Why Does a Master Bedroom Have a Bathroom?

"Owner's Suite" Ambiance

• The master bathroom creates an "owner's suite" ambiance. Well-designed master bathrooms flow from the bedroom space with a synergy in design and décor. The combination of the bed and bath create a "suite retreat." High-end master bathrooms are designed to accommodate the bathing and showering needs of two people. The master bath will have dual "his and hers" sink basins, which can be on one long shared vanity, or have their own separate cabinetry. The bathtub will often feature jets. Some master baths are described as having a "garden tub," meaning that the tub has a large window that views the outdoors. Recent master bath design trends include less emphasis on the tub and more on the shower. Owners are renovating and remodeling master baths to include wide, dual showers with multiple shower jets at different wall levels.

Privacy

• The master bath gives a couple or the homeowner a great sense of privacy while grooming. Because the master bath adjoins the bedroom, there is no need to walk down a hallway or pass other rooms in the home to get to the bathroom. Many upscale master baths also have the toilet in a separate "closet," which allows two users to attend to their bathing and grooming affairs in private. For example, one person can be in the tub or shower while the other person is using the toilet. A bidet is another privacy toilet feature found in upscale executive homes, or the owner of any style home can install it as a custom feature.

Luxury

• Many homeowners will remodel the master bath and take their design cues from luxurious bathrooms they experienced in four-star hotels. These owners want to experience that same level of luxury when they are at home. They will renovate the bathroom to incorporate features such as floors with radiant heating so they never have to walk barefoot on cold tile or flooring surfaces. They will also add features such as heated toilet seats and towel racks. A small steam or dry sauna is another feature that is added to the master bath to make it tranquil and luxurious. The overarching goal is to give the master bathroom all of the accouterments of a spa within only a few footsteps of their bedroom.

Return on Investment

• A custom master bath with all the bells and whistles is not as extravagant as it may seem. Bathrooms rank second in terms of rooms most often remodeled, only surpassed by kitchens. In a "Cost vs. Value Report" authored by Remodeling Magazine, a bathroom remodel will net a 71 percent return on investment. From that perspective, the investment is not a bad choice for homeowners, given the benefits they will enjoy.