FORGET ABOUT CRAMPED, old-fashioned bathrooms. Say goodbye to particle-board vanities and laminated countertops. Today’s bath serves as a decadent private retreat, offering luxurious spa-like amenities to help homeowners relax away the stress of the day.

And it’s not just a much-needed escape. A bathroom update is second only to kitchen remodeling in its capacity to deliver the highest return on your home improvement investment. A recent study by House Remodeling magazine reports that a bath renovation with luxurious appointments such as custom vanities and high-end fixtures adds between 80 and 115 percent additional value at resale.

Whether you’re considering a budget remodel or an extreme makeover, here are a few timely tips from leading local experts to make the most of your hot water.
 
Steamy Trends
Pile on the Perks
“The bath has really changed from a utilitarian room to a private oasis and a decompression chamber. We have clients who are interested in steam baths with chromatherapy and aromatherapy, to provide a spa-like atmosphere.”
— Dean Sebastian, interior designer and director of remodeling at Coastal Bath and Kitchen

Lighten Up
“It’s all about designing monochromatic, neutral or light-colored spaces with great lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere.”
— Luke Dickson, president and CEO of Savannah Kitchen and Bath

Go Low-Flow
“The big buzzword right now is ‘green design.’ It doesn’t have to cost more to go green. There are a number of different low-flow showerheads and fixtures that are really stylish.”
— Ross Daniel, AKBD, owner of Daniel Kitchen and Bath

Sumptuous Surfaces
Toughen Up
“Quartz countertops are big. They’re durable, non-absorbent and maintenance-free.”
— Luke Dickson, president and CEO of Savannah Kitchen and Bath

Piece it Together
“When it comes to tile, there’s a wide range of colors and textures to choose from. Tropical-colored glass tile tends to be particularly popular along the coast, as well as marbled tile.”
— William Rhangos, co-owner of Savannah Hardscapes and the Reve line of tile
 
Reuse and Recycle 
“New countertops that use cement and recycled glass, like IceStone, look great. Also, Verastone is an eco-friendly material made (locally) in Yemassee, S.C., from oyster shells in concrete.” 
— Ross Daniel, AKBD, owner of Daniel Kitchen and Bath

Fine Fixtures and Finishes
Bring in the Brass
“Chrome fixtures are always timeless, but brass is also coming back in style, particularly in very contemporary, modern fixtures. It’s making a big comeback in the luxury market.”
— Luke Dickson, president and CEO of Savannah Kitchen and Bath

Up the Contrast
“We’re seeing a lot of contrasting materials, such as glass tile mixed with natural stone, combinations of rough and smooth surfaces, and neutral colors mixed with high-contrast colors. Neutrals are still popular, but it’s not oatmeal. Neutral doesn’t have to be boring.”
— Dean Sebastian, interior designer and director of remodeling at Coastal Bath and Kitchen

Outfit Your Cabinets
“Painted cabinets are very popular. People are moving toward a more casual cottage style with clean lines. We’re getting a lot of requests for light greys, greens and even dark finishes.”
— Barry Mathis, vice president of sales and marketing for Wilmington Cabinet Co.
 
Divine Design
Clean It Up
“People are going for a simple, clean look, rather than the ornate style that has been popular in the last 10 years.”
— Barry Mathis, vice president of sales and marketing for Wilmington Cabinet Co.

Save Space
“Bench seats with storage underneath for rolled towels can be great space-savers. Kitchen pantry cabinets are also becoming popular in the bath, since they take up less space and hold more.”
— Dean Sebastian, interior designer and director of remodeling at Coastal Bath and Kitchen

Try Tiny Tiles
“The use of mosaics in bath design is especially popular, for both floors and walls.”
— William Rhangos, co-owner of Savannah Hardscapes and the Reve line of tile
 
Sybaritic Savings
Don’t Forfeit Your Footprint
“You can always update your bathroom without great expense if you’re willing to work within the confines of your existing walls. Try putting in a new countertop and a new vanity, updating the faucets and putting in new lighting. A mirror is (another) great way to dress up the bath for less.”
— Ross Daniel, AKBD, owner of Daniel Kitchen and Bath

Make the Most of Materials
“We’re seeing a lot of kick-off materials that look like travertine, marble and granite. There are beautiful fabrications out there that cost a third less than natural stone.”
— Dean Sebastian, interior designer and director of remodeling at
Coastal Bath and Kitchen

“Maple is a less-expensive hardwood that is still very high quality for cabinets in the bath.”
— Barry Mathis, vice president of sales and marketing for Wilmington Cabinet Co. 

LOCAL BATH DESIGN RESOURCES
 
Architectural Millwork Products of Savannah, 236-1882 
Coastal Bath and Kitchen, 238-3400, www.coastalbathandkitchen.com 
Creative Stone Accessories, 234-8485, www.csatile.com 
Daniel Kitchen and Bath, 233-3593, www.daniellumber.com/KitchenBath 
The Design House, 231-2001, www.thedesignhousesav.com 
Design on Tap (Bluffton, S.C.), (843) 815-7644, www.designontap.net 
Ferguson Enterprises Bath Showroom, 234-221, www.ferguson.com 
Garden State Tile, 234-1122, www.gstile.com 
Historical Concepts, (770) 487-8041, www.historicalconcepts.com 
Savannah Kitchen and Bath, 236-9299, www.savannahkitchenandbath.com 
Savannah Hardscapes/Reve, (843) 784- 6060, www.savannahhardscapes.com 
Sandpiper Supply, 236-3351, www.sandpipersav.com 
Specialty Tile, 231-0228, www.specialtytile.com 
Wilmington Cabinet Co., 897-2430, www.wilmingtoncabinet.com