Jazzed Up Bathrooms Full of Drama and Surprises

A kitchen may still be the heart of the home, but it's the bathroom that's getting the star treatment in many homes. Bathrooms run the design gamut from chic and sleek to gilded glam and glitz. Whether you want a spa like ambience that envelops you in a serene cocoon or envision a space that dazzles with drama, there are oodles of options to bring your dreams to life.

Bathrooms are getting larger and more luxurious, with luxury being defined not only in aesthetics but also in high end functional elements such as heated floors and an encyclopedic array of sophisticated shower systems. "People want their bathrooms to be retreats from their hectic lives. Bathrooms are an ideal place to get away from it all and have a little bit of peace and quiet. Make that pampered peace and quiet," says Trish Russell, owner of Bella Cucina Cabinetry, who points to the proliferation of spa amenities such as body sprays, rain showers and body jets.

 

When Betty Weaver was designing her bathroom, she envisioned being pampered in a room full of dramatic visual surprises and plenty of practical features she would enjoy every day. As a real estate agent with RE/MAX Properties East, her design savvy complemented her business acumen. She readily points out that a well designed bathroom can significantly increase the value of a home when it's time to sell.

 

"I hope guests walk in the bathroom and say, 'Look at this!', says Weaver about the room that overlooks a creek in Cherokee Park. She is rarely disappointed at their reaction as they step onto granite floors and see gold leafed natural maple his and her vanities accessorized with Swarovski crystal hardware. Above the vanities are acanthus leaf light fixtures with silk fabric shades. In the corner is a Jacuzzi with a granite surround.

 

Columns that have a gold leaf base and capitals are faux finished in black, gold and cream and extend from the top of the tub to the ceiling. The wood trim inside the tray ceiling picks up the same faux finish. The faux finished walls are a flat black background with a diamond-on-diamond sheen. "I'm thrilled with the drama of it all, but my favorite thing about the bathroom is the walk-in shower with a curved floor-to-ceiling granite wall. It looks fabulous, and best of all, there's no glass to clean," she says.

 

Weaver's bathroom may be worthy of a television special, which according to Todd Meyer, of Mees Tile and Marble, has considerable influence in the design world. "The shows have provided enormous insight into the almost unlimited design possibilities for every room in the home, and particularly in the bathroom," he says.

 

Jennifer Nelson, showroom manager for Willis Klein Showrooms, believes one of the keys to designing a beautiful and functional bathroom is to ask questions. I always urge clients to carefully think about how the bathroom will be used and determine what each person needs from the space. Once I start talking, they usually realize they haven't thought it out very well. But soon they begin expressing needs and ideas that are very important to them. One of the prime considerations is how much they're willing to invest in the bathroom. Second, do they want to be able to relax in a large soaking tub or would they prefer a shower with all the bells and whistles? And, of course, a major factor is whether they will need one or two sinks.

           
"For bathroom remodels, I always suggest clients hire a contractor that has access to top quality electricians, carpenters and plumbers because everything has to be coordinated. It takes a lot of planning and knowledge of what's going on behind the wall to remodel a bathroom. It's one thing to replace a toilet or a sink faucet, but an entire bathroom remodel can be quite complicated. It's not a good do-it-yourself project," says Nelson.

Snazzy electronics have made their way from other rooms in the house to the bathroom. "For one client I placed a television behind the mirror above the vanity. Another client asked to have a television recessed in the wall of the shower and covered with protective glass and to have the security system wired into the monitor. He liked being able to access four views of the exterior of the home. And he could catch up on the latest news while he showered," says Brad Sprigler of the design firm that bears his name.

Sprigler suggests that good bathroom design often begins with thinking of the master bath and bedroom as one entity. "I like to create a flow between the two rooms, even if there is a door that separates the spaces," he says. Color and texture are key components in his designs. What does he consider the hottest color now? Robin's egg blue, from fabrics in the bedroom to colors in the bathroom. Renotta Henson, owner of Victory Home Builders, also knows the power of color in bathroom design and says she sees purple, sage green and lime green being used in strikingly creative bathrooms.

One way to introduce texture is through wallpaper. Sprigler recently used a textured paper with a scroll pattern to add an interesting dimension to a bathroom. He also textured the barrel vaulted ceiling with a metallic glaze to coordinate with the wallpaper. Sprigler's bathroom designs are anything but ho-hum, as evidenced when he added a chandelier, a thick wool shag rug and a small round crushed velvet ottoman. It's all in the (unexpected) details.

If you want a look that can be stunning yet inexpensive, Todd Meyer, of Mees Tile & Marble, suggests checking out the Peruvian Travertines that are unusual for their slight undulating appearance and are notable for their selection of polished, honed and antique finishes.



Speaking of finishes, what's in and what's out in fixture finishes? Sprigler says, "Less bright and flashy; no polished brass, please. Satin nickel is still used quite a bit, but oil rubbed bronze is the number one finish."

The colors and textures for walls and floors, finishes for fixtures, and all the newest accoutrements for bigger and better bathrooms can boggle the mind, even for professionals who deal with those design decisions and dilemmas on a daily basis. So what does Renotta Henson, who has hundreds of products at her disposal, choose for her own master bathroom? Elaborate drapes and a black and white checkerboard marble and granite floor, a slipper claw foot tub, black raised panel cabinets with linen towers on each side, clear glass vessel bowl sinks, and a shower that's three sides of glass with a seat and a black glass wall. There's no reason to be green with envy. Just borrow some of her ideas and incorporate them into your own sumptuous space. (We're sure she feels imitation is the sincerest form of flattery).

