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30 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | March 2015 E very March, KBDN 's Spring Bath Remodeling Report asks designers across the country to share what design elements and products they see trending in master baths in their region of the country. Invariably there are some similarities that have captured the attention of homeowners regardless of where they live, while others are more regional in nature. Some trends have made the KBDN 'trends list' before and are showing no signs of slowing down in popularity. While some trends mentioned in this year's report may come as no surprise, it's interesting to discover how designers are interpreting them and incorporating them with other elements within the space. FREESTANDING TUBS The tub debate – whether to leave it in or take it out – seems to depend on whom is asked. Clients of Brooke Eversoll, CKD, CBD, of S&W; Kitchens, in Palm Harbor, FL, lean toward main- taining at least one tub in the home, as do clients of Liz Firebaugh, CKD, own- er of Signature Kitchens, in Petoskey, MI. "Everyone thinks they're going to take out the tub, but they end up leav- ing it in," says Firebaugh, "especially in larger baths." But for clients of Traci Shields, ASID, of Friedman & Shields, in Scottsdale, AZ, a tub is no longer con- sidered a necessity, though she does encourage them to keep it if they have the space. "Although having said that, I've done major remodels where cli- ents want a huge walk-in shower," she says. "I'm surprised by how few people care about tubs. They used to want to keep it for resale, but now more people say it doesn't matter. It's such expensive real estate." When homeowners do opt for a tub, it's almost always a freestand- ing style. "My clients have moved completely away from deck-mounted tubs…at any price point, not just high Freestanding tubs, large-format porcelain tile, foating or raised- height vanities, large walk-in showers, frosted glass and shades of gray are among the hottest trends in today's master bath projects. Spring Bath Remodeling Report By Kim Berndtson Photo: Beth Singer