THE PERFECT BABY BOOMER BATH

The trend in bathroom design today favors a large walk-in shower over the garden tub/small shower combination. Many conclude that the reason these buyers are skipping the tub is their fear of falling or difficulty getting in and out. I’ve found that these experienced Next adventure buyers have also figured out that they don’t actually use the tub, so why waste valuable space with one when there are great alternatives?

Let’s design a spectacular shower large enough for two with multiple shower head options. I love the frame-less glass enclosures and the feeling of space they provide. In many examples, the shower is so large, you don’t need a door. However, I prefer one to trap in the steam and keep the shower warmer. Some homeowners have showers with shower heads at each end to ensure that each has the ideal height, water temperature, and spray intensity.

Shiel Residence, 8059 Hollyridge Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Renovation by Deryl Patterson, Housing Design Matters, Inc. 904-237-8557.

The shower is among the top places in a home where a homeowner risks injury. Including a grab bar (or at least blocking in the wall for a future grab bar) is a no-brainer. Eliminating the threshold in the shower and incorporating a single, lineal drain are both elegant and practical touches. Including a hand-held shower head is not only convenient for the non-ambulatory bather, it also simplifies cleaning the shower. A seat in the shower is a must, but not necessarily for sitting—it’s better used as a shelf for the gals to prop up their legs when shaving. If a seat is needed for bathing, separate shower chairs are actually preferred.

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