Luxury master bathrooms resemble expensive resort spas in many ways, but they don't have to be extravagant. For example, you can choose between a jetted tub and an old-fashioned soaking tub, install a steam shower with a bench or a zero entry glass enclosed shower and a rain-forest spray head. There are budget-friendly options for additional storage and fog-resistant lighted mirrors. You can even integrate smart technology into your master bath—for a lighting, sound, or multimedia experience!

Your bathroom should, of course, cater to your individual needs and be compatible with your home's current architecture and design. But it should also delight the senses, calm the spirit, and refresh the body. A bathroom renovation can make it possible for you to enjoy a personal spa retreat that is functional and pampering at the same time!

Think of it as an investment, not only in pleasure but also in value. Sophisticated spa bathrooms do not have to be overly large. Instead, they should be calming, attractive, and uncluttered. Focus on your unique preferences, and the result will be a timeless example of your personal taste. Personalize your bath as an efficient bathing and grooming center, and add the extras that will allow it to serve as a soothing retreat from the demands of a busy lifestyle.

Make no mistake: With proper planning, your remodeled master bath will perform well on both counts. Here are some design ideas to consider as you plan your spa-inspired bathroom renovation:

Add a Second Vanity

Even if there's no need for two people to use the bathroom at the same time, there's no question that having a personal sink, with ample countertop and storage to accommodate individual items, is a bonus for any couple sharing a bath. Much of the time, it's possible to create room for an additional vanity without altering the footprint. However, if necessary, it is possible to gain space by relocating a closet, reconfiguring the existing floor plan, or moving a portion of a wall to steal some space from an adjoining room.

Separate the Tub and Shower

Although a tub/shower combination is functional, there is something much more appealing about having both. It's unnecessary to incorporate a room-size steam shower and a jetted tub into your space, especially if it doesn't fit into your budget. A modest-sized shower paired with a deep soaking tub can be every bit as appealing. With the availability of ceiling mounted flexible shower-heads and standard-size jetted tubs, it's possible to gain an at-home spa in almost any master bathroom.

Consider Therapeutic Options

While efficiency and aesthetics are frequently cited as reasons for wanting to redo a bathroom, sometimes physical needs and health concerns are the primary reason for planning a remodel. Think not only about special needs but also about the wisdom of planning for the future. Consider adding a bench in the shower, or a full-body array of water jets to massage aches and pains and aid circulation. Hydro features are some of the best options to consider for enjoyment right now and in the future.

Add Sensible Improvements

Investigate aging-in-place options for your bathroom remodel. Curbless showers, walk-in spa tubs, comfort-height toilets, grab bars, blade-handled faucets, and motion-activated lighting can be tastefully designed into your space without looking like a hospital room. Many of these fixtures and amenities are not only aesthetically pleasing but add comfort, security and safety to your bathroom space.

You might also want to consider mood-altering and multi-level lighting fixtures, a panic button connected to an in-home or monitored alarm system, wider doorways, and easily accessible electrical plugs and switches. Current trends indicate that more and more homeowners want to remain in their own homes as long as possible. Incorporating these features or similar amenities in your home now, will make prolonged comfort and safety in your home easier.

Improve the Lighting

Bathrooms with large windows or skylights (or even outdoor access) are considered the ultimate indulgence by many homeowners. Physicians and mental health specialists confirm that natural light and outdoor views have both physical and emotional benefits. If you cannot bring natural light into your existing bath, today, you can simulate that light with modern electrical fixtures. You can even incorporate changeable, mood-altering lighting into your shower, and take your pick of soft-pink, bright white, or natural golden light bulbs for fixtures.

Like other home spaces, a bathroom will benefit from different "layers" of lighting: clear and bright for shaving and makeup needs, softer ambient lighting for overall illumination, and dimmable mood lighting that encourages relaxation.

Select Timeless Materials

Functional master bath improvements are all critical, but so are the materials and finishes you choose.

Forego the trendy, and opt instead for organic, natural materials that will stand the test of time. As an alternative, investigate newer composite materials that mimic the look of natural stone or wood but are easier to maintain. Tile may be a traditional choice for showers, but seamless shower enclosures require minimal upkeep. As an option, glass enclosures open up a small space are also easy to maintain. Whether your style tends toward rustic, modern, industrial, classic or eclectic, know that you can find vanities, tubs, faucets, flooring, and lighting that will speak to your design preferences.

Choose Colors and Accessories with Care

Bright colors and too many patterns can be distracting in a space meant to evoke calm and relaxation. Earth tones are soothing and grounding, but that doesn't necessarily mean beige. Consider soothing greens and blues, the golden hues of wheat fields, and the misty tones of early morning skies or fading daylight at dusk as prime choices for a comforting, relaxing ambiance in your spa retreat. Keep accessories minimal -- maybe just candles and a favorite painting on the wall. Add fluffy towels and your favorite personal care products in pretty containers, and your spa oasis will be complete.

How Riverside Construction Can Help

Every remodeling project begins with a plan, and evaluating your existing space. Start by prioritizing your pain points, and consider how much you can afford. Be ready to discuss what you would like to change, add, or improve. Finally, consult a design-build firm to help you consider your options, and realize your bathroom’s full potential. We invite you to schedule a conversation to explore ideas with us, Lafayette’s first choice for design-build remodeling.

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