Investing in your home’s bathroom design
When designing a new home, or doing a substantial renovation of an existing property, the bathroom deserves your utmost attention. Many real-estate brokers cite the bathroom as being one of the most important rooms in the home when it comes to esthetics, second only to kitchens.
The Gazette sat down with Walter Assi, owner of Renovco, a Dorval-based company specializing in design and renovation, to learn about the latest in bathroom design and decor.
“There’s a lot of exciting trends going on,” Assi said. “Overall, I think there’s a definite movement towards investing more in bathrooms. These days people are creating an oasis for themselves when they design their bathrooms; they’re spending more and putting more thought into the room.”
This extends to all aspects of the bathroom, starting with the floor. According to Assi, upward of 90 per cent of new or newly renovated bathrooms have heated floors, providing comfort while maintaining an even temperature throughout the year.
“It’s really popular, but it’s something to decide upon early in any renovation project,” he said.
“You don’t want heated floors to be an afterthought.”
Along with heating systems, people are installing porcelain and marble tiles on their bathroom floors.
It used to be common to use less expensive materials, but as with just about all elements of bathroom design, people are sparing no expense on their floors these days.
Buyers are also lining the walls with similar high-end tiles, and incorporating mosaic designs with glass tiles as well.
When it comes to showers, the current rule of thumb is that size matters.
“We’re seeing a lot of large, floor-toceiling walk-in showers with linear drain,” Assi said.
“Faucets are becoming more sophisticated, too; we’re installing a lot of jets and rain showers, including those with digital temperature controls.”
The showers are being built using more luxurious materials than in previous years, he added.
“We’re seeing a lot of heavy glass; not the flimsy glass we used to see, but more tempered, transparent glass,” Assi said. “People are treating their showers like pieces of art in a way. They want them to be the focal point of the room.”
Bathtubs are also taking centre stage. The classic clawfoot and pedestal tubs have returned to popularity. A modern incarnation of the freestanding style is available, too.
“People are very into t he soaking experience again,” Assi said. “They’re opting for a European, classic style of tub.”
As for sinks, separate his-and-hers vanities are a must these days.
“Even if we have to lose closet space to build separate sinks, people are choosing to go that route,” Assi said. “Especially in the master bathroom.”
Vessel sinks, which sit on top of a base, are the most popular look right now. Accompanying the sinks are wall-mounted faucets, which emerge out of the wall and extend over the sink.
In addition to fancy materials and eco-friendly technology such as low-flow toilets, lighting has become an extremely important element of bathroom design as well.
There’s a heavy demand for abundant light in bathrooms. In order to deliver on this request, Assi often incorporates skylights into new construction and elaborate lighting scenarios throughout.
“People are asking for bigger windows and more natural light,” he said. “They also want decorative lighting, which is a very new trend.
“People are putting in chandeliers, sconces and LED lights, and overall demanding a better lighting experience in their bathrooms.”
While a heavy emphasis is being placed on visuals, people are also asking for effi-
“People are very into the soaking experience again. They’re opting for a European, classic style
of tub.”
Walter Assi, owner of Renovco
cient bathroom storage systems.
“We’re adding vertical storage and dividers in drawers to save space,” Assi said. “We’re also doing things like putting outlets in medicine cabinets; people really want to maximize functionality.”
On-demand water heaters, which eliminate the need for hot-water tanks, have also grown in popularity over the years.
“They save a lot of water and energy because they deliver hot water instantly,” Assi explained. “It’s a much greener system than hot-water tanks, which hold hot water even when you’re not using it.”
As if posh showers and en-suite chan-
“We’re seeing a lot of large, floor-to-ceiling walk-in showers with linear drain. Faucets are becoming more sophisticated, too; we’re installing a lot of jets and rain showers, including those with digital temperature controls.”
deliers weren’t enough, some people are going beyond that to include technology in their bathrooms.
“It’s pretty impressive what we’re able to do now,” Assi said. “For example, we’re putting in disappearing televisions behind mirrors, which are only visible when they’re turned on.”
Assi insists that these changes in bathroom design aren’t a matter of people simply spending frivolously on home design.
“It’s a matter of comfort,” he said. “I hear all the time from clients that when they come home after a long day working, that 20 minutes they spend in the bathroom, showering and taking their time, for a lot of people that’s the most relaxing part of their day, so they want to love the space they’re in.”