Whirlpool tubs

Once only thought

of for exclusive spas, the whirlpool tub is now a common item in today's

luxury baths. With its pulsating jets, it is like having a massage right

at home.

Offered in

a range of sizes, configurations and color options, the luxury bath can

be equipped with a whirlpool unit custom-tailored to the needs of the

homeowner.

But while these

tubs certainly offer a great getaway from life, they do have a few drawbacks

including the length of time it takes to fill and how quickly the water

can cool off.

Showering upgrades

Since not everyone

likes to wait for a whirlpool tub to fill, many of the latest "hi-tech"

shower systems now offer immediate gratification and relaxation.

Shower researchers

have identified four types of showers routine, refreshing, therapeutic

and relaxing and while each shower is taken for a different reason, each

produces rejuvenation.

As a result,

one plumbing manufacturer, Moen, recently introduced its vertical spa

experience which allows consumers to customize their shower with body

sprays, single or multi-function showerheads, hand showers, multi-function

transfer valves and other options. These types of shower systems are now

at the top of every consumer's list as they remodel or construct a new

bath.

Flooring options

There's nothing

that says high style more than marble flooring. Although a bit pricey,

it holds its value and gives any bathroom a truly spa-like appearance.

Mosaic tiles

are another high-end flooring option that add a dramatic flair to the

room they can even be hand painted or arranged in a pattern to create

personalization. Stone and concrete are modern flooring materials that

are now making their way into the luxury bathroom as well.

Entertainment center

You may have

taken advantage of these options at fine hotels. . . why not incorporate

them into your own bathroom?

Color television

and the latest sound systems are also being incorporated into the bathroom

to offer the perfect way to catch up on the day's news while getting ready

in the morning or listening to music while unwinding in the shower or

tub.

Heated floor/towel bars

Consumers are

also adding heated flooring systems to further their bath luxury. No more

cold floors after a hot shower on a winter's day, as a heating system,

installed between the subfloor and finish floor, is now often the answer.

The heat is

accomplished through a network of electrical heating cables or hot water-filled

tubes. To complement the warming floor, consumers can also install heated

towel racks so that towels will be warm and "toasty" upon exiting

the bath or shower.

Sinks with style

Today's bathroom

sink trends include "vessel bowls" that sit on top of the counter

rather than in it or in their own, separate stands. These bowls truly

make a design statement and will make your luxury bathroom stand out.

Rather than

settle for the traditional vitreous china, luxury bath owners are turning

to these avant-garde sinks which are made with materials like colored

glass or stone.

Other hot looks

in these and other sinks include ornate etchings, raised details and unique

shapes.

Natural light

Today's luxury

bathrooms crave an abundance of natural light. This can be accomplished

Another option

is using lighted glass blocks to divide the room or for shower enclosures.

This creates an open and airy feeling and provides needed natural light

for applying makeup or other tasks.

Custom cabinetry

Armoires, bookshelves,

tables, chests and shelving units are also finding their place in today's

luxury bathroom. These not only create the look of furniture in the bath

but they can carry on a furniture theme from the master bedroom.

Popular cabinet

lines like Aristokraft and Schrock report that extras like rollout trays

for makeup and toiletries, drawer organizers or even inside door mount

racks for holding hair dryers, curling irons and hair care products are

making life easier for the homeowner.

Other preferences

for medicine cabinets that offer special amenities such as electrical

plugs, multi-level shelves and magnifying mirrors are also on the rise.

High-style faucets

and bathroom suites

Move over plain

and enter the exquisite!

Manufacturers

such as Moen have dramatically expanded the styles of faucets available

in recent years. What's more, today's faucets tend to provide what all

consumers are asking for a coordinated suite look between faucets, shower,

bath and accessories.

One of the

newest looks in these coordinated "suites" is the Asceri Collection.

This Moen suite pays special attention to detail with features like non-tarnish

finishes, solid ceramic inlays, etched handle hubs, arched spouts and

wing-styled handles - these extra decorative touches really makes a room

special.

In addition,

a host of exceptional never-before-seen finish combinations will help

luxury bath owners make a style statement.

Vanities

Freestanding

furniture style vanities are gaining popularity in today's luxury bathroom.

Rather than

the built-ins that are the norm for most bathrooms, these freestanding

pieces offer an extra measure of intricate design. Decora bath vanities,

for example, offer detailed carvings, designed feet and creative finish

options for an additional form of expression in the bath.

There you have

it the top 10 list of bathroom luxuries to create a spa of rejuvenation

and the much-needed privacy you deserve after a long day!