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Suite bathrooms

What homeowners should know before starting a bath suite remodel

If you weren’t busy running errands, chasing after the kids or staying late at work, where would you be? On a deserted island? A cruise? How about your bathroom?

Yes, that’s right — your bathroom. Americans are increasingly creating luxurious spa-like retreats in their bathrooms as an escape from the everyday — when they really can’t escape. The bathroom has become one of the most popular rooms in the home to renovate. If you are one of the many homeowners looking to create a bath suite that reflects your style and personality — while also giving you a relaxing, pampering experience — then there are a few things you should keep in mind.

The first step in any renovation project is to decide on a budget, according to Angie Coffman, director, Delta product marketing, Delta Faucet Company. “Once that’s out of the way, you should evaluate the current situation. Ask yourself what you are looking for in a bath suite as opposed to what you have. Decide if you are looking to make a few small changes like replacing your fixtures, or if you want to entirely transform your space with a complete renovation.”

Once you decide what’s staying and what’s going, you should determine the style that fits your room the best. Since the average lifecycle of a remodeled room is about seven years, it may make sense to choose a transitional style as opposed to very traditional or ultra-modern. A transitional motif will remain fashionable for years to come and not soon be considered outdated, while offering the flexibility to change small elements of the décor, such as curtains or accessories, without having to make major alterations to the look of the room.

Make sure you take precise measurements of the space. If you are working in a small bathroom setting, consider adding more mirrors and lighting to the area to make it appear larger and more open.

Notice the layout of your current bathroom and consider what you think works and what you’d like to change. According to Coffman, there are a few questions you should ask yourself: “Is the showerhead at a comfortable height and does it provide adequate pressure and water coverage? Is the bathtub big enough? Do the fixtures look good and are they easy to clean? Are there enough towel bars? Do you have well-organized storage space? Keep all of this in mind while shopping around for your new bathroom fixtures and accessories.”

• Designer looks for less. Now that you are ready to design your new bathroom, consider visiting a showroom to find what you are looking for. About 10 to12 percent of all faucets today are bought in showrooms. Although once thought of as only offering expensive brands, designer products are now available at more attainable costs.

“The trend toward a designer look has made its way to the kitchen and bath,” said Coffman. “Many homeowners are increasingly turning to showrooms to find superior products that are well within their budget.”

This attainable style is available through companies like Delta Faucet Company, which recently teamed up with world-renowned architect and designer Michael Graves to create a complete collection of bath faucets and accessories. The Michael Graves Collection is an example of a new generation of products that meet the demand for superior performance packaged in great-looking designs. The new collection brings style and versatility to the bath at an affordable price.

• Relax at home. It is important to pay close attention to detail as you commit to your new bathroom décor. As your life becomes busier and more stressful, you may want to create a spa-like environment in your own bathroom. You wouldn’t be alone: there’s been a significant increase in the demand for custom shower systems, relaxing Roman tubs, seating in the shower and handheld showers. This trend gives a new meaning to the word “rest room.”

• Customize your space. Today, you have many options when choosing products and accessories that fit your lifestyle. Personalizing your lighting and accessory options is a great way to add a special touch of your style to your suite. Some collections now include whimsical items like votive holders and bud vases. Simple things like adding dim lights around your bathtub can give off a serene, indulgent feeling and provide an environment for relaxation.

Finally, the most important thing to remember once you begin construction on your new bath suite: having work done on your house may seem like an unbearably stressful process, but when it’s done, you will be able to relax in your new bathroom sanctuary.

— ARA Content