Trends In Bathroom Remodeling
Bathroom remodeling enhances a home and your lifestyle. Often, the bathroom is the first place you visit in the morning, and the last place you visit before going to bed at night. Do you want to frequent a dull, dreary, tired bathroom, or one that looks alive and contemporary? New fixtures will look great, but a total bathroom remodel will make a world of difference. Here are a few tips for creating a fantastic bathroom experience.
"Remodeling your bathroom not only enhances your way of life, but a bathroom remodel can substantially increase the value of your home when it's time to sell."
Eric Rafalik, Owner/Partner
Classic Whites
Old-school white subway tile never goes out of style. White subway tile can be paired with most any look, from contemporary to traditional. Use it as a base for casual industrial style or dress it up with traditional-style furniture and fixtures for a timeless look.
White subway is best used with a dark color grout like gray or black. Especially in the bathroom because it is less likely to get stained with mold and soap residue.
Storage That's Smart
Practical storage will never go out of style. Whenever possible, take advantage of vertical space and take your cabinetry up the wall. Practical storage will never go out of style. Whenever possible, take advantage of vertical space and take your cabinetry up the wall. Open shelving is still a popular trend that can also be quite practical in the bathroom.
Design, Mediterranean-Style
Europe always provides good inspiration. Mosaic tile can add a rich look to your space. A way to combine old-world style and modern glamor is to use tiles inspired by ancient Mediterranean countries like Spain, Morocco and Portugal. The look elegantly combines the charm of hand-painted terra-cotta with modern metallic. You don't need a lot to make a big statement. Try it as an accent in the shower or tub area, or as a back splash in a half bath. Old meets new in a fun way when classic arabesque patterns are mixed with retro 1970s colors.
Media and Music
Whether it's for relaxation or for practical reasons, bringing electronics into the bathroom is becoming more and more commonplace. Wireless speakers, Bluetooth devices and docking stations are being incorporated into bathroom mirrors, shower heads and vanities. Kohler has even taken multitasking to a new level with its all-in-one shower head and speaker combo.
Today, you can relax by watching your favorite show while soaking in a warm bath. A strategically placed TV can get you caught up with the latest news and weather while getting ready for your workday.
Ease of Use
No-threshold showers along with comfort-height toilets, vanities and side-mount faucets are gaining in popularity for very practical reasons. Curb-less showers are easier to clean, they make your bathroom look bigger, and they help homeowners to "age in place."
Many homeowners are tearing out built-in bathtubs to create a combination bathtub/shower. Ease of accessibility or being ADA-compliant can increase a home's resale value because you're offering potential buyers more options, plus the design aesthetic can look really nice.
Three-Dimensional Tile
Inviting to touch and monochromatic, these Hollywood-regency-inspired tiles lend an air of high-style but with a little nod to1970s funk. Make a statement with fun patterns. Coming in a variety of styles, they are an interesting combination of 1960s pop art and elegant art deco.
In-Floor Heat and Towel Warmers
Luxury can also come in the form of extra-added warmth. Warm toes and a warm towel can make all the difference on a cold winter's morning. Radiant floor heat is energy efficient because the heat is touching your body, warming you from the ground up.
There are two types of radiant flooring, electric and hydronic (water). Electric mats are easier and less expensive to install because you don't need a separate system to run the heat. These electric systems simply run off your home's electrical system. Hydronic systems need a separate power source, like a heat pump to run the water through the pipes. A hydronic system is more expensive to install, but in the long run, it is more affordable to operate, than electric systems.
Either way, radiant floor heat works best with natural stone and tile because their thermal properties hold in the heat more efficiently.
If you don’t wish to absorb the cost of a new floor heating system, a towel warmer can provide warmth and comfort starting at around $100.
Deluxe Showers
Showers are becoming far more popular than bathtubs, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). Accordingly, high-tech spa-like body sprays, water jets and numerous shower heads are becoming more commonplace.
Invisible edge glass enclosures are all the rage, and open shower stalls also are becoming popular. Fully enclosed steam showers with multiple shower heads are a luxury that is becoming more conventional in new homes and remodeled master bathrooms.
