Bathtubs have a perceived value that doesn’t square with reality. Fact is most homeowners don’t take baths. Given a choice, most of our clients prefer walk-in showers. The tough part is letting go of the tub.
These TriFection clients wrestled with the dilemma in discussing their new bathroom renovation project. We find bathtubs are seldom used by adults any more–especially once given the opportunity to enjoy a large, luxurious walk-in shower. That’s why walk-in showers are in such high demand from prospective home buyers when other bathrooms in the house have a tub available for children and guests.
Walk-in showers actually enhance resale
Once our clients understood how a walk-in shower could enhance resale value, all debate ended.
With the general bathroom design concept in place, we moved on to our clients’ material selections. The centerpiece that would drive all of their other choices was a tile they fell in love with. The Autumn Leaves tumbled travertine chosen for their shower surround and bathroom floor established an earthy color scheme that permeates the bathroom – a blend of red, gold, rust and cream. This tile was accented by a glass and slate mix as well as a honed pebble shower floor.
Benefits of more space in a walk-in shower
By removing the bathtub, we were free to not only increase the size of their shower but also add bench seats inside and outside of the shower, the latter used for a drying off area. Benches are a very popular feature of most walk-in showers.
We completed this walk-in shower with frameless glass, which nicely displayed their Delta shower fixtures, including the shower head and handheld shower unit.
Completing the project
The walk-in shower set the stage for new solid oak vanity cabinets, outfitted with raised cove panel doors and finished with Library Oak stain. We topped the custom cabinetry with Carmel Ceasarstone counters because the client liked the consistency of a manufactured stone more than granite.
To maintain privacy and still allow plenty of light, we reframed the window area and installed rain glass. The shimmering light it casts during the day completes a natural look that’s breathtaking.
One step into this bathroom will leave you wondering why anyone would ever give a second thought to getting rid of a seldom-used bathtub.
For more pictures of this TriFection bathroom and others like it, click here.
