More and more, people are turning toward their bathroom as a sanctuary to relax and rejuvenate after a long day. Homeowners are upgrading these rooms – outfitting them with everything from soaking tubs to heated floors – to make them more comfortable. But peace and quiet aren’t the only motivating factors — an upgraded bathroom is a great investment and one that gives the home resale appeal.
For this week’s blog, we’re going to take a look at some of today’s most popular design trends in bathroom remodeling. Let’s get started!
Large, airy showers: Showers are big, literally, in bathroom remodels these days. In small bathrooms, homeowners are tearing out the tub to expand the shower. Not only is the stall getting larger, it’s getting more airy, with much more glass and tile. Hinged, frameless doors and heavier glass are replacing the sliding glass doors of old. Some homeowners are even taking out partial shower walls or all the walls entirely, and taking a European approach by making the entire tiled bathroom a shower.
Noisy Jacuzzis out; soaking tubs in: The tub is far from dead, however; it is changing in the manner in which it’s utilized. Loud, bubbling Jacuzzi tubs are now often being replaced with the quiet, serene experience of a soaking tub. These jet-less tubs are often deep, insulated tubs, but without the large amount of decking that typically surrounded many Jacuzzi tubs installed in ’80s and ’90s.
Steam baths: Steam is the next big thing in bathrooms today. Homeowners are discovering how wonderful it is to come home at the end of the day and de-stress in a personal sauna. Although this is a rising trend, there are several things that need to be taken into consideration when adding a seated steam shower. The bathroom usually has to be reconfigured to include the following:
- a sloping ceiling to drain condensation;
- a floor drain;
- tile or marble on all surfaces; and
- a vapor-tight door.
More ventilation: What homeowner wouldn’t want better ventilation to clear off mirrors faster and extend the life of the newly remodeled bathroom? Remote fans – with a motor installed outside of the bathroom (such as the attic) – are usually about ten times as powerful as old-school ventilation fans and cost only slightly more. Installed properly, these efficient fans are extremely quiet and are even available with humidity sensors that switch on automatically as the bathroom begins to steam up!
Separating the toilet: Another one of the biggest trends in both new construction and higher-quality remodels is the privatization of the toilet. In other words, the master bath toilet is housed discreetly in a private room, or behind a privacy wall. This adds a sense of solitude and discretion, while separating the toilet from the other areas of the bathroom.
Smarter storage: Additional storage is a big desire in bathroom remodeling. Big, deep drawers don’t work in the bathroom like they do for pots and pans in the kitchen! Small drawers with dividers are the most popular today, along with vertical storage, which works well while saving space. In addition, pre-manufactured medicine cabinets or vanity cabinets with built-in outlets inside for electric toothbrushes, shavers or curling irons are becoming more popular by removing items from view and giving the bathroom a more open look.
Heated Floors: There is nothing worse than getting out of a warm shower or bath and stepping on a freezing cold floor. Heated floors are becoming much less of a luxury item and more of an everyday trend in bathroom design and remodeling. But it’s not just the bathroom floors that are getting this treatment. Radiant-heat systems are also being installed under the walls and floors of the new open showers, helping them to warm up faster.
Good tiles: Linoleum and glazed tiles are a thing of the past. Porcelain, stone, or glass tile choices are gaining in popularity among many homeowners. Each offers a wide variety of design options and each is much more versatile than traditional linoleum or glazed ceramic tile.
These rising design trends are closing the gaps between luxury and practicality, while offering homeowners the opportunity to get the most out of their bathrooms. For more information about remodeling your bathroom, click here to contact MDV for a free estimate!