Over this past year, we have seen homeowners flock to modernized bathroom renovations centered around the roll-in shower. Like many trends, this began in the minds of luxury hotel bathroom designers. They saw an opportunity to make a roll-in shower a luxurious spa-like experience. The great news is that the vacationers who never left their hotel bathrooms can experience the same relaxation at home and under budget! All it takes is following a simple guide through choosing the proper steam showers, glass doors, bathroom tile, therapeutic jets, lighting, and other amenities.
How to Choose the Right Roll-in Shower Design For Steam Conversion
Roll-in Shower Defined:
Roll-in showers are designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the bathroom – some including glass doors and others not. We slope the shower floor to direct all of the water into channel drains. They are popular abroad because of their affordability and accessibility to the elderly and disabled.
Steam Shower Defined:
Steam showers bring the luxury of saunas into your home by integrating a steam generator into your bathroom shower. Like any sauna, it evenly disperses water vapor throughout an enclosed space – sometimes including the entire bathroom.
Steam showers are the bell of the ball – the creme de la creme of any luxury hotel bathroom. They are what make you know that you are at a high-end resort, and they are the most talked-about feature of any open house. The New York Times has an entire article on the added resale value this one upgrade brings to a home. But, the feature cannot exist in a vacuum. Integrating steam conversion into a roll-in shower is a creative way to maximize your space and modernize the look and feel of the bathroom without breaking the bank.
Designing With Steam Conversion Space In Mind
As with any renovation, the first step begins with evaluating the space. You will need to ensure that the steam area is enclosed. Some homeowners only want a small 8′ vertical space around the showerhead, and others desire room for an ergonomic bench and therapeutic bathtub in their sauna. If you want an open roll-in shower with no glass door, you will need to make sure you can convert the entire bathroom into a steam room.
The larger space, the more expensive the steam room generator will be. This steam generator price calculator will give you a rough estimate of what your desired cubic area would cost.
Once you know the cubic footage that fits your budget, then you can decide what additional features to include in the space. For example, most people looking to enjoy a steam shower want part of the experience sitting down. If limited on space, then I would consider adding a folding teak bench under the showerhead.
Picking the Right Bathroom Tile or Alternative for the Full Sauna Effect
Choosing the right tile, wood, or stone surface will determine the entire project’s stylistic direction and overall cost. Materials can range from $3/sf to well above $30 or $40/sf and up. But, the material cost isn’t the only cost to take into consideration. The level of intricacy and quality will impact the cost of labor and set the standard of quality throughout the rest of your renovation decisions. For example, if you choose a high-quality granite surface for your shower, you will want the countertop to match in either material or quality. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the standard of quality consistent throughout the entire renovation. Any stark contrasts will only bring more attention to the cheaper and lower-quality solutions.
When deciding which surface material to use in your steam shower, it is essential to choose insulating surfaces. Higher heat retention will make a big difference in sauna quality and the energy needed to keep the space warm. If the bathroom tile has lower heat retention, you will need to compensate with a higher quality steam generator. Nonporous materials like ceramic and porcelain are best at retaining heat. Using porous stones like granite, marble, and limestone will require regular maintenance to keep the surface sealed. Inevitably, the steam will damage the durability and appearance of nonporous tiles, letting the heat escape.
If you are looking to add a bit of creative elegance and luxury without compromising the shower’s heat retention, consider using a wavy ceramic tile. This surface adds a great modern look to a bathroom at an affordable cost.
Renovating The Bathroom for Comfort With the Right Therapeutic Jets and Shower Heads
Just like the steam shower, therapeutic jets are one of those add-ons that leave people talking. But before we review which jets will have you canceling your chiropractor appointment, we need to talk space again.
The big question many ask is, tub or no tub? If you don’t feel the need or desire to take a bath, you are not alone. Homeowners are increasingly forgoing the bathtub altogether. This renovation decision can cut costs and offer more room for counter space or comfortable seating in the steam space. These renovators who still want the luxurious comfort of bathtub jets often opt for therapeutic shower body sprays with rain showers. Experiencing this all-encompassing pressure of water feels out of this world but has some important considerations.
More water outlets require higher water pressure and result in higher water bills. To feel the full therapeutic effect of body sprays, you will need at least 45 psi. And if you like taking long hot showers, you will want to consider installing a larger water heater. You will also want to consider choosing shower sprays with thermostatic control valves. This feature will not only give you more control over the energy bill, but it will also provide better muscle relaxation.
If you enjoy long baths, you may want to consider incorporating the bathtub with the roll-in shower. This choice will offer a consistent design, ensuring that the bathtub or roll-in shower will not seem out of place. In addition, you can incorporate a state-of-the-art whirlpool jet system and enjoy its therapeutic message in the same insulated sauna carved out for the steam shower.
Adding the Awe Effect With the Perfect Lighting
Luxury 5 star hotels love to incorporate LED ambient lighting into their bathroom mirrors. Renovators can get creative with this and install similar recess lighting throughout the bathroom, including in the ceiling of the roll-in shower. This creative decision takes the sauna aesthetic up a notch, creating a captivating experience. And the nifty feature pairs well with bathrooms that use reflective materials like glass doors and glossy surfaces on the shower walls. Some even elect to use LED lights that can change color through remote control.
In addition to using LED lights, home renovators install waterproof TVs with anti-fogging screens. This is another feature that takes the luxury hotel bathroom experience to a whole new level. With the out-of-this-world lighting and an open space design that provides visibility to your favorite binge-worthy Netflix shows, there is a serious concern no one would ever leave the bathroom.
Tying it all Together For a Luxury Hotel Bathroom Experience
The hardest part of planning your bathroom renovation is – compromise. Unless you’re Jeff Bezos or have a money printing machine, you will need to prioritize your renovation objectives into a detailed list. Once you have identified which features will offer the most bang for your buck, you can brainstorm designs that showcase those strengths. Whether you decide that the surface design or heating capabilities are your top priority, we can help you navigate the best design options that will meet your goals. In addition, we will help keep things consistent and ensure that your bathroom is state of the art.
Contact us today, and we will connect you with one of our bathroom designers that can answer any question and get you a quote right away. info@ucanrinc.com | 310-500-7234
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