Let's be honest, it's probably about time to upgrade your bathroom. Often, we see our bathroom as more of a functional space than a design opportunity, so it tends to get left behind when we take on a remodeling or redecorating project. So whether it's the out-of-style fixtures, the small shower and limited space, or the dim lighting, bathrooms have an overwhelming feeling of "old."
But the trends are shifting and the time for dated, function-only bathrooms is up: designers are emphasizing a move to more luxurious bathroom designs. So, to help inspire you as you start on your bathroom renovation, here are six bathroom trends you'll want to know all about!
Love a good bath? Bring that feeling of luxury to a standing position for a spa-like shower! Body sprays, rain shower heads, and hand showers are all options that allow you to relish the latest in shower fixtures. Overall, master showers are gaining more square footage in new bathroom floor plans, becoming more "shower rooms" rather than a stall pushed into the corner. These "rooms" are completely tiled and often feature a bench and nooks for storing soaps and towels.
If your bathroom has a tile floor, why not make it radiate heat? Low-energy radiant heat mats warm up specific floor spaces in a bathroom anywhere bare feet frequent, such as near the tub or shower entrance or in the toilet area. This technology allows you to pick and choose the spots you heat, saving more energy than traditional radiant heating, which requires a more sophisticated house system.
Now that we're thinking of the bathroom in terms of design, it's important to have a focal point in mind. The vanity, for example, is an ideal focal point for any bath or powder room, especially when it's equipped with a decorative vessel sink. A vessel sink is a type of sink that sits on the counter's surface rather than dropped down in it. From clear glass to cast stone, vessel sinks come in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes, so you're sure to find the perfect focal point to fit your design!
Tubs aren't essential in the master bath, but aren't they a luxurious treat to have? More and more, we're seeing Jacuzzi tubs in the bathroom. But rather than a corner tub (which takes up valuable square footage), smaller, deeper tubs are all the rage! Deep tubs that are large enough for two people but small enough to slide against a wall or next to a shower room are the perfect way to round out your bathroom layout. And as for tub bubbly, check into heated water jets; they won't cool down the bath by shooting air into the water, and they're essentially self-cleaning. That's what we call a win-win-win!
Nothing pulls your bathroom into the 21st century quite like brightening the whole room up! So, go ahead: indulge yourself with a chandelier above the soaker tub. And you can amp up the ambiance with backlighting around your mirror; it's not a functional light, but it provides soft, warm lighting. Toe-kick lighting underneath cabinets serves as a handy nightlight. You can also go with a more environmentally friendly option and utilize skylights, which provide bright, natural light while keeping your bathroom your private sanctuary.
Neutral bathrooms evoke a mood of relaxation, but that doesn't mean having a blah backsplash! Work recycled glass or metallic mosaics into your tile design of choice. You can even use specialty tiles as the "jewelry" to keep the project from blowing your budget. And for a seamless look that's easy to clean, take the tile from floor to ceiling!