In part three of our four-part series, we focused on current trends in countertops, backsplashes, sinks, lighting, appliances, hoods and flooring. Just as kitchen cabinetry has evolved over the years, so have all the other elements in the kitchen. We briefly touched on these trends in our previous article and also incorporated several pictures to illustrate the changes.
Current Trends in Bathroom Design
For our grand finale, we will focus on changes in the bathroom. No longer a utilitarian space, bathrooms have evolved into spa environments and luxurious retreats to relax and unwind. We are seeing more space dedicated to the bathroom and more color used throughout the space. Here are some other interesting design trends we have recently observed:
Showers & Bath Tubs
Open showers (ones without any doors) and zero entry showers or curb-less showers (that do not have a sill or threshold to trip or step over) are also gaining popularity. Zero entry showers generally feature linear drains that are slightly sloped to offer proper drainage and are also more attractive than traditional drains. Other popular options are frameless glass shower door enclosures, glass used as accents on walls outside of the shower, polished fixtures in the shower and the use of wall tile in showers. Steam showers are also a desirable upgrade. In terms of bath tubs, we see more stand alone tubs or soaker tubs. Air baths and Jacuzzi-style tubs have become less popular over time.
Toilets & Bathroom Sinks
We are seeing an increase in toilet fixtures with more color options. Popular features include comfort height toilets and water-saving units. In terms of sinks, we are seeing an increased popularity in under-mounted china sinks.
Bathroom Cabinetry, Fixtures & Hardware
In terms of bathroom cabinetry design, we are seeing a shift toward simple, cleanline and less ornate designs. Styles that are designed to look like furniture are also popular. We are seeing less wall cabinets stacked on base cabinets, but there is still a need for ample storage in the bathroom. Popular colors include medium to dark stained maples and cherry as well as off-white paint colors. The most commonly-specified door styles are square flat panel, Shaker and square raised panel. Inset door panels are also very popular. Mixed metals are commonly requested for fixtures and hardware which also offers an updated look.
Bathroom Countertops
The use of granite is diminishing in bathroom countertops. Honed materials are more popular. We see a move toward predominantly marble, travertine and limestone countertops. For intown projects, we are also seeing the creative use of glass countertops.
Bathroom Flooring
Tile and stone are still popular choices for the bathroom with more design options than ever before. We are seeing patterns used in many sizes of stone and tile to give a sense of movement to the space and create visual interest. Rectangles are also used to open up the space as well as provide visual movement. We see a continued emphasis on mixing different materials to draw attention to the space.
Bathroom Special Features
Other popular bathroom additions include floor warming systems, towel warmers, attractive glass shelves and unique niche areas.
The evolution of design is a fascinating topic. We hope you enjoyed our series on design trends, and we look forward to keeping you updated on future changes in this dynamic and constantly changing industry.