It's difficult for us to imagine that barely one hundred years ago a great portion of the people in the country used outdoor toilets. In addition bathing was enjoyed in portable tubs unless you stayed at a hotel. Therefore the standard three-piece bathroom ensemble has only been around for a few generations.
Bathroom contractors are a specialized breed because there is no other space in the home that is so dedicated to water than the bathroom. All the fixtures have both water intakes and drains which process hundreds of gallons of water and waste per week. This means that plumbers are prominent subcontractors when remodeling a bathroom.
The Enlarged Bathroom
Until showers became daily ritual bathrooms were a transient space. People used the bathroom for the toilet, shaving and brushing their teeth and, once or twice a week, they bathed in the large, porcelain tub. Fifty years ago shower attachments became the rage and the 1960's brought fiberglass shower enclosures. Since showers were quick in many homes these became a daily ritual. Today's bathroom has evolved into a large, multi-space area almost rivaling the living room in space. This is not lost on architects who now apportion a greater amount of square footage to accommodate the ensuite.
Sweeping Tile
One item has not changed in bathroom design and that is tile. Tile used to be the definitive bathroom flooring and was also used on the walls. However, the tile was usually a small, mosaic type or a 4†style with ceramic borders. This was because grouted tile could withstand the moisture from an enclosed space that had yet to discover exhaust fans. From the late 1920's to 1930, the Art Deco era introduced glass blocks into the bathroom to put natural light and privacy on the same page.
The reason tile still works in the bathroom is that new subfloor and shower bases make water leakage a thing of the past. In addition, new tile designs feature squares as large as 24†x 24†that climb the walls in all configurations - subway, diamond, conventional. In fact many bathrooms support the same coloration and texture of tile right up to the ceiling. With large glass doors on the shower this gives even a small bathroom a large look.
On-Demand
There are few things as frustrating as turning on a shower to a cascade of cold water when it is is not appreciated. Tankless water heaters provide an on-demand service of hot water that never gets colds. This is because the electric heating coil or gas flame turns on when the tap is engaged and flash-heats water in copper tunes in the tank. This heating will continue until the tap is turned off making sure that there is a constant stream of hot water. This is unlike a conventional water tank that wastes energy to heat the pipes first while the hot water runs through it and then lets heated water cool when the tap goes off.
Soaking Tub
Taking a page from Japanese history large rectangular tubs are replacing the corner jetspa tubs that have so popular during the past twenty years. These soaking tubs feature “hot air bubble†technology where millions of tiny, hot air bubbles give the bather a stimulating massage rather than the power jets of the water jets. In addition, some models are available with water features like a water fall or rain forest water cones that direct the spray to a concentrated area. And while soaking the bather can turn out the lights and watch a pre-programmed light show from dozens of small chromatherapy lights while listening to a great sound system.
Steam Shower Cabinet
Showers have not really changed since their inception. That was true until the new line of enclosed shower cabinets which feature a steam bath option. In one model there are two retractable cedar benches so that two people can enjoy a steam bath or a fine mist under a pizza pan-sized shower head. In addition, some models have a foot massager to enjoy along with the steam.
To coordinate the experience is a “smart panel.†Before entering the cabinet or soaking tub a panel on the inside wall can be set up to choreograph the bathing experience. This means that the sound, lights, steam, temperature and sequence of events can be setup. Of course there is the ability to change the program on the fly or just to relax in the steam and just watch television.
Relaxation Room
The bathroom area is also becoming an “end use†living space. This means that the transience of the past has given way to a lingering that includes a reading area and a place to have an afternoon nap while watching television. Specialty tables with electronically-operated massaging techniques allow thew user to read a book while getting an amazing massage experience.
So the bathroom is actually two, or even three rooms where someone can retreat from the main living area of the home. There could be a library, home entertainment system or music collection built off the actually bathing area so that the user does not need to leave the space.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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