Trends in Luxury Bathrooms-Part 2

            Most bathroom floors are tiled and in the winter time, that makes for some cold feet in the mornings. Who wants to jump out of bed when they know their feet are going to hit some cold tile? That sounds like an excuse to hit the snooze button if you ask me. One item that is becoming almost a requirement in luxury baths and most master baths is heated floors. It is like walking on a warm beach. Now who doesn’t want to do that in February?

 

            Electric radiant floor heating is simple to install and radiates even heat with no cold spots. It is also effective in helping to heat your room. This mat of wires is placed between the durock and tile and is controlled by a programmable thermostat on the wall. Particular spots to make sure the mat is placed are in front of the sinks, in the general walk path and in front of the toilet. If you have a tile shower, also consider placing it under the floor tile. This will help heat you shower and you won’t have to waste many gallons of water heating up your tile shower before you step in.

 

            This heated floor mat can be placed under any tile, whether in the kitchen, laundry room, mudroom, sunroom or bathroom. We have used the SunTouch brand purchased through Traditions in Tile and have been very pleased with the ease of installation, service and value. If you are looking at redoing a tile floor, seriously consider installing the heated floor mat while you are at it. You will not be disappointed.

Trends in Luxury Bathrooms-Part 1

            It’s these cold winter days that have us all wishing and hoping for a luxurious, spa like bathroom. Warm steam, heated floors, and warm towels. Are you feeling warmer already? Let’s face it. We spend a large amount of time in our bathrooms and you want it to be nice. Over the next couple of weeks, we will take a look at some of the trends in luxury bathrooms.

 

            There is a resurgence of freestanding tubs in the master bath. Not necessarily the claw foot tubs of the past, but other materials are making a splash. Stone, glass, acrylic or even wood are taking center stage and making a statement in the form of a tub. Round, rectangular or angular shapes are not uncommon. Freestanding tubs are easier to clean, since you can easily reach all sides and make a bathroom feel more open without the large expanse of the tile surround around the tub. Whirlpool or soaking- the options are endless.

 

            If you are considering using a freestanding tub, take into consideration a couple of needs. A freestanding table or built in piece of furniture is needed within arms reach to store soaps or set a book. A towel rack nearby is a must. Is the floor underneath and around your tub slip resistant? Many times a different tile will be used around the tub to provide that extra level of safety. Pebbles, river rocks or textured tile are common surfaces and add a level of detail not normally seen.

 

            Do some research and decide if a freestanding tub is the way to go for your space. As shown in the Kohler tub pictured, they make a real statement and add architectural detail. Maybe this is the one thing that you bathroom needs to really stand out.