conserve water but also lead to significant long-term savings. Households that install WaterSense-certified faucets, showerheads, and toilets can save over $100 annually on water bills, and these savings increase over time.

Moreover, reducing water consumption helps conserve local water supplies and decreases the strain on wastewater treatment facilities, which further reduces energy use.

Incorporating these fixtures is a win-win for both the environment and your budget. End users enjoy lower utility bills while contributing to broader environmental conservation efforts. For regions experiencing drought or water shortages, these fixtures are an even more crucial investment.

3.2 Sustainable Finishes for Your Bathroom

Sustainability in bathroom design isn’t just about water efficiency—it’s also about choosing materials and finishes that are durable and eco-friendly. Allora's PVD finishes are a perfect example of this approach.

PVD finishes are applied through an environmentally friendly process that creates highly durable finishes without the waste associated with traditional electroplating techniques. This process uses less energy and fewer chemicals, reducing environmental impact during manufacturing.

PVD finishes are highly resistant to corrosion, tarnishing, and scratches, meaning that fixtures last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Durable bathroom fixtures are a crucial aspect of sustainable design. The longer a product lasts, the less waste is generated from replacements, conserving resources and minimizing the environmental footprint over time.

High-quality fixtures contribute to sustainability and offer the luxury and durability that homeowners want.

For designers seeking eco-friendly, high-end solutions, Allora's products ensure both style and sustainability. The durability of PVD-finished fixtures, combined with their resistance to wear and tear, ensures that they will look stunning for years to come. These fixtures provide long-term benefits both for the environment and for the user.

Chapter 4: Functional Considerations in Bathroom Design

When designing bathrooms, especially for multi-family constructions, it is important to consider both the functionality and the aesthetics of every fixture and accessory. Whether for single-family homes or larger residential developments, a well-thought-out bathroom needs to seamlessly blend utility with style.

4.1 General Design Considerations

A well-designed bathroom looks good and works well for its intended users. Early planning in the design process is crucial to ensure every detail is intentional, from the placement of towel bars to the height of mirrors.

The right layout enhances comfort, usability, and accessibility. For example, placing towel bars conveniently close to the shower or ensuring enough space for movement after a bath can greatly improve daily use.

When selecting fixtures, think about how they will be used. Items like towel rings, shelves, and hooks should be placed in locations that fit the users' daily routines.

Design that emphasizes accessibility is key, especially for young children or elderly adults. Mirrors should be positioned at heights that accommodate all users, regardless of height or mobility.

To create a visually appealing and functional space, consider how accessories fit within the overall style. Coordinating elements like towel racks, mirrors, and soap dispensers with the design helps avoid a cluttered appearance, maintaining harmony throughout the bathroom.

Explore our latest blog, "How to Maximize Bathroom Space for Multifamily Living", where we share expert tips and design strategies to make the most of every inch.

4.2 ADA Accessibility

What should I consider when designing an ADA-compliant bathroom?

Accessibility in bathroom design is governed by important standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and others. These codes ensure that bathrooms in multi-family housing and public spaces accommodate users of all mobility levels without compromising on style or function.

When incorporating ADA-compliant fixtures, particularly in multi-family projects where a percentage of units must meet these standards, you don’t want to reinvent the entire design.

This is where the Principles of Universal Design (UD) become essential. Universal design goes beyond basic compliance, integrating accessibility standards into more versatile and aesthetically pleasing solutions. This approach allows ADA-compliant features to be both functional and stylish, creating an inclusive bathroom environment without sacrificing design integrity.

UD encourages designers to seamlessly integrate accessible fixtures into the existing aesthetic. This is where a supplier like Allora offers a strong advantage. Allora provides matching ADA-compliant fixtures, allowing designers to maintain a consistent and stylish look throughout the space while still meeting required accessibility standards.

Key considerations include sufficient floor space for wheelchair maneuverability, grab bars at proper heights, and easy-to-operate faucets. Features like adjustable-height showerheads, shower seats, and wall-mounted sinks improve both accessibility and functionality for users with limited mobility.

Early planning is crucial to ensure that both user needs and code requirements are met. Collaboration between designers, architects, and contractors is key to creating a functional, accessible space while preventing potential inspection issues down the line.

By selecting a supplier like Allora USA that offers matching ADA fixtures, designers can seamlessly integrate accessibility features into their projects, maintaining both functionality and visual consistency. Allora’s ADA-compliant products balance beauty and practicality, ensuring that accessible design enhances, rather than detracts from, the overall aesthetic.

