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By Vicki O'Neal, ASID, CID
Your bathroom is the most intimate and personal space you use, and should provide the most relaxing, nurturing, and pleasant environment possible. Through the years the bathroom has evolved from a utilitarian and routine functional space to potentially an ultimate retreat and spa-like environment. Of course, everything in between represents our individual tastes.
There are several noteworthy trends in bathroom design, many of which support a streamlined and spatially integrated design concept. For instance, in past years whirlpool baths were the norm in the master bathroom. Especially in renovation where square footage is at a premium,  homeowners are sometimes choosing to install an enlarged and enhanced shower in lieu of a tub. This can really make sense as whirlpools, although very attractive visually to a space, are used far less frequently. As a part of these enlarged showers, new plumbing hardware systems including rain heads, body sprays, and steam units are available, which transform the bathing experience. If space permits, enlarged showers can be designed for two. This design can incorporate customized hardware and settings to meet individual preferences. An important practical consideration when choosing these specialty fixtures is to verify specific requirements to correspond with your available water velocity and pressure.
Whirlpool baths have seen many updates, as have standard tubs. Air system whirlpools offer lower maintenance and a higher level of sanitation because no water is left in the system when the jets stop running. As an alternative, beautiful profiles in non-jetted tubs, such as the “claw foot”, egg shaped, or infinity styles, contribute greatly to the bathroom look, and provide a relaxing, soaking Japanese-like bath experience.
Some European options are now available and offer many practical and flexible features. One of my personal favorites is the hand held shower head installed on a glide bar. This allows changing the height of the shower head in seconds and lifting the head off its mounting for rinsing. It’s a clever, convenient design and made me wonder why these haven’t been used more often before now. Bidets are now available as a single unit space-saving combination bidet/toilet. Thank goodness our showers are bigger than those in Europe. I have been in some that were so small if you drop the soap, you’re out of luck, because there’s no room to bend down and get it!
Color and materials in bathrooms can vary from a simple light and bright monochromatic palette, to the bold, high contrast, deep, and dramatic. In the bathrooms I have designed lighting plays a critical role, in addition to layout, fixture, and material selections. Lighting is highly significant in every scheme, and should be functional as well as targeted aesthetically to create ambience or specific moods for different functions and times of day. Skillfully combining elements can create a bright energizing feeling or, in contrast, the mystique of a candlelit soothing and relaxing environment. The careful use of an accent color, the placement of lighting, and even setting the tiles on an angle can create the illusion of a larger space.
 Tile and stone designs have made important shifts in recent years, with trends toward larger tiles, natural stone, and textured porcelain with finishes that mimic natural stone. Borders, medallions, and accent tile design choices are endless. Natural materials also play an important role in countertops, sinks, window coverings, and throughout the bathroom. Furniture style vanities in rich wood finishes go a long way toward setting a particular tone and style.
Safety is always a major concern in bathrooms, so planning to reduce potential hazards is important. This affects not only choices in finishes, but also hardware, plumbing fixtures, etc. In new homes and remodeling, many owners choose to incorporate elements of universal design such as installing lever style handles, grab bars in showers, and making space allowances for potential future needs.
For the ultimate in concepts for the personal spa retreat consider the inclusion of aromatherapy, a fireplace, on-demand hot water, television, music including satellite radio or your programmed iPod selections, and even heated floors, towel bars, and toilet seats! Whatever your choices and preferences in style, pamper yourself in your most personal space.
~ Interior photos styled by Vicki O’Neal, ASID, CID
DESIGN MATTERS
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