A freestanding won't scream 2020 unless it's put inside the shower.

I think you need a new architect and designer. You need to hire people that work for you and work to give you what you want, not people that design for what they want for themselves.

You'll be the one paying for it and living there. Get what works for you! FST are a trend that only look good when in a huge bath where they can truly stand alone and away from areas that make them impossible to clean.

Non pro here. After several homes, I haven’t had a freestanding tub yet and probably would not do one, for the “cons” often cited. I think they can look gorgeous but I do like a deck or tub rim something around me for putting stuff. That said, my current home has a tub with a large, wide surround on 3 sides and it is just too wide for me. I’m short and it’s hard to climb over. It may not be a problem for you, but this has really bothered me. Plus it’s marble and slippery. Just My 2 cents. Congratulations on your new home!

That's a very biased image to make a design evaluation on. A shot from the bath entrance and one at a distance that evenly shows how it relates to the rest of the space would get you more capable evaluations. From your image I'm having hesitations concerning the stone 90* corner out in the middle of the space. You can have what makes you happy. The next person can change things.

Do what you like. Life is too short to design a house for some mythical future buyer!

I prefer freestanding tubs. Put one in my previous house back in 2012 and just put one in the house we built this year. I rarely take baths, so I prefer to look at a design that I find pleasing to the eye.

The people who keep saying they are impossible to clean have never had one. Make sure to allow some space for getting a mop behind. I find it much easier to clean around a freestanding tub, than have to climb into a built-in tub to clean the deck behind.

Freestanding tubs have always been around ... they just removed the feet and lowered it to the floor ... clawfoot tub by another name!!

dan1888

Point well taken. Here are two more images. However, the question is not about this tub configuration, it’s about in the new house should I use a freestanding tub based on todays trends, or a deck mounted tub based on my preference…. ie, will it really make a difference in resale value?

I had the dredded corner built in tub of the 90s, what a pain to clean. Now in the home that we’ve just finished, I have a beautiful freestanding tub. The freestanding tub is just as large as the built in but it visually takes up a fraction of the space. Im pretty sure they are no likelier to go out of style than a built in and scream the time frame any more than anything else. I also have a teak bench that can be used as a side table when I bathe in the tub. It comes down to the size of your bathroom. A built in tub, even if its the same size as a freestanding will always look weightier and take up more space visually. People complain about how difficult it is to clean a FST but to me its not. Theres no tub thats going to be a breeze to clean.

I'd' Ve put a freestanding tub in your existing bath. I've seen as somewhat logical deck tubs where the deck extends into the shower as a seat with a glass wall divider. I like the open feeling possible with a freestanding tub. More space feels like more.

Im a tub person — free standing is a pain. i like your tub here

dan1888
I did something similar to what you describe in a house recently sold.

It seems as though there are people that use tubs and those that look at tubs. I don’t disagree freestanding is very attractive. Wandering how user friendly they are?

If you prefer built in, and plan on living in the house 10 years, then go with what you like. i know plenty of people who dont even use their tubs.

I have used tubs similar to your photo at hotels and found the slab surround very uncomfortable on my neck. I much prefer a freestanding tub and am putting one in our build.

It’s your house and your money, do what makes you happy!

Freestanding is current over the past 1/2 decade. We built one without a main tub and have a current build with a tub in platform that also includes jets & a heater.

Being able to sit on the ledge, swing your legs around and then get in is a huge plus - as is the ability to have a towel, candle, adult beverage, book, phone, etc. nearby and not have to use a tray or the like. Also - not crawling around the back of anything is more practical. I see absolutely nothing wrong with your installation preference.

Your architect / designer pushing you to a "style" that doens't meet your needs isn't cool. Unless you were building a spec house - your personal preferences need to be incorporated and expanded upon for a god outcome FOR YOU!

I designed a two person platform tub in a client's house years ago per their request. They never use it, their house sitter loves it.

Well, we've possibly missed the deck-mounted tub option that could work. It's likely not seen because it's more difficult to put in a multi-level floorplan. And that's to sink the tub to floor level. Called a drop-in tub. https://www.build.com/product/summary/565876?uid=175409&jmtest=gg-gbav2_175409&inv2=1&&source=gg-gba-pla_175409!c1709211241!a69367405640!dc!ng&gclid=CjwKCAjwuYWSBhByEiwAKd_n_vO1Na4fcL53yyupUAp0ERIghcltGEwzwqWF4s0nMdsT2MNkQcWocRoCjVYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

You should put in the type of tub you like and that you'll use. Design your house for you since you're planning to live there for many years. And fwiw, if I was looking to buy a house, a freestanding vs deck tub would not be a deciding factor on its own. I'd be looking at much more than just that.

I almost bought a house with a huge sunken tub in the master bath. Sorry - too 90's Vegas for me and I am also sure I would have fallen into it and ended up in the ER

You should build the house for your wants and needs. Chances are anything you decide on now will look "dated" in 10+ years unless you're building a house that is a particular style and sticking to that look (ie: craftsman, georgian mansion, MCM, etc)

I like your tub. Can’t stand the drop-in corner tubs or the “garden tubs” offered as upgrades in production houses in the 90s .

I agree with the others, do what suits you and your needs. That being said, the realtor in me has to ask a couple of questions…do you intend to sell within 5 years and is your home considered a higher end listing? If the answer to those 2 questions are yes, I (personally) would do a free standing tub. I cannot tell you how many buyers in the luxury market demand a free standing tub and surprisingly it is at the top of the list of their requirements. 🤷🏼‍♀️