Let's talk bathrooms. Oh, I know, it's a taboo subject, but I'm talking about bathroom renovation! As more and more homeowners are choosing to upgrade their existing homes rather than sell in this market, customizing bathrooms has become a popular option. And if you're going to do a complete bathroom remodel, why not transform your bath into your own personal spa sanctuary? It's not as difficult, or expensive, as you might think and the options for customization are nearly endless. Give up the clunky, outdated cabinetry, the boring, built in standard tub and hum drum look and opt for something unique.



So let's talk bathrooms, let's talk about the most personalized, luxurious, beautiful bathrooms possible. Even a basic bathroom reno, where you leave the existing footprint and floorplan, can benefit from the addition of custom quality items like vanities, faucets, lighting, and even Aquatic Whirlpools. Let's start with the vanity. Forget those boxy, built in things that remind you of your first apartment. You're a grown up now, shouldn't your bathroom reflect it? Even tiny bathrooms and powder rooms have space for a cabinet style sink vanity, and if it's your master bath that's being transformed, you've probably got space for something more generous. From sleep and modern lacquer finishes to old world design, the only limit is your imagination and budget. Take plenty of measurements and then go shopping. If you haven't looked at bathroom fixtures in a while, you're going to be surprised. Want something that looks like a hand-carved antique? Not a problem. Modern sink vanities look like beautiful pieces of furniture, and that's the way you should shop for your new vanity. Consider it furniture. Think about style, quality, finish, everything you would think of if you were buying a new dining room table.

Once you've selected your vanity cabinet, it's on to the sink basin itself and the faucets and fixtures. It's not just a question of drop in or under mount anymore. Now there are above counter options in china, glass and metal in just about every shape and color imaginable. All of which allows you to create exactly the look you want from sleek and modern to looking like an antique bowl perched upon a charmingly old cabinet – that it also has modern plumbing is the best part! Since we're talking personalized and luxurious, this is the place to forget the bargain-basement big-box store sink and opt for a quality product like Porcher, Cantrio, Decolav, Le Bijou or one of the other quality manufacturers. Keep up the quality and opt for faucets that complements your new fabulous cabinet and basin. Faucets are available in any variety of finishes and styles to coordinate with your décor; they're not just the old, functional but boring, chrome or brass of days past. Beautiful and stylish options from companies like Rohl, Cheviot, Whitehaus and Santec faucets are easy to come by and worth the splurge to make your bathroom the ultimate spa retreat.

But what's a personal spa retreat without an Aquatic Whirlpool tub? Your spa bathroom should be as individual as you are, and what better way to relax and enjoy your new space than with a beautiful new tub. There are whirlpool and air tub systems that can even fit in the same footprint as a standard tub. So what's the difference between a whirlpool tub and an air tub? The simplest explanation is: an air tub introduces gentle bubbles of air into the water and a whirlpool system creates forceful jets of water and air mixed together. Since an air tub does not require the same pump system as a whirlpool tub, they do take up less space. The only other major component in your luxury bath reno is the commode and, if you already have one or are adding one, a bidet. Add new floor tiles and paint, and you've got the basics of your fabulous personal spa retreat done.

Spend your time, and budget, on the big stuff, the vanity, sink basin, faucets and tub and flooring – those are the parts of your room that will be the same for years to come, and where splurging on quality will reap years of enjoyment in your purchase. After you've got the basics of the room built, it's time to “dress” your spa retreat with all the little things; towel bars, shower curtain rods, linens, bath mats, candles, etc. Everything you need to make the room a relaxing, special, personal retreat fit for royalty. And why not? Your home is your castle, and you are the king or queen of your domain!