This is the decade of right-sizing. The economic reset triggered by the excesses of the last decade is forcing our society to rethink its definition of "enough." One area under enormous scrutiny is housing. How much space does it really take to house the average American family of 2.61 people?
Our definition of "enough space" is changing, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The year 2008 saw the first annual decrease in average new-home size since 1994.
Similarly, remodelers report a falloff in the number of consumers asking for bigger kitchens and more opulent baths. Not surprisingly, the aftermarket is also witnessing more homeowners seeking to create more efficient spaces with more storage, less waste and more flexibility.
Style still in demand
As builders downsize the American dream home, consumers are saying that compromises on space do not automatically mean giving up conveniences.
In fact, the trends shaping society today - smaller, smarter living spaces, value and efficiency over conspicuous consumption and the need for a greener lifestyle with a smaller environmental footprint - are having a profound impact on bath-product manufacturers. These trends are also making the job of creating more stylish statements in a smaller bathroom easier than ever.
Maximum efficiency has become a critical driver. A good example is creating more counter deck space on pedestal lavatories, or more storage space in vanities.
Try a little planning
Whether your preference is traditional, contemporary or the in-between transitional, creating stylish smaller bathrooms that work is simple, with a little planning. Here are two important areas to consider in your planning:
- Vanities that offer ample storage space within a smaller footprint can hide hair dryers, towels, bath products and cleaning supplies, creating an uncluttered look to make a space seem larger.
- Vessel sinks that sit atop a vanity add a dramatic touch to a bath, while maximizing cabinet space and creating deck storage space. If a pedestal lavatory fits your floor plan better, look for models with generous deck space.
- Don't forget a toilet with a flat tank top: The top of the toilet tank is valuable bathroom real estate.
- Shifting from a bathtub to a shower fits our lifestyle and integrates better into the smaller overall footprint of today's bath. Multiple showerheads and body sprays provide the same relaxation as soaking in a tub, but in far less time and with significantly less cleanup. Most modern showers also use substantially less water, which appeals to growing ecological awareness.
-- ARA
Comments(0)