Bathroom remodels are one of the most popular renovation projects and with good
reason. Besides the pleasure of creating a private retreat, they modernize the look
of your home and can enhance its resale value. If you’re planning a bathroom
renovation, consider the following emerging trends:
Live large
Today’s master bathrooms are getting bigger all the time. Many come complete
with furniture and entertainment systems. Recliners, chaises, decorative armoires
and TVs are among the added features. Manufacturers are also starting to create
bathroom fixtures that mimic the look and feel of furniture, such as two-person
tubs encased in wood frames.
Divide and conquer
The latest trend in upscale bathroom renovations is to divide the bathroom tub and
shower by installing an open whirlpool bath and separate glass-enclosed luxury massage
or steam shower. Double sinks are a popular addition for bathrooms shared by two
or more people, as are toilets physically separated from the rest of the bathroom,
either hidden behind a wall divider or secreted away in an alcove with a door.
Replace old standards
In place of standard porcelain, non-traditional materials such as glass,
rock, wood, chrome and china are leading the way in fixture and countertop design.
Glass tiles in blue or grayish-green tints are a popular way to create a soothing,
natural ambience.
Introduce color
Color is hot -- bold shades and warm earth tones are replacing bathroom
white. Bright reds and blues, forest greens, terracotta and rust are among the more
popular hues, as are relaxing chocolates and creams.
Go shiny and bright
Iridescent and reflective materials like pearlized glass tiles and mirrors are proving
popular. Even stainless steel, long considered unacceptable in the bathroom, is
starting to make inroads with renovators. Look for stainless steel medicine chests,
bathtubs and shower walls, usually offset with natural stone to temper the metal’s
clinical feel.
Unite form and function
Stylish wall-mounted taps are in and serve to reduce unsightly pipe work. Also,
above-counter basin sinks set into wooden cabinetry are starting to take over from
pedestal sinks and offer the added benefit of providing extra bathroom storage space.
Think green
Conservation is an important consideration in new bathroom renovations. Since 75
percent of all household water is used in the bathroom, there’s a growing
trend towards eco-smart fixtures such as water-efficient taps, showers and low-flow
toilets.
Indulge in luxuries
Heated towel racks, wall-recessed gas fireplaces and other high-end amenities are
coming into vogue with homeowners looking for the complete home-spa experience.
One of the most popular luxuries is radiant-heat flooring, which warms the floor
tiles and significantly reduces the shock of early-morning cold floors. Most come
equipped with a timer that can be set to heat the tiles in the early morning and
late evening, when your bare feet are most likely to hit the bathroom floor.
Updating your bathroom with a good bathroom redesign will likely pay off not only
in terms of your own personal enjoyment of your home but also as a popular feature
to market at resale time.
Published on May 19, 2007