Two of the hottest trends in residential glasswork are wet rooms and glass railing systems, but don’t let the word “trend” scare you off.
Though they may be popular now, these features offer timeless appeal that’s sure to enhance the value of your home for years to come.
Explore the benefits of wet rooms
Wet rooms have been around for a long time, but in the last two years we have seen an increase in popularity for clients who are building or remodeling bathrooms.
Typically, this involves enclosing an area of the bathroom with glass and adding other elements to make the space waterproof, though in some cases, the entire bathroom is designed as a wet room.
At Glass Doctor, we can install glass wherever necessary in a design, whether that’s a full or partial wall, doors or mirrors. For example, the shower and tub are typically placed in an open-concept area encased in glass, eliminating the possibility of water splashing into areas where it might do damage.
We offer high-quality products for your bathroom project, including tempered and Starfire glass. Tempered glass is always used in bathrooms, ensuring safety and aligning with building codes, as it will not shatter into sharp pieces.
Starfire is an upgrade — typically incurring about a 10% cost increase. We recommend it on indoor projects like bathrooms for its aesthetic appeal. Most glass has a green hue to it which can impact the room, depending on lighting and reflection. Starfire glass is the most brilliant glass available, offering a clear or slightly blue hue and giving a crisper look overall.
Aside from the clean, modern aesthetic that wet rooms offer, they also have practical applications. Because wet rooms allow you to walk directly into the shower, they eliminate hazards for those with limited mobility, safeguarding your home as you age.
For those with young children or pets, a wet room offers a practical space for baths or other messy situations. Wrangling a muddy dog for a bath becomes much less stressful when the space can be sprayed down with no worry of splashing walls or floors.
So, whether you’re aiming to create a luxurious and modern feel in your bathroom, or looking to protect against water damage and safeguard your home for all ages, wet rooms are a trend we don’t see going anywhere soon.
Understand the appeal of glass railing systems
Glass railing systems are another style choice that has been around for a while but has recently been getting much- deserved attention.
Whether you’re looking to add a stunning catwalk or indoor railing to your home, or a sleek outdoor system to take your landscaping or deck to the next level, Glass Doctor can make your vision come to life.
Inside the home, glass creates visual interest, as well as giving the illusion of more space. Interior glass gives the home a sleek, modern look, and it’s the perfect way to stay on trend, while locking in a classic, timeless style.
One of our favorite ways to use glass in residential projects is in outdoor living spaces. If you have a gorgeous view in your backyard, a glass railing on a deck or patio allows for safety and clean transitions, without blocking views like a wooden or metal railing.
Here in South Dakota, with strong winds coming off the prairie, we’ve received enthusiastic testimonials from customers who say that glass deck panels do a phenomenal job of offering protection from the wind.
Additionally, while glass needs to be cleaned just like any material, we’ve found its ease and durability superior to wood and metal. All it takes is a quick wipe with a cloth and some glass cleaner, compared to the maintenance of power washing, painting or staining.
We also offer a product called Clear Choice that can be applied prior to installation to prevent hard water stains. After the first application, we recommend touch-ups with our revitalizer spray once or twice a year to keep your glass clear and crisp.
It’s time to take your space to the next level with glass!
Interested in adding a wet room or glass railing system to your home? Call Glass Doctor today at 605-360-8508.
