Next to the kitchen, the bathroom continues to be one of the most popular rooms in the home to renovate. Like kitchens, bathrooms, especially master bathrooms, give a great return on investment. As life becomes more complicated and busier with more stimuli and distractions, the bathroom has evolved into a personal sanctuary. It’s the one place in the home where people still respect your privacy. The bathroom has become a spa-like, hotel-like and Zen-like destination, where one can be indulged and de-stress from the day.
The square footage of bathrooms is becoming larger and separate toilet compartments are more common and even expected in master bathrooms. His and her vanities are separating, sharing is not the theme, it’s my space or your space when it comes to vanities. However, on the shower side, the opposite is true. Larger showers are in with multiple water sources and space for two. Often these showers do not have doors on them. Couples do not want to wait for their shower when they can shower simultaneously. Bathtubs are becoming soaking tubs and are sculptural pieces of art usually taking a predominant place in the bathroom due to their beauty. These dramatic tubs will usually be placed in front of a view, so one can soak and look outdoors.
Contemporary design is popular in bathrooms these days because it adds to the simplistic spa theme. Natural elements, like rocks and wood are trending. Popular colors are whites, off-whites, neutrals, and gray. Large format tiles and materials, which provide for fewer grout lines and seams are preferred over the traditional small tiles.
Aging in place is another theme in bathrooms. Clients who spend a large amount on their dream bathroom want to make sure it serves them well in the decades to come. Showers without curbs that will be wheelchair accessible are becoming more popular. Some other trends are speakers in showers and bathing areas, TV’s in view of the vanity, light and aromatherapy, toilets with heated seats and bidet seats.
The consensus is the bathroom is no longer a utilitarian space. It has become a luxurious, relaxing, larger and more important space in the home. A destination and a sanctuary.
