There are a lot of great things about purchasing an older home to renovate or remodel for your family. Many of the homes in the Winston-Salem area that were built in the 1950s and earlier have wonderful hardwood floors and beautiful wood trim. The feature that might not be too attractive are the small bathrooms. Practical, yes, these rooms were made with just enough space for a sink, a toilet and a small bathtub/shower combination. That’s a far cry from today’s bathrooms designed as a part of a master suite, where space is a must for the large soaking tubs and open showers that help create a wonderful place to relax and unwind after a long day at work.
Here’s a closer look at some of the new trends in the bathroom.
Soaker Tubs
For a while, the romance of the claw-footed tub seemed to have those porcelain beauties making a comeback. But people soon realized why they were no longer a staple of American bathrooms. The curves and gleaming white porcelain might be pretty, but there just isn’t enough room for an adult to lay back and relax comfortably in the older claw-foot tubs. The answer now is found in what the industry calls soaker tubs. These stand-alone bathtubs are large enough to full with bubbles and completely immerse yourself in hot water. But unlike the Jacuzzi style tubs popular a few years ago, these tubs have elegant lines and come in a variety of colors to add a touch of class to your bathroom.
Open Showers
If you want to add a touch of elegance and class to your bathroom but don’t have space for a large soaker tub, the new trend of open showers might be right for you. Open showers are found in two types of styles — set in a corner of the bathroom with glass doors setting the space off or a space set aside with absolutely no doors at all. Both create a spacious, elegant feel in your bathroom.
Many times do-it-yourself homeowners like to tackle a bathroom remodel on their own. But when it comes to installing an open shower, it’s a better idea to leave the job up to the professionals. For truly open styles without walls, it’s important to pay attention to the grading of the floor and placement of the drains. You’ll also want to install a rainfall showerhead rather than the traditional spray shower head, to have more control over where water falls and reduce the mist and spray on other parts of the bathroom. And most importantly, remember to use a matte flooring such as travertine or slate to reduce the risk of falls.
If you’re feeling cramped in your bathroom and looking to open up the space and take advantage of the great new fixtures available, our team at Rothrock Renovation & Remodeling can help you create the space of your dreams. Call today for a consultation to see what we can do to bring your bathroom to the 21st century.
