Does any other room have this
many names: bathroom, restroom, washroom, lavatory, little girl's
room, the john, the head (on Navy ships, I've heard), and a few others
I won't mention?
BODY SOAKING A LA JAPANESE
It's always interesting to see the way other
cultures model their products, specifically ones for the home. The
Sorrento sit bath tub, by Victoria & Albert, is inspired by
traditional Japanese tubs, which allow full-body immersion (how's that
for deep soaking?). And because it's not as big as standard tubs, it
fits in small spaces and can be installed in a corner, as a
centerpiece or anywhere. It also comes in a floral pattern. Cost is
$5,000 for the freestanding tub (with the base) and $3,300 for the
built-in version. Details: vandabaths.com.
TOP 5 MOST POPULAR BATHROOM IDEAS
Let me preface this next section by saying that I'm
jealous of people whose bathrooms look like a spa (sigh). In any
event, if you're considering turning your bath into one of these
luxurious havens, here's a list of the top 5 most popular products,
according to abathroomguide.com: Heated floors (You know stepping on
cold tile is not fun!); rainfall showerheads (I hate wimpy shower
streams; I'd rather feel like I'm getting bombarded by water from all
sides); steam showers (Steam helps relieve muscle tension and joint
fatigue. And it works wonders for your skin.); LED lighting (Hey, a
little ambience goes a long way); and mirror defoggers (No one wants
to wait to see their newly refreshed skin.).
THE PLEASURES OF A DAILY BATH
Neither my bathroom nor my bathtub is very fancy.
Still, I don't let that keep me from indulging in a daily bath. Yes,
you read that correctly — daily. And I love it. Regardless of how
tired I am, soaking my whole body in water always makes me feel
better. On many nights, I swear it's what helps me sleep. One night, I
went to bed without it and ended up waking up in the middle of the
night to run my bath. Only then was I able to sleep. I'm not saying I
sit there for hours on end — although I would, if I had the time.
After a long day at work or a good workout, I run a hot bath and sit
in it for about 10 minutes. There, no one bothers me and I'm away from
all the noise (not you, my dear husband; I mean the TV or phone). It
has become such a part of my routine, this taking-a-bath business,
that I don't feel at home until I do it. And you? What makes you feel
at home?
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