Designer Bathroom Ideas

It is hard to believe that seventy-five years ago most people in the country went outside to use the toilet. In fact there was a dedicated folk-lore attributed to the outhouse or "biffy" and presently there are outhouse museums sprinkled across the country that attest to this interest. Morning washing was performed in the bedroom in front of a basin filled with hot water from the stovetop. The weekly bath was in a tub pulled in the middle of the living and filled in the same way. These scattered rituals were drawn together into one room after the Second World War that became a three-fixture room dedicated to it all.

In recent years the modern designer bathroom has expanded from the basic rectangular ensuite. In fact the different functions of the bathroom have been expanded into two or more rooms that show that bathroom's metamorphosis into an end-use area of the home instead of the transient, functional place. In other words the bathroom area has become a living space.

Relaxation and privacy are two of the new functions along with a lot of other, new bathroom ideas. It is a region of the home that can be completely cut off from the noise and hustle of the other areas like the kitchen and games area. In many ways the new bathroom is the reward at the end of the day's work or workout.

Shower

The early showers were hand-held wands that hooked up to the faucet. The bather sat in a deep tub and held the wand overhead to get the effect. Later the wand was clipped to the wall or a long, vertical extension pipe was attached to the faucet with a showerhead fastened at the top. In both cases a circular, shower curtain bar was also fastened to this attachment so that the bather could stand up in the tub. From the outside-the-wall shower systems to single-unit, fiberglass shower-tubs the new bathroom began to take shape within a generation. The shower of today is an enclosed cabinet that performs basic shower applications but closes tightly to allow for a steam bath and a vaporous, rainfall shower. In addition there are fold-down, cedar seats for two and foot massaging tanks. These functions as well as chromatherapy lighting and an entertainment center are operated from a "smart panel" where each function can be pre-programmed. This makes showering a multi-staged operation with its own soundtrack. In the new bathroom shower the curtains are missing but not missed.

Soaker Tubs

Like showering, bathing has seen a transformation as well. Taking a hint from the Japanese large soaker tubs are replacing whirlpool or jet spas in new bathroom remodeling projects. Rather that shooting torrents of water these tanks operate in a more "zen" application using hundreds of bubbling ports on the bottom of the tub to release hot air. The result is a tingling sensation of millions of bubbles as if the bather is immersed in a glass of warm, carbonated water. Overhead a water feature directs a solid beam of water from the ceiling to the soak tub and chromatherapy lights in side the tub slowly change scenes in a preprogrammed format. And for those who do not want to be entirely cut off from the world and LCD screen is there for movies or sports.

Relaxation Room

After a long soak or steam bath there is a small room complete with a massage table and heat lamps to relax and read or watch television while automated fingers knead and soothe. There also can be a small library or magazine stand in order to get caught up on articles that would be missed during the busy lifestyle. A separate cot or single bed is also an option for a nap and this can double as a guest bed.

Lighting

In conjunction with the chromatherapy lights the ambiance of the whole space can be preprogrammed to dim or brighten at intervals. This "scenic" application adds to the relaxation and is instrumental in providing a complete recharging of the body and mind. So instead of spending money on patios or kitchens homeowners are looking to expand the bathroom area. And in their zeal to get this added space many are not opposed to cannibalizing, that is pushing into other spaces like walk-in closets and guest bedrooms.

For more articles on bathroom remodeling and many others, visit HandyAmerican.com. Your one stop online resource for home renovation and landscaping articles. And a great asset for finding just the right service provider to help with all your remodeling needs. With free project posting services for homeowners requiring the services of a reliable contractor in their locality.

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