An expert on bathroom design discusses lighting, tiles and more

Barbara Sallick, co-founder of Waterworks and author of "The Perfect Bath," joined The Washington Post staff writer Jura Koncius recently on the newspaper's Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt.

Q. Is it true that framed artwork is not appropriate for bathrooms, as the moisture can damage the frame and the artwork?

A. I love bathrooms with art. If you look in my new book, you will see many baths with art, both fun and fine, that really make the bath look special. Be sure there is adequate ventilation in the space. Family photos will look great, and inexpensive prints add amazing energy to any bath.

Q. What is the best grocery store cleaner to use on faucets?

A. The best daily cleaner is Dawn dish detergent and warm water. You can also use a coating of carnauba wax for a longer-term protection.

Q. My master bathroom is small with no natural light. What design is best for this space? I have lots of stuff, too.

A. Keep it simple. There are many options for lighting, and you should research light that imitates natural light. Don't forget to add sconces to take away shadows. I like a small closet for storage in the bath. It should hold a few towels, toilet paper and some amenities. If you edit your bath selections, you will be able to keep the bath neat - one of the best ways to enjoy the space. Small baths benefit from pedestal sinks and built-in showers. Use only one type of tile for the walls and one for the floors. Do not get tricky in small spaces.

Q. Rugs vs. mats - do you think bathrooms should have both?

A. The answer to your question should be simple, but it is not. If the space is large and you will not trip on a rug, it is a great idea to have one, as it can add pattern or color. And, practically, it feels great on your feet. On the other hand, in a small space, I like a bathmat for exiting the shower, such as Waterworks' Estrela Bath Mat. Layering a rug and a mat is easily a tripping hazard, so I suggest selecting one or the other. It is easier to wash a mat than a rug.

Q. Are cement tiles a good choice for bathroom floors? I love some of the patterns, but do they work well in bathrooms?

A. I love cement tile anywhere! They are great on bathroom floors, as long as they are properly sealed before and after installation.

Q. When we built our house 12 years ago, I liked the idea of bisque sinks, toilets and showers in the bathrooms. Now it seems so outdated. Any suggestions for making this scheme work and look more current?

A. A great wallpaper might help the bath feel more up to date, or perhaps a cool dark paint color, so the emphasis is somewhere other than on the fixtures.

Q. Are jetted tubs outdated? We have a rental vacation home with a master bath that needs help. It has a jetted tub and a separate small shower. I'd like to get rid of the jetted tub and make a tub-shower combo. I also will have to eliminate or modify a window in the process.

A. Indeed, jetted tubs are not popular any longer. Part of the problem is that if they are not taken care of properly, bacteria builds up in the piping and can cause infections. The window solution is not difficult if you hire an experienced contractor who knows how to waterproof it during construction. I think you will enjoy a large shower with a hand shower and great overhead shower as well. It will give you the opportunity to select beautiful materials and totally update the space.

Q. My house is small, with small rooms. The biggest bathroom is 5-by-8 feet. I don't want to expand the bathrooms, and I'm not aiming for luxury; I want a classic and timeless look that will not overwhelm the small space. Would a claw-foot tub work?

A. In a small bath, a claw-foot tub is not practical. In my experience, most people shower, and a claw-foot tub is not really conducive to this ritual. I like to keep small baths simple and clean with 3-by-6-inch tile and a floor of stone or cement. Can you find a place for a storage closet? If so, you can use a pedestal sink, which would make the bath feel more open.

Q. What hard finishes are trending for modern bathrooms?

A. Depending on the level of modern, chrome is always classic. Recently, I have seen darker finishes, such as architectural bronze, and matte finishes, such as burnished nickel, used in modern spaces.

Q. Our master bath is tiny, and we would like to redo it. (The previous owners tiled the entire area, floor to ceiling, in fairly generic beige tile and installed a vanity that sticks out beyond the cabinet, leaving little counter space.) There is no room for a closet. Can you suggest storage options? Perhaps shelves over the toilet? Also, is it worth converting the shower into a bath-shower combo if the only tub in the house is in the kids' bathroom?

A. Cladding a small bath from floor to ceiling helps visually unify the space. I like that as a design aesthetic. Storage solutions are a problem. I can recommend only a medicine cabinet, towel bars behind the door and adjacent to the sink, and maybe baskets on the floor for towels and toilet paper. This is never easy. And, no, do not convert the shower to a tub-shower combination unless you are a real bath person. A great shower provides a wonderful morning wake-up call.

Q. Our bathroom has a claw-foot tub, original hex tile on the floor and subway tile on the walls. Some, but not all, of the floor tile is worn to the point that the glaze has worn off. Would someone be able to refinish that, or do we need to replace the whole floor?

A. There is no way to refinish ceramic tile. I think you should replace the whole floor.

Q. What do you think of monogrammed towels? And whose monogram should be on them?

A. Monograms are a matter of personal choice. I have done it both ways: my own initials and occasionally mine and my husband's. Either way, I love monograms. They are so old-fashioned but can look modern if the right font is used.