Master baths soak up inspiration from spas

Master baths soak up inspiration from spas

Eric Choules has found there's almost no limit to the luxuries homebuyers want in a master bath.

The custom-home builder has installed such features as distinctive vanities, large spalike showers with attached saunas, heated floors and even fireplaces.

And in one north Scottsdale master bathroom - a wet bar.

"The whole master in this house is set up for romance," said Choules, owner of Landmark Building Consultants, adding that master baths that stand out are right up there with kitchens and master bedrooms in terms of importance to buyers.

"You want to have something that's not only practical, but a place you can retreat and relax for the day," he said.

Area builders say today's biggest master bathroom trends include vessel sinks sitting atop his-and-hers vanities, large walk-in showers with multiple showerheads, and more elaborate flooring and fixtures.

Marissa Langlie, interior-design manager for Sanctuary Builder in Tempe, said new bathroom designs are taking inspiration from spas by including contemporary fixtures, elegant lighting and even decorative metallic tiles.

"It's definitely a prominent space in the house," she said. "They're trying to create a spa feel."

Linda Rossi, marketing director for Toll Brothers, said showers are getting more space and attention and rivaling whirlpool tubs for luxury.

"Some of our homes have very nice walk-in showers that have dual entrances," she said, adding that granite-topped vanities are also among their latest bathroom features.

The trends reflect the National Association of Home Builders' latest "Home of the Future" survey, which predicted that dual vanities and more elaborate walk-in showers will be a must in new homes by 2015.

Stephen Melman, the NAHB's director of economic services, said more than 60 builders, designers, architects and other experts in the survey predicted that in six years shower stalls in upscale homes may reach the size of small rooms, ranging from 5 feet by 7 feet to 6-by-8.

Master bathrooms of the future also will include a separate compartment for the toilet, according to the survey, and his-and-hers dressing areas will be more common. Upscale master bathrooms likely will feature a stand-alone bathtub separate from the spalike shower, plus a separate linen-storage area, Melman said.

Jacque Petroulakis, spokeswoman for Pulte Homes and Del Webb Communities, said their new bathrooms are getting enhanced tiling and trim work. Even mirrors are being framed by stone or tile, she said, adding that spas and resorts may indeed be an inspiration.

"Many more homebuyers have had a spa experience in the last 10 years than the previous 10 years," she said.

A simpler bathroom trend is that, along with the rest of the house, neutral is out and color is in. Langlie said new homeowners want brighter color schemes.

Other popular bathroom trends include comfort-height toilets and higher countertops. Rossi said eco-friendly fixtures such as gray-water collection systems are also getting more interest.

While granite countertops and marble flooring are still popular materials for luxury baths, Melman said new materials, such as bamboo flooring, may become more common.