Houzzers Say: Dream Features for the Bath and Closet
Universal design, clever storage and convenience top the list of dream-house necessities
Many of you chimed in on the questions board when a fellow Houzz user asked what kinds of cool new things she should consider while planning her new home. Today we're continuing the compilation of answers with Houzzers' suggested dream features to include in bathrooms and closets. There were many dream features on the list that I did not know existed, and it was fun to read through all of them.
A shower bench and a shower niche. Make sure the niche is large enough for Costco-size shampoo bottles. A bench in the shower is especially useful as a universal design element (and a place to prop legs on while shaving).
Universal design elements. Many of you are wisely planning ahead and adding features that will allow you to age in your homes, such as wider pathways, curbless shower stalls and grab bars.
A handheld shower nozzle. These can help you save water as they can target that sudsy area more efficiently. Also, you can set the whole thing up so that when the handheld is on, the overhead is off, with a third option to turn them both off for what my grandpa called "a Navy shower" (which saves the most water).
Towel warming bars. Toasty towels are a wonderful luxury, especially when the bathroom is chilly.
Jacuzzi Towel Warming Drawer
This reminds me of when Seinfeld's Kramer kept putting his clothing in various ovens to make them warm and toasty. A drawer is much more convenient and won't smell like pizza.
Jacuzzi Home Spa Radiant Floor Warming System
Speaking of toasty ... radiant heat can help with that. Heated floors are a dream during a barefoot midnight trip to the loo in the winter.
A TV over the tub. To be honest, I am not sure anyone suggested this. I just saw the picture and thought it belonged on a list of the ultimate home options. While a good novel and a candle are all I need, I certainly can see the draw of watching a nightime soap while soaking in suds.
OK, OK, I lied about the novel. I really need the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, and I would very much enjoy watching Revenge at the same time.
More on this secret TV
OK, OK, I lied about the novel. I really need the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, and I would very much enjoy watching Revenge at the same time.
More on this secret TV
Salon convenience. Give your hair dryer, curling iron and straightener a designated storage spot that includes outlets. There will be no more worrying about where to stash a hot appliance or tangled cords underneath the sink to deal with.
A morning kitchen. This is a sneaky and luxurious little spot, often near the closet or dressing area, where you can get that first cup of coffee going the second you rise. A morning kitchen can consist of just an espresso maker or be elaborate enough to hold a small refrigerator for juice, milk and other morning snacks. Some people even incorporate a dishwasher and sink for their morning dishes. If I had this, I wouldn't make it downstairs until I was hungry for lunch.
Ample shoe storage. Moving into the closet, Houzzers want space to store and admire their shoes. Personally, I want all the shoes in this photo, and I don't care what I would have to do to store them.
A pull-out counter. This handy counter is great not only for placing laundry that needs to be put away, but for organizing and packing too.
A pull-out ironing board. Pulling a built-in board out of the wall is more convenient and easier to use than a traditional ironing board. Also, it takes up less space. If you had to pick, would you want this in your big closet or your big laundry room?
Ample lighting. The chances of wearing one black shoe and one blue one one go up exponentially when you don't have good lighting in the closet.
Valet rods. These handy racks pull down with ease, letting you take advantage of the high space in your closet.
What did we miss? Let us know your favorite features for the bath and closet in the Comments section.
Also on Houzzers' wish lists:
Outdoor Must-Haves | Dream Kitchen Must-Haves
More:
2012 Appliance Trends: The Bathroom
The Bathroom Goes High Tech
12 Ways to Get More Out of Your Closet This Year
What did we miss? Let us know your favorite features for the bath and closet in the Comments section.
Also on Houzzers' wish lists:
Outdoor Must-Haves | Dream Kitchen Must-Haves
More:
2012 Appliance Trends: The Bathroom
The Bathroom Goes High Tech
12 Ways to Get More Out of Your Closet This Year