Technically, the only things you need in your bathroom are a toilet, sink, and a shower or tub, but what fun is that? You deserve — and most likely desire — a primary bathroom worthy of the name: something practical, yet elegant with a dash of luxury. These primary bathroom remodeling must-haves are just the touch you need!
As far as bathroom remodel must-haves go, a double sink or vanity is pretty up there. While a double vanity primary bathroom is certainly visually pleasing, the real luxury here comes in the form of function. Having separate sinks and cabinetry will allow you and your partner to get ready together without getting in each other’s way, leading to less friction and a more enjoyable bathroom experience! Step your bathroom vanity up a notch by treating yourself to undermount sinks, which maximize counter space and allow for no-lip cleaning or opting for a sleek floating vanity.
Have you ever washed up and ended up getting whatever was on your hands all over your faucet? With touchless faucets, no more! These are perfect for homeowners who need to wash up after removing makeup, applying lotion, or washing their faces. The great thing about touchless faucets is that you’ll use them multiple times a day every day — that means this small touch of luxury can go a long way. Plus, the less you touch your faucet, the less time you’ll need to spend cleaning it.
High-end primary bathrooms need to look expensive and that usually entails the use of luxury countertop materials such as granite, marble, quartz, quartzite, or concrete. Calacatta and Carrara marble are pretty much always on-trend but don’t be afraid to go for something more dramatic like black or colored varieties of marble. Stone counters, which lack the grout lines of tile, are beautiful and easy to take care of. The best part is that many of these materials are timeless and long-lasting. This means that with good care, they can last as long as the house.
[Read More: Unconventional Countertop Ideas and Materials for Your Kitchen Remodel]
Who doesn’t want their bathroom to feel like a spa? As the place where you get ready for each day and wind down after every night, it’s a real treat to have a bathroom that both looks and functions well. That’s why spa-style primary bathrooms are one of the hottest 2022 bathroom trends.
Start by upgrading to a modern open shower, such as a wet room. An extra-large shower and bathing enclosure, wet rooms usually contain a shower, freestanding tub, and other water-proof elements such as storage. Having all your showering and bathing elements in one room allows you to walk leisurely from the tub to the shower to your towel, without leaving a trail of water that you’ll have to clean up later. Plus, wet rooms are curb-less, so there’s no lip to step over, making them ideal for users of wheelchairs and walkers.
While you’re at it, there are also a lot of luxury double shower ideas out there for you to consider. Having two shower heads — no matter the type or whether they are located next to or across from one another — allows you and your partner more space for being separate or together.
Although it may not feel like a glamorous purchase, a quiet, powerful ventilation system to remove damaging humidity is absolutely necessary to maintain your bathroom. Ventilation power is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). You’ll want one CFM per square foot of bathroom space. This means that if your bathroom is 100 square feet, you will need a fan that supports at least 100 CFM. The good news is that when you increase power for a larger space, you don’t necessarily have to double the noise. Many models are whisper quiet and affordable, so you can have that relaxing shower without leaving a ton of moisture on the walls.
A bathroom is all about privacy, and sometimes you need a little privacy inside your privacy. Cue the water closet, a separate enclosure for the toilet. If you’re both getting ready at the same time, a water closet adds privacy and comfort. The toilet itself can boast luxury features, too, such as a cover that rises, heated seats, music, an air freshener that spritzes as you approach, and flushes by itself when you walk away. These luxurious loos are beautiful to look at, and many are wall-hung so that they are easy to clean around.
Shower-tub combos are simply not it. After all, who wants to take a gentle soak in the same tub you stand in when showering off your daily grime? Instead, opt for a freestanding tub that’s dedicated solely to your bathtub relaxation time. These sculptural elements add a focal point to your bathroom and create an air of elegance no matter what style you go for.
Nothing compares to the impact a great view can have on your space. Adding bountiful windows overlooking your lush yard and the great outdoors can go a long way to creating a tranquil atmosphere in your bathroom. Depending on the location of your home and privacy issues, a large window (equipped with shades when they’re needed) gives you the feeling of soaking in the open air. If the window opens, all the better.
Whether you have a wall of windows or not, you’re going to need sufficient lighting, especially around the mirrors. The fixtures can be works of art themselves, and dimmable lights can add to the ambiance of a room, making it so much more than just a utilitarian space.
[Read More: Lighting: An Important Part of Your Portland Home Remodel]
Think about all the linens and bath supplies that you want close at hand but not necessarily on display. You have tons of options, from a linen closet with French doors to hidden, in-set shelves on the wall of your shower. Then, add built-in cupboards and drawers that allow you to organize your towels and shampoo in neat groupings.
What dream primary bathroom doesn’t have a walk-in closet or two? If you get dressed in your bathroom every day, it’s useful to have a connected closet. And all the better if that closet is a walk-in. Ideally, you’ll want a walk-in closet for both you and your partner — that way you aren’t getting in each other’s way as you dress. Include custom organizers to provide all the room you need for this season’s clothing, outerwear, and shoes. With the right design, you can even have a bench for dressing or an ironing and folding station.
The warm color and rich texture of wood make it a popular choice to create a natural, luscious, spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. Wood is showing up in a major way in 2022; in your bathroom, it’s a show-stopping material choice for your floors, paneling, cabinetry, and even bathtub. If you can’t have real wood or bamboo, wood-look tile provides a durable surface perfect for bathrooms, with all the appearance of maple or walnut. And, if you want to take the natural look a step further, buy some humidity-loving plants to populate your bathroom!
Whether you need a space for morning journaling or simply waking up, a sitting area can be a wonderful addition to a modern primary bathroom layout. This lounge area can also serve as a place to put on your makeup or set out your clothing for the day. Opt for water-resistant materials such as a bench or stool made from heat-treated bamboo, ceramic, or acrylic. Even dense, exotic hardwoods like teak may be a good choice if you’re willing to invest a little extra care to treat them on occasion.
Take a moment and think about how it feels to walk barefoot on a tile floor in the middle of winter. Not a fan? Then you need heated floors! This one’s a proven winner and an everyday luxury that can make a difference in your quality of life. If you’re already replacing your floors for your remodel, now is the perfect time to install heated floors. You don’t have to worry much about the type of flooring, as radiant heat is designed to work with bathroom mainstays like tile, hardwood, and linoleum. And once you’ve got it in, you’ll notice it works better and uses less energy than forced-air heating. This is because there’s no ductwork, so you can literally feel the warmth coming through every time.
Now that you’ve got some ideas, it’s time to look at making your primary bathroom remodel happen! Have questions about the remodeling process? Learn more about remodeling costs, design-build remodeling, and more.