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July 13.2025
2 Minutes Read

Soaking Tubs: Why Designers Say This Bathroom Feature Is Overrated

Modern bathroom with soaking tub and natural light, overrated bathroom feature.

Are Soaking Tubs Worth the Hype?

When designing a bathroom, homeowners often envision a sanctuary filled with luxurious amenities, including the highly coveted soaking tub. These tubs grace glossy magazine covers and inspire daydreams of long, relaxing baths after a hectic day. However, interior designers collectively suggest that the reality of soaking tubs does not match the hype surrounding them.

Designers Speak Out on Bathtub Expectations

It's a familiar scene: You open Instagram or Pinterest and see a beautifully staged bathroom featuring a vast soaking tub. Yet, professional opinions reveal a more sobering truth. Galey Grimes, of Galey Grimes Interiors, articulates a common sentiment among designers: "Soaking tubs in the primary suite are beautiful and photograph well, but more often than not, they collect dust, especially for busy families." While they add visual interest, many clients find they are an underutilized feature.

The Busy Family Lifestyle: What Works Best?

For many families, practicality trumps aesthetics. Hillary Cohen of HCO Interiors notes, "They're striking in a bath but I have very few clients who use them on a regular basis." This raises key questions for homeowners: What truly enhances a bathroom's functionality? Grimes and other designers advocate for spacious standing showers that deliver a real spa-like experience without the upkeep of a soaking tub.

Understanding Priorities in Bathroom Design

Elana Tenenbaum Cline, founder of Carta Creatives, brings to light an important aspect of bathroom design: Prioritizing features. In many instances, opting for a soaking tub can compromise the layout. For instance, a large tub could shrink the available space for a standing shower, resulting in a cramped area that fails to meet your daily needs. As Michelle Murphy of DEMI RYAN points out, "Clients are often much happier with a beautiful, oversized shower that feels spa-like but gets real use." The lesson here is that understanding how your family functions can guide your design decision.

A Case for the Soaking Tub: For the True Enthusiast

However, it would be remiss to dismiss soaking tubs entirely. For true bath enthusiasts, these fixtures can offer a valuable retreat. If relaxation is a priority and you often engage in self-care routines that involve a soak, a spacious tub can fulfill that dream. It ultimately boils down to personal lifestyle and preferences.

Reflecting on Real-World Experiences

The excess of design is often at odds with real life. Homeowners must contemplate their habits and consider what amenities they will truly utilize. As many designers emphasize, practical, daily-use features often take precedence over mere aesthetic appeal. The advice is clear: don’t be swept away by trends that may not suit your lifestyle.

In conclusion, while soaking tubs may appear as the glittering centerpiece of your dream bathroom, the opinions of home design experts suggest it may not be a wise investment for everyone. Always weigh functionality against look, and create a space that genuinely serves your daily life.

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Unlock the Genius Trick to Find Exactly What You Want on Facebook Marketplace

Update The Secret Hack to Shopping Smart on Facebook Marketplace In a digital age where second-hand shopping is revolutionizing how we furnish our homes, Facebook Marketplace emerges as a frontrunner. Many savvy shoppers, especially interior designers, are unearthing treasure troves of unique items on this platform. Breanna Young, a Brooklyn-based designer, offers an innovative method to pinpoint exactly what you’re after—notification alerts. With just a simple setup, users can ensure they never miss significant deals again. Mastering the Art of Notifications Young’s approach to Facebook Marketplace shopping revolves around a system of alerts that not only simplifies her search but also saves time. By creating notifications for specific items, she leverages the platform’s algorithm, which is designed to tailor results based on user interactions. Setting up these notifications is easy. First, users should search for the desired item, bookmark it, and select the 'Save Search' option. Once this is done, Facebook sends notifications whenever new listings match those criteria. Key Strategies Used by Designers Several interior designers, including Bethany Adams and Meghan Jay, echo the value of Young's notification strategy. They emphasize that the more consistent the searches, the better the algorithm understands the user's style. This insight allows buyers to see items they’re genuinely interested in and sometimes offers unexpected finds that may not have appeared in conventional searches. Expanding Your Search Terms You might find yourself eager for something specific, such as a mid-century chair, but designers recommend thinking broader. Instead of strictly searching for “mid-century walnut chair,” try “vintage chair” or “unique seating.” This can lead you to pieces you might overlook in more constrained searches. As design consultant Tess Twiehaus remarks, embracing a flexible mindset can unveil surprising treasures. Timing is Essential for Fresh Inventory When diving into second-hand shopping, timing can be pivotal. The Marketplace frequently refreshes its inventory, particularly during peak moving seasons or at the end of the month when people are decluttering. Understanding when to check Marketplace can lead to a bounty of finds just waiting to be discovered. Detecting Quality through Photos and Descriptions It's easy to dismiss listings with poor-quality photos, but Young encourages buyers to trust their instincts and look beyond initial impressions. The true value of an item often lies in its potential. Designers often advise inspecting items in person and asking for additional photos to get a real sense of their quality and condition before making a commitment. The Emotional Side of Second-Hand Treasures Every piece found on Facebook Marketplace can tell a story. When considering a piece of furniture, knowing how it fits into your space and personal narrative can enhance its value. Expressing enthusiasm to sellers about how you will incorporate their items into your home can also work in your favor, paving the way for cooperative deals. Stay Safe While Scoring Great Deals While second-hand shopping can be thrilling, it’s important to prioritize safety when meeting strangers. Always opt for public meeting points and bring a friend along. Sharing listing details with someone you trust not only enhances safety but can also provide a backup if something goes wrong. Conclusion: Unlocking Your Marketplace Potential Armed with insightful strategies honed by industry professionals, anyone can navigate Facebook Marketplace like an expert. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced decorator, incorporating these techniques will enable you to find unique items that resonate both in style and budget. The thrill of second-hand shopping is in the discovery, so why not dive in and start your journey today?

Discover How Soft Colors and Textures Transformed This Lake Home Into A Relaxing Family Escape

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Tiled Countertops Are Back: Why This Trend Appeals in 2025

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