So we know a guest bathroom is for visiting patrons, presumably our friends and acquaintances, we also know that our master bathroom is our pride and joy, our sanctuary but what is the fundamental difference between the two besides the obvious. While it is the details that make a bathroom special, let's move beyond the matched fixtures and décor fittings. Bathrooms are essentially an extension of the rest of our home and as such are a reflection of our style preferences, where each piece contributes to the overall whole effect we are trying to create. The choices you make for your master bath are going to be different from the choices you make for your powder room or guest bathroom. The main difference between the two being the application of the end user, where a master bath is for lingering and relaxation, a guest bathroom is for functionality and expediency.
While color, materials and surface finishes describe a particular style in your home décor, certain subject matter must be repeated in order to maintain some form of coherency throughout your residence. The master bath usually connects directly to the master bedroom and is a luxury buying feature that is demanded by most home buyers these days. When designing a master bath for a couple, both parties should be consulted before any work is set in motion. Differences in work schedules, intimacy (openness) and privacy requirements will all determine the bathroom layout and choice of fixtures that you purchase. For example couples that use the facilities in the morning at the same time will require more floor and storage space. They may also require an oversized bathtub, double sinks, double mirrors, individual robe hooks and double or elongated towel racks and maybe even a shower that fits two. If on the other hand they are on different schedules, then their master bathroom will not require any extra amenities since there is going to be only one user most of the time. Perhaps a sliding door is needed to shut off any noises coming from the bathroom while your spouse is still sleeping. This does not however mean that the master bathroom has to be plain, you can still have all the luxurious amenities but without the duplication.
The guest bathroom or powder room is more about function and convenience. Since they are usually smaller than the master bathroom and used less frequently, you can use more expensive materials and finished surfaces to impress your guest while leaving a lasting impression on them. Wall hung cabinets and toilets, heated towel racks and vessel sinks add a touch of elegance and originality to your powder room. Because of the guest bathrooms smaller size you will be using less material which makes going all out much more affordable. Something to remember is to leave a drawer empty to accommodate your guest storage needs and keep towels and other bathroom necessities in plain sight or behind frosted glass cabinets so your guest don't have to dig for them.
BathroomTerry Reflex is a contributing writer for the The Bathroomguru Review an online resource where you can learn the secrets of professional Bathroom Guru's. The Bathroomguru Review provides information on bathroom trends, bathroom design, bathroom remodeling, bathroom renovation and bathroom product reviews. Learn how to do it like the professionals and pamper yourself by creating the bathroom you've always wanted.