Kim Kinrade © 2008
Redoing the bathroom, even a small bathroom remodeling job, not only breathes new life into an old room but provides an investment for the future. Home building statistics show that renovating the bathroom will almost double the money spent on the project when it comes time to sell the home.
Most homeowners look at the shower area when remodeling ideas are tossed about. Next comes the tub and fixtures in the bathroom including the vanity sink. Showers and tubs have been completely rethought by bathroom designers during the past few years. Instead on the all-in-one concept the shower and tub have been separated and not necessarily out into the same room. For bathroom ideas in new home building the ensuite area is sometimes broken up into two or three rooms which contain a large shower area, a spa and a relaxation room. Many of these concepts can be seen in the bathroom showroom section of large home stores or home trade shows.
The shower in a remodeling project can be a complete �climate zone� with a pizza-pan-sized rainshower head and steam bath option. A two-seat capacity means that the experience can be shared. And the bathers have an option of an LCD screen, audio system and chromatherapy lights which can be pre-programmed using a �smart panel.�
Soaker tubs are another innovation that has changed bathing. Spa jets are now being replaced by the soothing flow of millions of hot air bubbles which emanate from the bottom of the large, rectangular tub. In addition, water features are prominent in these designs and can be a solid stream of water pouring from a fixture on the ceiling. As with the showers colored chromatherapy lights can be pre-programmed to suit any mood as can music.
Cabinets and storage have also taken a great leap forward. The standard cabinets in the bathroom have gone from functional to furniture-quality-and-functional. Traditional designs taken from the living room furniture now can adorn the bathroom. However, the vanity sinks are far from the normal. Bowl-shaped vessels in a wide variety of materials actually sit on the vanity or are recessed into the surface. These can be made from glass, glass crystal or even copper and soapstone.
Another diversion from the normal is the relaxation room. After a bath or soothing shower a small room complete with couch can be used to watch television or read for a while. This design is proving that the bathroom is no longer a passing station in the home but a part of the living space where more time will be spent. In addition, the relaxation room can be used as a �snoring room,� for spouses who cannot stand the other's nighttime �sawing of logs.�
Bathroom contractors are waiting to give you free estimates at
BobVilaContractors.com
