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 DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
In our final part of the selection tips series, we want to focus our attention on lighting. Good lighting can make a difference in the room; no one enjoys struggling to see around the shadows cast by insufficient light or the glare of one placed too low. Here’s what should be on your list of things to look for when selecting your lighting.
There’s no denying the appeal of HGTV’s popular renovation shows such as Fixer Upper, Love It or List It, and Property Brothers. These programs consistently deliver impressive home transformations, turning outdated properties into stylish, modern living spaces—all within the span of a neatly packaged, one-hour episode.
While unexpected challenges and budget concerns occasionally arise, the hosts reliably navigate these obstacles, keeping projects on track and showcasing the kind of resilience and problem-solving that resonates with homeowners and renovation professionals alike.
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