A luxurious master bath is more than a selling point for today’s homeowners, it is a necessity.

Today’s homeowners are spending more time in, and money on, their master baths, so it is no surprise that they are one of the most highly regarded amenities in the home. No longer a strictly utilitarian room, master baths are becoming a personal retreat to rev up for the day’s start or wind down at the day’s end.

People want a gracious yet comfortable place to spend their time, and neutral color schemes are reflecting that. Wall and floor treatments feature soft, natural hues of green, yellow, blue and beige. Fixtures are commonly bone, biscuit or white and the most popular finish for faucets is chrome with soft brass accents.

Tile is still the most common floor-covering, typically in marble, granite or limestone finishes. Larger tile sizes are gaining in popularity, with colored grouts for a touch of excitement and personal expression. Plenty of clear floor space should be provided for maneuverability, especially in the wet areas, and matte or textured tiles should be used to improve traction and prevent accidents.