Design Notes
The master bathroom is considered a special retreat for the owners, a place of relaxation. Over the years, the design has changed from a garden tub and shower combo to walk-in showers and soaker tubs. Some wonder if both are needed or if one is more essential than the other. We want to explore the pros and cons of each and help you know which one is the best fit for you, or if you should have both.
Soaker Tub
Why choose a soaker tub? A bath takes much longer than a shower, but it is also one of the best ways to unwind from the day’s stress and completely relax the body. Soaker tubs are perfect for this, but here are a few things to consider when shopping for one.
- Depth: Because they are designed for soaking, these tubs are deeper than the average one. The minimum depth is 14 inches, and you can go up from there to find one that suits your exact needs.
- Style: Multiple styles are available for your soaker tub, including the elegant Elizabethan age and the classic bowl look. The feet can also be a fun pop, such as the claw foot or brass. An array of shapes is available as well, including the more traditional oval and round, but square, hourglass, and even slipper are also on the table.
- Material: From natural stone to acrylic, there are many options available depending on your style, budget, and space.
- Budget: The price will depend on size and material, but typically starts at $700. Look around for inspirational pictures before talking to your designer, so they have an idea of what you want and can help you find the best price.
Soaker tubs are an excellent option for the master bathroom. They add elegance and create a spa-like atmosphere. This great option can also add value to your home. Get a few more design tips here.
Walk-In Shower
What are the benefits of a walk-in shower? They are easy to clean, efficient, and flexible in size. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of having a walk-in shower.
- Style: There are so many great ways to express your personality in the design, from beautiful tile to fun shower heads. The possibilities are endless.
- Aging in place: One big benefit of a walk-in shower is that it is always easy to get in and out of, whereas a tub may prove difficult over time because one has to step into it.
- Size: Whether you have a small bathroom or lots of space to play with, the walk-in shower is flexible and adaptable. It can be tucked away neatly in the corner and only attached to one wall, with the other three encased in glass or a pony wall. Whatever the size, this is the shower that can go with the flow.
- Placement: As with size, this option can be placed anywhere it needs to be, making it an asset in the design phase.
There are a few downsides to having a walk-in shower, such as:
- Temperature: It can feel a bit cooler since there’s no shower curtain to block the breeze.
- Humidity: Nothing hinders the steam from leaving the shower, so be sure to install a fan that can be run afterward to help prevent mold buildup.
- Privacy: Of course, this is rather obvious, but if you like to take a shower with the peace of mind that regardless of whether a family member surprises you or not, this can be a deterrent for some people.
Be sure to weigh out your options before making your choice. There is no right or wrong answer; this is your home, and you get to decide what you want.
Best Of Both Worlds
Many of our clients have included both a walk-in shower and a soaker tub in their design. This is a great option, providing the best of both worlds in their master sanctuary. Whether they need a quick shower before the day starts or have time to enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub on the weekend, this option is worth considering. Talk to your designer about how to optimize your space so you can get the best possible design.
Greenbrook DesignMany of our clients come to us from an hour or more away, often from the greater Charlotte metro area. A common question we hear is, “Why make the drive to Shelby when there are design centers closer to home?” It’s a fair question—and one we completely understand. That’s why we’d like to share a few key reasons why we believe the experience, service, and value you’ll find at Greenbrook Design make the trip well worth it.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.
Greenbrook DesignThe sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room, making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design, it stands to reason that there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice, and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.
Home is the place where everyone can fully relax and be themselves. It is the center for all of our main activities, but sometimes we need a space that caters to our specific needs, especially when it comes to husbands and wives. This is why his and her spaces were invented: to give each an area to call their own, tailored to function just for them. From bathrooms to bedrooms and even the home office, having something that functions for your unique lifestyle routine can make a big difference in how you accomplish your day-to-day tasks with minimal stress and maximum success. When designing for these spaces, what should you include? What areas matter most, and how do you create the perfect his and her space within the same square footage? Let’s answer those questions for multiple areas within your home.
Walker WoodworkingPersonal Expression Through Design. There is no denying the truth found in the statement, your home is your castle, and who doesn’t want a custom castle? Now, more than ever, there are items available to help you completely personalize your spaces to reflect your unique personality. There is freedom to break the traditional design rules of the past and express yourself in so many ways by combining what you love into something new. Every area of your home should tell guests your story; it should speak to them of the things that matter most to you. By selecting colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and art that accurately reflect your individual tastes, you can achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and share what matters to you. At its core, that is what design is about: using a combination of varying elements to tell your story to the world.
Greenbrook Design 
Walker Woodworking