Build a Beguiling Bathroom

There's a poll for everything, not just politics, so who's taking the people's pulse on the state of the American bathroom? That's just what American Standard, the manufacturer of bathroom products, recently did. In its second annual survey, the company asked what people would change about their bathroom, and peeked inside celebrity bathrooms for our reactions.

So what's the big deal? Aren't people satisfied with what they've got? Survey says: No! In fact, the American Standard survey revealed that more than 35 percent of Americans have redecorated or remodeled their bathroom within the past two years, and nearly 50 percent within the past five years. Only 18 percent of Americans have left their bathrooms unchanged in the time that they have lived in their current homes. All that remodeling and redecorating means that most homeowners are willing to open their wallets, to the tune of $2,500 to $7,500 for a bath makeover. Another 30 percent would be willing to spend over $10,000, according to the survey.

What do the people want? The bigger the better, it seems. Over the past ten years or so, the master bath has been expanding, almost to the point of dwarfing the master bedroom in size, dimensions and amenities. The major fixtures of choice are new multiple-head showering or whirlpool systems, plus double sink vanities. The whirlpool scored highest on the list in both this survey and last year's.

Although homeowners are an adventurous lot about changing the bathroom, they don't take big risks in trying out avant-garde or ultra-modern styles. The traditional or country themes are preferred rather than trendier styles that might be outdated or just weird in a year. The number one accessory most homeowners would add is a skylight, followed by a heated tile floor, stereo system and heated towel bars. The ultimate in opulence is a TV/VCR. Where do people go for ideas? Women go to their favorite home decorating magazines. But when it comes down to decision time, nothing beats seeing and touching the product. Most homeowners pay a visit to the home improvement center or bath furnishings store before racking up the charges.

The celebrities that have a knack for bathroom decorating are Rosie O'Donnell, Martha Stewart, and actor Sean Connery, voted the top three bathrooms in that order. The overwhelming favorite in last year's survey, Martha Steward dropped to second place in favor of Rosie's graceful and comfortable style. Bill Gates dropped from number two all the way to sixth place.

Sources used to create this article include Article Resource Association.