(BPT) – Any real estate agent will tell you great bathrooms help sell homes. But what if you’re not planning to sell any time soon and still want to have a memorable, attention-grabbing room? Start by upgrading your shower; it’s the heart of creating an amazing bathroom.
A relaxing shower at the end of a tough day is one of the fastest, most effective ways to unwind. And an invigorating shower in the morning can set the stage for a positive day. No other element in the bathroom provides a better chance to pamper yourself with luxury, while still serving a vital, practical purpose.
Creating a custom shower experience – tailored to your tastes and needs – doesn’t have to be as pricey as you think. Showers are actually among the least costly parts of the bath to upgrade. Nor does it have to involve extensive renovation. A few simple changes can help you achieve a top-notch shower experience without taking a bath on costs.
1. The power of the showerhead
The showerhead is, of course, the heart of the shower. Simply replacing a utilitarian showerhead with one that features multiple settings can be a major step up, but why stop there? Manufacturers like Danze, Inc. offer an array of showerheads and accessories that make changing a showerhead the quickest (and possibly easiest) way to transform your shower experience.
Multi-spray, single-spray, rainfall, shower arms and hand showers can work together in virtually any combination you choose. Showerheads can be mounted on the wall or ceiling, depending on the model you choose, and many Danze showerheads feature air injection technology that provides a powerful spray even when water pressure is low (or strictly regulated). Various models are water efficient, so while you’re doing something for yourself, you’re also helping the environment by conserving water. Most showerhead changes can operate off existing plumbing, but consult a plumbing professional when you feel a bit in over your DIY head. Visit www.danze.com to learn more.
2. Showering with light and sound
Light and music have a powerful effect on mood, so it makes sense to incorporate their emotional impact into your shower experience. Shower lighting now goes way beyond a single recessed canister light set in the ceiling above the shower. Dimmable lighting allows you to control the amount of light stimulation – from low and relaxing to bright and invigorating. Ceiling-mounted chromatherapy lights use the color spectrum to further enhance mood in your shower. Cables of LED lights at the top or bottom of a shower enclosure can accent the space and provide gentle, low-level light. Sconces and overhead lighting can help fully illuminate the shower when needed.
Waterproof radios first introduced Americans to the idea of musical accompaniment to their shower experience. Now it’s possible to plug your iPod into your home’s audio system and stream your favorite music directly into the bathroom. If your home’s not that high-tech, you can still listen to your tunes in the shower by simply adding portable and waterproof speakers in the bathroom. These Bluetooth enabled speakers let you stream the music directly into the shower.
3. The perfect resting spots
Seating in the shower is no longer just for older folks. Stylish, portable shower seats now make it possible to rest while you’re relaxing in the shower. You can also opt for a wall-mounted seat that folds flat to the wall when not in use. Short on space in the shower? Opt for a corner seat — you can find removable corner stools or wall-mounted options.
Consider adding a foot rest to make shaving easier. Again, options range from wall-mounted designs that match your shower’s existing hardware, to portable options that can be removed and tucked away when not in use.
The shower isn’t just a place Americans go to get clean, it’s an important part of your home that can directly impact your mood and sense of wellbeing. Creating a custom shower experience can be a cost-effective way to upgrade your bathroom and take care of your emotional health, too.
