


Tub time: Features to consider for a relaxation-themed bathroom remodel
Homeowners want to view their homes as a respite from all that goes on outside their doors. Indeed, turning a home into a residents-only retreat can ensure everyone looks forward to walking through the front the door at the end of the day.
One of the more popular ways to turn a home into one’s own personal retreat is to upgrade the bathroom.
A renovated bathroom can completely transform how individuals feel about their homes.
The following are some features to consider when remodeling a bathroom with relaxation in mind:
• Open shower: An open shower is a visually stunning addition to any bathroom. Such showers give a bathroom a more open look, thanks in part to the fact that these modern features do not feature a door or require the use of a shower curtain.
The result is a clean look that many people associate with a luxury hotel.
When speaking with a contractor about an open shower install, homeowners can ask about a half-wall to safeguard against water splashing out of the shower. In addition, a heat lamp can help ensure residents stay warm until they’re ready to leave the bathroom.
• Heated features: Additional features to keep everyone calm and warm can be considered when upgrading the bathroom. Radiant flooring can ensure everyone’s toes remain toasty, and the installation of such a feature can eliminate the need for floor mats and bath mats that some homeowners may not like.
Commit further to the heat theme with a heated towel rack, which is another feature associated with luxury hotels that can be just as enjoyable at home.
• Soaking tub: An open shower creates an instant feeling of luxury, but few things are more suggestive of relaxation than a soaking tub.
A long day at school or the office or a day when winter winds are howling outside is made much better with a good a soak.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association notes that luxury bathrooms featuring soaking tubs are wildly popular, and that vaunted status is undoubtedly due to the relaxing benefits of a good soak.
• Skylight: Even if the goal of a luxury bathroom is to leave the outside world outside, allowing some natural light inside is a great way to add a little extra calm to the room.
Floor-to-ceiling windows may seem appealing in brochures or advertisements, but such features do not create the sense of privacy many people prefer in their bathrooms.
One or two skylights can create that sense of privacy and still allow for natural light to enter the room, making this an option that provides the best of both worlds.
Organizational tips for bathrooms
Certain areas of a home may initially garner less attention than others. This often is the case with small washrooms, sometimes called powder rooms or guest bathrooms. Despite their utilitarian nature, bathrooms can often benefit from some better organization.
Apart from a vanity and possibly a medicine cabinet, many bathroom layouts tend to be pretty sparse in terms of storage. So it is up to homeowners to introduce more storage and organizational function.
• Over-toilet shelving: Freestanding units are available from many different retailers, but they may lack aesthetic appeal. Homeowners can install open shelves above the toilet that coordinate with the style of the home. Use them to store extra towels or display decorative items.
• Streamlined containers: Invest in coordinating storage containers (clear are preferable) so that all items can be uniformly put away. First sort through all items to determine which size containers are necessary and how many are required.
• Conceal toilet paper: Homeowners want to have bath tissue on hand, but simply placing it near the toilet can look cluttered or unsightly. Use decorative baskets to house one or two extra rolls and place on shelving or on the toilet tank itself.
• Freestanding cabinet: Those lucky enough to have linen closets in their bathrooms can keep everything behind closed doors. In small bathrooms this may not be possible.
However, a freestanding cabinet, similar to a kitchen pantry cabinet, can be used if there is space for it. Store all of the linens and other items inside.
— Metro Editorial Services