A Focus on Bath Design

How has bath design become more sophisticated and eco-minded?
The bath doesn’t need to be a cookie-cutter space from house to house. It should be personalized with features and amenities to make it a unique room and a pleasant place to get ready to leave the house, or a place to stay and rest, relax and recharge. Eco-friendly design plays a huge part in a home’s water and energy usage, and by addressing the green aspects of the many pieces that fit together within the bathroom design “puzzle,” our valuable resources can be preserved.

What is on the horizon in bath design?
Many of our clients are asking for high-end details that they have seen in luxury hotels during their travels, and a zero threshold shower is one of the most popular requests. A walk-in or doorless shower usually goes hand in hand with this type of shower design, as well as 3/8” heavy glass partitions. In 2011, the trend toward aging-in-place features design that allows people to stay in their homes longer and have comfortable, accessible spaces. Baths will continue as the focal points of renovation and updating, as homeowners decide to renovate and enjoy their new baths for a few years before they sell (using them as selling points), or they decide to stay put and remodel their baths so they can enjoy the rooms they have always wanted.

Are there any unique features or products for a child’s bath or guest bath?
Safety and ergonomics are priorities. While adult-height vanities have become the norm, they often require step-stools for children who cannot reach the counter. Installing a lower vanity is one solution. Alternatively, custom built-in step stools are another option. However, by pre-planning, you may be able to raise the vanity as children grow into teenagers. Storage is an essential consideration for any bath. Obvious items, such as toiletries, towels and cleaning supplies, need to be stored, but items such as hair accessories and makeup need storage, as well. In a guest bath, overnight company should be able to put their personal things away, so creativity in storage is crucial to bathroom design.

What do homeowners need to consider when working with a bath designer?
A good bath designer should definitely be detail-oriented and should also have the proper certification. Our staff certifications consist of Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD); Certified Bath Designer (CBD); Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD); Aging in Place (CAPS); and National Council Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ). Continued education for each designer in the industry is essential. In terms of bath design, the amount of plumbing products alone in a basic bath can be staggering, and the selection process can be overwhelming. Clients appreciate help from professionals. Discuss the length of time that your bathroom will be unusable, and be sure it sounds realistic. Additionally, be sure that your contractor and installers adhere to the new EPA program for the removal of lead paint. It is called RRP, which stands for Renovate, Repair, Paint – and is the law for homes built before 1978.

Are there specific questions to ask in terms of efficient, functional design?
Aging in place isn’t necessarily for the older demographic. Using the principles of aging-in-place design makes spaces safer for everyone of every age. A teenager who has a broken leg benefits from a bathroom with accessible features like a showerhead on a slide bar and a strategically located grab bar. Temperature controls faucets and valves, as well as floors that aren’t as slick as skating rinks when wet, are safe for everyone, not just for the aged.

This article originally appeared in the August 2010 issue of St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles. 

RESOURCES
National Kitchen & Bath, 3150 S. Brentwood Blvd., 314-962-1800, www.nationalkitchenandbath.com