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Do I Need a Bathtub in my Primary Bathroom?

Primary bathroom shower with storageOversized bathtub or spa-inspired shower? It’s a question that many people ponder when preparing to remodel their primary bathroom. Before you take the plunge, here are a few things to consider.

“It may seem obvious, but when making this decision, the first thing to think about is whether you prefer a shower or bath,” said Normandy Designer Liz Reifschneider. “First and foremost, it’s important to choose what’s right for your lifestyle.”

For many, it seems that a luxurious shower is an answer. Why? Well, removing that rarely-used bathtub has its advantages.

Vanity with large mirror

“More often than not, people choose to remove the bathtub from the primary bathroom,” added Liz. “After it is gone, we have more flexibility in the design, and can even work in some more storage. For example in this bathroom, we were able to work in a hidden laundry hamper, additional linen storage, and drawers as well as create more counter space – something that keeping the tub did not allow us.”

Removing the tub also makes room for a more luxurious showering experience. A large, walk-in shower can host a wide range of amenities, including body sprays, rain showerheads and a hand-held showerhead on a slider bar.

While a luxury shower is on-trend, many are still opting to keep a bathtub in their primary bathroom. However, in some cases, it’s not for the sole purpose of bathing. For example, a beautiful, free-standing soaking tub can become a focal point in the room and add to the overall aesthetic of the design.

marble bathroom

While choosing a shower or bathtub is a personal decision, it is understandable to question how this decision will affect resale.

“It’s of almost all Realtors’ opinions that as long as there is at least one bathtub in the home when it’s a two-bedroom home or more, it won’t affect resale,” answered Liz. “Preserving at least one bathtub in the home keeps the door open for buyers who prefer baths or require one for young children.”

Whether you prefer showers or baths, our Normandy designers can help design a primary suite to fit your needs. Schedule your complimentary consultation . For more information on interior design and home remodeling, you can also follow Normandy on Facebook and Twitter.

marble bathroommarble bathroommarble bathroom

Kitchen Design, with Message Center and Landing Zone on the Side

Message center

For many families, the kitchen is not just about preparing and enjoying delicious meals. It also functions as a central hub for activities like completing homework, juggling calendars and sorting mail. However, more often than not, kitchens are missing an area to host important notes and papers — drastically increasing the odds of having to stick items to the fridge or stack them on the counter.

Papers and drop-off items like keys and mail aren’t going away anytime soon. So, what’s a homeowner to do? Add a message center of course!

One way to discreetly incorporate a landing zone and message center is to add it to the side of an end cabinet. This style message center only requires a few inches of cabinet depth, making it a great option for smaller kitchens, particularly those that are also open to other areas of the home.

Of course, message centers can be used for more than just filing away paperwork and storing keys.  You can also incorporate various shelves or dividers, creating clever ways to store items like medications, dry erase boards, notepads, and more; whatever you need to stay organized.

Adding a message center to your kitchen cabinetry is a customized solution, so it is important to allocate the right budget and amount of time for planning, in addition to working with a skilled set of carpenters.”

Schedule an appointment to learn more about the process and speak with one of our professional designers about your upcoming kitchen remodel and find out if a message center is a good choice to include in your renovation. For more information and inspiration on interior design and home remodeling, See more of our kitchen designs here. To get regular design ideas and tips, subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or Pinterest.

side of the upper kitchen cabinet opens to reveal a message center

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