Sizing Things Up

When it comes to master bath remodeling, comfort is certainly king, but many kitchen and bath designers are now finding that they must keep their “eyes on the size,” as well.

In fact, according to kitchen and bath design professionals interviewed by Kitchen & Bath Design News, luxurious amenities are still vital, but clients now appear equally concerned with maximizing every inch of their master bath.

So, whether a master suite features a giant steam room and plasma LCD screen or a smaller shower and tub combination with more space-conscious amenities such as towel and floor warmers, the goal remains the same: The optimum impact of style, comfort, convenience – and, most of all, expression – but doing so in whatever space is available.

Indeed, many of today’s luxury master bath remodels don’t necessarily involve expanding the space, according to Tom Trzcinski, CMKBD, of Pittsburgh, PA-based Kitchen & Bath Concepts.

He explains, “People who have smaller spaces still want the luxury. We have been putting very expensive bathrooms into very modest homes.” Part of the reason for this, he believes, is that consumers are increasingly “realizing the importance of the bathroom, and how it sets the tone for their day.” For that reason, they’re willing to invest in a luxury bathroom, even in a less-than-luxury-sized house.

But while smaller luxury spaces may be a growing trend, this can still prove to be a challenge for bath designers accustomed to working with larger spaces. Gioi Tran, designer and principal for San Francisco, CA-based Applegate Tran Interiors, explains: “I always try to accommodate their requests [to pack as many amenities into the space as possible], but it’s a struggle, because clients always want a tub and a shower.”

Bill Wrape, designer for Distinctive Kitchens and Baths in Little Rock, AR, agrees that he’s definitely seeing more clients trying to cram all the little luxuries into limited spaces, and that they want those amenities regardless of the size of their bath.

“Popular amenities right now include fixed and adjustable showerheads, corner seats, slab glass doors and walls for showers,” he notes. Conversely, Tran cites combinations of hand-held body sprays and separate rain showers as popular among his clients.

Warmth appears to be a hot buzzword among most of the designers surveyed, with items such as radiant floor heating and thermostatic valves growing in prominence. Additionally, products that evoke a feeling of warmth, such as natural materials (particularly stone and glass), also remain popular.

Almost paradoxically (from an aesthetic standpoint), these items are increasingly being combined with the latest in technology, such as Internet/Data ports, televisions and piped in music, to create the best of comfort and convenience.

But, Wrape warns, in order for baths to completely satisfy today’s demanding clients, the space must also simultaneously offer ease of care, reliability in plumbing fixtures, storage options and safety in and around the shower.

To that end, Trzcinski cites the minimalistic, Zen look as becoming more prominent, especially in master baths. “The Japanese-based design is very soothing [and works well] because the idea is to be comfortable. It enables people to get into this refuge and center themselves to face the day,” he says.

For independent designer Patricia Gaylor of Little Falls, NJ-based Patricia Gaylor Interior Design, it is the hotel “spa” look that is driving these trends.

“Each customer is unique, but each and every customer is interested in comfort,” she says.

Taking this idea further, clients are even devoting rooms specifically for massages, so that a masseuse can simply arrive at the home and the massage table is already set up, Trzcinski notes.

While this may seem extreme, Lynnda Colby, owner and president of Austin, TX-based Colby Design, offers a different outlook: “As designers, our main concern should be whether we are creating the ultimate bathing experience for the client. Is the person getting beauty, flexibility and function in the space?”