With back to school already on the agenda, many homeowners feel nostalgic for the vacations of summer. Why not consider creating an oasis at home? Bathrooms are a great place to create a mini vacation spot to refresh the overloaded lifestyle we often experience throughout the year.
Whether you are considering a full remodel project or you simply want to update your bathroom, here are a few ideas to get you started.
DESIGN STYLE: The best place to start is with your overall style. Do you prefer a more organic environment, sleek and modern or a more traditional elegance?
MATERIALS: Tile, natural stone and quartz products are among a few of the choices you have when contemplating your material palette. This goes back to the design style, concept and direction of the atmosphere that you want to create in a space. Texture, color and durability should also be considered. Marble is an elegant material, but it comes with a high price tag and requires a careful maintenance routine. For the more durable, low-maintenance approach, granite, quartz and solid surface materials are good choices that are available in a variety of colors and textures including polished, honed and leathered. If using a natural material is important, I suggest making a trip to a granite or marble yard to see available options. Finding the right slab may be a good starting point for an entire project!
ACCENTS: I love to use tile as accents in the bathroom! This is an area where you can make a statement without spending a lot of money. Using a reasonably priced base tile, such as a clean-looking white glossy base tile, and then creating a pattern with its accent allows for more creative expression and, in some cases, bold contrast. A wide stripe or pattern on the shower wall or the bathroom floor can create visual interest. Even a simple tile outline between floor tiles can have a fun, visual impact.
TUB CHOICE: Stand-alone tubs have really become a “wow” factor in bathrooms today. Infinity tubs that include ceiling-mounted faucets are my idea of the ultimate luxurious bathroom feature, but there are so many other shapes and features available. When we bought our home, a tub was a must-have feature, but I will admit that the kids have spent more time in ours than either my husband or I!
PLUMBING FEATURES: There are so many choices for plumbing today. Multiple showerheadsare a unique, luxurious way to bring the “resort” feel home. Rain showerheads and larger showers are becoming more important to some homeowners because they offer a refreshing experience without the time commitment of a tub soak.
SHOWER ENCLOSURES: Upgrading your shower enclosure may seem like a big investment, and it is, but the investment will have a big payoff if your interest is in creating an upscale look. Framed enclosures have heavy framing that holds the glass in place, whereas frameless enclosures are just as they are described: mostly glass walls with very small metal framing. If the price tag for the frameless is too much to handle, consider the semi-frameless, which will give you a lot of the look with a smaller investment.
SINKS: Drop in, under-mount or vessel — there are so many choices to consider! Choose a sink that will compliment the counter surface you are using. Deciding which element is the primary focus is also a consideration. Vessel sinks, in particular, are a beautiful way to be expressive while bringing texture and color into the bathroom.
ELECTRONICS: Televisions and stereos in the bathroom are not for everyone, but for those who are interested in watching their favorite morning show while getting ready for the day, this can be a luxury item worth the effort. Technology has evolved to a point where there can even be speakers in the shower!
LIGHTING: Accent lighting over the tub or in the vanity area is a great way to express your style and personality. Scale is important in this element, but do not be afraid to be bold! I love to go to my favorite lighting store for inspiration. See what sparks your interest, and do not limit yourself to traditional bathroom lighting. For the modern bathroom, consider incorporating a mirror with built-in lighting for wonderful illumination at the vanity that is just like a high-end resort.
I hope these ideas inspire you to create your own bathroom refuge.