It's hard to believe that as recently as 50 years ago, in many parts of our country residential sanitation systems were unknown. Once waste disposal systems were brought indoors, they shared space with bathtubs, and both were thought of as strictly for hygienic purposes. These rooms were usually tiny and cramped, allowing room for one person at a time Most homes only had one such facility; the prevailing attitude being that one was plenty.

As time passed, the importance of the bathroom grew. Homes were built with two baths, then three, often more. While luxury homebuilders led the way in setting design trends, mainstream builders eventually included many luxury features as standard items. Spacious rooms, closeted toilets, double bowl lavatories, whirlpool tubs, and recently large walk-in showers have found their way into the mainstream, and this trend will continue.

Utilitarian functions of bathrooms are now being relegated to small cubicles. Water closets are housed in separate enclosures; tubs, showers, and lavatories are placed in distinct areas. Boundaries between bedroom and bath are disappearing. Meanwhile new equipment is moving in. Exercise equipment is being introduced into the bath area. Personal spas, televisions, telephones, audio equipment, and even fireplaces are being installed with regularity.

In the years to come, we will see the transformation of the master bath into a private retreat. To many, they will become "morning" or "evening" rooms. While public areas of homes will become less personalized, bedrooms and baths will form a kind of inner-sanctum where people can indulge themselves in the lap of luxury. These areas also provide a greater opportunity for personal expression in the areas of design and color. The future is clear: in the years to come the bath will become our private sanctuary.

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