Planning a bathroom remodel? Consider upgrading your space with one - or a few - of these fabulous, modern features. Like all bathroom upgrades, they'll require some time and a small investment, but then you get to reap the restful and stylish rewards!
Comfy Seating
Take your bathroom from utility to luxury with comfy seating. A cushioned chair or ottoman ups your comfort level, and gives you a spot to sit down and towel off or lean back and relax for a few moments. Place a cushioned bench beneath a window for another easy bathroom upgrade - and be sure to add pillows! If you have a walk-in shower, you can even add seating in there as well.
Entertainment Centers
Keep up with the news while you get ready in the morning or binge your favorite show from the bath by installing a small television in your remodeled bathroom. Low-voltage, water-resistant TVs designed to be installed near water even come with water-resistant remotes! Just be sure to keep your bathroom humidity levels in check with proper ventilation to protect the TV (more on that later!).
Incorporate Soothing Sounds
This is an easy one: keep your favorite soft music on hand for easy listening while you rejuvenate. Music has a great impact on mood, and you can invest as little or as much as you want with this upgrade, from a small CD player on the shelf to a state-of-the-art sound system. If you do opt for that sound system, maximize sound quality by placing two speakers in opposite corners of the room.
Luxury & Steam Showers
For a true spa experience at home, upgrade to a shower that doubles as a steam shower! This means it'll need a door that seals tightly on all sides, and a vapor barrier will need to be installed on the ceiling and wall framing. You can also up your luxury factor with dual and handheld showerheads, body sprays, and a broad bench.
Nix the Vent Fan
Older homes may be the exception, but it's likely your bathroom already has a vent fan. A new vent fan can clear a steamy mirror quick and wick away moisture from the walls. But a real bathroom fresh air upgrade is a venting skylight! When the bathroom gets steamy, just press the remote button to open the skylight and enjoy fresh, cool air after your shower.
Radiant-Heat Flooring & Heated Towel Bars
Treat yourself to warmth underfoot with a radiant-heat system installed below your bathroom floor. These systems are especially welcome beneath typically cold materials like ceramic tile and stone. And keep things cozy with heated towel bars! If you're on a budget after the heated floors, place a shelf or bar on the shower wall opposite your showerhead and let the steam warm up your towels for you.
Tile "Rugs"
This fun upgrade fits in almost any bathroom! A tiled "rug" can be added to your existing floor simply by removing tile from the area where you want to add the accent and putting down new tiles. Like other upgrades, tile rugs add a custom, personalized look to your bathroom and is a great way to infuse pattern or color.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Between chandeliers, windows, and skylights, there are tons of options for upgrading your bathroom lighting. Of course, we're partial to the rich, natural light and fresh air skylights provide, but depending on your space, artificial lighting or a sun tunnel may be a better fit. Just make sure when installing any new windows or skylights, opt for high-quality models to prevent moisture and condensation problems.
