The Emergence of the Bathroom Retreat 

The bathroom may be one of the smaller rooms in any home, but it certainly is one of the more heavily used spaces by all members of the family. What were once rooms that were merely meant as functional rooms to practice personal hygiene have become spaces that can refresh not only the body, but the mind and spirit as well. 

The emergence of the bathroom retreat has become an integral part of modern home design. Let’s take a little closer look at how bathroom design has evolved and some components that could help transform your washroom from drab and dull, to luxurious and lavish.

A Look Back at Bathrooms Over the Years 

The bathroom has made some revolutionary changes over the last few hundred years. From public baths to lavish home retreats, the bathroom has become one of America’s favorite rooms. 

The Greek and Roman Eras 

During the Greek and Roman ages, most washrooms, as they were called, were contained in public bathhouses. These public spaces were rather opulent and had luxurious decor including tiled walls and assistants to help during the bathing and drying process. Unfortunately, while the baths had extravagant amenities, it lacked privacy and a sense of a quiet retreat that many people desire today. 

Victorian Era

As the bathroom evolved into the Victorian Era, the space became less important as hygiene took a back seat during this time period. Many homes had wash basins in bedrooms where bathing consisted of merely using a washcloth to refresh the face, arms, and legs each evening at bedtime. It was at this time that we began to see the installation of public toilets and washrooms into private homes – a much needed change from public utilities or outdoor amenities.

The 19th Century 

With the dawn of sewage systems and septic tanks every home now had water closets, washrooms, or what we now consider a bathroom. Even running up to more recent decades, however, these rooms lacked form and favored functionality. 

Running toilets, tubs, and sinks all had a purpose and were often basic in design. The room had a purpose and was designed as such and nothing extra. 

Modern Bathrooms 

Today, the modern bathroom has emerged as a refuge from our busy and sometimes stressful lives. The space is no longer meant for functionality only, but as a place to escape family, work, and everyday stressors that have been plentiful in the past few years. 

Now homeowners are looking for more lavish designs, easier storage, more high quality components like heated floors, rainfall showers, marble, quartz, or granite countertops as well as lighting that can set a mood for relaxation and quiet solitude. 

Whether you are searching for a quiet retreat, a spa-like room, or an escape from the demands of the day, modern bathrooms should consider adding some of the following components: 

• Unique and dramatic lighting fixtures with dimmers. 
• Mirrors that reflect light and give the illusion of space. 
• Heated floors and towel racks. 
• Speciality components like a soaking tub, rainfall shower or uniquely shaped vessel sinks. 
• Installation of programmable digital systems that enable surround sound music or binging of your favorite streaming shows on a television screen. 
• Heated bathroom seating or speciality bidets. 
• Storage capabilities that take form and function into consideration. 

Take a closer look at some of our Sordan designed bathrooms on our site and get started dreaming of your bathroom retreat today.