Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Inspiration for a small asian u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Portland with a drop-in sink, wood countertops, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and no island

Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces; they’re mini sanctuaries where we unwind, reset, and start or end the day. One of the biggest trends driving modern bathroom design is the move towards open, spacious layouts – and at the centre of that look is the wet room shower screen. At BathroomNation, we’ve helped countless homeowners transform traditional bathrooms into sleek, practical wet rooms using high-quality wet room shower screens. In this blog, we’ll explain what a wet room shower screen is, why it’s such a smart choice, how to plan and style it, and what to look for when choosing the perfect one for your home. What Is a Wet Room Shower Screen? A wet room shower screen is a fixed or semi-fixed glass panel designed to separate your shower area from the rest of the bathroom floor, without enclosing it like a traditional cubicle. Instead of a full tray and door, you have:

• A level or gently sloped floor (often fully tiled)
• A walk-in, open shower space
• One or more glass panels providing splash protection

The shower screen helps contain water spray, while keeping the room visually open and easy to access. It’s the ideal solution for creating that walk‑in, hotel‑style shower experience at home. Why Choose a Wet Room Shower Screen? A wet room shower screen offers several practical and aesthetic benefits that make it an increasingly popular choice. 1. A Sense of Space and Openness Traditional shower enclosures can visually chop up a room, especially if they use heavy framing or smaller panels. A wet room shower screen, usually made from large, clear glass panels, allows the eye to travel further and lets light flow freely. This is particularly valuable in:

• Small bathrooms that feel cramped
• Rooms with limited or no natural light
• Long, narrow spaces where every inch counts

With a wet room shower screen from BathroomNation, your bathroom instantly feels larger and more luxurious. 2. Easy Access and Better Accessibility Because a wet room shower area is typically level with the rest of the bathroom floor, you don’t need to step over a high tray edge or navigate a narrow door opening. This makes it:

• Ideal for people with limited mobility
• Safer for older users and children
• More comfortable for everyday use

A wet room shower screen provides the necessary splash protection while keeping the shower zone wide and open. 3. Clean, Minimalist Look Wet rooms are the epitome of modern bathroom design: clean lines, minimal clutter, and a focus on beautiful surfaces. A simple glass screen supports that look perfectly. With BathroomNation’s wet room shower screens, you can achieve:

• Almost invisible glass boundaries
• Minimal metal hardware and framing
• A seamless link between shower and non-shower areas

The result is a calming, contemporary space that feels more like a boutique spa than a basic bathroom. 4. Easy Cleaning and Maintenance Fewer frames, tracks, and corners mean fewer places for grime and mould to build up. A wet room shower screen is largely just flat glass:

• Quick to wipe down after a shower
• Simple to clean with standard glass cleaner
• Less prone to discoloured seals and hard-to-reach dirt

Many BathroomNation screens also feature easy‑clean coatings to make maintenance even simpler. Types of Wet Room Shower Screens Not all wet room screens are the same. At BathroomNation, we offer various layouts and styles to suit different rooms and preferences. 1. Single Fixed Panel The most minimalist option is a single fixed glass panel mounted directly to the floor and wall. This works well when:

• The shower head is positioned sensibly to minimise overspray
• Your bathroom is medium or large in size
• You want an ultra‑open, walk‑in feel

A single wet room shower screen panel is a popular choice for modern renovations and new builds. 2. Fixed Panel with Deflector For extra splash protection without adding a full door, you can choose a fixed panel with a hinged or angled deflector section at the end. This:

• Extends coverage
• Helps keep more water inside the shower area
• Still keeps the openness of a walk‑in design

It’s a smart compromise where you want a bit more control over water spray. 3. Wet Room Screen with Hinged Return Panel Some layouts use a main fixed panel plus a smaller hinged return panel that can swing inwards or outwards. This allows you to:

• Increase the effective width of protection during showering
• Fold the panel away slightly when not in use to open up the space

These more flexible wet room shower screen designs are ideal in multi‑use bathrooms where you want adaptability. Key Features to Look for in a Wet Room Shower Screen When choosing a wet room shower screen from BathroomNation, paying attention to the details will ensure you get a product that looks great and performs well long-term. 1. Glass Thickness and Quality Most quality wet room screens use:

• 8mm toughened safety glass as standard
• 10mm toughened glass for an even more solid, premium feel

Thicker glass tends to feel more robust and luxurious, with less movement or flex. All BathroomNation screens use toughened safety glass designed for bathroom environments. 2. Easy-Clean Coating An easy‑clean or anti‑limescale coating helps:

• Prevent water spots and mineral build-up
• Make daily and weekly cleaning quicker
• Keep your wet room shower screen looking clear and new for longer

It’s a small upgrade that pays off in reduced cleaning effort over time. 3. Height and Width Options Wet room shower screens come in multiple heights and widths to suit different spaces:

• Taller screens (often 1900mm or more) provide better splash control
• Various widths let you create both compact and expansive walk-in areas

BathroomNation offers a range of sizes so you can find a screen that fits neatly without awkward gaps. 4. Support Bars and Bracing Because wet room shower screens often rely on floor and wall fixings without full frames, discreet support bars or braces may be used to stabilise the glass. These:

• Enhance rigidity and safety
• Are typically mounted at the top, near the ceiling or wall
• Can be designed in finishes that match your brassware (chrome, black, brass, etc.)

