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Today's master bathrooms are beyond luxurious - they would make
an oriental potentate feel right at home. And yet, like many aspects
of today's home, it's the emotion, not the logic, that counts.
A large whirlpool soaking tub is considered absolutely essential,
even though studies show that most people don't take baths - they
take showers. But a soaking tub looks nice, and the room would feel
incomplete without it. And let's not forget all those fantasies
about bubble baths for two, while sipping champagne. Even if you
never do it, it's fun to think about. Besides, what if you want
to resell the home? What if the new owner actually wants a tub?
It would cost a lot more to add it later.
But even a simple shower isn't enough - today's showers feature
multiple shower heads, cascading waterfalls, and pulsing jets of
water for a total bathing experience. Two shower heads make it easier
to share the shower, as well as creating a sensation of being surrounded
by water. Custom showers can be huge, lined with marble, and many
have walk around entryways, to eliminate shower doors. It's a big
step up from the shower head in the standard tub.
One sink isn't enough - now there needs to be at least two sinks
-- his and hers. In some cases there are two separate vanity areas
- so that the wife doesn't have to put up with the husband's shaving
mess, and the husband doesn't have to put up with her hair spray.
And of course, the countertops are either Corian, granite, marble,
or ceramic tile. It costs a lot more than cultured marble, but it
looks better and lasts longer. When we use ceramic tile on the walls,
it isn't the plain white tiles of the past. We want special colors
and textures, and special inset tiles to add border and patterns.
We've upgraded the lighting, the fan (more quiet), the faucets
(nickel, brass, or brass and chrome), the mirrors (framed), the
towel racks and hardware. The flooring is either ceramic or marble
tile. The lowly toilet has been relegated to it's own room - for
greater privacy. Sometimes there are his and her toilets - presumably
his with the lid left up, and hers with it down.
You see, bathrooms aren't about being clean. They're about pampering
ourselves in small ways, to give our lives more a sense of luxury
and self-indulgence. After all, we're working harder, spending more
time away from home, and making more money. What better way to tell
ourselves, "you deserve the best."
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