SMALLEST ROOM RECEIVES BIG ATTENTION

What are you doing in there? Relaxing.

The bathroom of the '90s has taken on a new role -- a comfort zone for stressed-out people who find refuge in its promise of privacy.

As a result, bath design and decor have gotten a lot more attention. Gone are the days of strictly white fixtures and mix and match towels. Bathrooms have become one of the most important rooms in the house.

Makes sense. The average adult American spends 2.43 years of his or her life in the bathroom. That's 47 minutes each day behind bathroom doors.

Jackie Reese of Design Associates said luxury homes are no longer complete without a luxury bath. In fact master baths are more likely to be master suites complete with tall ceilings, whirlpool baths and separate showers.

"Even the bidet is more popular than ever," she said. "People want to put a chaise in the middle of the room and big bay windows next to the whirlpools. Of course you need good window treatment."

Even in a small bathroom, Reese said, luxury abounds. "If you have a tiny guest bathroom you can still make a statement," she said.

She has one client who remodeled a tiny bathroom to include a marble shower, solid walnut cabinets and beautiful brass fixtures. But she doesn't recommend brass; water takes too high a toll.

"There are just gorgeous accessories and beautiful custom-like shower curtains out there," Reese said. "Usually people will include a nice piece of art."

On a smaller budget, layering luxurious bath and hand towels can spruce up a bathroom.

"That's what I did. I used neutral colors so I can change it as I want with new colors."

Dennis Meyer of Meyer Supply Co. said in the past 10 years the variety of bath accessories has grown tremendously.

"It seems a lot of manufacturers are looking to meet that middle- to high-end market," Meyer said. "They have come out with a lot of different products, mainly to catch up with Kohler (a bath manufacturer)." Meyer's is a Kohler distributor.

Meyer said the traditional bath, shower, sink and toilet have taken on designer looks and designer price tags.

"You can buy faucets anywhere from $50 to $1,000," he said. "Toilets too, anywhere from $50 to $1,000."

"Kohler makes a console table that is a combination vanity and pedestal lav.," Meyer said. "It can be made of real marble or vitreous china with stylish legs and a fancy towel bar."

Meyer said white and bone are still the most popular colors, but grays are becoming real popular.

"We have lots of colors available from pastels to the bold colors like dark burgundy, black or blue."

"When people remodel, the bathroom is usually one room that gets attention," Meyer said, "especially the master bath and the guest or powder room."

Terry McDowell of Rust and Martin said: "The bathroom is no longer merely functional; it is a pampered space in the house. With work habits today, so much of the time at home, especially in the morning, is spent getting ready to leave.

"People are doing sunken whirlpool tubs and heated towel bars, make-up tables and walk-in closets off the bath," he said.

And the accessories are endless.

"There are whole departments in lots of stores devoted just to baths," he said. "That makes it fun just to change colors and update."