How to Choose the Right Bath Setup for Your Bathroom Remodel

When it comes to a bathroom remodel, few decisions shape your daily experience more than choosing between a bathtub, a shower, or both. It’s not just a question of aesthetics, it’s about how you live, what you value, and what kind of experience you want to step into each day.

Begin With Your Life, Not the Layout

Before you think about tile or finishes, start with how you move through your day. Do you need the quick refresh of a morning shower or the calm ritual of an evening soak? Is this space meant for guests, for children, or for aging in place? The most enduring designs are rooted in real life. They’re not based on trends, but on habits, needs, and rhythms that deserve to be honored.

What a Shower Offers

Walk-in showers are the go-to for modern, minimal, and spa-like spaces. They're efficient, accessible, and perfect for creating a sleek flow in tighter footprints.

Why choose a shower:

• Faster and more practical for daily routines
  
  
• Easier access for aging adults or mobility concerns
  
  
• Allows for larger vanities or more storage
  
  
• Can make a bathroom feel bigger and brighter
  
  

The Case for a Bathtub

A bathtub offers something a shower can’t: immersion. Whether it’s for bathing children or unwinding with bubbles and a good book, tubs speak to comfort, luxury, and ritual.

Why choose a tub:

• Ideal for households with young kids
  
  
• Adds a sense of calm and relaxation
  
  
• Often expected in primary suites or higher-end homes
  
  
• Freestanding tubs become a design feature of their own
  
  

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When Both Makes Sense

If your space allows, having both a walk-in shower and a bathtub offers the best of both worlds, convenience and comfort.

This is especially worth considering in:

• Primary bathrooms where luxury is a priority
  
  
• Guest suites where flexibility is key
  
  
• Larger remodels where floor plans are being reimagined
  
  

If you're going for both, think strategically about layout. Placing the tub under a window or near the shower can create a unified, spa-like experience.

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Make Resale a Consideration, Not a Compass

While resale is worth considering, especially in single-bath homes where buyers often look for at least one tub, your home should serve you first. In multi-bath homes, design freedom expands. The focus shifts from “What will sell?” to “What will serve?” When quality and craftsmanship lead the way, value follows.

Details That Elevate Everyday

Whether you choose a sleek shower, a sculptural soaking tub, or both, the right details make all the difference. Integrated niches. A waterfall edge bench. Thoughtful lighting. A matte black filler that feels as elegant as it is efficient. These aren’t add-ons, they’re what transform utility into experience.

Designed With Intention. Built With Care.

At CROSS, we believe every space should feel as good as it looks and function as beautifully as it lives. We guide our clients through every choice, helping them find what truly fits. Because a bath isn’t just a feature. It’s a reflection of you.

Let’s design a bathroom that fits your life beautifully.