Retreat, Relax, Revitalize

The bathroom is getting a second glance as the transformation from functional space to peaceful sanctuary debuts in modern homes. Here’s how to get the most out of this potentially heavenly room.

Next to the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the busiest and most design-conscious rooms of the house. It is the first room we visit in the morning and usually the last room we see at night. It is one of the most private rooms of the home, yet the finishes, fixtures and mechanical equipment found in the modern bathroom can make it one of the most expensive rooms. In recent years it has also become a place to relax and escape the burdens of daily life. With so much at stake in having a functional yet savvy room that fits all your needs, it stands to reason that creating the ultimate bathroom requires careful planning and good design sense. Here are a few suggestions to help make any bathroom a success.

Room Like Proportions

Too many bathrooms are simply hallways with the fixtures on one side and a toilet area on the end. It is not only hard to make a pleasant room of that shape, it invites congestion if the room is to be shared with other family members. A good room layout is roughly square or rectangular with length-to-width proportions not exceeding 2:1. Well-designed rooms also have a clear central space with smaller working spaces around the edges. A bathroom can be designed using these principles in miniature. First, create a central space that contains the entry, with some designated room for washing and drying off. Then separate areas around the edges of the room for the toilet, the shower or the bath. Areas that you consider most private should be located in the least conspicuous part of the room and farthest from the main entrance.

Lighting the way

Shadows be gone. The appearance, performance, and safety of your bathroom will improve dramatically if it’s illuminated properly. Good lighting adds sparkle to fixtures, and surface materials. It also helps you distinguish berry lipstick from ravishing-red, and makes you less likely to cut yourself shaving.

Medium-to-large bathrooms require a generous number of general-illumination fixtures, such as recessed lights or multi bulb chandeliers, for overall lighting. Small baths, showers and toilet compartments require only one 60 watt ceiling fixture. In addition, grooming centers need their own lighting. A fixture that casts light just over the center of the sink works best as it bounces light off the sink and countertop up onto your face.

Natural light also is a desirable element for the smaller proportions found in a bathroom. If space allows, two windows are better than one and provide more light during the day hours. If privacy is an issue, consider windows made of glass block or that contain stained glass designs. Another option would be to experiment with window placement. Many of today’s homes have high ceilings or take advantage of roof lines to create unusual ceiling angles. If you have space above 6 feet in your bathroom, transoms, circle or half circle windows will not only create a focal point, but will also provide the extra light. If all else fails, a more in-depth solution would be to implement a small enclosed garden area outside of windows that face the street or other homes. It will not only provide a hedge of privacy, but can be a welcome pleasure each morning.

Spa Perfect

Anyone who has experienced the calming sensation of a day at the spa can attest to the fact that there is nothing quite like a spa getaway to tame your stress and rejuvenate your spirit. Since it isn’t always possible to jet off to a resort for pampering, an increasing number of people are creating luxurious settings with their very own at-home spas.

Results of the American Standard Bathroom Habits Survey show that Americans are willing to put down $2,500 to $7,500 to remodel or redecorate their bathrooms. Thirty percent would be willing to spend more than $10,000 to create their ultimate bathroom retreat, realizing that the return for such investment is almost 100%.

The obvious difference between a spa bath and a regular bath is luxury. The modern spa bathroom is growing in size, filled with a variety of surface materials and fixtures, entertainment options, and warm, cozy things like heated towel racks, aromatherapy candles and heated floors. Of course no spa bath is complete without sporting at least some of the latest items in water technology – custom shower products like hydro-massage, multiple shower heads and body sprays with adjustable components. On top of this add a whirlpool or soaking tub and you have a bath that’s simply divine.

Make a Statement with Faucets

Faucets are the most frequently used devices in the bath, so first it is important to invest in high-quality instruments that are engineered to prevent leaks, drips and reduced water pressure. With design options for kitchen faucets taking a giant leap, homeowners have requested the same quality and variation for their super luxury bathrooms. Especially since a beautiful faucet has the power to change the look and feel of a smaller space at a minimal cost. Specialty finishes with colored patinas like brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze are making their way into the market offering a softer, more subdued look that complements the trend toward natural bath colors. Styles vary from super modern to old-time tradition. Prices vary as much as style. You’ll find you may pay a little more for a good faucet, but in the long run, a faucet that’s durable and attractive will make a bolder statement in the bathroom.

Super Surfaces

Ceramic tile is one of the most popular choices for bathrooms because, properly installed, it is water resistant and easy to clean. Today’s choices in tile are more beautiful and varied than ever offering homeowners options for wall, floor and shower covering. Although it can be cold to the touch, small rugs or a floor heating system can eliminate this problem. Since too much tile can change the acoustics of a room, it is a good idea to use softer materials for the ceiling and at least a portion of the walls or soft decorative touches like multiple towel racks with large, fluffy towels.

Surprisingly, wood floors have become another realistic choice for the bathroom. With today’s tough floor varnishes, wood floors can hold up well to a modest amount of water as long as the water is not allowed to stand for a long period of time. If you are uncomfortable having wood floors under the toilet, place a pad of granite or marble directly under this area. This solution will give the room more detail, and the contrast of materials will add interest.

While the shower should use completely water-resistant materials, other areas of the bathroom need only cleanable surfaces. Natural stone, marble, polished and sealed concrete, glass, ceramic tile and other nonabsorbent materials work well on these surfaces. A good-quality enamel paint on smooth plaster makes a cleanable, water-resistant finish for walls that do not have stone or tile.

Delightful Details

Since today’s bathrooms are becoming a place to sit and relax, read a book, or enjoy downtime, homeowners that have increased their bathroom size are also experimenting with furniture. Chaise lounges for relaxing, armoires for storage, vanities, and artwork are all making their debut in this once overlooked room. Homeowners are adding character with vintage pieces that are functional and eye-catching. Some manufacturers have even picked up on this trend and are keeping it in mind as they design cabinets and fixtures that have the look and feel of furniture.

Clean, simple lines that reduce the stress of clutter and encourage a sense of calm are also a design consideration. Some homeowners are taking a minimalist approach with streamlined fixtures, sculptural lines and low profiles. Many manufacturers now carry complete lines of fixtures designed with simplicity in mind. Items like the chromotherapy soaking tub and Kohler’s two piece Paradox lavatory were designed to function as tranquil water features that also serve a practical purpose.

Color goes a long way in a small room. Natural colors and soothing hues are trendy picks, but some homeowners are adding punch by choosing bold colors for accent. The ultimate goal in this room for meditation is to create a welcoming space that will bring comfort and relaxation to your senses.