My personal preference would be for a soaking tub and medium/large shower in the master bath. I do NOT want a hot tub. But I'm seeing a lot of homes with a large shower in master and tub in another bathroom. It think the younger generation prefers showers but needs tubs for their kids. Let's hear from different generations about their preferences.

Really hard to see detail to even guess at material (patinated copper?) or construction (strips or tubes?). However, I do agree that in all likelihood this is a custom fabrication. In that case, you'd do best to use it as inspiration and find a talented metal worker to replicate it. Start with a small sample piece only before committing to the whole project....and check with your architect re code requirements for strength, size of openings etc.

Agree with Kathy. If you or someone in your home actually needs the seat in order to shower (thus the reason for my original question), we're talking about a different need. If, however, it's just to have in case you want to sit down (I doubt you ever will), then I say don't even do it. These "seats" become ledges for shampoo, soap, razors and scrubs too easily. Thats why I suggested carefully planning niches out of the sight line from outside the shower (when possible!). I like a shaving niche or small corner ledge at a height that is comfortable for leg shaving. I do have a seat in a very large steam/rain shower and it is virtually never used for anything other than leg shaving!

Where to start? First we installed a partial fence on one side with an arbor. Then, on the same side, added an exterior French door to the living room and an extra window to a spare bedroom. Then had the area landscaped. Pics below. Ran out of time (and money!!) to tackle the paver patio with a pergola off the dining room which will require changing out the double window for French doors. I hope to be able to do that in 2017, along with creating a pathway from lower yard between trees that form a sort of avenue to the upper field. Smaller projects in the meantime include currently getting quotes for a kitchen backsplash and under cabinet lighting. DIY projects: Would like to change out the pedestal sink in the powder room for a vanity and add cabinets to my laundry room. Extensive trim work and wainscoting in most rooms. Would like to put reclaimed barn beams on the living room ceiling. Lastly, if I still have any money left, would be to convert the deck to a screened porch with a fireplace, put in a small plunge pool and put a veggie garden and a shed/workshop in the upper field. I wouldn't say anything so far has gone terribly wrong. I will say that contractors don't really expect you to pay extra to do a real cleanup, do they??? Shouldn't that be part of the deal?? I mean should a homeowner expect to pay another contractor to fix the dings in her hardwood floors left by the previous contractor even though the homeowner took the time to put down heavy duty drop cloths?? Just saying...... New Fence: New window and door: New door: