Elegant bathtubs

Samantha and Mark Kuester are serial remodelers. Over the years, they have remodeled various homes in the Atlanta area — from Garden Hills and Brookhaven to Alpharetta and Cumming.

Last year, they gutted the master bath of their second Cumming home. Out came the gold fixtures, the builder-grade cabinets and the dated jetted tub.

To achieve the spa-like effect they wanted, the couple worked with Rick Gore of Atlanta-based RMG Design/Build. Samantha chose Casa Bianco honed marble for the bathroom’s floor and walls, a custom vanity with limestone countertops, a separate shower, heated floor and chrome fixtures by Santec.

But the dramatic centerpiece of the updated bathroom is the oval, freestanding tub. The elegant tub – with its air bath — was not only an artful choice but a practical one for the Delta flight attendant.

“We chose the air bath for its environmental friendliness and cleanliness,” said Samantha. “For many reasons, the tub was one of the best investments we have ever made.”

Whether for aesthetics or health benefits, the Kuesters aren’t the only homeowners installing a modern free-standing tub.

From 2010 to 2013, the popularity of standard freestanding tubs rose from 23 percent to 32 percent, according to an annual survey of design trends by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, a trade group.

While claw-foot tubs remain popular, there also are a slew of new, stand-alone tubs that come in a variety of sleek designs, shapes, colors and materials, said Michael Kornowa, director of marketing at Sugar Hill-based MTI, a manufacturer of high-end bath products.

“In 2003, we had three designs,” said Kornowa. “Now we have over 50 designs of free-standing tubs.”

If a free-standing tub is in your renovation plans, consider these tips from MTI Baths and the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

What kind of upgrade?

• Replacement. Do want to simply replace an older tub with a new one? This is the easiest, least costly and least disruptive kind of upgrade.
• Renovation. A renovation can mean expanding the bath tub space, moving or removing walls, replacing a closet with a shower, replacing tile, plus re-routing water lines and drain. This type of remodeling project will take more time, cost more money, make more mess and require more planning and coordination.
• Addition. This is where you add space, not reconfigure it. This is the most ambitious type of remodeling because there are interior design and architectural considerations.

Getting started

• Set a budget. How much would you like to spend? How much are you willing to spend? The two are often not the same.
• Do research. Check home magazines or visit online home remodeling sites, such as houzz.com. House tours are another good way to see new designs and how space is used.
• Consult with a remodeler, designer or contractor who specializes in the bathrooms and is familiar with building codes in your area.
• Check with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (nkba.com). For design help, check with Georgia chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (asidga.org)

Practical considerations

• Are there any increased electrical requirements?

• What kind of access do you need for whirlpool pumps or an air bath blower?

• If you are upsizing your tub, will you need a new hot water heater with a greater capacity?
• If your new tub will hold twice as many gallons as your old one, is the floor structurally sound to handle the increased weight?
• Does the new tub require the drain to be relocated?
• Where will the faucets go? They can be mounted on the floor, in the wall and on some tubs.

Style, shape & color

• Size. Today's bathtubs are made to fit in both large and small places. Lengths and widths vary.
• Shape. Tub shapes include oval, round, square and rectangle. Many resemble a piece of sculpture or furniture. With their different shapes, tubs are designed to fit into all kinds of spaces, including corners and alcoves. They can have the "feet" of the claw-footed tubs or sit atop a platform of stone.
• Style. Do you prefer the clean lines of a contemporary-style tub? A traditional look with a classic look and more ornate ambiance? Or a transitional style, which is something in between.
• Color & finishes. White, bone, biscuit and almond are top choices, but a variety of colors are available. Finishes include chrome and copper.

Materials

• Acrylic and fiberglass are lightweight and can emulate the modern or traditional forms of tubs that are made of more expensive materials.
• Stone. Solid engineered stone or natural stone, such as travertine, basalt, marble and granite.
• Wood, weathered copper and stainless steel
• Cast iron tubs (with porcelain finishes) are durable, heavy and still available.