SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT
to your bath for less than
you might expect.
“If a homeowner is
just updating and not
moving plumbing, heating
ducts and electricity, the
makeover can start at around
$10,000,” says Laipple.
And the choices for today’s
bath are incredibly enticing.
Laipple says that many
homeowners are opting for
larger showers that will not only
get you clean, but can also bathe
you in LED lighting that changes
colors to suit your mood. You
can also enjoy your favorite music
in the shower to either calm you
down after a stressful day, or pep you up for the daily routine.
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st century. Vanities are no longer
empty-shell cabinets that open to a cavernous interior with little customization. Current
options for drawers and cabinets include specialized areas for storing your blow dryer neatly
away and stackable storage options for makeup. And while you’re standing in front of that vanity
applying your makeup, you can watch TV in the mirror! New technology allows your favorite
TV program to be projected onto the mirror, so you can keep up with the latest baseball scores
or check the weather before going out.
Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for bathrooms, but one of the latest trends
in baths are porcelain tiles that mimic wood. These tiles come in sizes up to 48” and can be
laid to look like natural woodgrain, without the worry of water damage. Laipple notes that the
woodgrain appearance really warms up the bathroom.
And speaking of warm – your toilet can be warm too. Homeowners can opt for a “throne”
with a retractable base that comes out and heats your feet as well as the seat of the toilet. And
new touchless flushing helps prevent the spread of germs among your family, along with a bidet,
which ensures a much cleaner experience.
You spend so much time in your bathroom every day. You owe it to yourself to make it a
more enjoyable place. And, according to HGTV.com, bath remodels often offer a r ] \