On Trend: Trade in the Tub
A decade ago, the craze for in-home whirlpool or spa tubs, garden tubs and two-person soaking tubs took the world by storm. Unfortunately, many homeowners learned too late that, without huge water heaters and the power bills to match, heating that much water was almost as much hassle as expense. Today, thousands of these tubs sit unused, gathering dust while their owners spend all their time in the adjacent, tiny, afterthought shower. If you're ready for a bath renovation, ditch the dinosaur tub and instead create a roomy, multi-purpose shower spa. If you can't bring yourself to part with your master shower, consider creating a shower spa in a secondary bedroom or adding another bath to your home.
The Sky's the Limit Today for Spa Showers
Think about what amenities you would like in your shower spa. Today's technology allows for sauna and steam rooms, body spray systems and chromatherapy. Add an aromatherapy system, custom surround sound and even a waterproof in-wall television that, when turned off, doubles as a mirror. If you really want to keep a tub, add a modern, water-saving tub with a small footprint or, to be really ahead of the design curve, sink your shower pan deeply into the floor, creating a versatile space that can be both tub and shower. Of course, the shower head is the centerpiece of any spa shower. Rainfall heads, rotating and massage heads, and his-and-hers are all popular choices.
Selecting Wow-Factor Finishes
Once you've selected the features that you want, consider how to package your new spa bath. Designers prefer natural materials, with warm wood tones and relaxing shapes. Add a small shower bench seating area if space allows, indirect lighting and splurge on thick towels. A European glass shower surround with frameless doors is the perfect way to finish off your new shower spa. The last thing you want is to take your beautiful new shower and hide it behind an ugly, moldy curtain. Allowing plenty of light in, a glass enclosure seems to float, disappearing to allow your beautiful shower to be the star of the room. Glass enclosures open up a small space, giving it a clean, contemporary feel.
Tub enclosure costs vary based on size, configuration and finish selection, but they can be affordable for almost any home. The enduring beauty of bathroom glass can even increase your home's value and salability. Contact a licensed glass contractor in your area for help with your shower spa's glass tub enclosures.
