Empty nest or opportunity? It all depends on how you look at it. Alane and Rick Larimer and Clare and William Hays represent an increasing number of couples in the Birmingham market. As their children successfully take wing, they’re taking the opportunity to enjoy a little well earned luxury with a master bath remodel.
Luxury, Style and Personality
The Birmingham market reflects the national trend toward more luxurious, customized baths. Clients are exploring a broad range of design possibilities to create a personalized space that reflects their personality. Some of the elements they are incorporating include
Luxury showers. Showers are becoming larger and the Hays and Larimer projects were no exception. They both expanded their showers significantly as part of their remodels. Performance showering options like hand showers, rain heads, his and hers valves and body sprays have moved past trendy and into the mainstream and they are well represented in these projects. Shower seating is moving away from the tiled box approach to floating designs which allow for more foot room. The Larimers used the same granite from the vanity top for their seat. The Hays reflect another mini-trend which is foregoing the full seat for a smaller foot rest in the corner to make leg shaving more comfortable.
Deep tubs. Those who enjoy a tub bath are increasingly selecting styles that have a smaller footprint than the soaker tubs of the 1980s but with taller sides. The net effect is a deep, full-body soak with less water. As with the shower, hand-showers can add functionality for bathing and make cleaning easier. Jetted whirlpool tubs are no longer the de facto standard that they were 25 years ago but for those who enjoy them, the pump system on current models like the Hays selected are much easier to keep clean.
Stone, porcelain and glass tile. These materials dominate the bath because they’re beautiful and they function well in a wet environment. What’s changed is the explosion of options of size, shape and finish. Very large floor tile (the Larimer’s tile are 21”) are beautiful and create fewer grout lines for cleaning. While these new options provide more design possibilities, they also call for more design skill to get a cohesive result.
Heated floors and towel racks. These items are a perfect offset to the tile elements which by their nature feel cool to the touch. The Hays and Larimers both selected systems with programmable thermostats to save energy and make their first footsteps comfortable on a cold morning.
Upgraded lighting. More (and more flattering) lighting is a foundational element in a good bath project. The Hays and Larimers added recessed lights for general illumination along with upgraded surface mount fixtures at key dressing locations. The Larimers chose to mirror mount their vanity fixtures which provides a flattering light as well as highlights the beauty of fixture itself. The Hays included a lighted make up mirror in Clare’s dressing area.
Value.
Over the past two years, attention to value has increased for all project types, including the luxury bath. According to Tom Coan, Owner of Case Design/Remodeling, “Clients who in the past might have done a master suite addition are now choosing to work inside the existing master bath / master closet footprint”. He notes that, “the key to success is careful, creative design and allocating space very thoughtfully to the things that matter most to the client”. Both the Larimers and the Hays ended up with more open and functional designs than they had before without adding floor space. Re-using instead of replacing is another growing ethic with remodelers and clients alike. For example, the Hays repurposed cabinets in the master closet rather than purchase an expensive closet system and the Larimers retained their wall mount toilet that looked right with their design and functioned well.
