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Designing a Luxury Bathroom
The latest trend in home building and remodeling
is installing a bathroom that serves as a
relaxing home spa. If you are adding a new
bathroom or remodeling an existing one and
want to turn it into a luxury bathroom, you
should consider incorporating some of the
following features:
- A large soaking tub (ofuro) or Jacuzzi is often the focal point of the luxury bathroom.
These tubs can be sleekly contemporary, or
they can look like antique fixtures with fancy claw feet.
- A separate shower area is very desirable.
Showers should be fitted with rainfall showerheads or have a number of performance heads installed
at different heights. One of the latest trends
is the water tile, which is fitted into the
ceiling of the shower area. Steam showers are also very popular, as are nearby saunas or infrared heat rooms.
- Tankless or wall mounted toilets are favored by those who like a contemporary
European look. For real comfort, buy a heated
toilet seat. The ultimate luxury bathroom
usually also includes a bidet.
- A heated towel rack will warm your towels. If you are putting
in a new floor, install a radiant heating system for real comfort underfoot.
- An electric fireplace will provide the ambiance of a real fireplace
without all the hassle of burning real logs.
These fireplaces have split wood logs and
glowing embers that can look surprisingly
real, but they are conveniently turned on
and off by a remote control. Adding a mantel
will result in an especially stylish look.
- Luxury bathrooms can also include flat-panel
TVs and special lighting from
sconces on
the walls or a chandelier hung over the tub. Colored 25 watt light
bulbs can be used as mood lights.
The addition
of upholstered arm chairs or a chaise lounge will turn the bathroom
into a comfortable dressing
area. Some people
even install a coffee or tea
station for
getting ready in the morning
or relaxing
with a good book or magazine.
Lastly, don't forget a speakerphone for casual
chats during long soaks without the risk
of damage or injury from using a conventional,
portable, or wireless phone while wet. |
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