The tub tucked away in your home’s master bathroom is so much more than a place to get clean. It’s a calming refuge and therapeutic retreat after a busy day.

Tub trends indicate that bathtubs are primarily used for soaking, while shower time is mainly for cleansing. The soaking tub has become the destination for relaxation amid today’s fast-paced lifestyles.

Advertisement

“The individual soaking tub is very popular, as personal decompression has become a priority with harried consumers,” explained Kalpesh Nanji, director of product marketing at American Standard. Preferences also are trending away from large whirlpool bathtubs, as eco-conscious homeowners appreciate the conservation aspects of smaller soaking tubs, which generally use less water and energy to fill.

For homeowners considering new construction or planning a bathroom remodel, Nanji and the tub experts at American Standard point to these leading tub trends:

Freestanding

Increasingly popular, these tubs are designed to be self-supporting, and like American Standard’s Cadet Freestanding Tub, can create an elegant, luxurious focal point in any bathroom. Freestanding tubs also lend themselves to deeper bathing wells, providing users with a more satisfying immersion while they soak.

tub_20140622_01

Soaking

Advertisement

While many homeowners still enjoy the relaxing and therapeutic benefits of a whirlpool experience, non-jetted, soaking tubs are appearing more often in new construction and bathroom renovations. The comparative size of whirlpool tubs, which need more room to accommodate jet machinery, may contribute to some homeowners’ preference for smaller, sleeker soaking tubs. Other homeowners appreciate the greater depth of soaking tubs.

Single-person

More homeowners are opting for single-person tubs rather than large, two-person units. One reason might be that for many people, tub time is an opportunity to get away from everyone and everything without leaving home.

Tub fillers

Freestanding tub fillers are the perfect accent to stand-alone soaking tubs. With styles ranging from traditional to ultra-modern, these tub fillers are generally available to match bathroom sink faucets and shower systems. Most include a convenient hand shower. Installation can be done through both wood and tile floors.

Advertisement

Not yet ready to take the plunge and sink your funds into incorporating a new tub into your home improvement plans? Consider this: A tub is a central fixture in any bathroom, and replacing one can play a key role in a great renovation. Plus, Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report indicates that an upscale bathroom remodel returns nearly 64 percent of your investment at the time of resale.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.