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How do I design the perfect shower?

So, you’ve considered the safety features you will need and determined whether or not to hire a contractor. It’s time to figure out how to create your perfect shower.

It may seem like a lot of pressure, but it’s possible—it simply takes planning.

  • Start your Pinterest board
  • Look at your favorite designer websites
  • Cut out pictures
  • Make a vision board!

Creating a vision board will allow you to more effectively communicate your idea to whoever you hire, or clarify things for yourself!

Take the time to do your research and you’ll reap the benefits. For example, did you know that a bathroom remodel can up your home’s value by 3%?

Design Considerations

Before starting any design process, it’s important to remind yourself of the purpose behind your project:

  • Why have you decided to do a shower conversion?
  • Who is going to be using the shower?
  • What space do you have available?
  • What space could be available?

Once you understand your objectives, you can move forward in the design process with clear intentions and an inspired vision.

Safety and Accessibility

The right shower design considerations can help users safely stay independent and make the showering experience an enjoyable one, not a chore or a risk.

Style and Design

Want to visually and functionally transform your bathroom? A tub to shower conversion project may be the perfect way to give you more space or even the illusion of it.

Glass showers don’t break up the room like walls or shower curtains. They allow natural and artificial light to flow through the space, making it seem bigger and brighter. 

To start catching the vision of what’s possible, take a good look at your bathroom. Try to figure out the optimal place for your shower and how much space you’ll have once your tub is gone.

Factors To Consider

Before anything, it’s a good idea to keep a few key factors in mind as you’re considering different materials.

Expense

In any renovation project, cost is a top concern. When you choose materials for your shower conversion, you’ll need to take a good look at prices to see what matches your budget.

  • What materials can you choose to save money on?
  • What are you willing to splurge for?
  • What’s a need, and what’s a want?

Materials

The next step in designing your perfect shower is deciding on materials. It’s time to turn your imaginative dream into a physical reality! There are more options than you may realize—colors, styles, textures, materials, etc.—and the variety can be daunting.

Style

Some materials will also lend themselves to certain styles while others can disrupt your bathroom aesthetic.

When picking out tiles, stones, or panels, see what colors and options are available from different companies to help make your decision.

For example, when it comes to stone, the most popular options are:

  • Marble
  • Granite
  • Slate
  • Quartzite

These can each make a stunning statement while offering practicality and durability. Additionally, the nature of stone allows you to create with small pieces or large slabs, depending on the desired look.

Tile

As for tile, the possibilities are seemingly endless. From basic geometry to intricate mosaics, tile styles go beyond color or pattern.

Do your research (and use your Pinterest boards) to find exactly what you want to deliver the perfect aesthetic for your shower.

Panels

Five Star Bath Solutions uses a one-of-a-kind panel technology. With it, you can get the visual aesthetic of a wide variety of stone or tile options without the cost, maintenance, or installation drawbacks.

Maintenance

It’s also important to make sure you understand the required maintenance for your shower. How difficult is it to clean? Some products, particularly natural ones, are more prone to bacteria than others.

Tile and grout can allow water seepage, leading to mold and bacteria. You would need to be vigilant in waterproofing and sealing your grout every 6-12 months to prevent it.

Some materials need to be cleaned with chemical cleaning products. Harsh chemicals can be dangerous, especially in small areas. They can produce fumes that contribute to allergies, headaches, and respiratory issues.

Low Maintenance Alternative

In contrast, Five Star Bath Solutions products are mold, mildew and bacteria resistant. The easy-to-clean surfaces don’t require harsh or expensive chemical cleaners.

Timelines and Deadlines

When choosing materials and products, your project timeline and deadline should be taken into account:

  • If the material is on backorder, you’ll have to wait before your bathroom renovation can begin.
  • Installation time differs depending on the material. Tiles in intricate designs can take days or even weeks to install.

Longevity

You should also keep the future in mind as you plan your shower conversion. Longevity should be one of your top concerns—after all, you want all this work to be worth it!

Choosing the right materials and products will make the difference between a bathroom that lasts a lifetime and one that begins having problems within a few months.

The shower is an area that gets used daily. It goes through a lot, especially with multiple users in a family home.