The aim is to keep the look light and minimal while ensuring the screen is secure. 5. Hardware Finishes The few bits of visible metal – wall profiles, support bars, hinges (if applicable) – can contribute significantly to your overall style. BathroomNation wet room shower screens are available with:

• Chrome
• Brushed nickel
• Matt black
• Brushed brass or gold tone

Matching your screen hardware to your taps, shower valve, and accessories creates a beautifully coordinated bathroom. Planning Your Wet Room with a Shower Screen Before choosing a wet room shower screen, planning the layout is crucial to ensure both practicality and style. 1. Positioning the Shower Area Think about:

• Where the shower head will be placed (ceiling, wall‑mounted, or both)
• How water will naturally fall and drain
• How much splash you’re comfortable with elsewhere in the room

Ideally, the wettest zone is placed furthest from the door and key dry areas (toilet, vanity, storage). 2. Drainage and Floor Slope A true wet room requires carefully designed drainage:

• The floor needs a gentle, even fall towards the drain
• You can use a central drain or linear (channel) drain
• Waterproofing (tanking) is essential beneath tiles or flooring

A wet room shower screen helps contain water but doesn’t eliminate the need for correct drainage and waterproofing. BathroomNation always recommends working with an experienced installer for wet room projects. 3. Sizing the Screen Your screen should be wide enough to:

• Catch most of the spray from your shower head
• Shield the main walkway and dry areas

Common widths range from around 700mm to 1400mm and beyond. Larger screens create a more defined shower zone, while smaller ones work in compact layouts. Styling Ideas with a Wet Room Shower Screen One of the great advantages of a wet room shower screen is how adaptable it is to different styles. Here are some design ideas using BathroomNation products as inspiration. 1. Minimalist, All-Glass Look

• Clear, frameless-style glass panel
• Large-format light grey or stone‑effect tiles
• Wall‑mounted rainfall shower head with matching controls
• Floating vanity and wall-hung toilet

The result is a calm, airy space that feels much bigger than it is. 2. Industrial Chic Wet Room

• Wet room shower screen with black profile and support bar
• Concrete or stone-look tiles on floor and walls
• Black rainfall shower and matching mixer valve
• Simple timber stool or bench for warmth

This style is bold, contemporary, and perfect for design‑led homes. 3. Spa-Like Sanctuary

• Ultra-clear glass wet room shower screen
• Natural stone or stone‑effect tiles in warm tones
• Brushed brass shower fittings
• Niche shelving built into the wall for toiletries

Add soft, fluffy towels, warm lighting, and a plant or two to create a relaxing retreat. Wet Room Shower Screen vs Traditional Enclosure You may be wondering whether a wet room set‑up is really better than a conventional enclosure. Both have their place, but a wet room shower screen offers some clear advantages. Wet Room Shower Screen

• Open, walk-in design
• Easier access, especially for mobility needs
• More airy look, less visual clutter
• Simpler to clean (fewer frames and corners)

Traditional Enclosure

• Fully enclosed, more contained water
• Usually involves a tray and door
• Can feel more “boxed in” in smaller rooms

If you value openness, accessibility, and modern style, a wet room shower screen from BathroomNation is a strong choice. If maximum containment and traditional feel are priorities, an enclosure may still suit some situations. Cleaning and Maintaining Your Wet Room Shower Screen

Two twin beds in an additional guest room are the perfect place for grandkids or friends who have come to visit the lake side cabin. Upholstered striped headboards and a classic oak side table with vintage style sconces keep it simple, clean and very functional.

This Orange County landscape front yard looks lush, but is saving water! The side yard was turned into a gorgeous interlocking paver stone walkway. The front yard's turf has been removed and replaced with mulch. Our drought tolerant Orange County landscapes use drip irrigation to save you water! Each head is controlled by a water saving smart sprinkler timer system. Xeriscape can still look lush with small low water fruit trees!

Photo of a huge contemporary partial sun backyard landscaping in Los Angeles.

A formidable pallet of Asian style plant species along with traditional bamboo construction and meandering stone and gravel pathways.
This is an example of an asian shade backyard stone landscaping in San Francisco.

Glenn Layton Homes, Jacksonville Beach, Florida. HGTV Smart Home 2013
Large island style wooden u-shaped cable railing staircase photo in Jacksonville with tile risers

Dave Adams Photography
Bathroom - contemporary 3/4 green tile and glass tile porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom idea in Sacramento with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Example of a trendy master white tile and marble tile light wood floor and beige floor bathroom design in New York with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls and an undermount sink

Add a bit of green to your outdoor area with Greensmart Decor. With artificial leaf panels, we've eliminated the maintenance and water consumption upkeep for real foliage. Our high-quality, weather resistant panels are the perfect privacy solution for your backyard, patio, deck or balcony.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

Photo Credit: Benjamin Benschneider
Mid-sized trendy built-in desk medium tone wood floor home office photo in Seattle with brown walls

Neil Landino. Design Credit: Stephen Stimson Associates
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary partial sun backyard stone landscaping in New York.

Add a bit of green to your outdoor area with Greensmart Decor. With artificial leaf panels, we've eliminated the maintenance and water consumption upkeep for real foliage. Our high-quality, weather resistant panels are the perfect privacy solution for your backyard, patio, deck or balcony.

The Curbly #remodel added a #countertop above the washer and dryer for a place to fold #laundry.
Small transitional single-wall ceramic tile laundry room photo in Other with white cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Add a bit of green to your outdoor space with GreenSmart Decor. With artificial leaf panels, we've eliminated the maintenance and water consumption upkeep for real foliage. Our high-quality, weather resistant panels are the perfect solution to a bare, exterior wall. Redefine your patio, balcony or deck with modern elements from GreenSmart Decor.

Example of a mountain style home design design in Portland