Create stylish, accessible spaces! Read The Ultimate Guide to Designing an ADA Compliant Bathroom for essential tips and expert insights.

4.3 Simplifying Code Compliance for Fixture Selection

How can I make sure bathroom fixtures comply with local plumbing codes?

Collaborating closely with architects, builders, and other stakeholders from the outset is essential. This proactive approach helps prevent costly rework and ensures that all fixtures—whether sinks, faucets, showers, or other elements—are code-compliant.

Building codes can be complex, encompassing plumbing, accessibility, electrical standards, and more. Using code compliance platforms early in the design process to verify compliance can save time and effort down the line. These platforms streamline checks for various standards, ensuring that chosen fixtures and layouts align with both client preferences and regulatory requirements.

Effective coordination between designers, architects, contractors, and engineers ensures that fixtures are practical to implement and compliant with all necessary codes. By addressing these requirements early, surprises during construction are minimized, and the project stays on schedule, avoiding delays or last-minute changes due to non-compliant products.

Designing within local code constraints can sometimes be challenging, especially when energy, accessibility, or mechanical codes impact fixture selection. Tools that verify compliance early on help designers make informed decisions and avoid the frustration of re-selecting non-compliant fixtures later in the process.

In larger projects, team collaboration is critical. By engaging architects, contractors, and engineers early, designers can confidently select fixtures that meet regulatory needs and fit the overall vision. This approach ensures that compliance is built into the design from the beginning, leading to a smoother construction and inspection process, and ultimately, a better outcome for both builders and clients.

Chapter 5: 2025 Bathroom Design Trends

Bathroom design is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the trends is essential for creating fresh, inviting spaces that resonate with homeowners. In 2025, the focus is on blending comfort, style, and sustainability in ways that elevate the bathroom beyond mere functionality.

In this chapter, we'll explore three key trends: spa-like bathroom design, the blending of luxury with sustainability, and minimalistic designs featuring bold fixtures—all areas where Allora excels in providing the right products for designers and builders.

5.1 Spa-Inspired Bathrooms

As end users increasingly seek relaxation and rejuvenation in their bathrooms, creating a spa-like atmosphere has become a top design priority. Spa-inspired bathrooms incorporate elements that help individuals unwind and escape daily stresses, transforming the bathroom into a personal retreat.

The right fixtures make all the difference. Rainfall showerheads, which provide a wide, even flow of water, offer a calming and luxurious experience that mimics the sensation of gentle rain. Handheld showerheads are also popular for their control and versatility, allowing users to customize their bathing experience with ease.

Selecting these options in high-end finishes—such as brushed gold or matte black—adds an elegant touch, reinforcing the spa-like ambiance and creating a visually cohesive look.

Another hallmark of spa-inspired bathroom design is the use of dual-sink vanities. Not only do these vanities offer practical benefits, such as additional countertop space and storage, but they also add a sense of luxury and spaciousness.

Dual vanities are particularly appealing for couples or families, providing ample room for personal items while contributing to the overall sense of order and tranquility in the space. Allora’s selection of beautifully finished faucets, sinks, and matching accessories can help create a vanity area that feels indulgent and serene.

A walk-in shower is a standout feature that enhances the spa-like experience. Designed with both function and aesthetics in mind, walk-in showers offer a seamless, open feel that elevates the bathroom’s overall design.

Frameless glass doors, large-format tiles, and integrated seating areas add to the luxurious look. Paired with Allora USA’s customizable shower systems, these spaces can be tailored to meet the user’s specific needs.

Spacious floor plans are also essential for achieving a spa-like atmosphere. Ample floor space not only improves accessibility but also promotes a sense of calm and openness. By minimizing clutter and incorporating streamlined, minimalist designs, homeowners can create a more serene and inviting environment.

Thoughtful layout choices, such as positioning the bathtub or shower as a focal point and using open shelving for elegant storage, further enhance the relaxing atmosphere.

Incorporating natural elements like stone, wood, and greenery into the design can help bridge the gap between the bathroom and the natural world, reinforcing the spa-inspired theme.

Whether through stone countertops, wooden accents, or potted plants, these organic touches bring warmth and serenity to the space, completing the overall aesthetic.

Allora USA offers a wide range of fixtures designed to create an indulgent spa experience in any bathroom. From rainfall and multi-function showerheads to high-performance faucets and luxurious finishes, our products are engineered to deliver luxury, comfort, and relaxation with every use.

5.2 Blending Luxury and Sustainability

In recent years, designers have increasingly sought to create luxurious bathrooms that are also sustainable. The trend of blending luxury with sustainability is all about achieving an opulent look while making environmentally responsible choices.