When determining if a material will offer the longevity you’re looking for, you should consider how it will hold up to:

  • Daily use
  • Frequent cleaning (are there special cleaners you’ll need to use and how often do you need to clean?)
  • Water & energy usage

With those key factors in mind, you’re ready to start sorting through available material options to design your perfect bathroom

A New Option: Five Star Bath Solutions Technology

The modern material used in our shower panels at Five Star Bath Solutions is entirely different and new. It’s an: 

  • Affordable
  • Clean
  • Stylish 

…alternative to conventional tile.

Our composite panels are waterproof for life and have a safeguard layer to protect against mold and bacteria. Our new technology also offers a scratch-resistant hard coat that prevents chips and cracks.

Specially Designed with You in Mind

Of course, the surfaces still need to be cleaned, but it is specifically designed to be cleaner and safer than other materials.

When it comes to cleaning, there’s no need for harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing.

The designs and textures of Five Star Bath Solutions materials are sourced from real slabs of stone, ensuring it looks natural and fits a variety of aesthetics.

Our 3D laser embeds the image right into the panels so your bathroom’s beauty won’t fade or chip either.

Every Five Star Bath Solutions project is covered by a lifetime warranty. From materials to installation, we guarantee a waterproof bathroom for life.

Doors and Enclosures

After considering your purpose and the materials you’d like to use, it’s time to look at the design options for the actual look of your shower. The model of your shower hinges on the design of your shower door.

Most shower conversion projects result in an alcove shower—taking the space of the tub that lined the wall—or a corner shower. Determining whether yours is an alcove or corner shower will influence what type of shower door is best for your project.

Framed Doors

Framed doors are the most common type of shower door. These doors are panels of glass framed by metal. The metal attaches the panels to the floor or the wall, depending on the door style. They are cost-effective and easy to install, but sometimes the metal detracts from the sleek glass.

Frameless Doors

Frameless doors are the exact opposite. They have no metal framing around the perimeter and are almost entirely made of glass. They’re simple and elegant, making the space look clean and open. However, frameless doors often cost a lot more and require more installation time.

Pivot and Hinge Doors

Pivot doors and hinge doors are attached on one side of the door so it swings out of or into the shower space like a standard door. They’re common and easy to install, but you need to make sure that your bathroom’s layout can support this type of design without creating any inconvenience regarding safety and mobility, not to mention comfort.

Bi-Fold & Tri-Fold Doors

Bi-fold and tri-fold doors are also known as bath screens. These are made of multiple glass panels attached to the wall on one end. They typically fold at one or two points to open into the shower. They are common in small spaces because they take very little room to open.

Curved Doors

Curved doors are made for corner showers. As the name implies, the door curves out of the shower and into the bathroom. This style provides more shower space and they look beautifully modern, although they are a pricier option.

Steam Doors

A steam door is used when you want your shower to double as a steam room. It opens and closes like a regular door, but a steam door is specifically designed with airtight seals to lock in the water and steam.

Shower Curtain

Shower curtains are budget-friendly, easy to use, and do not take up any extra space. Plus, with thousands of designs and materials, curtains can be customized and frequently changed. But, keep in mind that shower curtains get dirty quickly and need to be replaced often in order to avoid mold.

Find Your Perfect Door

With the variety of shower doors available, you’ll have no problem finding an option that fits your style and aesthetic. Some are more expensive than others, so take a look at your budget and do your research to find the perfect door. It’s the ideal opportunity to splurge or save, and this decision often has the biggest impact on the overall design of your shower!

Designing the perfect shower requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. To start, creating a vision board by collecting inspiration from websites, pictures, and catalogs can help you visualize and communicate your ideas effectively. Understanding the purpose of your shower conversion and the intended users will guide your design choices. 

Safety and accessibility should be prioritized, and glass showers are a great option as they create a spacious and bright atmosphere. Factors such as expense, materials, style, maintenance, timelines, and longevity should also be taken into account when selecting materials for your shower. 

The choice of shower doors, whether framed, frameless, pivot, hinge, bi-fold, curved, steam, or a shower curtain, significantly impacts the overall design and functionality. It's important to consider your budget, style preferences, and space limitations when selecting the perfect door. 

By carefully considering these design elements and utilizing the expertise of professionals like Five Star Bath Solutions, you can create the shower of your dreams that combines both style and functionality.

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