Personal Choice Matters Most

Master bath remodeling focuses on incorporating individual needs and wants

When designers were asked about current trends in master bath remodeling, a few similarities surfaced. Multiple designers referenced the increased used of porcelain tiles, LED lighting and chrome finishes. The incorporation of laundry rooms as well as coffee/juice bars was also noted as a few trends that make life easier for today's busy homeowners. But the underlying theme is about homeowners making more choices that are highly personal, creating spaces unique to their needs and wants.

Clients are still concerned about resale value and they want their homes to be sale-able in the future, but they are looking more at what they want rather than what the next owner might be looking for. They are making a commitment to a home that is now probably going to be a longer investment than it would have been in previous years.

Read on for insight into how homeowners personal preferences are being implemented into their master bath designs.

Looking for privacy

The economy is having a lasting effect on clients, who as such are making a stronger commitment to personal choices and decisions. Client are looking to expand when possible, grabbing square footage from adjacent rooms such as a closet or even master bedroom to create their personal oases. Often, those spaces will include his/her areas with separate sinks and, sometimes even separate toilets. We're seeing this accomplished with a center column.tower, shower, back-to-back vanities or storage areas- anything that divides the space yet can be accessed from both separate sides. Clients are looking at suites and ensuites that will give them privacy. Homeowners also still have a desire to be green when it makes sense. They want to make green choices if they don't impact the bottom line in a huge way. We're seeing a greater demand for low-flow toilets and on-demand water heaters. It takes a lot of energy to keep water hot and demand, so our clients are looking at what they can do to be a little bit greener.

Low-maintenance bath spaces

For many homeowners, it's all about large showers in low-maintenance spaces, with aging-in-place features becoming more prevalent amongst Baby Boomers who are looking to prepare their homes for long-term use with products such as grab bars and higher-level toilets. Larger showers with more than one showerhead are popular. Enclosing them in glass keeps the bathroom open and bright.

Within these showers, homeowners are opting for toiletries and linear drains. These provide a two-fold benefit- first, opening up new design possibilities by allowing for the use of larger-format tiles and second, providing a chance for a curbless or zero threshold shower.

For showers with enough space, an area can be included within the shower but away from the water source where clients ca dry off before exiting.

People don't want to spend a lot of time cleaning ; they want something that is easy to maintain. As such, vanities are hung on the wall and feature sleek, slim designs made from low maintenance materials such as laminate or lacquer. Quartz tops simplify upkeep since they don't require sealing.

Colors include dark woods with brighter colors as well as neautral tones that provide contrast between the countertop, sink and vanity. Underfoot, porcelain tile is popular given its low maintenance requirements. In a wet environment, it's also a safer alternative to polished, high-gloss tile, which can be slippery, especially with wet feet. 

Controlled Luxury

Even in lieu of the recession, clients are favoring "controlled luxury", a striking balance between extravagance and value. They are including body sprays or steam showers, while wanting larger, yet reasonable showers with benches. Heated floors underneath porcelain tile meets the desire for more comfort and less upkeep. People want to include custom closets as part of the master bathroom or master bedroom, carving out extra space when possible and improving organization. 

Overall people want comfort in a space that is designed specifically for them. They want their homes to express who they are. One good thing that has come about with the economy is that people are more accepting of their homes. We were in a non-sustainable economy. Now people are living in their homes longer.They are buying better-quality products. They are recognizing the value of investing in their homes and they are designing them according to who they are and how they live, not necessarily according to any trends.