Bathrooms are where you begin and end every day. Having a bathroom and shower that acts as a sanctuary and helps you relax can be a blessing for the rest of your day.
In this month’s post, we take a look at key decisions to make during your shower remodeling process, as well as some ideas for ways to bring your new shower to the next level.
Stand-alone shower or combination unit?
The first decision to make when considering your new shower is whether you want a shower that is a tub-shower combination unit, or whether you want a stand-alone shower.
- Combination unit: These units are a great option if you do not have room for a stand-alone bath unit, but still want the ability for to take a bath. These are particularly popular with families looking for versatility at a lower cost.
- Stand-alone unit: These units offer far greater versatility in the direction you can take your shower remodel. With stand-alone units, you can choose the exact material combinations you’d like for your shower and also make them as large as you’d like. With a large enough space, you can also integrate a stand-alone bathtub to have the best of both worlds!
Shower floor
When outlining the direction you want to go for you new shower, deciding on the material of your floor is an important step. Depending on your direction, you may choose a pre-fabricated model. Many homeowners decide to go in a more custom direction, allowing for more versatility in space utilization and aesthetic cohesion.
Another benefit of the custom route is you can choose the exact material you’d like to use with your shower remodel. Some of our favorite include:
- Porcelain
- Marble
- Travertine
- Wood
- Tile
Shower walls and doors
Similarly, shower walls are an important factor when deciding on the direction to take your new shower. While your shower walls will take less abuse than your shower floor, this is another area where durability should be a concern.
Many of the materials used for walls are the same materials that are used for flooring, though most people choose to go in a direction that compliments the rest of the shower and bathroom at large. This is to add visual texture to your bathroom.
Another thing to consider is the door to your shower. Generally these doors will be glass of some sort, though there are some styles that are doorless (and curbless).
Shower heads
One of the most important functional aspects of your new shower is your shower head. These range from luxurious to simple. The two most basic options include:
- Single spray: These shower heads are the most common, and include one single stream of water with good pressure down onto you from an angle above. They also often involve a switch that can change the pressure from a bunch of little tiny streams to one steady one. This is generally mounted to the shower and cannot be moved.
- Handheld system: These systems are similar to the single spray system, you can just take it off the wall to move the stream of water to different parts of your body. This style is extremely popular in Europe.
While these are the most basic options, there are a few more options that we absolutely love!
Whole body spray
These wall-mounted, full body sprays provide both therapeutic and cleansing effects on your body. You won’t believe how much you’ll love having a full-body water experience in your shower!
These sprays are particularly great if you experience muscle aches and pains and need extra relief. Your entire body will be covered in water, creating a bathlike experience without sitting and soaking.
Rain shower head
Rain shower heads replicate falling rain from above in your personal shower and are a perfect compliment to whole body sprays. These showerheads offer a softer, gentler shower experience
Some choose to combine the rain shower head with body spray or traditional shower heads, while some choose to use the rain shower head as a stand alone head.
Shower features to bring your shower to the next level
Walk-in shower
Walk-in, or curbless, showers are a convenient and luxurious option for any shower remodel. These showers sit on the same level as the floor of your bathroom, creating a seamless aesthetic and built-in functionality that adds convenience to your day to day routine.
In addition to the simple aesthetic brilliance they add to your bathroom, these showers are a safer option (as they reduce the possibility of tripping over anything) and are also a cinch to clean.
Walk-in shower work by slightly slanting the shower floor towards a drain, leaving the water in your shower despite the seamless look. Match these showers with a tile floor!
Two-person shower
Whether or not you functionally need space for two in your shower, large, oversized showers are a recent trend we love. These shower spaces abandon the idea that a shower needs to be a space for efficiency. When your shower is large, you can truly relax.
These showers are indeed large enough to fit multiple people and also generally integrate 2 luxury shower heads. This is particularly great if you and your partner work at the same time every day and need the flexibility to shower at the same time.
Aromatherapy
One of the best ways to improve your shower and turn it into a spa oasis is through the use of an essential oils aromatherapy diffuser.
Aromatherapy diffusers mount to the wall or shower head and disperse essential oils into the flow of water, creating a relaxing and zen atmosphere with the touch of a button.
Essential oils are a great way to improve not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. They are shown to be a great way to treat anxiety issues!
Other benefits of essential oils include helping you:
- Improve your mood
- Relax and sleep
- Gain relief from inflammation
- Boost your immune system
- Improve skin
Turn your dream bathroom into your daily bathroom
At Godfrey Design-Build, we’re committed to creating spaces that inspire. Having a bathroom and shower you love lets you start your day the right way. It also gives you a place to unwind at the end of a long day.
Our bathroom and shower remodelers will work with you to create the perfect space for your lifestyle. Contact us today to see exactly how we can help!