I Wish I Had Thought About That – Master Baths

Building a new home or remodeling is an opportunity to consider some new concepts or products for your new Master Bath.  Creating a wish-list will help you identify the must-have items and help eliminate those last minute, budget-busting extras.

Here are some of the ideas you may want to consider:

Showers

• Larger showers with frameless enclosures
• Coated, clear glass enclosures for easy cleaning
• Dual shower heads; wall-mounted, hand-held shower heads with sensor temperature controls
• Shower fixtures in oil rubbed bronze, Tuscan bronze, black, brushed nickel and more
• Pulsating water jets that provide spinal and foot massage
• Warm, neutral tile tones with colorful glass tile accents 
• Recessed shelves for shampoo, etc. tall enough for Costco-size containers
• Built-in benches

Bathtubs

• Tubs separated from showers
• Smaller soaking, jetted and non-jetted tubs
• Sunken Roman tubs
• Eco – friendly stone and wood bathtubs
• Artificial stone bathtubs available in various shapes

Toilets

• Pump powered, pressure-assisted quiet, dual-flush system
• Comfort height versus regular height toilets
• Water efficient models
• Heated seats

Sinks

• Vessel sinks in glass, porcelain or metal
• Geometric and free shaped modern sinks
• Hand painted sinks integrated into vintage furniture  vanities
• Stainless steel sinks

Cabinets

• “His” and “Hers” separate vanities; his with additional height.
• Separate vanity locations
• Storage garages for hair styling equipment
• Coffee bar cabinets with refrigerator
• Side storage cabinets above countertop
• Armoire cabinet for linen storage

Mirrors

• Antique framed mirrors above furniture vanity
• Contemporary, stainless steel custom frames
• Wall-to-wall, countertop to ceiling or crown molding
• Steam-resistant glass

Tile

• Glass tile in ocean colors
• Metallic accent pieces for ceramic tile
• Combination of glass and porcelain tiles creating borders or accents

Today’s homeowner is looking to make the master bath more comfortable, stylish and personal. For homeowners who aren’t confident in their design capabilities, it is best to consult a professional. It is better to get expert advice ahead of time, instead of after a project has gone wrong.

Master Bath – Top 8 Ideas

When it comes to Master Baths, luxury trumps square footage every time.  So here are our top 8 ideas for Luxury Master Baths:

8. Dual Vanities

• Today this is almost a given, but the concept still makes the list in a cost conscious housing market

7. Whirlpool Tub

• 2-person whirlpools have fallen off everybody’s list
• Given the choice between a shower and a tub, today’s homeowner prefers the shower
• The 1-person whirlpool remains on the list for those who have the necessary space

6. Linen/Towel Closet

• Nothing like locating storage close to the point of use

5. Accent Tiles

• A few words can hardly due justice to the renaissance in ceramic tile today.  Do not start a new home or remodeling project without a visit to a ceramic tile showroom to see everything that is available
• Here are a few of the special tiles you can include in your project: Chair rail cap tiles, contrasting tiles, mosaics, decorative tiles, accent borders. Combine them to give your Master Bath the touch of elegance that built-up crown moldings  have done for the living areas of the home

4. Walk-in Closet

• Concern about damage to clothing from tub/shower generated humidity has proven to be unfounded
• Direct closet access from the Master Bath allows a person to get dressed and ready for work without having to disturb a spouse who may still be sleeping.

3. Separate Toilet Compartment

• In a word, its all about privacy
• If you don’t have room for a completely separate compartment a partial enclosure can still provide a measure of privacy

2. Heated Tile Floor

• Programmable thermostats allow the pre-heating cycle to be completed so your bathroom is toasty warm for you in the morning
• A true luxury if your bathroom floors are wall-to-wall tile or marble

1. Large Shower

Today’s dream showers have most of the following

• Size – in small, tight areas nothing works like a few extra square feet. Make the floor of your new shower at least 4’ x 4’
• Built-in Seat
• Frame-less Euro-style glass enclosures
• Multiple shower heads including a hand shower
• Multiple shelves
• Steam generator – this really belongs on the option list, but if you’ve found a way to include all of the above features in your project and still have room in your budget …

Incorporating these items into your new home or remodeling project doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  The wise consumer consults with a design profession for guidance before starting the project.