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Slip Sliding Away - Bath Time Gone Big Time

From its humble beginnings outside the home to its recent incarnation as a retreat from the world, your bathroom is probably the one room in your house that has evolved far beyond its traditional functions. Today’s bathrooms are more than just a modern convenience. For many, there is a spiritual aspect to bathing. The bath is a place not just to get clean but to get cleansed.

Any REALTOR® will tell you that renovating your bathroom will add more to your home’s value than any other room in the home, with the possible exception of the kitchen. And, more and more people are make luxury a priority when renovating bathrooms.

Today’s biggest trend is creating a home spa. A recent survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) indicates that sixty per cent of homeowners renovating their bathrooms want spa/steam systems. Vertical spas (meaning the faucets and shower heads are designed for standing up rather than sitting down), come with multiple showerheads, water diverters and sophisticated temperature control systems. Though they offer the relaxation and luxury of a whirlpool spa, they don’t take the time and water required to fill a large tub. Plus, they function as a regular shower when that’s all you want.

Heated floors, using either hot water or electrical heating elements are a popular new trend, along with towel warmers. Even a small change, like changing your faucets, can have a huge impact on your bath. There are new systems on the market now that allow the faucet (spout, handles and trim) to be changed without having to remove the faucet valve, fight with the plumbing under the sink or replace the supply lines.

As for colour, white goes with anything and is economical and always in style but colours, especially those evoking water, are also becoming popular. And, since paint is easy to change, this is an area in which you can take a risk. If you don’t like it, just re-paint.

The NBKA survey also finds that forty per cent of people think universal designs (designs that make the room accessible to or useable by anyone in the home, regardless of age, size, or physical ability) are important while thirty-two per cent want environmentally friendly products and designs. Twenty-seven per cent also wanted a laundry room as part of their bathroom. For twenty-six percent of homeowners, it is important that the bathroom be child friendly.

Of course, the final touches to any bathroom are the most personal. For some it’s candles and soft music. For others it’s loofahs and bubbles. Just find whatever it is you need to slip, slide away to your own personal zen.