A luxurious master bath is all the rage these days. But how exactly do we define “Luxury” as working parents?
Until recently, the focus of the master bathroom was centered on the tub. A large 42”x 60” piece sitting on an elaborate deck is stunning if your bathroom is roughly the size of your master bedroom. However, from a practical standpoint, this largely unused feature takes up quite a bit of space in the room. The allure of a grand bathtub was to create the illusion of a peaceful, relaxing bubble bath.
The reality for today’s household is pretty far removed from that fantasy. What working parent has time for a bubble bath? Looking back, I think my kids took more baths in my tub than I did. By and large, in today’s household, functionality is modern luxury.
If you ask me, the shower is the most important feature, seeing far more use than the tub. Shouldn’t our efforts focus on maximizing its potential? I like a door on the shower to capture the steam and warmth. A seat in the shower is a must, not for sitting – for shaving your legs!
If you have an expansive shower, be sure to put the controls within easy reach from outside the shower so you can get the temperature just right before you step in. Splurging on the perfect shower head will pay dividends daily as you emerge from the shower energized for the day!
A bathtub remains a desirable feature if the space allows for it. I recommend freestanding vessel tubs. This is a modern adaptation of the old world claw-footed tub. These stunning pieces become artwork of their own. The functional advantage to a freestanding tub is the space saved as opposed to a large built in, leaving more room for your palatial shower. I like the tubs when they are in front of the large seamless glass shower. This showcases the tub as a focal design point and adds visual depth to the room, enhancing the open feel of the space.
If you have the space for both a tub and shower, go big with the shower and minimize the tub. If space is at a premium, simply go with a large high end shower that welcomes you every time you step into your personal oasis. Regardless, keep the functionality of the design in mind.
You’ll be happier for it!
By Deryl Patterson, housingdesignmatters.com
