Designer Bathrooms trends by Dave Nemeth

An area that is most often overlooked, yet quickly becoming a focal point of the overall house design is the bathroom. Over the years, there have been great creative and innovative developments in sanitary ware and taps, even big star international designers have climbed on this bandwagon designing great products for a variety of top world-renowned brands. This newfound appreciation for this room has seen it drastically transform, not only in appearance but also in function, with it becoming more of a chill zone or relaxing sanctuary and even combined with walk-in cupboard space often doubling up as a dressing area.

If we take a look at some of the macro trends taking place within new bathroom design we will see just how seriously this space is being taken by the discerning home owner and designer. We will also see how general home trends are having an influence making this space more like a living space and not a purely functional cube, devoid of personality and character.

Colour trends continue to favour the subtle tones with off whites, stones and clay hues being the most dominant with a lack of bright colours generally being used with this being reserved for children’s and teens bathrooms. When we do see splashes of brighter colours, they are generally created with cleverly hidden LED lighting, which can create an interesting contrast. Accent colour can be added in elements either such as the towels and accessories, which can be changed more affordably seasonally or as personal preference changes.

Space is always an issue in smaller areas such as bathrooms and for this reason; we see concealed storage being a priority, with clever design taking this into consideration. We see these “secret” storage areas hidden behind mirrors and even decorative art. In larger bathrooms, these storage units are bolder and designed with as much thought as that of a “top end” German kitchen. High gloss finishes have also resurfaced and again become exceptionally popular in items such as vanities and under-counter cupboards.

Ornamentation within the bathroom space is also popular as people see this room in a new light and we see everything from crafted artwork to chairs and handcrafted ottomans, giving the overall space a new “lifestyle” aesthetic. We also see ornamentation in the form of printing where shower doors have images printed on them as well as mirrors and even counter tops. Lighting in bathrooms is also no longer conventional with dramatic fittings and we even see chandeliers finding their way into a space, once reserved for purely functional fittings & lighting.

Ceramic tiles are still popular, with texture being the key element, we even see ceramic tiles that emulate wooden floors and by appearance, one cannot visually tell the difference between this and real wood. There is still a lot of development in mosaic tiles and we see these in a myriad of upgraded hues, tones and even metallic’s’ for those that want to add a touch of Glitz & Glamour.

Recycled and eco friendly products remain a focus for both consumers and designers and we see the introduction of concrete introduced into spaces in the form of accessories and even bathtubs. Larger windows and even sliding doors that often open up onto private areas of the garden or small self-contained courtyards where outdoor showers are also increasing in popularity now replace small windows.

Just like kitchen design has evolved and progressed over the years, it is safe to say that the bathroom is the next focal area that will now be the central focus as an extension of the bedroom and not mere a separate entity. - saho