A contemporary Chicago bathroom remodel contains bells and whistles that were un-dreamed of even a short time ago. Luxury features abound, and many of these are especially designed for the shower area.

Until recently, a large soak tub was typically the "showpiece" of a newly remodeled bathroom, but now homeowners often forgo a tub altogether in lieu of a shower that rivals or exceeds those found at upscale resorts.

5 Unique Shower Features to Include in Your Chicago Bathroom Remodel

Here are some of the more unique features we've been seeing in bathroom remodels here in the greater Chicagoland area.

1. Lighted mirrors. Remember when anti-fog mirrors designed for showers and baths just fogged up anyway? Well, manufacturers have finally perfected that technology and now you can enjoy lighted mirrors that don't fog up, making it much easier to shave in the shower. An added bonus, the mirrors can also come with embedded TVs. This technology means catching up with your favorite morning show, sports updates or even the shows you missed the night before can become a more integrated part of your morning routine. This lighted mirror/TV technology is also available for the vanity.
   
   
2. A shower soundtrack. While whole-home audio systems are becoming the norm for new construction and renovations, the music isn't always audible over the sound of the shower. Plus, music piped in to the bathroom may not be appreciated by the person who's still trying to sleep in the bedroom. To solve both dilemmas, vendors have designed special shower heads that contain waterproof speakers. You can delight in washing your hair to favorite tunes that aren't competing with the sounds of running water and your bedroom sleeper will be none the wiser.
   
   
3. Heated shower floors and seats. Tiled showers are absolutely gorgeous, and they can also be very cold. The chill given off from cold tiles can keep a shower from being as steamy as you want it from the get-go, and can make you wince when you first sit down on the bench seats or when you brush up against the wall. For that reason, we recommend adding heated flooring and extending the heating elements into the the underneath surface of your shower seats. This will make an instant difference in how fast your shower warms up and how comfortable you are from the very first second you sit down to enjoy your handheld shower head on the massage setting - you will literally warm and wash your tension away.
   
   
4. LED lighted shower heads. As long as you're enjoying a luxury shower, you might as well design mood-lighting to go with it. You can select shower heads with LED lighting that cast a soft, ambient glow in different colors.
   
   
5. Smart privacy glass. Also called switchable privacy glass, the shower can be encased in traditional clear glass that is instantly transformed into an opaque, privacy glass with the flip of a switch.

Visit Kitchens & Baths Unlimited to experience more unique bathroom features for your Chicago bathroom remodel.

Photo credit: Smart Glass International