Design Blog - Walk In Showers
Bathroom renovations are on the rise - they are the lion’s share of our renovations, nowadays. And most homeowners are coming in to discuss renovating multiple bathrooms at one time. The number one update is converting a tub/shower to a walk-in shower.
The walk-in shower offers the homeowner a more luxurious feeling in a spa-like setting. Although there are some nice pre-fabricated shower stall kits, most homeowners are looking for the customized look and feel of tile. Instead of just white or bisque acrylic walls, the shower can now sport any color and combination of tile – glass, ceramic, plank, etc.
Shower fixtures come in a variety of options for the full experience. The basic set up of a stationary showerhead can be complimented by a handheld fixture, body sprays or a rain head. Finished in polished chrome, brushed nickel or bronze, fixtures also offer water-saving features that can help with costs in the long run.
The other benefit to a custom tile shower is that the shower space can now be customized. The shower can have a custom shape to accommodate heating elements or windows. If the space is 47” or wider, a bench can be created for seating or resting a foot. The depth of the shower can also be altered to allow for more room to move.
DESIGN TIP: A shower should be 47” or wider to accommodate a bench. Bench depth should start at 9” for a 47” space (leaving a 36” floor area for standing while bathing) and can increase from there to a maximum of 14” in a 60”+ shower.
When creating the space, we usually create a shower niche as well. This little storage shelf in the wall can be customized to have one or two shelves. Homeowners love this added storage.
For some shower designs the bench top, niche shelf and shower curb, we use a solid surface – granite, quartz or marble. These elements usually tie into the surface used on the vanity top and add a sense of richness to the design.
Lastly, the finishing touch on the walk in shower is the glass door. With a choice of metal finish accents on the handle and hinges, a frameless or semi-frameless glass shower door adds to the spa-feeling and the elegance of the space. By wrapping the bench top, the look is a uniquely-created custom style.
While there is an added cost to customizing a tile walk-in shower, the cost can be kept in check by utilizing a more simple tile for the bulk of the space and pair it with a small amount of more expensive accent strip tile.
To see what your bathroom space could look like with a walk-in shower, give us Attleboro Kitchen and Bath a call at 508-226-2284 for a free in-home consultation. Or stop by our showroom at 1 Park Street, Attleboro, MA to visit with a designer.
Design by Attleboro Kitchen and Bath
