Spacious, open area floorplan

As a result of its update status, the design and details of the bathroom —especially the master bath — can have a tremendous impact upon the resale of a home. So it’s imperative to consider carefully what elements go into your bathroom. Making it extremely important to proceed with caution is the fact that bathrooms, like kitchens, are usually the most costly rooms to install in a home, due to the plumbing required and the expense of the fixtures. Remember, when you move, you can’t take your bathroom fixtures with you.

Obviously, you need to select fixtures which will be the best quality you can afford, as well as attractive and functional well into the future. Even within budget constraints, you can have fun designing your bathroom. Multiple new trends in bathroom fixtures allow the pleasure of creating a bathroom which is both practical and pretty. Since the bathroom has benefited tremendously both from new technology and fresh design approaches, it’s to your advantage to research the various components which will be installed.

LAVATORIES AND VANITIES

Lavatories and vanities with sinks are designed to fulfill one primary function, washing smaller body parts like the hands and face. The options for both are plentiful. The range between purely functional and luxurious is vast. A general rule of thumb, however, is that vanities, especially large or double models, are most appropriate in family-used bathrooms because they provide storage and convenience not afforded by free-standing sinks. While it’s certainly not uncommon for vanity-type sinks to be installed in powder rooms, free-standing sinks are more likely to be installed there, as a design accent.

Other choices in your bathroom include wall-hung lavatories; free-standing pedestal sinks; drop-in basins for vanities; unseamed sinks included in countertops, also for vanities; and the most elaborate, hand-painted or plated ones. Today, for example, you can recycle an antique pine nightstand by installing a basin to combine turn of the century charm with high tech, low flow faucets. Or, if you prefer, you could use a marble pedestal lavatory. And, with basins having such a broad range in pricing, you can achieve any degree of elegance — or match any kind of design scheme — your taste and budget will allow.

Unique vanities and fixtures can add stunning visual impact to any bathroom

FAUCETS

There are as many kinds of faucets as there are sinks, and again, the models and prices vary so widely it’s impossible to describe them adequately here. The simplest faucet sets, for example, start relatively low while others can cost into the thousands. A reliable, midrange decorative faucet set is normally in the $200 - $400 range. But, depending upon your needs, you can get faucets with preset temperature controls, hand-held sprays, multiple heads for showers, and flow-reduction devices. You can even buy a noise-reducing faucet system. The finishes, too, are endless: chrome, stainless, porcelain, brass, wood, and gold and pewter. Your selection should be determined by: quality, cost, and design.

BATHTUBS

The 32 x 60 inch tub was standard not too long ago. Today, however, the choices in bathtubs are as extensive as they are for other bathroom fixtures. Do you want an oversized tub? How about one which is contoured to provide arm rests and lumbar support? Square? Pie-shaped? They’re all available and more and more options arrive on the market daily.

Whirlpool tubs have evolved from a rarity to almost standard issue in new, custom construction in the lowcountry. Today, whirlpools provide the focal point in master baths, reflecting America’s acceptance of the benefits of “spa” treatments, aromatherapy, and the like. There’s certainly nothing more relaxing than taking a few minutes to let the jets of a whirlpool gently massage your aching muscles. And, with custom-made benching, or shelves for storing your bath salts, you may never want to return to the real world again.

BATHROOM MATERIALS

Bathroom materials can help create a feeling of luxury, but they fill a more practical role as well. Because of the regular high degree of humidity in your bathrooms and the quality of our local water, you need to select materials which are completely water resistant and durable. On Hilton Head, both natural and cultured marble are extremely popular, as is granite. Corian and ceramic tiles, of course, are a favorite both for their design versatility and durability. Glass block is also a popular choice, again because it fulfills both practical and aesthetic requirements so capably. In fact, glass block makes wonderful shower or toilet dividers, because it’s sturdy, provides privacy, and — unlike clear glass, is less likely to reveal water stains.

Remember also the safety factor in your bathroom design. Make sure that whatever the material, your flooring is treated with a moisture-proof, slip-resistant finish. Go ahead relax and enjoy your place to get away.

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