"The modern bathroom is all about the shower. Tubs used to be given a tremendous amount of space, and soaking tubs are still a frequently requested feature, but not as much space is being devoted to them. The sizes of the decks are being significantly reduced to make room for the larger showers, many of which accommodate two people," says Henson.

Tracy Gawecki, showroom manager for Ferguson Enterprises, agrees that the new focus is on showers, adding that it isn't uncommon for the tub to be completely removed and replaced with an expensive and elaborate shower system. The shower system can encompass body sprays, ceiling heads, hand showers and steam generators. "The days of a single valve and a showerhead are gone. Now the interest is in providing a customized feeling, whether through body sprays or hand held showers. The new products are extremely popular because they offer far more functionality. And even more good news is that it doesn't take tons of money to get a great custom shower," she says.

Don't all the new shower features translate into increased water usage? Surprisingly, no. In fact, Gawecki says the green movement is very effectively raising the consciousness about water usage. "Everyone wants the latest shower products and the same water pressure, but still wants to use fewer gallons of water per minute. Fortunately, there are many really good products that meet those criteria," she says.

Part of the reason showers are growing in popularity is the startling array of design options. "Some of spectacular showers now have full stone from floor to ceiling. Also, tiling the ceiling is very common now, especially for steam units. The introduction of products such as Wedi Board, a water proofing board that acts as a vapor barrier, allows the conversion of conventional showers to steam showers. It's an awesome self contained system for floors and walls. Tub areas can even be converted into steam showers," says Todd Meyer, of Mees Tile & Marble.

"People express the desire to have their shower make more of a design statement. One way to achieve that is to use larger tiles, perhaps 16" or 18", on the floors and walls surrounding the shower. Other features may include granite shower seats with matching granite or marble corner shelves, with the curbs and half walls capped out with natural stone. The curbs and caps can be slightly sloped in toward the shower, allowing water to flow right into the shower so moisture doesn't build up, leading to mold or mildew. This also enables you to tie in the colors of a natural stone vanity tops to the shower," he adds.

Bath lovers, take heart. The bubble bath industry is alive and well because there are still plenty of people who think a long, relaxing bath is the answer to a stressful day or is the best way to rejuvenate the body and spirit. "Sure, showers are a big item now, but we're working with many people for whom a tub is imperative. Air tubs, which are a little gentler than whirlpools, are often the tub of choice for people who are serious about their tub. There are several new designs that are going over very well, such as Bain Ultra's new series that allows you to choose your own tub profile instead of settling for a basic square or oval tub," says Nelson.

 

* Painting is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to change the look of your bathroom or to serve as the background for the decorating scheme. But don't limit yourself to simply painting the walls. There are many types of faux finishes that can create a unique character to the room. Interior designers and specialty shops, as well as paint stores, will be able to help you find a professional to do the job for you. Or, there are several good books about faux finish techniques that may inspire you to do the work yourself.

 

* Jazz up your bathroom floor with custom made medallions or borders. You may be surprised at the big bucks look you get for not nearly as many bucks as you thought you'd have to fork over. One of Todd Meyer's tips is to incorporate glass into the borders of floors or walls, and even in the matching border in a vessel or self rimming bowl. "Absolutely fabulous!" he says.

 

* "Think taller," advises Bella Cucina Cabinetry's Trish Russell. Why stay with 36' vanities just because that's what you've always done? Vanities are going taller, even up to 39" for an atypical cabinetry look and additional storage space. Also, they're a back saver! Once you're thinking taller, think about free standing vanities that appear as if they are a dresser with a bowl, instead of wall to wall cabinetry.

 

* Configure your own design, suggests Jennifer Nelson. "We have a modular system that features two drawer stacks with three drawers each topped with Travertine. It has a floating shelf and a pedestal with a floating sink base. It's a contemporary take on a wood furniture piece but because it's modular, you can configure it into

whatever design you like."

 

* Think beyond the typical bulbs above the bathroom mirror. Go for colored glass globes or sconces. Or take a giant step and hang a chandelier for a decidedly luxury look.

* Don't take the easy, predictable way out and hang a mirror on the wall. Way too boring! Frame it or build it in for a custom look.

 

* The big, big news in bathrooms is not what's on the floor, but what's under it. Pampered feet all over town are stepping onto heated master bath floors first thing in the morning. Heated floors may be vying with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee beans as the preferred way to wake up and start the day.

 

* If you're going to heat your feet, you might as well heat the towels in style. Heated towel warmers are available in polished chrome, oil rubbed bronze and satin nickel.

 

* Changes in the bathroom aren't confined to deluxe shower systems. Gawecki says toilets, too, have changed and are responding to growing environmental concerns. Kohler's dual flush toilet, with a standard 1.6 gallon flush, and a 1.1 gallon flush are garnering major attention.

 

* Where to put the new ecofriendly toilet? Renotta Henson, of Victory Home Builders, says she's building a separate room for the toilet in homes of almost every price range.

 

* Look up and out. Add a skylight and bring the outside in, greatly opening up the space.