The house I grew up in had one bathroom. No, really. Let's just say that getting ready in the morning was... eventful. Of course, that was in an early 1960's era home, before the "Great Bathroom Revolution." Looking back, I don't know how we did it without killing each other, electrocuting someone, or leaving the house half-dressed. So I thought that today, I would put down a few thoughts on the Great American Bathroom.
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| Ah, the bacteria... |
The residential bathroom has come a long way. Ages ago, the Romans had huge, public baths that were one of the centers of community life.
They also had vomitoriums, slavery, dysentery, and lead plumbing. And when they said, "Saints vs. Lions," they weren't talking about NFL football. Thankfully, we've moved beyond those days, and certainly no one wants to go back to public baths.
Well, no one except Hugh Hefner, maybe.
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| Hello, 1970! |
But through the years, something happened to the bathroom experience. By the time indoor plumbing became a household standard (and the Sears catalog was no longer used for toilet paper,) bathrooms had become a "necessary evil." You needed to bathe, wash your face, and do those other "unmentionable" things. Other than that, get out and get on with your day.
That Industrial Revolution isn't going to progress itself! The average American bathroom had become a cramped, unpleasant space tucked into the most desolate corner of the home.
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Essential Library
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In recent years, desires have changed. Instead of the previous generation's notion of a place to "do 'yer business," the bathroom is now looked upon as a spa-like retreat, a place to get away from the cares of the world and relax. My cousin Harry (ever the optimist) believes this is because America has become "a nation of weak-willed sissies." You have to understand, the only extra thing my cousin Harry has in his bathroom is a cardboard box filled with copies of "Uncle John's Bathroom Reader." Harry is quite the learned man.
With this spa idea in mind, we conducted an extensive survey among our readers to determine what elements might be included in the "perfect bathroom." Okay, so we just asked around at our neighborhood sushi place, but here's the list...
1)
Conceal the toilet. Despite our open and free society, there are still some things that we don't necessarily want front and center. It doesn't always have to be in its own room, but some privacy would be nice.
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| That's more like it! |
2)
Separate the tub and shower. This is quite common in today's bathroom. Each serves a distinct function, and it affords the opportunity to treat each area differently.
3)
Glass block can be really cool. Glass block is not a new product, but it allows lots of light into your bathroom without worrying about ending up being featured on your weirdo neighbor's YouTube channel.
4)
As far as bathtubs go, size matters. The larger, whirlpool-style tubs built for two people are a great way to relax at the end of a stressful day. (Wine glasses not included.)
5)
Shower yourself with love. Create a wonderful shower experience with natural stone textures, rainfall shower heads, multiple nozzles, steam features, and the like. You may never want to leave!
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| I'll take one of these... |
6)
Indulge the other senses. Additional touches to your ultimate retreat may include things like a small waterfall, music system, mood lighting, fragrance generators, a television, or a heated floor (for the colder climates.) This is definitely NOT your parents' bathroom!
We'd love to hear from you! What other features have you seen that you would put into the "Ultimate Bathroom Experience?" We'll be sure to pass them along at the sushi place. Have a great week!
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