According to a recent survey, you'll spend over one year of your life in the bathroom. Not surprisingly, bathrooms are among the top rooms to focus on during home remodeling, and both functionality and comfort are important factors. The features below are some of the most popular for bathroom remodels and certainly ones you will want to consider.

Neutral or Pastel Colors

Whether you take your shower at night to unwind after a long day, or early in the morning to wake up, bathrooms should typically be a calm and soothing environment. Neutral and pastel colors help to establish a sense of serenity ideal for the bathroom. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, light colors, such as beige or pale blue are among the most popular with homeowners, which in turn increases the resale value of your home. Additionally, light colors reflect light, making one of the smallest rooms in your home appear larger and more inviting.

Exhaust Fan that Controls Humidity

Between the shower, sink, and toilets, bathrooms get wet. Unfortunately, that means high levels of humidity, which can be stifling and lead to mold. It is no surprise that 80% of those surveyed in the National Association of Home Builders annual survey rated a humidity controlling exhaust fan as either highly desired or essential. These fans automatically control the level of moisture in the air, so you don't have to worry about opening a window or flicking a switch. 

Walk-In Shower

For those who are not attached to the bathtub, curb-less walk-in showers are perfect. These showers integrate seamlessly with tile floor, eliminating tripping hazards that can dangerous to the elderly or children. When you're done with your shower, you can simply pull the door back, creating more space in your bathroom, making them perfect for smaller homes. In a recent American Institute of Architects survey, walk-in showers were among the most popular features for a bathroom, making them a recession proof choice should you ever sell your home.

Heated Flooring

Nothing quite jars you awake like stepping onto a freezing cold bathroom floor. The unpleasant feeling is among the reasons why heated ceramic tile is a favorite on the National Kitchen and Bath Association's list of top bathroom features. When ceramic flooring is paired with radiant heating, the floor efficiently heats the whole bathroom.. This saves money over a forced heat alternative, making it an energy-efficient and comfortable choice for your bathroom.

Integrated Technology

Technology is a part of every aspect of life for most people. Technology for the bathroom is geared towards sustainability and comfort. Common amenities include showers equipped with waterproof flat-screens, MP3 players or chromatherapy (colored bathroom lights) and aromatherapy features. These options can help you wind down after a long day or prepare you for the day to come.

Whether you are remodeling your bathroom for comfort, practicality, or to sell your home, the above features will pay for themselves. Why not include them in your next remodel? After all, if you spend over a year of your life in a room, you might as well enjoy it.