Bathroom Trends: Do and Do Not
1. What did you find interesting or surprising about any of the aforementioned study's findings and why?
‘84% want to remodel due to poor design’: this seems like a general answer that encompasses the others (i.e ‘need additional space’ or ‘poor layout’). I would say that the majority of my clients are either remodeling multiple spaces in their home or they just bought / are selling a house.
‘41% desire a bathroom 100-199 square feet in size’: This seems rather small by my standards, so it's good to note here that metropolitan cities and residential homes are going to have entirely different responses.
‘the most popular bath designs layouts are master suite (41%), separate tub and shower (34%), and separate water closet (30%), and the most popular cabinet style is floating vanity (62%)’: I was surprised by the floating vanity response. This design would be suited for modern houses but those are few and far between. Having a floating vanity in a traditional home (opposed to modern) would look out of place. It’s important to always consider the aesthetic of the house and never just use ‘trends’ to determine your design. Furthermore, I wouldn’t consider a separate tub and shower a trend. I would say trends are determined by the decade and that has been popular for some time now.
2. Why is it important to consider the latest trends when you're planning to remodel a bathroom?
At the forefront of every good design is an elegant blend of the new and the old. Staying on top of trends allows us Interior Designers to make educated, artful decisions about what’s outdated, and what’s in style.
3. What particular bathroom remodel trends do you agree with or recommend and why?
The Floating Vanity: Floating vanities are the epitome of functionality and design. While serving the client the same, they offer both the reality and illusion of space. In comparison, wall to wall vanities or freestanding vanities serve the same purpose but don’t offer the same minimalist design. It has a place in a modern home, but not so much in a traditional one.
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4. Which bathroom remodel trends do you caution against and why?
Vessel Sinks: While not necessarily ‘trendy’ this has been a big change in the recent decade. The vessel sinks compromised functionality. They are hard to clean around and are an obstacle when trying to use the counter.
‘Trendy’ Colors: Retail interior design would have everything grey, but be wary of this. At one point in time, dramatic colors were all the rage. The trendy avocado, wedgewood blue and pink blush of the 50’s and 60’s serve as a reminder to design for your future tastes.
Jacuzzi and other water jets tub systems: In the 1980’s, every house had to have one. Unfortunately, these tubs often compromise functionality. They are hard to clean and get used much less than one would think. Instead, we opt for larger walk-in showers with all the bells and whistles: multiple shower heads, body sprays, steam units, rain heads, seats and stools, etc.
Outdated Surfaces: No more laminants as countertops. New resins and polymers have streamlined countertop design at a retail level to offer a solid uniform countertop and sink combined.
5. Are there any bathroom remodel trends not listed in the study that you want to recommend? Why?
Neutral Colors: throughout the mid and late 20th century, bathrooms were characterized by their dramatic color palette. I recommend keeping the palette simple and clean. One that will last the test of time. White is best unless the budget allows for style transformation every 10 years.
Tile Design: the 1970’s and till the 90’s bathrooms all had very similar sized 4x4 tiles. Nowadays we have the ability to put 3x12, 6x12 or even 12x24 tiles in a bathroom, either stone or porcelain. This design element allows for a more linear, modern style. Furthermore, new technology, like printing on porcelain tiles, has given consumers the ability to have a bathroom that looks like stone or wood, without the price tag. Similarly, technological advancements in laser cutting have increased the affordability of mosaics on stone.
Honed Surfaces: The finish of stone on the vanity and tub deck is being replaced from high gloss to a more natural looking honed finish.
Ergonomic design: This is a must. Every client is different and nowadays technology has given us the ability to customize rooms to fit the exact needs of the client. For instance, last year I designed a master bathroom for a client who was 6’ 7’’. We discarded the older vanity base which had a height of 32’’ and redesigned them to a better height of 35”. The same rationale applies to seniors who may be height challenged as their posture changes.
6. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic?
Designing for the future: Leave room to transpose or add/subtract details for age.
Design for Functionality: Good design is not dysfunctional.
The Home Depot Effect: When the trend makes it to home depot, it’s out.
Break the Barriers: Today’s personal spaces for grooming don’t allow for all the behavior that takes place in a ‘bathroom’. The best bathroom I ever saw was on Route 66, in a southern mansion. The bathroom was from the 1920’s. It had all the basics but also a dressing table, recliner, freestanding armature to hang your clothes on, large vanity, and ample space to move around. What defines a bathroom as a bathroom?
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It’s important to note in this last remark, that ultimately, it’s your space. Remodeling a bathroom isn’t as uniform as one may think. Sure there are the standard essentials--bathtub, shower, toilette, vanity--but ultimately the client's personality is what ties it all together.