With more people staying home than ever before, many are looking at renovations that will make their space more enjoyable. When it comes to bathrooms, particularly the master bath, homeowners are interested in creating a spa retreat where they can truly relax.

It's a trend that Dennis Gehman, MCR, of Gehman Design Remodeling, says he's seeing more and more. People might not be traveling as much—and may even be working from home—so they want to make their personal spaces into a safe, comfortable escape.

Of course, when partnering with a qualified vendor to complete any renovation project, homeowners have numerous options from which to choose. But when it comes to something as important as a place to relax—something we all need more than ever—you want to be sure that it's done right. No one wants any more hassles and headaches than they need, which is why choosing a design/build firm that can handle every aspect of the project—from design to construction—is essential.

House & Home spoke with Gehman about the ways homeowners can transform their bathroom into a spa-like retreat.

What are some of the most essential components of a luxury bathroom?
Some homeowners might be accustomed to traveling and visiting resorts where they'd have some of these spa amenities and now they're asking how they can have them at home. Along with the idea of a spa at home has come a shift back to large tubs—something that homeowners had been trending away from for a while. Previously, people might have said they didn't have time to relax in a bath, but now they're making the time. A soaking tub can be an excellent way to de-stress, and we're getting more requests for them.

Of course, large showers remain popular, too. A lot of homeowners want both options. Homeowners love the ability to have multiple spray features, including a regular showerhead and a handheld, as well as a rain shower. Those amenities help to make the shower feel like a spa experience, too.

Are there stress-relieving features to consider?
Some homeowners truly want to go the extra mile in creating that luxury spa experience with a steam shower. The warm, vaporous steam is good for the skin and the sinuses. Other homeowners prefer the idea of adding a sauna, which uses dry heat. A sauna may help to produce "a good sweat" and therefore flush toxins from their body. Proponents of this feature suggest it's another great way to release stress.

What are other details that will make a difference in enjoying the space?
In terms of bathroom flooring, tile still reigns, but many homeowners are adding heated tile for a more luxuriant feel. The heated floors can be put on a wall timer so that by the time you step out of the shower or tub, the floor is sufficiently heated. Homeowners can even add towel warmers for that spa-like feel. Also, if you add steam features, no-fog mirrors are a must. Options include those that are insulated or use heat to prevent steam-up.

Homeowners may also want a lighted medicine cabinet. They have ones which open up and there are also mirrors and lights inside, so you can create a whole tri-view mirror setup, almost like a dressing room. Some homeowners add Bluetooth speakers to their bathroom so they can connect to Spotify or another streaming service. In fact, Kohler makes a showerhead with built-in Bluetooth speakers.

Why should homeowners consider Gehman Design Remodeling to execute this type of project?
We have a proven track record and a long list of happy clients. We were recently awarded two Region 1 - Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, also known as NARI—one for a spa master bath, and another for an entire second-floor residential interior, including three bathrooms. In the end, choosing the right partner can be the difference between having a gorgeous space with all of the amenities where you can truly relax, versus a compromised space that suffers because it wasn't designed or built correctly in the first place. After all, it does no good to invest significant time and money to create a sanctuary designed to help you unwind and de-stress, only to be left wondering: If only I could go back in time and do things differently.

Gehman Design Remodeling
PA-297
355 Main St.
Harleysville, Pa.
(215) 513-0300
GehmanRemodeling.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 21, Issue 8 (April/May 2021). 
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