BLOG by Guest Blogger - Cassandra Rosas
Whether you’re looking for luxury at home or caring for an elderly loved one, your bathroom design can make a big difference in how you live your life. With the right décor and a few helpful features in place, you can enjoy a beautiful, comfortable bathroom that serves your needs. From a luxe spa-like retreat in the master bathroom to a cozy guest bath tucked in a hallway, it’s easy to elevate this part of your home and take it to the next level. Check out these helpful tips to guide you and give you inspiration so that you can design the ultimate bathroom according to your unique lifestyle.
Essentials for a Luxurious Bathroom
You can live a life of luxury in your own bathroom if you have the right fixtures, finishes, and accessories. Here are some ideas that will transform your bathroom into a stunning spa.
Smart gadgets. Bring in some smart gadgets and AI technology to make your bathroom more convenient. A Bluetooth shower speaker you can activate with voice commands lets you listen to your favorite music while you scrub. Try a few other high-end gadgets in your bathroom, like electric towel warmers, a lighted toilet seat, and a touch-free liquid soap dispenser.
Make it trendy. Update the lighting and fixtures in your bathroom to give it a modern aesthetic. Choose new designs featuring on-trend finishes like matte black or sleek brushed gold. One easy way to keep up with the current bathroom trend is to switch out your towels, shower curtain, and bath rugs to keep things fresh and new.
Enjoy a sauna. If you have the budget, consider installing a beautiful sauna in your bathroom to help you detox and relax. You can also create your own sauna-like environment to relieve those aching muscles and de-stress at the end of the day.
Upgrade the tile. A luxe bathroom should have high-end finishes, so consider changing your old ceramic bathroom tiles to something a bit more refined. Installing marble tiles is a fabulous way to create a luxe look and give your bathroom a sophisticated vibe.
Install a huge shower. Don’t suffer in a tiny shower or a cramped tub-and-shower combo. Upgrade your shower, and make it huge, with more than one showerhead, for an awesome experience. Finish the new shower with glass doors and some high-end tile on the floor and surround.
Choose nice mirrors. Stay away from basic, contractor-grade mirrors if you want a luxurious bathroom. Update your mirrors to something sleek and unique with decorative frames, unusual shapes, and a sleek gold or silver metallic finish.
Consider a Japanese toilet or a bidet. Japanese toilets and bidets have an elongated shape and typically extend from the bowl to the floor for a seamless look. These gorgeous toilets will instantly elevate your bathroom and give it a beautiful, contemporary vibe.
Finish with artwork. Express yourself in your new bathroom by hanging some select pieces of artwork. It can be anything from a beautiful painting of a pastoral landscape to a colorful modern abstract piece. The key is to use the artwork to round out your luxurious bathroom theme.
Design a “Couple Goals” Bathroom
Whether you’re a newlywed couple or you’re simply tired of sharing a cramped bathroom, here are some suggestions to help you update this space to make sharing easier.
Convert your bathtub to a hot tub. A roomy jetted tub for two is a wonderful way to spend some alone time together as a couple. Replace your standard bathtub with a deep tub featuring massaging jets, whirlpool action, and LED lighting.
Make sure you have two sinks. Reaching over each other when you get ready in the morning is a drag. Consider installing a larger vanity with two separate sinks so you’ll both have enough elbow room to brush your teeth and start your day on a positive note.
Stay organized with a walk-in closet. A small closet can become cluttered fast. If you have the square footage, have a nice walk-in closet added to your bathroom. This will give both of you room to hang up your duds and store your shoes so that your bedroom and bathroom aren’t constantly overrun with clothes.
Add a big mirror. That tiny mirror over your sink isn’t enough to help you see everything you need to see. Update your small bathroom mirror, and hang a large, full-size mirror on the wall—or try a freestanding, full-length mirror in the corner of your bathroom so you can see yourself from head to toe.
Keep your stuff separate. Make sure that both of you have plenty of room to organize your cosmetics, razors, and toiletries by creating two separate storage areas. This can be additional storage under each sink or a mirrored medicine cabinet up above. The goal is to make your couple’s bathroom convenient, clean, and spacious enough that you both feel welcome, whether you’re in there alone or with your other half.
