The Curse of the Rain Shower
I’ll admit it – I’m not a fan of rain shower heads. There, I said it. Call me a heretic, but I just don’t understand the obsession with constantly having water splashing in your face while you try to wash your hair. And I know I’m not alone in this – my friend Emily feels the same way. “Do people really want water constantly in their face??” she asked, echoing my sentiments exactly.
Sure, rain showers might look luxurious and spa-like, but the reality is far from the dream. As a woman of color who doesn’t wash her hair daily, I can’t stand the constant drenching. Every time I’ve stayed at an Airbnb or hotel with one of these waterfall-esque monstrosities, I end up turning into a drowned rat, no matter how hard I try to avoid it. And don’t even get me started on trying to shave your legs in one of those open, frigid showers – it’s a recipe for goosebumps and chattering teeth. [1]
So when it came time to renovate my own bathroom, the rain shower was a hard pass. I wanted something that would actually let me control the water flow and temperature, without leaving me feeling like I just stepped out of a hurricane. A good old-fashioned handheld showerhead was the way to go. Sure, it may not be as “fancy”, but at least I can use it to actually clean myself without a constant stream of water in my face.
Heated Floors Are a Game-Changer
One of the best decisions we made in our bathroom renovation was installing heated floors. I know, I know – it’s an “extra” that some people might consider unnecessary. But let me tell you, once you experience the pure bliss of toasty warm tiles under your feet, there’s no going back.
I mean, think about it – how many times have you stepped out of a nice hot shower, only to have your tootsies freeze on the cold bathroom floor? It’s the worst! With heated floors, that problem is a thing of the past. Now I can luxuriate in my steamy shower and then step out onto a heavenly warm surface. Talk about the ultimate spa experience.
And the best part? It’s not just for comfort – heated floors can actually be energy efficient too. [2] By evenly distributing heat, they can reduce the need for other heating sources and potentially lower your utility bills. So not only are they a treat for your feet, but they’re also a smart investment for your home.
Of course, installing heated floors is no small feat. You have to coordinate closely with your electrician and tile installer to make sure it’s done right. But trust me, it’s worth the effort. I’ll never go back to freezing my tootsies off again.
The Joys (and Struggles) of Curbless Showers
Another game-changing feature in our bathroom renovation was the curbless shower. No more awkward stepping up and over that pesky curb – just a seamless transition from the bathroom floor right into the shower. Bliss!
The lack of a curb makes the whole space feel so much more open and airy. It’s like having a built-in wet room, without the hassle of worrying about water spilling out everywhere. And for those of us with mobility issues, either temporary or permanent, a curbless shower is a total lifesaver. No more having to hoist yourself up and over – just glide right in.
But of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There were a few hiccups along the way that I wish I’d known about ahead of time. [3] For one, figuring out how to contain the water within the shower area was a bit of a puzzle. We ended up installing a very slight slope towards the drain, but it took some trial and error to get it just right. And don’t even get me started on trying to find the perfect waterproof mat to put outside the shower – it’s like they just don’t exist!
Another challenge was deciding what to do about the door. My contractor originally wanted to go with a standard outward-swinging door, but I put the kibosh on that idea real quick. There’s no way I wanted that sucker constantly getting in my way every time I tried to enter or exit the shower. Instead, we opted for a door that could swing both in and out, which solved the problem nicely.
So while curbless showers may not be entirely hassle-free, I still think the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The open, accessible layout is just so much more pleasant to use on a daily basis. And with a little creative problem-solving, you can work around those pesky details.
The Unexpected Joys of Medicine Cabinets
I have to admit, when it comes to bathroom design, medicine cabinets aren’t exactly the sexiest or most glamorous feature. But let me tell you, they are an absolute game-changer in terms of storage and functionality.
See, I’m one of those people who just can’t stand having all my daily toiletries and medications cluttering up the vanity counter. It drives me crazy! But without a good medicine cabinet, where else are you supposed to put all that stuff? Under the sink? Pfft, good luck finding anything in that black hole.
That’s why I was adamant about including a nice big medicine cabinet in our bathroom renovation. And let me tell you, it has been a total lifesaver. Now I have a dedicated spot to neatly stash all my daily essentials, from my toothbrush to my migraine meds. No more unsightly piles of stuff crowding the vanity! [4]
And the best part? Medicine cabinets these days are so much more than just basic mirrored boxes. You can find all sorts of modern, stylish options that actually complement the rest of your bathroom design. Heck, some of them even have built-in lighting or electrical outlets – talk about functional luxury.
Sure, they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re dreaming up your perfect bathroom oasis. But trust me, once you experience the joys of having a dedicated medicine storage space, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. It’s the unsung hero of bathroom design, and I’m here to sing its praises.
Putting it All Together
When it comes to creating the ultimate bathroom experience, it’s all about finding that perfect balance of form and function. Sure, you want it to look gorgeous and feel like a luxurious retreat. But at the end of the day, the true mark of a great bathroom design is how well it works for your daily needs.
That’s why I’m such a stickler for features like handheld showerheads, heated floors, curbless showers, and medicine cabinets. Are they the “sexiest” elements? Maybe not. But they make such a tangible difference in terms of comfort, convenience, and accessibility.
And let’s be real – what good is a beautiful bathroom if you can’t actually use it comfortably? I’ll take function over form any day. After all, who cares how Instagram-worthy your shower is if you end up shivering and drenched every time you use it?
So if you’re in the midst of a bathroom renovation, or even just dreaming up your ideal space, don’t forget to prioritize those practical, often-overlooked features. They might not be the first thing that catches your eye, but they’ll be the ones that truly elevate your daily bathroom experience. Trust me, your feet, your sanity, and your organizational skills will thank you.
Now excuse me while I go luxuriate in my toasty warm, curbless shower, with my shampoo and migraine meds neatly tucked away in my sleek medicine cabinet. Ahh, the sweet, sweet smell of the ultimate bathroom bliss.
References
[1] Knowledge from https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/bathroom-renovation-mistakes-and-tips
[2] Knowledge from https://community.smartthings.com/t/replacement-for-act-advanced-control-technologies-rf100-single-pole-fixture-dimmer/88169
[3] Knowledge from https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/best-bathroom-fixtures.107916/
[4] Knowledge from https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/71108-help-importing-3d-furniture-fixtures-best-file-type-workflows/