Making the Most of a Master Bath

	Give your master bath a spa-like makeover
	Laufen’s Tuna sink from Blackman Plumbing Supply

Outfitting the master bath with all the pampering amenities of a spa is a trend that shows little sign of going away. Say goodbye to knobs and handles in the shower: Digital controls with multiple, programmable presets allow every family member to enjoy a custom shower experience at the push of a button. It’s now possible to retrofit steam-shower capability into an existing enclosure. On a brisk morning, heated towel racks are a welcome little luxury. Don’t want to clutter up the walls with them? Borrow an idea from the kitchen and build in a warming drawer to keep towels toasty and out of sight.

Spot improvements in the bath can certainly be worthwhile investments as well. Raphael Avigdor of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate is about to embark on redoing the bathrooms at his own home, saying, “New tile, frameless glass shower enclosures, and new fixtures will enhance both the rentability of the house and its intrinsic property value.” Another easy upgrade: installing fog-free mirrors.

A practical angle on upgrading the bathroom focuses on long-term livability— adapting the design of the room to the needs of an aging population. The good news is that accessibility no longer has an institutional appearance. In fact, curbless shower trays give the room a sleek, open look that is ultracontemporary. Grab bars camouflaged as towel racks, shower shelves, and tissue holders are indistinguishable from their purely decorative counterparts. The current craze for natural, textured flooring surfaces adds a degree of slipresistance to the bath without sacrificing style.

Whether incorporating universal design into your home is a pressing priority or a down-the-road scenario, look to work with a contractor or designer who has earned his or her CAP (Certified Aging-in-Place) credentials.

DIRECTORY

Alan Court & Associates
Founded in 1986, this East Hampton shop specializes in an array of tile and stone as well as ornate fixtures for both kitchens and baths. 34 Park Pl., East Hampton, 324-7497

Blackman Plumbing Supply
Combining a basin and a spacious shelf, the sleek contemporary curves of the Tuna sink from Laufen is destined to be a focal point in a master bath or a design statement in a powder room. From Axor, the luxury division of Hansgrohe, the Starck Shower system is a modular design that ensures precision installation. Customize the shower experience to your preferences by including speakers and body jets. 444 County Road 39A, Southampton, 283-1500; blackman.com

Davis & Warshow
Philippe Starck’s forward-looking aesthetic meets the ultimate in functionality in the SensoWash Starck from Duravit. Features include adjustable water and air spray and a heated seat, all concealed under a power-activated lid. Complete the room with the aptly named Gentle faucet, a low-key presence from a highprofile designer. Created by Matteo Thun for Dornbracht, the fitting is offered in a full selection of deck-mount and wall-mount formats. 222 Rte. 109, Farmingdale, 391-9506; daviswarshow.com

Green Art Plumbing Supply
Rather than swinging outward, the Uplift’s medicine cabinet’s door glides up to reveal an aluminum interior that can be fitted with electrical outlets, a flat-screen television, and flexible storage compartments. Available in a variety of sizes, the Uplift is made by Robern. 1576 County Road 39, Southampton, 488-4210; greenartplumbingsupply.com