Master Bath by Shannon Hall

The modern bath as we know it has roots in the Victorian Age with the introduction of indoor plumbing in the 1850’s. It was probably an existing room such as a small closet or bedroom adaptively reused with three components: the toilet, the basin and the bathtub. A [...]]]>

Master Bath by Shannon Hall

The modern bath as we know it has roots in the Victorian Age with the introduction of indoor plumbing in the 1850’s. It was probably an existing room such as a small closet or bedroom adaptively reused with three components: the toilet, the basin and the bathtub. A more modern fourth addition to the room is the shower. It was invented in Regency England around 1810.

The components of the twenty-first century bathroom?

This list is pretty breathtaking:

* tubs, sinks, washstands, showers, toilets, washlets urinals, bidets, bath fittings, sink fittings, shower fittings, bidet fittings, hand showers, sprays, shower stems, trims, flushers, cabinets, drains, ceramic, tile, stone, glass, grass, paper, slab work their edges, glasswork, towel warmers, grout colors, saunas, water therapy tubs, non-fog mirrors.
* The not so fun essentials: vents, radiant heat items, hot water heaters, water softening systems, reverse osmosis systems, grey water systems, composting systems, steam units, grouts, adhesives, backer boards, plumbing roughs and tube material, flanges, caulk, micro-finishes such as: Hydrotect, Ever Clean Surface, AlphaSan, SanaGloss, paint.
* Then you have the design factors: natural light, lighting calculations, color, layout, proportion, ergonomic factors of the end user, mounting heights, styles and themes either fantasy, modern or historic.
* And the eye candy feel good stuff: furniture, knobs, pulls, metal finishes, medicine cabinets, mirrors, shelves, towel bars, toilet paper holders, soap holders, toothbrush holders, cup holders, hooks, light fixtures-decorative, recessed, accent. Then there are: bathrobes, towels, bath mats, tub pillows, hampers, baskets, boxes, trays, waste bins, shaving mirrors, tissue holders, soap dispensers, soap dishes, carafes, glasses, jars, swab containers, toothbrushes, soaps gels, scrubbers, and even book stands for the tub…even recommended books for the bath!

Some of my favorite sources of inspiration:

Waterworks, Urban Archaelogy, Anne Sachs and Lefroy Brooks