June 18, 2022 | Bathroom
Your bathroom should be an oasis from the rest of the world and the place where you go to retreat from it all. Is it time to remodel yours and turn it into the space of your dreams?
As you look for inspiration for your next bathroom remodel, think about luxury features that truly take this room up a notch. Today, we’re sharing 10 can’t-miss additions that are sure to elevate any style.
1. Freestanding Soaker Tub
If the 1990s were all about the garden tub, we’ve definitely entered into the era of the freestanding model. These tubs are ultra-sleek, gorgeously modern, and surprisingly spacious.
While porcelain or acrylic models are a little easier to find and won’t cost quite as much, consider upgrading to a more durable material. Copper, cast iron, or brass tubs will give depth and visual interest to the room, but their benefits extend past aesthetics.
These metals are also known to retain heat. This means your bath water will stay hotter for longer. So grab your favorite magazine, pour a glass of wine, and plan to soak for a while.
2. Heated Floors
We’ve all been there. You’ve been standing under the luxuriously hot shower for a while, and you’re completely clean. It’s time to get out, and your towel is nearby.
The only problem? You know that as soon as your warm feet hit the cold tile, that relaxation will come to a stark stop. You’ll turn from toasty warm to ice-cold, and reality will hit.
For years, heated floors were a feature that seemed to be reserved mostly for celebrities and the wealthy. Now, however, they’re much more accessible and affordable. If you’re already planning to rip up your old and outdated tub or shower, talk to your remodeling contractor about exploring this option. This a great feature we add to many Michael James Remodeling bathroom projects.
Electric radiant heat systems designed specifically for stone and tile floors. When there’s comforting heat underfoot, you’ll never hesitate to grab your towel again.
3. Fireplace
Sometimes, your bathroom is strictly utilitarian. You brush your teeth, get ready in the morning, and wash your face at night.
Other times, it becomes a haven. You turn down the lights, turn on your favorite music, and let the stress of the day float away with the bubbles. When you’re in the mood to really relax, you’ll wish that you had a beautiful fireplace to add the right ambiance.
In addition to turning it on while you bathe, you can also sit near it as you dry off to enhance the effects of your steam shower or sauna. Place a comfortable chair or chaise lounge beside it, and take your after-bath experience to new heights.
If space allows, you can choose to install a traditional, wall-mounted fireplace with a hearth and surround. Or, consider installing one at the end of your drop-in bathtub. This way, you can sit and enjoy the flickering flames from the best seat in the house!
4. Heated Towel Bar
Not only do these bars keep your towels cozy and warm while you bathe, but you can also find ones that enhance the space visually, as well. To make sure this is the case, replace the traditional white or chrome towel warmers in favor of more bars, rails, or rings in various metals, such as metallic gold or brass.
You can also find designs that go against the standard ladder shape that so many towel bars tend to take. Look for unique ones that incorporate geometric designs, including circles and curves.
5. Steam Shower
Tearing out your existing tub? Before you replace it with a newer, similar model, think about expanding the footprint of your current shower.
You might find that you have enough space to create a dedicated steam shower.
This is a basic shower, turned up a few notches. Fully loaded steam showers come equipped with massaging jets, multiple showerheads, and even built-in audio systems.
6. Flat-Screen Television
Once you have a television in your bathroom, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.
While some would argue that this should be a technology-free zone, they’ve obviously never experienced the pleasure of catching their favorite show while up to their chin in bubbles.
Yet, don’t just buy a small, kitchen-sized television and prop it up on your countertop. This leaves wires dangling, which is a tremendous safety hazard. Instead, talk to your contractor about integrating a television space into a built-in shelving unit.
They can help you choose a safe and convenient location that won’t pose a shock risk but won’t make you strain your neck, either. If you have the room, consider creating a dedicated “chill zone” within your bathroom, away from your tub or shower.
Add an overstuffed armchair or small settee, a cozy rug, and your television. You’ll never want to leave!
7. Infrared Sauna
Scientists have long touted the health benefits of spending time in a sauna. When you go to a spa or gym, you’ll usually sit in a traditional, high-heat sauna.
When you emerge after your session, you undoubtedly feel incredible. Your muscles are rested and relaxed, your stress feels melted away, and you may even sleep better that night.
With an infrared sauna, you’ll get all of those perks, and more, without the sky-high temperatures. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared models don’t heat the air around you. Rather, they use built-in infrared panels to warm your body up first, and then the air.
While most saunas must operate between 150 degrees Fahrenheit and 180 degrees Fahrenheit, infrared saunas don’t get nearly as hot. Temperatures usually hover between 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. However, around 80% of that heat directly heats your body, and only 20% escapes into the air.
The result? A more tolerable experience that will ultimately deliver a deeper sweat session.
By incorporating a sauna into your luxury bathroom, you can experience the therapeutic benefits of infrared heat any time you want! If square footage won’t allow it inside your home, think about adding a standalone outdoor model.
8. High-Tech Tubs
A great bath should indulge all of your senses. This is why we love to set the scene with softly scented soaps, relaxing playlists, our favorite candles, and even a piece of chocolate or two.
While the latest bathtubs can’t exactly feed you a Hershey Bar, they come pretty close. Today, you can find smart models with integrated voice assistant technology that caters to your every command.
Just speak the word, and these tubs can come alive with colorful water lights, fog generators, and even customizable aromas. There’s even technology that will allow you to control exactly how your bathtub should fill up, heat, and drain, so you never have to lift a finger. Talk to your contractor about models that would fit your space, and the special features you think you’ll use the most.
9. Ensuite Bar
Many people love to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea in the morning. Likewise, you might want to wind down with a cocktail or a cold soda in the evening. Instead of trekking all the way to the kitchen, what if you could create these libations right from your bathroom?
Consider creating a dedicated bar space within your bathroom, where all of your essentials are never too far from reach. The setup doesn’t have to be extensive, but even a small coffee station or a wine cooler can make the space feel reminiscent of your favorite five-star hotel.
10. Designated Water Closet
Nothing takes away from a high-end bathroom like a toilet sitting square in the middle of it. Sometimes, your room layout and space restrictions will require this setup and there’s simply no way around it.
However, if you have even a little bit of space, it’s worth looking into the feasibility of building a separate water closet.
In short, this is a room that separates your toilet from the rest of the bathroom. It enhances the privacy of your space and helps it look more attractive.
Most water closets are relatively small and don’t exceed the size of a standard closet. However, you can make them look and feel bigger by using sleek fixtures, such as brass hardware and an opulent mirror. For an even more regal touch, consider adding a bidet in this space, or installing a hybrid toilet/bidet system.
Make sure to add a door for privacy and a robust exhaust fan for obvious reasons!
Get Your Bathroom Remodel Right
You’re only a few steps away from turning your dream bathroom vision into a stunning reality. A successful remodel can breathe new life into the space and help it become what you always knew it could be.
Contact Michael James Remodeling today to learn more about our remodeling services and what we can do for you.
