How to add luxury, eco-sense to any bathroom

When you’re improving a bathroom, do you assume that luxury upgrades may look good but aren’t always good for the environment? Or that sensible, eco-friendly fixtures, finishes and materials will lack the aesthetic of more luxurious ones?

Whether you’re planning a bathroom renovation, or just looking to make one or two stunning yet sensible upgrades, here are some improvements that can turn your bathroom into a luxurious, savvy and stylish oasis:

Elegant and eco-friendly fixtures

Water-conserving bathroom technology has come a long way since the earliest low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets appeared. Yet the stereotype persists that in order to conserve water, a fixture must deliver a less satisfying experience and graceful appearance. That’s far from true of modern luxury toilets, showerheads and faucets from manufacturers like TOTO.

High efficiency toilets can help homeowners make significant strides in water conservation; saving nearly 13,000 gallons of water per year, according to the EPA.

Showering accounts for about 17 percent of a home’s water use, and switching to a low-flow shower head could save the average household nearly 3,000 gallons of water per year, the EPA says. Yet the shower is also one of the most cherished features in any bathroom; it’s not just where you get clean, it’s also a place where you relax and wash away the day’s stresses, or get invigorated for the day by washing away early morning drowsiness.

Today’s water-conserving showerheads not only reduce the amount of water you use per shower, they can be elegant design statements that also deliver a satisfying experience. Features like air-injection technology in TOTO’s AeroJet Rain Shower infuse air into the water stream to create larger droplets, allowing you to enjoy a fuller shower experience while still saving water.

Fabulous features

Luxury and environmental awareness can also meet in other aspects of a well-appointed bathroom, including design, decor and accessories. For example, adding a skylight can fill a bath with wholesome natural light that nourishes the body, mind and spirit while also helping reduce dependence on artificial light sources.

Flooring is another area inspiration for your senses don’t have to take a backseat to green considerations. From tiles made of recycled materials like reclaimed ceramic, to foot-massaging pebble tiles made of recycled glass, it’s easy to find flooring material that meets your expectations for luxury and beauty while still minimizing their impact on the environment.

While traditional luxury countertops like granite require materials to be mined from the ground, luxurious eco-friendly options can be just as beautiful. For example, countertops made of cement embedded with recycled glass come in a variety of hues and patterns to fit any decor theme.

Luxury, style and eco-sensibilities can meet harmoniously in your bathroom when you choose the right fixtures and finishes.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.