You know you’ve made an impact when people quote you in major magazines or you get interviewed on national television. But what does it say when one of the top search results for you is “young house love toilet”? If that curious phrase led you here, you’re in the right place. Until now, searches for that term didn’t point to a single helpful resource on our site, so this article gathers everything we’ve learned about our go-to toilet and answers the most common questions about it.
Our favorite by far is the Kohler Memoirs Elongated toilet, sometimes referred to as the Memoirs Stately Elongated. We first installed it seven years ago in a powder room and have chosen it again for multiple homes since. It blends classic styling with reliable performance: comfortable to sit on, visually considered, and consistently functional.
Why Is It Our Favorite Toilet?
The Memoirs draws us with a slightly dressier silhouette—think crown molding-like trim along the tank and a refined base detail. That classic look paired perfectly with the traditional architecture of our Richmond, Virginia home, so we put one in the downstairs bathroom and another in the ensuite. But it’s not just for classic homes; we recently installed it in a modern, beachy house in Florida and it fits beautifully there too.
Many contemporary toilets lean toward very simple, rounded forms that can feel generic—like fixtures you might see in retail or restaurant restrooms. The Memoirs, by contrast, reads as a considered selection rather than an afterthought. It comes in several finishes, including black, gray, and greige, but we prefer classic white for most applications.
Beyond looks, performance is where this toilet really stands out. We’ve installed the Kohler Memoirs Elongated in three different homes over seven years and those units have been used every day without a single service call or repair. We haven’t had to plunge or call a plumber for these toilets—something we can’t say about many other models we’ve owned. The elongated bowl and comfort-height design also make it noticeably more comfortable than many cheaper, more compact options.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Kohler Memoirs Elongated is not the cheapest option. At various times it lists around $399 and sometimes higher, depending on retailer and availability. We skipped it in budget-focused projects, like a duplex Airbnb, but chose it for main bathrooms that get daily use because the comfort and durability made the extra cost worthwhile to us. The elongated bowl and comfort height add to the value, especially for families or frequent users.
One practical note: many retailers sell the Memoirs as an online-only item, so you may need to order for delivery or arrange in-store pickup. Also check whether the listing includes a toilet seat—many do not. We prefer a quiet-close, elongated seat for both comfort and aesthetics; otherwise a mismatched seat can detract from the toilet’s appearance.
Want A More Basic Budget-Friendly Toilet?
If you need a reliable toilet on a budget, we’ve had great luck with a dependable Delta model that we used multiple times across projects like duplexes and rental properties without issues. For straightforward, low-cost installations where long-term comfort is less critical, a basic Delta option often offers the best value.
Ok, Back To Our Favorite Toilet – How About Some Before & Afters?
If you want to see the Kohler Memoirs in real renovation contexts, check our project posts that show bathroom before-and-after transformations. We documented full remodels, including one main bathroom gut renovation where we removed walls, reconfigured doorways, and replaced fixtures. Those posts include photos, budget breakdowns, and details about every fixture choice, including the toilet.
We also documented a walk-in closet build using affordable storage systems; while the closet content doesn’t feature a toilet, the bathroom photos often show how fixture choices read in a complete space. Those before-and-after images are helpful if you’re trying to visualize how a more intentional toilet design plays with tile, vanities, and trim.
In short: a toilet is more visible in your finished room than you might realize, so it’s worth spending a few extra minutes choosing the right one.
How To Install Or Fix A Toilet
Replacing or repairing a toilet is a manageable DIY project if you have basic tools and patience. We’ve swapped toilets several times and documented the steps. Helpful topics include:
- How to install a toilet
- How to replace an old toilet
- How to fix a toilet that rocks
- How to add a dual-flush converter kit
If you’re unsure about plumbing connections or floor flanges, hiring a plumber for the final hookup and testing is a sensible option. For many homeowners, however, removing an old toilet, replacing the wax ring, and installing a new one is quite doable with step-by-step guidance.
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