(BPT) – The saying is that you shouldn’t marry the person you can live with, but the person you can’t live without. But while you may be ready to share your life with someone, you may quickly realize you aren’t willing to share everything, and some of your partner’s habits you could definitely live without. So how can you achieve togetherness with bliss? His-and-her master bath bathrooms could be the perfect solution.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that “his-and-her master bathrooms,” the industry term for bathrooms that allocate separate spaces for a couple, are no longer just for luxury homes; the trend is cropping up in a wide range of home sizes and prices. In fact, developers report that the size of master bathrooms have increased dramatically, making room for partner-friendly features. Why? Many working couples get ready at the same time each morning, making these separate spaces a way to combat scheduling bathroom time. Plus, many are enjoying the room as a place for morning conversations and planning the day … without tripping over each other. And for empty nesters and baby boomers, they are hitting the age where they seek comfort and tranquility and are willing to splurge on a space where they can spend time together.
So what are homeowners adding to these new his-and-her baths? Here are a few suggestions on creating a master bath for two that’s functional, fashionable and fabulous.
Achieving bathroom bliss
Separate sink spaces help eliminate tension and make getting ready with your partner easier. And when choosing new sinks and faucets, the new Moen Align collection is the perfect solution to create a distinctly designed bath. The sleek, modern collection offers a variety of faucet options – with one or two handles and in popular finishes such as Chrome or Lifeshine Brushed Nickel – to meet any style preferences.
In addition to splitting the sink area, be sure to install two of every bathroom accessory, ensuring each partner has their own designated space for storing personal belongings. To perfectly match your two new faucets, the Align collection features robe hooks; a unique swiveling double robe hook that combines two hooks in one to hold towels and robes for both partners; towel rings and 18- and 24-inch towel bars.
Sensational showers
According to This Old House magazine, one of this year’s top five bathroom trends is adding high-tech twists. And for couples looking for a shower space that’s customized to their specific needs, digital shower systems, like ioDIGITAL from Moen, bring a truly unique element to the space. Simply program the shower to deliver personalized, precise temperature and water flow. Once you’ve found your perfect combination, it’s simple to save it as a pre-set and you can forget about fiddling with the temperature every time you step in the shower. Best of all, you can turn ioDIGITAL on with a remote from across the room or while still in bed.
Privacy please
A single toilet in the bath is still prevalent, but according to developers, nearly a quarter of homeowners insist on a private toilet compartment. While this might be a separate area for private time, be sure to keep the peace with your partner and don’t forget the little things, such as restocking the toilet paper. Luckily, installing a pivoting- or single-post paper holder makes the task even easier to ensure you combat this common pet peeve.
Closets for couples off the master bath
Topping the list of the most-likely must-haves for homeowners in 2014 is a walk-in closet off the master suite. According to homebuilders, this extra space is the perfect solution for couples. Adding an organizational system will help designate spaces for you and your significant other, such as tie racks for men or drawers and shelves for women’s accessories and shoes.
With a bit more square footage and designated his-and-her amenities, today’s homeowners are finding harmony in sharing the baths. Just don’t forget the little stuff (like putting the cap on the toothpaste) to keep the serenity of the space and make two company, not a crowd. For more information on the Align bathroom suite or other Moen products, visit www.moen.com.