To design a space that is both eco-conscious and luxurious, many designers incorporate natural materials like recycled glass, bamboo, or sintered stone for countertops, vanities, and flooring. These materials not only add unique textures and beauty to a bathroom but also contribute to reducing the project’s environmental footprint.

Their use emphasizes sustainability without compromising on style, allowing end users to indulge in luxury while supporting eco-friendly practices.

Pairing these materials with water-saving fixtures further integrates sustainability into the overall design. As discussed in the previous section, WaterSense-certified fixtures are a key part of achieving luxury without excess.

Allora excels at combining luxury and sustainability with a wide range of WaterSense-certified products that complement upscale designs. Our WaterSense-certified faucets and showerheads not only deliver powerful, invigorating showers but also contribute to water conservation.

Additionally, Allora offers fixtures in a variety of finishes—such as polished chrome, brushed gold, matte black, and brushed nickel—allowing designers to seamlessly incorporate sustainable solutions into any aesthetic vision.

5.3 Minimalist Designs with Bold Fixtures

How do I create a minimalist bathroom that’s still visually interesting?

Use bold fixtures, like matte black faucets and shower trim, to add contrast and depth to a minimalist design. Keep surfaces uncluttered and focus on clean lines for a modern, impactful look.

What is Minimalist Design?

Minimalist design is centered around simplicity and functionality. It focuses on clean lines, neutral colors, and uncluttered spaces, creating a calm, organized atmosphere.

This design philosophy embraces the idea that less is more, allowing the essential elements to shine. By emphasizing open spaces, sleek fixtures, and high-quality materials, minimalist design creates a sophisticated and serene environment.

Minimalism remains a key trend in bathroom design, and in 2025, it's all about pairing clean lines with bold accents that bring character to a space. The minimalist approach favors streamlined fixtures and uncluttered surfaces, focusing on function without unnecessary decoration.

However, this doesn’t mean the space has to be boring—adding bold fixtures can bring a sense of personality and drama to an otherwise simple design.

One of the most effective ways to add visual interest to a minimalist bathroom is through bold, statement fixtures. Black finishes have become a popular choice for their ability to provide contrast and depth while maintaining a modern aesthetic.

Fixtures like black faucets, shower trims, and towel bars can make a significant impact against a neutral backdrop, drawing the eye and anchoring the design.

Allora USA excels in offering bold, minimalist fixtures that bring a modern edge to any bathroom. Our matte black faucets, showerheads, and accessories are designed with clean, modern lines that make a statement without overwhelming the space.

These products work well in a variety of bathroom styles, whether the goal is a minimalist sanctuary or a high-contrast modern design.

Chapter 6: Practical Next Steps to Finish your Design

We hope this guide has sparked some ideas for your bathroom designs and helped you understand how these concepts can benefit your project. Now that you have a solid grasp of design trends and sustainability practices, let’s explore how Allora USA can support your vision.

All our bathroom faucets and shower sets exceed water efficiency standards, with many surpassing the requirements of the WaterSense program. Even our kitchen faucets are significantly more efficient than the national standard, helping you achieve water savings throughout your project.

In addition to their efficiency, our fixtures are designed with both aesthetics and durability in mind. With Allora’s commitment to high-quality manufacturing standards, you can provide residents with beautiful, long-lasting faucets that enhance their living experience and contribute to your project’s sustainability goals.

We offer guaranteed stock, so you know you can get what you need on time without worrying about supply chain issues. Plus, our warranties and money-back guarantee ensure you’ll get the perfect fit for your design and lasting quality for your clients.

We specialize in professional support for builders, designers, and purchasing managers for multifamily projects. We’ve got options to suit every budget and design.

To make things even easier, we provide standard and ADA options in one convenient place. Buying ADA fixtures from a reputable manufacturer means getting products that meet regulatory and quality standards.

Plus we offer:

Discounts for commercial projects.
Guaranteed pricing.
Product warranties.
Fast customer support
Free shipping to most areas in the US.
Delivery within 5 days or less anywhere in the US.
Unlimited phone and email support.

Ready to get started?

You can filter through a variety of bathroom faucets, kitchen faucets, bath trim kits, and showerheads. You can even hone your search with specifics like what finish, features, or style you’re looking for. Or look through our catalog for a full list of options and alternatives.

Not sure what you need? Send us your specs and we’ll put together a list of options that will fit your project. We can set you up for ongoing care for all your builds, so you can get great fixtures every time without wasting hours searching for what you need.