Seriously, when is the last time you used your bathtub? According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association about 50 percent of homeowners are opting to remove an unused tub and update the area to a luxurious yet functional walk-in shower. Imagine, if you will, floor to ceiling marble or porcelain tiles, a frameless glass panel and a chrome rain shower. Throw in a couple of bodysprays, a handshower and a bench…heaven!
You won’t miss that unused soaking tub. Chances are, potential buyers won’t miss it either. For years, Realtors and interior designers espoused the idea that every house needed a tub. However, the times they are a changing. From Millennials through Generation X to Baby Boomers, lifestyles aren’t what they used to be.The young adults don’t have the time for a leisurely interlude in a soaking tub. Older adults may no longer have the agility needed to safely enter and exit a tub so there it sits collecting dust and dreams of “someday I’m taking a bath again.”
Most people are converting! The recent trend is a tub-to-shower conversion and to “make the bathrooms safer, functional and opened up to everyone’s needs.” Frameless glass and frameless doors, sleek tile work, and the new shower systems are so much more stylish, practical and are easier to maintain.
New homes in the low country are being designed and built with double showers and large niches for bath products, hand showers and a little ledge for shaving.
Our bathrooms are becoming pet-friendly with pet washing stations/zones. An extra handheld waist-high spray allows you to give your dog a quick scrubbing instead of going to the groomers or using a garden hose.
From small updates to complete renovations dream big and here are few things you must remember for a successful remodel:
- Smart storage space -Vertical space – take shelving up to the ceiling – A handy makeup drawer insert is easy to clean and keep your makeup,organized and tidy.
- Lighting – Use multiple zones – makeup lighting along withavertical wall sconce and a bath bar will provide the best lighting. Have the flexibility to adjust the level so a dimmer is a must.
- Ventilation – Very Important! Removes the extra humidity, trapped moisture and controls & eliminatesodors. Itis great for safety – reducing the fumes from cleaning agents that could potentially cause health related issues.
- Use ofclassic whites- Classic white style! Matches everything and never goes out of style – Timeless and easy to decorate.
- Plenty of space – Pay attention to the doors- are they fully opening? Same for the shower door… Do you get a clearance? Is it hitting the shower head if you open it inwards?
- Choose the correct material – Material that can stand up to harsh cleaners – If they don’t, it will be very costly to replace them.
- Grab Bars – Plan your grab bars for safety and to maneuver within the shower area.
Don’t go it alone – Even if you’re the DIY type, make sure to consult a bath (bath doesn’t need to be capitalized) designer/ expert before starting your project. A professional will be able to help fine-tune your remodel plan, offer tips and advice, and maybe even recommend some ideas you haven’t already considered.
Sophia Schade has been in the home improvement industry for more than 30 years and now work at Prestige Tile and Stone Inc., where they make dreams come true.