Let’s be honest. Our bathrooms tend to be the holding cell for sandy bathing suits, crumpled damp towels, plastic bath toys and the dregs of all the bath products and toothpaste tubes we’ve ever owned. But if there’s one place where we can stake out a little privacy and serenity, it’s the bathroom. Shouldn’t we be able to walk in, lock the door, escape the cares of the world and recharge?
Whether you’re starting from scratch with new construction, undertaking a renovation, or just trying an update, consider some of the expert tips and trends — from simple to extravagant — that can help you add a little spa-like bliss to your bathroom.
TIDY UP. It’s easy for bathrooms to get overloaded with cosmetics and grooming products. Neatness counts. Nothing interrupts your peace like a room full of clutter. Banish those bathing suits and damp towels to the laundry room where they can be ignored. Smart storage allows you to put everything in its place. Mix open and closed storage or try frosted glass door inserts to add interest to the room and break up a wall of cabinets. Invest in beautiful baskets tucked into open shelves to store all your bath products. Where a new coat of paint is called for, consider a palette of taupes, gray hues, whites (from buttery to crisp), or nature’s shades of restful blues and greens. Stock up on fluffy white towels, roll them up into neat columns and stow them on open shelves or in baskets.
TOUCH UP. Finishes like tile, granite and marble surfaces can add elegance to any space. Taking tile beyond the floor, to wainscoting and even entire walls, is a European touch gaining popularity here. Add glamour and a dash of sparkle by installing a backsplash of glass mosaic tile above the vanity or even a twinkly chandelier — embellishments sure to lend charm to your hardworking space. Interesting hardware, with a bit of an industrial vibe, or in an elegant finish like oiled bronze, sleek stainless steel or aged brass, can add a uniq
ue touch. As wood finishes improve and become more water resistant, natural wood is emerging as one of the major bathroom trends for the year. Natural textures breathe life into a bathroom. The most popular wood elements are natural cabinets, followed by paneled hardwood accent walls, or even a wood-slat bath mat. You’ll also find wooden tub enclosures around freestanding tubs, and wood or wood-like floors are starting to gain traction, too. Teak or bamboo are exotic choices.
When it comes to design themes, minimalism is the standard. When designers talk about minimalism today, they are referring to simplicity in surfaces and fixtures. In other words, instead of choosing a vanity that features ornate millwork, choose one that has a smooth face. A “floating” vanity updates any style of bathroom and makes the room feel airy by adding open space between the bottom of the vanity and the floor. A floating vanity can be as simple as a solid plank of wood with a vessel sink, or it can be outfitted with double sinks and drawers for storage.
Most homeowners choose light finishes for bathrooms today, and they have a preference for natural light when possible. Even a small window in the shower stall or next to the tub, or a skylight, will let you relax and look outdoors while rinsing or soaking. If your bathroom’s location makes opening up the view impractical, choose frosted glass that lets in the light without sacrificing privacy.
SHOWER UP. Today’s showers have gotten serious —about luxury and functionality. Dual shower heads, handheld shower heads, body sprays, and a broad bench for relaxing take an ordinary shower to an invigorating and lavish experience. For a truly spa-like adventure without leaving home, install an enclosure that doubles as a steam shower.
On the subject of bells and whistles, today’s showers can feature digital temperature controls, light therapy, custom audio systems and television. Who said water and electricity don’t mix? A number of manufacturers offer quieter and more efficient bath fans than were available even a few years ago. Some have integral humidity sensors that will continue to run the fan as long as needed to reduce humidity to an appropriate level.
SOAK UP. Wash away stress in a deep soaking tub. Its simple, elegant lines make it a striking focal point in any bathroom. There is a trend away from tubs integrated with a tile or stone surround and toward freestanding tubs — although this choice means you need to consider how to stage soaps, shampoos and towels. Studies have shown that a good soak in a deep tub can improve both mood and sleep, as well as muscle pain and cold symptoms. Where homeowners choose to include a tub in the master bathroom, it is more often a soaking tub and not a whirlpool-style tub. Jetted tubs are difficult to clean, have higher maintenance requirements and often need a supplemental heater to keep the water warm when using the whirlpool feature. Some experts estimate that the typical jetted tub is used only seven times in its lifetime. Other homeowners are opting to forgo installing a tub altogether — applying the financial savings toward jazzing up other areas of the bathroom and using the additional space to dedicate to other uses such as increased storage.
SPRUCE UP. A few additional embellishments can make the bathroom functional and comfortable over time. High-tech toilets will make you feel like a NASA astronaut — options include heated seats, lids that lift automatically, integrated bidets, automatic flushing and wall-mounted options. Warmth is a theme in bathrooms where sleek
tile, marble and stone finishes can feel cold underfoot. A radiant heat system installed below the floor is especially welcome on cold winter mornings. Yet another cozy idea: Get all hotel chic and hang your towels from heated bars so you can wrap yourself in warm fluffy comfort when you finish your shower or bath.
If you’re designing a new bathroom, or planning a renovation, you’ll want to design your project to suit your needs for a very long time. Consider “universal design,” also referred to as “aging in place.” The concept employs a plan with an eye toward the future, allowing homeowners to more easily access the bathroom even in the event they become mobility impaired. Features like wheelchair-accessible vanities, grab bars and hands-free faucets are easier to implement initially rather than as a retrofit.
The options for a spa-style bathroom retreat are limited only by your imagination and your budget. From new construction, to renovation, to a simple upgrade, the options are endless. But if your wish list exceeds your skill set, be sure to employ the services of an experienced designer or contractor who can help you create the blissful bathroom retreat of your dreams.