CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 31 Theo the golden retriever prepares for a rinse in his family's new home by custom builder Brad D. Cummings. (Photo by Cindy Burnham) MAKING A SPLASH! Playing in the dirt or snow can make a mess of our fur babies (and the inside of homes, too). Pet showers are becoming more requested as an added feature in laundry rooms, says award-winning custom homebuilder Brad D. Cummings, who is based in Lillington. Most pet showers are simple in design with an easy entry and adjustable spray nozzles. e showers are typically built close to the washer and dryer. ere's a trend toward stack units, albeit with fancier features and capabilities than in the past, Cummings says. More families are also opting for two washers and two dryers, along with abundant cabinets, shelves, niches and tables for folding laundry. WATER WORLD Wet rooms are making their way from the West Coast eastward. Visualize a zero-entry (no humps to hop!), sliding glass doors or completely open, and liberally tiled space. Add a bathtub that qualifies as a piece of contemporary art (clean lines) and a shower complete with rain heads, hand-held spray nozzles, pulsating jets, grab bars, benches, and hidden shelves for body washes, shampoos and other grooming products. Lisa Kirkwood, owner of Kirkwood Cabinet Design Center in West End, says the palette usually goes one of two ways: natural earth tones or bohemian with splashes of color and vintage-inspired hardware. Oen, there's a window to bring in the natural light, points out Melissa McIntosh, senior designer for KCDC. "It feels sleek, modern and open air," she says. Clearly, the trend takes spa-like – and the potential for togetherness – to a whole new level. "It's about creating an oasis in your home, about having a place to recharge," McIntosh says, adding that steam units are another request. How much can building your own wet room cost? Easily $40,000 to $50,000, says Kirkwood, depending on the size of the space and the desired materials. We asked some regional experts who agree that, in these uncertain times, many have chosen to invest in creating the homes of their dreams. Either room by room or from the ground up, there is no time like the present.

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