We are going to remodel the master bath in our home. Any suggestions of what to consider?

The bath is devoted to cleanliness and the materials you use enhance that feeling. You can use tile or stone, in combinations or alone, for countertops, shower enclosures and floors. There are endless possibilities for the design of these materials. There are resources for making hand painted tiles that give you the opportunity to have exactly what you want; any color, any image, from colorful Moroccan, to English botanicals.

The fixtures, faucets, sinks, etc., are also important. Select well known name brands that you can rely on to perform and hold up well. Again, there are many styles. Select one that compliments your home; sleek contemporary to formal traditional.

Add elements to your bathroom to make it feel luxurious: thick towels and richly textured bath mats to step on when you get out of the tub or shower. White terry-cloth robes are wonderful to put on after a bath. Have clear glass shelves for storage of extra towels.

Mirrors in baths are essential. For a clean look, they can be beveled and cover walls, or for a more elegant look, mirrors can be framed in carved wood frames to add interest and a focal point.

It is very important to add special accessories to a bathroom to make it feel warm and personable. Have art on the walls to enjoy. A wonderful collection of little baskets arranged on the countertop to hold some of the many small things we use, adds texture and personality. Scented candles are nice to burn in the evening while taking a bath. Find some special alabaster cups, a silver hand mirror and some lovely crystal perfume bottles to arrange in a collection on the countertop. Add an orchid plant, a vase for fresh flowers, and some scented rosebuds to add life and fragrance to the space.

What ever your choices are, choose the ingredients that will make this a room in your home that is pleasurable, as well as functional.