Bathroom Trends

Considerations:

Large & Airy Showers: Showers these days are getting larger and larger. In small bathrooms, homeowners are tearing out the tub to expand the shower. Not only is the stall getting larger, it's getting more airy, with much more glass. People want to feel like they're entering a spa. Some homeowners are even taking out partial shower walls, or in some cases all shower walls, and transforming the entire tiled bathroom into a shower.

Rain Shower Heads: These are the fastest growing trend in bathrooms today. Rain shower heads give you the feeling that you are actually showering in the rain. They are soothing, relaxing and connect you with nature.

Wall Faucets: Wall Faucets are also a popular, but more expensive trend. Rather than having your faucet connected to your sink, it comes directly out of the wall for a more modern, chic look.

Jacuzzis Replaced by Soaking Tubs: Many people are now seeking the quiet experience of a soaking tub. These jet-less tubs are often deep and insulated. They typically have less decking surrounding them in comparison to tubs installed in homes in the '80s and '90s. Eliminating this feature has lead to less difficulty entering and exiting these tubs.

Open/Natural Light: People want master bathrooms to be as bright and sun-filled as possible. This means adding windows and skylights to increase the amount of natural exposure in the room.

Steam Bath: Another trend with high demand is creating steam-rooms. The bathroom usually has to be reconfigured to include the following:

Sloping ceiling to drain condensation Seat Floor drain Tile or marble on all surfaces Vapor-tight door (the steam room must be completely enclosed and insulated on all sides).

Bathroom Fan: Most bathrooms could use better ventilation to clear off mirrors and extend the life of the finishes. A remote fan with a motor elsewhere, such as the attic, is very desirable. It is about 10 times as powerful as other fans for only slightly more in price. They're also extremely quiet if installed properly. Certain fans are equipped with humidity sensors that switch on automatically.

Walling off the toilet: One of the biggest trends today is "privatization of the toilet" by giving the master bath's toilet its own private room, or at least a privacy wall.

Bathroom Technology: More homeowners are requesting additional features such as:

Small coolers Flat-screen TVs. (Flat screens can be placed behind a mirror, where they are not seen until they're turned on) Speaker systems hooked up in showers Towel heaters Refrigerated medicine cabinets Sinks that signal water temperature.

Smarter storage: Big, deep drawers don't work in bathrooms. Those work in kitchens, for pots and pans. In bathrooms, small drawers, with dividers are much more useful. Homeowners are installing towers with drawers that start at countertop height and go up, because it makes all the storage easily accessible. Additional options include pre-manufactured medicine cabinets or vanity cabinets that have an outlet inside for an electric toothbrush, shaver or curling iron - this removes items from out in the open and gives the bathroom a much less cluttered look.

Dueling vanities: Homeowners are often asking for his-and-hers sinks and vanities, even in small bathrooms. Two vanities allow for each person to have his or her own space and storage.

Stylish Sinks: These continue to become more popular. Homeowners are also interested in:

Vessel sinks, which rise up from a base Faucets that protrude directly from a wall Sinks that have their own legs or stand. Universal Features: Once found only in nursing homes, grab bars are hand bars are bolted to walls in showers and above tubs to help keep people from falling. They're appearing in many bathrooms now. While mainly intended for older individuals, the youger generation is now accepting them as well since they no longer look so institutional. They make grab bars nowadays that look like decorations. Other universal features include:

Chair Height Toilets Walk In Bath Tubs

Heated Floors: Radiant electric heating under the walls and floors used to warm up bathrooms and shower areas. It's safe, and uses little energy.

Tiles: Porcelain or stone tile is very popular in bathrooms because they have more warmth. Glass tile is also gaining in popularity.

Bathroom Fireplaces: Create a unique, cozy feel like no other.

On-demand water heaters and other green products: Sustainable and green choices are signaling a larger trend in home remodeling. There are several ways to make your improvements more energy-wise.

Here are some ideas:

If you do put in a heated floor, make sure it's attached to a timer.

Also, investigate the latest low-flow toilets that have two buttons: One releases much less water, when very little is needed.

Another thing that's become more popular is on-demand water systems. The unit heats water almost instantaneously, eliminating the need for a water heater.

 

Ready to get started?

Get a quote from three Pre Qualified Madison area contractors for your project. It's free, quick, and easy. To get started, siimply click Get a Quote!

Tell us about yourself

Name:

Address:

City:

State:

ZIP:

Phone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Tell us about your project

Project Category:

How far along are you:

Budget for this project:

Project Description: