BATHROOM TREATS FOR A SPA-LIKE RETREAT
Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes — ask any real-estate agent. They’re also the most high-traffic rooms in a house. So whether you’re selling up or settling in, investing in a bathroom renovation will pay off. Glen Peloso looks at five “must-have” bathroo
Heated floors
It may seem extravagant, but this feature will make you wonder how you ever lived without it. Tiles hold the cold longer than hardwood and carpet, so a warm bathroom floor on a winter morning can be magical. Most systems are programmable, allowing a pre-set time for the heat to turn on. Consider creating a custom version with companies such as Nuheat, which allow you to also heat the shower floor and bench. Alternatively, a standard 24-by-24-inch kit from a big box store will allow you to warm the floors you use most.
Shower system
The right shower head can also provide a spa-like treatment. The Riobel shower kit has a large, flush-mounted rain showerhead complete with LED lighting. Multiple settings allow the kids to select bright colours while adults can choose a quieter hue to help them wind down in the shower at the end of the day. Dual hand-held showerheads, with two spray settings and temperature controls, allow two people to shower together or one person to use both shower heads. It’s all about variety and customizing that spa experience just for you.
Bidets
Bidets are commonplace across the Atlantic, in bathrooms both modest and majestic. Work with your contractor or plumber to ensure the appropriate plumbing is in place, and that you also have enough space. Many toilet manufacturers have bidets in complementary designs. Should budget or space be an issue, a simple alternative is Toto’s Washlet, which attaches to the toilet seat. Select various settings, directions, features and power levels with a hand-held remote control. The experience is like having a shower every time you use the bathroom, leaving you feeling fresh and comfortable.
Music
Channelling Adele or Drake just seems natural in the shower. In homes where an audio plan has been executed, you’ll often find a speaker in the bathroom. Bluetooth speakers can deliver your karaoke fix by connecting to your smartphone. The water-resistant Kohler Moxie showerhead and wireless speaker sounds clear when you’re in the shower. The installation process is so simple that anyone can do it and be singing at the top of his or her lungs an hour later. I can’t, however, guarantee that others will want to hear you.
Large format tiles
Large tiles are ideal for creating a spa-like bathroom vibe. The more monochromatic they are, the more Zen the room will feel. The bonus is more tile surface means fewer grout lines to clean. Look for full porcelain tile in sizes such as 36-by-36 inches. Specialized suppliers, like Olympia Tile, have a big selection to choose from. Avoid sizes that need too many cut tiles — the look breaks up the room. For example, a 9-by-9-foot room should use 3-foot tiles, and a 2-by-2-foot tile choice is best for an 8-by-8-foot room.