For years, the family bathroom was a place that many people did not discuss outside of the home, or even with house guests. It was considered a place for privacy that did not belong in dinner table conversation. Although the bathroom has always been a focal point of a home’s activities, for decades it was politely brushed aside. Instead, remodeling and refurbishing projects were left to kitchens and bedrooms. Nowadays, the bathroom gets as much attention as the other high-traffic areas of the home. For many people, it has become a haven of luxury and comfort. Many older homes still sport cracked checkerboard tile and ceramic sinks on metal stands with a leaky showerhead and disintegrating grout in the bathtub. One of the more common interior remodeling projects is now the bathroom. There are many trends that affect how a homeowner can transform and rejuvenate this area.

Master Suite

One of the most popular options today is to create a private master bath off of the master bedroom. It may be connected by a room in between which sports a vanity or closet space. On the other hand, it may be nearly as big as the master bedroom itself, featuring a large bathtub or shower, with plenty of room to move around while getting cleaned up and ready for the day. While sinks used to be in the same area as the commode and shower, it is now a common practice to put it in a separate room often with a mirror and dressing table where it can be used while the bathing and other facilities are enclosed for use in their own area.

Luxurious Materials

While ceramics are still available, their appearance has been revolutionized since the 1950s and ‘60s. Other materials have taken over as a trendy alternative. Natural stone finishes to the walls and flooring include granite, marble, slate and limestone. These are no longer the highly polished varieties, but a softer appearance that is easier to clean and maintain. Fixtures are no longer stainless steel in every bathroom. More refined metals, such as pewter, bronze, nickel and copper with distinguished finishes are stylish and popular.

Features

As the bathroom has become a place of relaxation and an escape from the hectic pace of daily life, the presence of amenities has grown. Where vanities were once an afterthought, they are now designed to blend with décor throughout the rest of the bath suite. Mobility issues prompt many people to use a shower bench or add extra hand grips or railings. Bath and shower features include hand-held nozzles, body sprays, steam and rain showers. Specialized lighting and ample electrical outlets are also in high demand.