Master Bath Design

Your home has been in need of a bathroom remodel, and the time to start the process has arrived. Whether remodeling a master bath or a guest powder room, there are quite a few factors to consider. Unless you are a homeowner who has extensive remodeling experience, hiring a professional who works through the process on a daily basis will prevent your dream bathroom from turning into a nightmare.

THE FLOOR PLAN

When thinking of the new floor plan of your bathroom renovation, consider how the space can be utilized best. How many times have you taken a bath in the garden tub in the past year? If you aren't utilizing the tub, there is approximately 5 feet by 3 feet of space that could be used to enlarge the shower, add a linen closet, or add a make-up vanity. Is the toilet the first thing you see when you open the door? Typically the bathroom door remains open, a direct view of the toilet is not the most pleasant view. A killer feature wall, beautiful vanity, or an elegant freestanding tub are all ideal focal points to your bathroom retreat. 

 

MATERIALS SELECTIONS

When selecting materials for your new bathroom think about the overall feel you are going for. Are you wanting a spa-like retreat, a rustic cottage feel, or a sleek modern vibe? The tile, vanity, lighting, mirrors, and plumbing are key factors in creating the bathroom you have envisioned. Something to consider is what you would like the focal point of your bathroom to be. Splurging on a beautiful accent wall, a gorgeous freestanding tub, a sparking chandelier, or eye catching mirrors can be a worthwhile investment to bring a special flare to your bathroom. Spending a few extra dollars on a couple of select materials can be done in a way that doesn't break the bank and makes the space extra special. 

Lighting

Lighting in a bathroom should not only create ambiance, but also provide proper illumination for shaving or applying make-up. Recessed LED can lights throughout the ceiling brightens the space making it feel larger and also saves energy. Adding a dimmer for the can lights allows you to control the mood of the room. Task lighting is also necessary in a bathroom to illuminate the work space of the vanity. Proper lighting at the mirror should brighten the face with minimal shadowing to make shaving, make-up application, brushing your teeth, or hair styling easier. 

Tile: Ancient Material In Modern Day Designs

Throughout history tile has been utilized in interior and exterior spaces for both its beauty as well as its durability. The use of terracotta tile hand shaped from mud and clay of river banks and baked by the heat of the sun have been found in Mesopotamian architecture, and decorative tile has been found to date to 4000 B.C. in Egypt. Later, the Egyptians discovered that firing clay tile in kilns at high temperatures made the material more water resistant and stronger. The art of developing and manufacturing tile continued in Roman, Greek, and Asian architecture. China and the Middle East developed unique styles from a product made with white kaolin clay known as porcelain. The Persians revived the ancient Egyptian technique of ground quartz formulated with a mixture of white clay and glaze which most influenced the production of ceramic tile. Asia perfected the quality of detail by the use of glazes which later influenced the production and use of tile in the Dutch, Spanish, Italian, as well as other European Countries. As European colonists settled in North and South America, tile production rapidly evolved in these colonies also. Only the wealthy were able to import tile for their homes in the 1800's primarily for fireplace surrounds. By the turn of the century, tile was no longer a material for the elite. Tile application exploded in the utilization of foyer floors, bathrooms, and kitchens for sanitary purposes. Tile murals were applied for designing public spaces as well as "subway tile". The affordability and use of tile continued to spread world wide and by the 1980's, North America became an important market for tile manufacturers. Within the past several years, the tile industry has revolutionized. Computers, robotics, and machinery produce most porcelain tiles today in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles; however, there are manufacturers that are partial to the ancient art of the handmade tile.  

Today tile plays a significant role in designing interior spaces of a home as well as commercial spaces. Tile is the longest lasting flooring product on the market. With proper installation and care, tile can last a lifetime. Tile has evolved from simply a sanitary surface to a pivotal element of design in a space. Due to innovative production, tile is available in a large range of sizes from small penny rounds to four foot by eight foot pieces. In addition to size, technology has allowed the industry to produce tile with unique textures as well as color. With this new technology comes experimentation of alternate materials such as glass, metal, wood, and leather being crafted into tile shapes which are integrated into tile designs. Machinery, such as the water jet, has allowed tile to be cut into intricate shapes that were once thought to be impossible or incredibly time consuming to produce. This new product provides a vast range of design applications in any space. Along with aggressive innovation in tile production and design, manufacturers of materials such as adhesives and grouts, as well as sealers and cleaners are working just as hart in making tiled surfaces the easiest surface to maintain in a home. Combined with no volatile organic compounds (VOC's), its antimicrobial surface, and insect resistance, tile is the most sensible design option for quality floors and walls.

Reviewing and researching new developments in setting materials, tile production, tile installation, and trends allows the team at BARRON Tile and Stone to provide its customers with the most current products available. Team members attend the annual International Coverings Tile Show to remain a step ahead in what is to come in the tile industry. Participating in workshops for the latest developments in installation materials and techniques allows us to provide quality results for our customers. Observing and conversing with manufacturers around the globe enables the team to see where the future direction of tile design is heading. The BATTON Tile and Stone team works hard to provide a unique showroom experience to its customers. The vast selection available provides design opportunities for any application and space. Visit us in person to experience Moore Counties largest, most innovative showroom, or visit us online at www.barrontile.net.