The bathroom is the second most popular home renovation project behind kitchens.
A well-designed bathroom is an organized bathroom.
Because bathroom space is often limited, there is a greater premium on organizational tools that make using the bath easier and more enjoyable. In master and secondary baths and even powder rooms, the vanity or sink stand often does the heavy lifting for storage, and thanks to recent innovations, storage options have increased significantly.
Bathroom Storage
When storage space is at a premium, vanities with open shelves create storage space for towels and baskets around drains, traps and other plumbing components. Open shelving is an extremely attractive option that can provide a visual focal point.
Shelves and roll-out drawers maximize the space under and around plumbing in vanities with doors. Roll-out drawers can hold baskets or be equipped with dividers for cosmetics, curling irons, hairdryers, etc. Many vanity manufacturers offer drawers and shelves with notches in them that help to minimize the loss of storage space caused by piping that flows through the vanity to the sink and faucets. The vanity also can be wired for electricity or used as a cell phone or tablet charging station.
The Vanity
When it comes to vanity drawers, keep in mind that the depth impacts storage. Shallow drawers help to work around the sink’s plumbing and can be used to store makeup, shaving tools, tweezers, brushes, etc. While shallow drawers may be great for storing small things, they don’t offer the functionality needed for storing larger items. One possible solution is to specify a double drawer to double the depth. The exterior is fitted with two pulls to provide a consistent look but there is only one drawer.
There are many kitchen storage solutions that can be adapted to the bath. For example, vertical pullouts are commonly used in kitchens for spices and can also be used to effectively store bath items in small slivers of space.
Toe kicks can make space along the floor functional for storing less commonly used items such as backup rolls of toilet tissue. Tip-out drawers can be used where the top of the cabinetry meets the countertop. They are created for storing toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and other small items.
Outfitting drawers and storage space with adjustable compartments, reconfigurable bins, vertical dividers, tool slots, and trays provide endless opportunities to get the look and functionality that keep your bath looking fresh and functional.
We often ask our clients who are looking to renovate their baths if they use their tub. Nationally more than 50% of homeowners do not bathe in the tub in their master bath. If you are considering a bathroom renovation ask yourself if you replaced your existing tub, would you bathe in a new one? If the answer is no, you add both flexibilities to your space and your budget.
Power showers are a hot trend.
The Houzz data show that 68% of those renovating their master baths increase the size of their shower and 33% increased shower space by more than 50%. The most popular shower features include:
- Rainfall shower head (54%)
- Dual shower (21%)
- Curbless shower (17%)
- Body sprays (16%)
- Footrest (13%)
- Steam (2%)
Showers have become high-tech, offering options like mood lighting, built-in sound, digital controls, LED lighting built into showerheads, and showerheads with speakers.
The most common flooring materials used in recently renovated master baths include ceramic or porcelain tile, followed by stone tile or slabs, painted wood, stained or unstained hardwood, vinyl, and laminate.
Paint and ceramic/porcelain tile are the top choices for wall coverings followed by stone tile or slab, painted wood panels, stained or unstained hardwood and wallpaper.
Similar to showers, today’s toilets have gone high-tech. Twenty percent of toilets installed in renovated baths have high-tech features such as self-cleaning systems, overflow protection, motion-activated toilet seats, built-in night lights, heated seats, an automatic deodorizer and hands-free flushing.
Renovating a master bath adds value to the home, but value creation is only one of the reasons our clients renovate their bathrooms. They want to make a personal design statement. They want a refuge in their home that they can use to relax in a stress-free environment. They also crave and appreciate a stylish and beautiful space.
The Houzz survey found that 90% of those who undertook a master bathroom renovation project last year and of those who are planning one enlist the help of a professional. This represents a 78% increase from last year. We would welcome the opportunity to be your professional and help you create a stylish and beautiful space in your home that you can enjoy every day. Give us a call at any of our Colorado locations to see how we can make your dream bath a reality.
