Bathroom remodel trends

From heated floors to soaking tubs to flat-screen TVs, the emphasis today is on luxury and comfort.

The bathroom is the new den.

More and more, people are going to the bathroom to relax and even luxuriate after a day in the rush-rush world, say home remodelers and designers. Homeowners are upgrading the rooms -- outfitting them with everything from soaking tubs to heated floors -- to make themselves comfortable. But peace and quiet aren't the only motivating factors. An upgraded bathroom helps sell a home and can be a good investment.  

Large, airy showers: Showers are big, literally. In small bathrooms, homeowners are tearing out the tub to expand the shower. Not only is the stall getting larger, it's getting more airy, with much more glass.  A huge, huge trend. … People want luxury in their bathrooms. They want to feel like they're going into a spa. Some homeowners are even taking out partial shower walls, or all shower walls entirely, and making the entire tiled bathroom a shower -- a European approach that requires correct drainage

Noisy Jacuzzis replaced by soaking tubs: The tub is far from dead, however; it's just changing. These jetless tubs are often deep, insulated tubs. Notably missing: the huge amount of decking that typically surrounded many tubs installed in nicer homes in the '80s and '90s.

Let the light in: "The master bathrooms, they're becoming sanctuaries. People want master bathrooms to be brighter and more sun-filled than before. That means adding windows and even skylights to a bathroom.

Steam bath: The big thing in bathrooms is steam. says Landon. People are discovering how wonderful it is to come home at the end of the day and de-stress

Walling off the loo:  One of the biggest trends in both new construction and higher-quality remodels is "privatization of the toilet."In other words, giving the master bath's toilet its own private room, or at least a privacy wall.  Also, relocating (the toilet) where it makes sense, and where it's inconspicuous" and doesn't render the whole bathroom useless.

Bathroom as entertainment zone: OK, so it's not exactly a sports bar. But more folks are requesting creature comforts such as small coolers and flat-screen TVs.

Smarter storage: Additional storage is a big need in bathroom remodeling. Big, deep drawers don't work in bathrooms. Those work in kitchens, for pots and pans. You need small drawers, with dividers.  Several experts say vertical storage is really catching on, because it works well, while saving space.

Dueling vanities: Increasingly, homeowners are asking for his-and-hers sinks and vanities, even in small bathrooms. Two vanities allow for each person to have his or her own space and storage, and for each area to have a different aesthetic. Sinks continue to become more stylish, too: Homeowners are interested in "vessel sinks" that rise up from a base, or faucets that protrude directly from a wall, or sinks that have their own legs or stand.

Grab bars: Once found only in nursing homes, grab bars are hand bars bolted to walls in showers and above tubs to help keep people from falling. They're appearing in many bathrooms now. A big reason is that baby boomers are graying and looking for a surer grip. But younger people are accepting them, too, because the bars no longer look so institutional. They make grab bars nowadays that look like jewelry.

Make sure you are choosing the right contractor for your home and your budget.

We offer Free Bathroom Remodeling Quotes from local, prescreened contractors.           

Remodeling your bathroom is no small decision, so our contractors are more than happy to answer any and all of your questions to help you feel comfortable with yours.

To schedule a Free Estimate, call today at 724-216-5254 or submit an online request.