Make it smell good. Freshen up the bathroom with some essential oil diffusers so that the room always has a pleasant fragrance. Make sure you both agree on a scent that you like so it’s not overpowering for the other person.
How to Equip a Little-Kid and Family-Friendly Bathroom
Of course, the kids need a fabulous bathroom that accommodates their needs, too. Check out these easy tips to equip your child’s bathroom in a way that makes using it fun and easy.
Use kid-proof accessories. To ensure that the bathroom is safe for little ones, you’ll need some additional accessories. Add outlet covers so that tiny fingers don’t get into trouble, and install a lock on the toilet to keep it shut until it’s potty time. Grippy stickers or a non-slip bath mat on the bottom of the tub will help prevent children from slipping and falling. Never store cleaning supplies or medication in your child’s bathroom.
Remember the tub. Most tubs aren’t designed for toddlers, so you may want to choose something else in the meantime. You can find bathtubs for children that can be a temporary place for kids to bathe until they’re old enough to use the full-size tub.
Hang colorful bathroom curtains. Select an adorable theme or kid-friendly color scheme, and use it for bathroom curtains, rugs, and décor. This can be anything from your child’s favorite character to soft pastel colors or a whimsical jungle theme.
Have plenty of shelving. Install some wall-mounted shelving, or bring a small cabinet into the family bathroom so your kids have a place to keep everything. Shelving is perfect for tub toys, shampoos, and other items, and you can paint in a coordinating color or choose something with a cute design to make the bathroom welcoming for the little ones.
Make sure there’s good lighting. Install bright LED lighting in the kids’ bathroom so they can see things easily. A motion-activated night light will help your child see in the dark if they need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Solving Bathroom Problems for Seniors
Senior-related bathroom accidents are common and can cause serious injuries. Here are some ways you can improve the safety of the bathroom and maintain the quality of life for your senior loved one.
Install a handicap toilet. Toilets for seniors should have a taller height that makes it easier to get up and down. The standard ADA toilet height should be approximately 17-19 inches from the floor to the bowl rim. Add some grab bars so that they can hang onto something whenever they need to.
Offer an emergency button. An emergency call button in the bathroom will alert you or your loved one’s caregiver if something is wrong. These buttons sound an alarm so that others in the home will know that the senior needs assistance. If your senior lives alone, choose an emergency button that will immediately alert local emergency services so they can rush over to help.
Use a tub or shower chair. Bathroom chairs for the elderly are designed to help them maintain balance while bathing. These chairs are waterproof, stable, and sturdy for a comfortable, safe shower.
Keep it simple. A minimalist bathroom design is best for seniors so that there isn’t a lot of stuff getting in the way. Look for sturdy wall hooks and towel hangers that they can use to keep towels and bathrobes off the floor. The less clutter you have in the bathroom, the safer it will be for seniors to navigate.
Try a walk-in tub. Walk-in tubs and showers are best for seniors since they prevent having to “climb over” the edge. These tubs are perfect for the elderly who want to age in place and prefer to live at home rather than in an assisted living facility, and if you are enough skilled you can even self-install your walk-in tub.
Install grab bars. Grab bars on the shower and bathtub walls and next to the toilet will give your loved one something to hang onto if they feel dizzy or tired. These bars can be found at most home improvement stores and do an excellent job at providing seniors with some extra stability in the bathroom.
Check the dimensions. Seniors who use a wheelchair should have a bathroom door that’s at least 34-inches wide. The inside of the bathroom should have a minimum of a five-foot radius so they can easily turn around. You should also ensure that there are at least 27 inches of clearance under the sink for the wheelchair. Hang mirrors low enough so that seniors don’t have to strain or stand on their tiptoes in the bathroom.
From a luxurious, spa-like master bathroom to a safe bathroom for seniors, designing a bathroom that fits your lifestyle and your needs will make your life that much easier. Keep these tips in mind to make sure you have everything you need, and watch your fixtures, tub styles, and colors come together in a beautiful, functional space you’ll enjoy for years to come.