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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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