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.
The world of interior design has run the full gamut of trends, from minimal to over-the-top and back again. Your home is meant to be your happy place, and a good design can affect the atmosphere. There are multiple styles to choose from, including modern, traditional, farmhouse, and transitional. Each possesses characteristics that make them unique in their own way, but sometimes what is offered is not enough, which is where the term mixology comes in, and no, we are not referring to the mixing of cocktails. There is a beauty when mixing and matching design styles, cabinets, and furnishings to create a space that perfectly reflects you. For a long time, designers were taught that things needed to remain within a certain realm of style in order for them to look good, but over the past few years, those boundaries have been broken down to make way for homeowners to express themselves in their own way. Out of this, there have been some new terms used to describe the shift in styles, such as grand millennial. If you like a few elements from multiple styles, then mixology may be your new best friend.
Is Biophilia Design For You? We love the looks nature inspires, which is why we have multiple products available for you to browse inside our showroom. From unique artwork to furniture pieces, we invite you to visit us and spend time browsing our 5,000 square foot showroom located in charming Uptown Shelby and find the inspiration you’ve been looking for to create the perfect environment in your home.
The world of design draws on multiple elements to create the perfect space for homeowners, a place that represents them and their particular style. Color plays a vital role in the design process, and its effects go beyond just adding a splash to the room. Color can affect our mood, communicate a message, lessen eye strain, and even play a part in remembering certain events. It also has the ability to influence the size of a room with certain colors, causing the area to feel larger, while other shades create a more intimate feel. Color selection can be a fun and rewarding process, plus it provides you with a great way to tell your story. More homeowners are discovering the beauty of contrasting colors, and this choice is gaining popularity in the design world. From two-toned kitchens to opposites in cabinets and tile, contrasting colors can spice up your design and make a stunning statement. Let’s explore more about what contrasting colors are and how they can help you tell your story.
While cabinet hardware is essential for functionality, it’s also a key element in the overall look and feel of your space. When selecting hardware, there’s more to consider than just appearance. How do you want your cabinets to open? Do you prefer knobs, pulls, or a combination of both? Should you go with cup pulls for a traditional touch or sleek bar pulls for a modern edge?
These decisions may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on both the usability and aesthetic of your cabinetry. Hardware serves as the finishing touch—bringing together the design while also making everyday tasks more comfortable and intuitive.
You are ready to begin your renovation, but you are unsure whether you want to go with custom or semi-custom cabinets. While custom cabinets will provide you with the exact fit you need for your space, they are at the higher end of the price range. Semi-custom cabinets tend to be a more budget-friendly alternative while still giving you the style and function needed for your space. Many homeowners are discovering the benefits of choosing semi-custom cabinets and are learning that they can still get the look they want while staying within their budget. Let’s talk more about what semi-custom cabinets are, the benefits they bring to your project, and some of the options we offer here at Greenbrook Design.





Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking 
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking 
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking