No matter the type or size, a home is so much more than a shelter. Homes encompass people’s personal space and their individual style. And since 2020, the COVID-19 Pandemic has also transformed many dwellings into work and social spaces. Therefore, it is no surprise that homeowners have reassessed how they want to use their domicile that serves many purposes.
Accordingly, the expanded time spent indoors has led to an increased demand for new and remodeled kitchens and bathrooms. In fact, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released a revised 2021 forecast anticipating a combined spend of over $170 billion.
Although kitchens are traditionally the space where families gather to share time and meals, bathrooms have become much more than a basic shower room or water closet. Rather, bathrooms are evolving into a space for wellness and reinvigoration, like an in-home wellness retreat.
Reasons Why
The desire to incorporate a space for self-care within the home is increasingly popular. For example, a recent trends study issued by Houzz found that 41 percent of homeowners prioritize transforming the bathroom into a space that can be used for quiet time and relaxation. There is also science that supports this growing trend.
According to the distinguished Cleveland Clinic, there are many health benefits associated with taking a bath in addition to cleansing. During a bath, stressors can be reduced, invoking a sense of meditation which may also help promote sleep. Some research found that bathing for 30-minutes at 104 Fahrenheit could potentially improve depression. And bathing with Epson salt soothes joints and muscles and may even assist in the healing of wounds.
Of course, there is more to designing an in-home wellness retreat than merely installing a bathtub. The room must provide the desired aesthetic and practicality balanced with wellness attributes.
Getting Started
The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey found that 54 percent of homeowners use a professional when doing a bathroom remodel. However, whether using a pro or doing the remodel as a DIY project, some fundamentals should be taken into consideration.
First, homeowners should select a color palette that suits their specific tastes. Don’t be afraid to try bold or unusual colors. Remember, repainting a wall is not difficult. What will be important in creating a healthy room is the use of low or no VOC paint. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may emit gases into the air, and in turn, those gasses may negatively impact indoor air quality.
Soaking in a luxurious bath is a must for a spa experience. And jetted tubs are incredibly relaxing and soothing. But a jetted tub can be counterproductive when it comes to overall wellness. These types of tubs can allow mold, bacteria, oil, and mildew to collect. Keeping jetted tubs clean will require a complete monthly cleaning. On the other hand, air tubs are a fantastic way to achieve a similar massage-like experience, but since the tubs are self-cleaning, little maintenance is needed.
When considering flooring for a bathroom, ceramic tile typically comes to mind. But homeowners are no longer limited to tile for moisture-prone places. The look of hardwood brings a bit of nature into the in-home retreat and a grounded feeling to any room. And thanks to technological advances, manufacturers like Shaw Industries produce treated hardwood flooring, which is water-resistant.
An alternative to hardwood flooring is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). LVT is relatively easy and fast to install and comes in an abundance of colors and patterns that beautifully mimic the look of natural wood – if working with a builder, homeowners can request the commercial version called Floorté®. And LVT is impervious to water while requiring little maintenance.
Place a significance on countertop and shower surround selection. Spa experiences often feel opulence, and high-end surfaces are the epitome of indulgence. But the bathroom should balance luxury with wellness and practicality.
Selecting beautiful materials like marble is often a popular choice for countertops and surrounds because it offers a sense of grandeur and elegance. But marble may not be the best choice for a wellness space. Because the stone is porous, it leaves small crannies for microbes and germs to hide – those crevices also make marble susceptible to staining. Additionally, marble will require ongoing maintenance.
Homeowners creating a wellness sanctuary should seriously consider quartz for bathroom countertops and shower surround. Low maintenance handcrafted artisan quartz, like Vadara, provides an indistinguishable look from marble but is stain and chip resistant. More importantly, quartz has a smooth surface, leaving nowhere for germs to hide, so it is perfect for those designing a room dedicated to health and wellness.
Small Touches
There are many major decisions that have to be made when creating a spa-like bathroom. However, there are small items that will also provide a significant impact.
When dreaming of a beautifully remodeled health-focused bathroom, ventilation is seldom at the forefront. But these inconspicuous little fans are essential to good indoor air quality. Ventilation fans are vital to controlling moisture and reducing the growth of mildew. In fact, the fans are so important that they are often required by code.
Lighting is key to a room’s atmosphere and function. Adding LED chandeliers can provide a luxurious setting for a bathroom area. And because LED bulbs have a long lifespan, the potential for injury during bulb replacement is minimized.
An excellent way to add healthful luxury is by installing a heated towel rack. The towel racks act as a multipurpose appliance. The racks are practical for hanging towels, while warmed towels provide indulgent comfort. But the racks also help control humidity, inhibiting the potential for mildew. And the need for laundering is reduced since the towels are dried after use. In addition, companies like Amba Products provide a variety of styles and finishes to match any décor.
Finally, include some houseplants in the bathroom retreat. The plants will incorporate a natural feeling while helping to clean the air. Use pots to highlight your personal style or add pops of color.
Effort Well Spent
Everyone needs a place for self-care and relaxation. Whether designing a new build or renovating an existing bathroom, regardless of the size, incorporating wellness into the space will provide benefits for years to come.