Resort-style fixtures can transform a boring bathroom.
Not Bad: TV Mirror
Need another reason to gaze at your reflection? Try a television mirror. Evervue sells mirrors with built-in HDTVs starting at $945. The screen is invisible when turned off and can be hooked up to a laptop or DVD player for homeowners looking to catch up on new releases from the comfort of their tub. For those who want to skip jumbled cables, the company will add a wireless receiver for an additional $40.
Getting Fancy Now: Therapeutic Shower
For some, the highlight of a soak is escaping the TV. Steamist’s deluxe steam shower ($4,300) is about Zen relaxation, with a “chromotherapy” light (purple elicits harmony, the company says) and cartridges that release essential oils. Wasauna’s Savona shower ($3,400), on the other hand, claims to boost nutrition. The firm says its filter uses vitamin C to remove chlorine from water and increase the bather’s intake of the vitamin. A caveat: Replacing those filters and cartridges can get pricey.
Life-Changing: At-Home Hotel Spa
Homeowners going all in on a bathroom spa often start with the tub, say designers. BainUltra, for one, makes soaking tubs that can be topped with a portable massage table. Creating a true spa vibe also involves fine-tuning the sound and feel of the room; a tinkling fountain is a relaxing touch, experts say, while a porcelain and river-rock floor cools tired feet. One thing unlikely to soothe: the price. A full spa makeover starts around $50,000 masseuse not included.