Home Remodel: Luxurious Bathrooms
Today, people spend more than $10,000 on a total bathroom remodel. Homeowners are opting for more spacious and ornate bathrooms complete with natural stone flooring and multiple shower heads. But if your budget can’t handle the expense of a marble tub or shower, there are plenty of options that provide enhanced style without a big credit card bill.
The best place to start is with paint. Adding a splash of color can work wonders in your bathroom. Start by changing the color of your walls to a light, airy tone. The best choices are blues, light purples and neutral colors, all of which convey a sense of calm and tranquility that is perfect for feeling relaxed in your bathroom. Another option for a quick update that adds color is to change the faucets and fixtures. Adding a touch of class or style can quickly change the entire look of your bathroom. A hot trend right now is brushed brass fixtures, which convey a rich, elegant feel that complements neutral colors. Other popular options are faucets that contrast the standard look with a unique pattern or design.
The main area of focus in today’s luxurious bathrooms is the shower. If you prefer to have a soaking tub, there are three general types to choose from: standard inset tubs, freestanding tubs, or garden tubs. Many homeowners are turning to jetted tubs that provide massage and therapeutic effects while allowing homeowners to use bath salts or bubbles. If you prefer the shower-only layout, the possibilities are endless. Today’s showers are practically human car washes with the ability to install multiple shower heads with a variety of sprays and angles.
If these options aren’t for you, try going with some simple upgrades. Adding a tall window near the top of your bath or shower can allow natural light into the area, which opens everything up and feels less like you’re ducking into a cave to take a shower. Also, consider re-grouting your current tub and tile. This simple task can go a long way in removing any dirty appearance that has accumulated over several years of use. Another option is the installation of a prefabricated bathtub or shower frame, which can replace or be installed over the existing shower depending on the model and type chosen. Finally, consider adding a luxurious shower head, such as a rainfall or massage shower head for an extra touch.
The final element that distinguishes a luxury bathroom from a standard bathroom is lighting and flooring. Lighting, while often overlooked, can be a great way to control the feel of your bathroom. A good idea is to install a diverse set of lighting, such as pendant lights near the vanity area and indirect ambient lighting that is ideal for relaxing and discreet bathrooms.
Flooring is also a popular upgrade, as natural stone and tile are especially popular in high-end bathrooms. Since these types of floors can be cold, many homeowners choose to install radiant floor heating systems that heat the floors with hot water. A cheaper option is to use low-voltage electric floor mats, which are smaller but provide enough warm area to stand on while you get ready each morning.
In addition to these remodeling ideas, complete the bathroom with accessories that accentuate the look of your bathroom. If you’re looking for elegant appeal, small but stately glass containers with a stainless steel lid for storing cotton balls and cotton swabs are popular accents. If you’re looking for a warm, understated feel, lotion and towel storage baskets are a popular choice. Finally, top it off with new drawer pulls or towel bars to match the updated look and carry the theme throughout the bathroom.