Privacy and luxury emphasized in new bathroom designs

The room that’s least seen by guests is also the room where homebuyers lavish some of the most design upgrades in the home. The bathrooms have become one of the most essential parts of the home ever since indoor plumbing became a thing. They are also a big part of what gives character and style to the home – but deciding on their style can be challenging.

Today, most modern single-family homes have at least two-and-a-half bathrooms. The first is the master bath, usually an attached ensuite to the master bedroom in most move-up homes. Then there’s the main bath, usually for the use of the rest of the household. And then there is the half bath or powder room – which has now become part of the traditional design of the home and even some multi-family homes have incorporated this into their design.

The first two are usually located on the second floor for privacy and functionality, and the half-bath is on the main floor to accommodate visitors. There is a trend that is seeing the half bath upgraded to a full bath – that means bathtub/shower, plus toilet and a sink - to accommodate multi-generational households.

They also come in two-piece, three-piece or five-piece configurations depending on any combination of sinks, tubs, toilet, and shower pieces.

But when it comes to designing each bathroom, there are some disparities. We asked some of Edmonton’s most renowned builders to give an insight on how they approach designs for their bathrooms and here is what they say.

Rohit Communities

Lina Nguyen, Marketing Manager at Rohit Communities, says purposeful design is crucial in everything that they do, but most importantly when it comes to bathrooms.

“For the main floor, we often tuck the half bath right off the main entertaining space so it’s easily accessible but also not in the middle of party. Upstairs, the main shared bathroom is placed near the bedrooms and the ensuite is always designed to be a relaxing space at the end of the day.”

This layout can be seen in Rohit’s newest New Nordic Spa inspo-home in Saxony Glen. “This is not your average showhome and the first in Edmonton to immerse you into the calming experience it inspires. Reminiscent of relaxing Scandinavian spas local and beyond, this concept is a natural pairing with our popular New Nordic Designer Interior.”

Rohit does tend to go all out with style especially for their showhomes, but for them looking good doesn’t necessarily mean added cost.

“We’ve incorporated Scandinavian-inspired finishes like matte black lighting, warm wood-look cabinets, modern faucets, and statement hex flooring in the half bath to bring our New Nordic Designer Interior to life in our newest showhome in Saxony Glen,” Nguyen says.

“The best part is we’re able to offer all these designer details standard without needing to upgrade. All our Designer Interiors have special elements like these and come standard in our spec homes at no additional cost – townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes too.”

She does say bathroom design ultimately is dictated by the buyer’s lifestyle, but she does have some pointers.

“Function and design are two very important elements. Imagine yourself maneuvering through the space: does it fit your daily routine? Consider whether you need a tub or shower (or both!), double sinks, countertop size, and other elements that’ll make you feel better about where you live. Does the style fit your aesthetic? At the end of the day, make sure this space fits you.”
Find out more at RohitCommunities.com

Coventry Homes

Coventry Homes says it is important for bathrooms to be a bright and calming space, especially for the master suite, and their showhomes bring out all their potential with spa-like features. “It’s a retreat for the homeowners where they can get away from the daily grind and find some momentary peace,” says Coventry Homes Interior Designer, McKenzie Campbell
“Fully tiled showers with custom plumbing like body sprays and hand showers on slide bars are a great way to add luxury with function. Free standing tubs can create a spa atmosphere, and natural wood or neutral vanities with interesting backsplash tile, and feature light fixtures add warmth and elegance.”

Bathrooms do need to perform a function, but Campbell says practicality and function can also be stylish.

“A balance of functionality and privacy needs to be found. We have found more clients adding doors and privacy to their ensuites accommodating shift working couples and those early and late risers,” she says.

A luxurious option creating privacy can be seen in Coventry’s Odessa showhome in Riverside. The ensuite opens to a black free-standing tub in front of a fully tiled wall. On the other side of the wall, a fully tiled, dual entrance shower is tucked behind the wall for privacy and functionality. The dual vanity is placed conveniently to one side of the room while the water closet is at the opposite.

“In our Griesbach, Kalliope showhome, privacy has been created using a double-sided fireplace. This acts as a room divider between the master and ensuite, but it the epitome of luxury with a free-standing tub place in front of it on the ensuite side,” Campbell says.

For more information on Coventry Homes showhomes, go to Coventryhomes.ca.

Excel Homes

Excel Homes Marketing Manager, Kristina Plank has some pointers when it comes to choosing what to include in the bathrooms. One is vanity sizes: what do you feel is appropriate for your needs? Two sinks or one? Find a good combination of drawers and cabinets for storage. Two, have options to separate the toilet from the rest of the bathroom for added privacy. And three, allow for windows for natural lighting.

For the half-bath, she thinks it’s a good idea to keep it in an inobtrusive spot away from the main living and gathering spaces. She also thinks that the vanity sizes in the main baths should suit the number of secondary bathrooms and the number of people that will be using it.

“Our ensuite layouts consider the functionality of the space, and how a family may use it. Our upgraded pre-planned options offer lots of variety, allowing customers to choose their level of luxury and find exactly what they want and need,” Plank says.
Check out their Hartwell showhome in Vita Crystallina. The master suite is fit for royalty with its handsome dark tile with black hardware that give it a stately look. The stand-alone tub is in an unobtrusive corner by a large window that just oozes relaxing sophistication.

While their Bentley duplex showhome in Citadel is a study in elegant functionality with studiously designed three-piece attached ensuite and main bath that make the best use of space.

Plank says the most essential advice she can give in bathroom design is to find a home or layout that will work for how the buyer intends to use it. “We are all different and may use the same space in many different ways,” she adds.

Go to excelhomes.ca to find out more.