In the nineties, the kitchen became the social center of the home and earned the title of “new living room.” More space was added, paint colors got brighter, the lighting got cozier, bar stools and Barista tables appeared and chopping block islands proliferated. Now this same renaissance is underway for bathroom design. In fact, the new designs for bathrooms have them looking more like spas than mere toilet-rooms. Whirlpool tubs, double sinks and powder rooms are becoming the norm, as the bathroom transcends into “the new living room.”
While on a vacation, one of the most impressive features is usually the bathroom design. Women love that there is a separate vanity area with lighting, mirrors and a sink, where they can put on their makeup, brush their teeth, do their hair and spread out their supplies a little. Additional drawer space reduces clutter, which the men can appreciate. Rather than a shower stall, there is a separate whirlpool-spa tub and an enlarged shower area with space for drying off, which eliminates the need for shower curtains. New designs include heated floors and towel racks, natural halogen lighting and soft paint colors, in addition to multiple sprayers, all of which add luxury hotel caliber ambiance to one’s bathroom.
Looking at dramatic new designs for your bathroom can be exciting, but they should also be practical, experts say. Rather than simply looking at shower fixtures in your bathroom design search, take this opportunity to correct any defects. If you suffer low pressure from small pipes, mixed up hot/cold valves or high energy costs, then spend the money now to reap the benefits later. In the past, whirlpool tubs were everyone’s dream and they are still popular with customizations like lighting, aromatherapy and bath jets. However, Suzie Williford, National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) vice president, says the customized shower is gaining more attention these days. “People have time to use the shower every day, but they don’t really have time to take a bath every day,” Williford explains. Rain bars, steam showers, mosaic tiles, hand-held shower heads and dual-mounted shower heads are just a few of the many enhancements to make your shower more enjoyable.
Color is the starting point for many Americans looking at new designs for their bathrooms. “You need colors you like to make you feel good in any room, and the bathroom, even a small powder room, should not be neglected,” advises professional interior designer Cy Winship of Minneapolis. Since the bathroom is so small, you can get away with brighter color palettes. Choose colors that complement your towels and bath rugs. For instance, chocolate-brown goes well with vintage pastel tiles that so many older bathrooms have. While dark colors may look great, you need to make sure the lighting is bright enough to do your shaving or put on your makeup. Avoid lime green or sickly yellow, which will make you look like a horror show in the morning, Winship cautions.
