|
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
|
|
|
All Photos by Charles
Ward
|
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.
|
|
|
All Photos by Charles
Ward
|
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.
|
|
|
All Photos by Charles
Ward
|
(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.
|
|
|
All Photos by Charles
Ward
|
(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.
|
