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Of all the rooms in
our homes, kitchens and baths (especially master baths) have
changed the most dramatically over the years. Just as the once
utilitarian kitchen has become a spacious family gathering place
and informal entertaining areas, many of today’s baths have become
elegant, luxurious rooms designed to comfort and pamper. We recently
spoke with Charles Ward, CKD, Lisa Anderson, CKD, ASID and Megan
Warren of Ward’s Kitchens and Baths in Omaha, Nebraska, about
some of the essential and extras that go into today’s baths.
They highlighted the following considerations when plan master
baths.
(1) Privacy vs.
openness.
 Our
fondness of open spaces within the home doesn't end at
the bathroom door. While most of us would prefer that our master
baths include compartmented
toilets, we also want this room to feel open and airy. In keeping
with this, there is a trend to keep showers as open as possible.
One way to do so is by using a partial wall composed of glass block
and eliminating the shower door altogether. In order to accomplish
this, the shower stall must be long enough to contain the spray
behind the abbreviated wall. A sure way to minimize the area that
needs to be enclosed is to select a showerhead that delivers a “rain
shower” straight down. Frameless shower doors are also popular
in that they appear less restrictive. If glass block is not to
your liking, consider using a heavy glass panel enclosure instead.
Glass panels provide the optimum sense of open space (from inside
and outside the shower) and require less maintenance than glass
block with grout.
(2) Soak or spray.
Some of us are tub people. Some of us are shower
people. However we choose to come clean, most of us
are attracted to whirlpool
tubs – or at least the thought of them. Many who have them, however,
don’t use them regularly (showers are friendlier to our fast pace).
Still, whirlpool tubs can add a significant perceived value to
the home. The designers’ general recommendation is to include a
whirlpool when it will affect resale value, which is often the
case in larger homes. Some homeowners are opting instead for an
oversized, walk-in shower, which may include a shower seat and
multiple heads. This choice should only be considered if there
is at least one tub elsewhere the home. For those who have refined
the art of relaxation, home saunas and steam showers are also options
that are becoming more common.
(3) Single or
double vanities.
 The
amount of space required to make ourselves presentable in the morning
varies from one person to the next. Most people sharing a single
sink can only imagine the luxury of having two. Keep in mind, however,
that two sinks means losing counter space and storage space underneath,
plus added expense for fixtures and installation. Those trade-offs,
however, can be warranted if two people will be using the same
space at the same time, or if one of the individuals requires a
neater area than the other.
(4) Storage – plan
for plenty.
Here’s one thing in life that you can’t have two much of.
For some of us, its an over abundance of bath towels. For others,
it’s an obsession for bath soaps, makeup cologne hair products
and hair appliances. In the worst case scenario, it’s both. In
any case, make sure your master bath allows plenty of space for
your stuff. Also keep in mind that utility trays or roll-outs,
normally used in kitchen cabinets, can offer visibility and convenient
access.
(5) Décor – predictable
or provocative.
Because master baths are separated from the rest
of the home, they can get away with flaunting their
own individual style, even
if it doesn’t necessarily coordinate with the rest of the home.
However, it’s important to keep expensive elements some- what neutral
and timeless and add color with wall treatments, fabrics and accessories.
White, beige or ivory are the safest colors for tubs, toilets and
sinks. Granite and Corian are perennially popular for countertops.
Cultured marble is less expensive, and is also often used to create
integral counters and bowls. Solid colors are a safer choice than
swirls, which tend to look dated. Ceramic tile, the most popular
choice for flooring, is available in a myriad of colors, shapes
and sizes and can be used to bring the design full circle. Because
baths have less area to cover than most other rooms, walls invite
special attention, whether it be a faux treatment, a mural (properly
sealed), wallpaper, pleasing artwork or even a wall fountain.
(6) Light & Bright.
While nothing lightens a bath's atmosphere like
a window, windows can also present logistical dilemmas.
The humidity rules
out wood blinds. Curtains can be used in areas away from the shower,
but they reduce the amount of natural light coming in. One of the
easiest ways to maximize the light source while providing privacy
is by using frosted glass or textured glass block. When possible,
skylights should be considered to brighten the space with natural
light.
(7) Mirror, mirror
on the wall.
 With
proper planning and attention, minors can easily become one of
the focal points of the bath.
Plate mirrors can be framed in picture framing or ceramic tiles.
A framed mirror over the vanity can tastefully double as the door
to a recessed medicine cabinet. In any case, make sure to plan
for generous lighting to illuminate those happy "morning faces."
(8) Which wood.
Because baths are smaller areas, it is usually
best not to mix the use of woods, as can often be done
in larger rooms, such
as kitchens. Popular wood choices are maple or cherry in natural,
dark or honey finishes. About an equal number of homeowners prefer
painted woodwork (in soft neutrals or white).
(9) An array of
amenities.
With cathedral ceilings and, the sky really is
the limit when it comes to dazzle in the bath. While
most ceiling lights are now
recessed, track ~ting is still used with tall ceilings. Rope lighting
used in molding or atop cabinets and toe ~ting creates added interest
at the base of tub enclosures or cabinets.
Decorative fixtures
are generally placed over vanities. For an added touch of indulgence,
consider a fog-free mirror, heat lamp, heated towel bar or heated
floor. Children's baths require many special features for convenience
and safety that also are often included in those for mature homebuyers,
including: tempered glass shower doors, grab bars over the tub,
lever faucet handles that are easier to control, non- slip floors
and towel bars at lower heights. Because powder baths are small,
it's more affordable to make them extra lavish. Special details
such as rope trim on cabinets become more noticeable in these
small areas. Pedestal sinks present a pleasing, stream- lined
look and are more practical here than in other baths where storage
is more crucial. The newer above-counter styled sinks (that resemble
bowls) can also provide an interesting focal point.
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