Our Picks for the Best Bathroom Design Trends for 2011
We've remodeled bathrooms for many homeowners over the years and through our experience we've learned that trends change with the availability of new products and creative designs which alter the look and use of the space. Bathrooms should be tailored to the needs of the users in your home and also reflect your lifestyle. With this in mind, if you’ve made a resolution to remodel a bathroom this year, consider incorporating some of the following products and ideas that we've identified as the latest bathroom design trends for 2011:
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Spa features. Many homeowners we work with enjoy soaking and whirlpool tubs, showers with multiple jets, special heating units, multiple sinks, versatile lighting, media equipment and other luxury items in their master bathrooms. Amenities can also include a walk-in closet, exercise equipment, a coffee maker or even a fireplace.
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Heated floors. Central New York mornings and evenings can be very cold. Heated floors add comfort to bathrooms and the heating units can be installed under tile or laminate flooring.
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Furniture style cabinetry, vanities and accent pieces. The National Kitchen and Bath Association's Inspiration Gallery shows a number of bathrooms with furniture style cabinetry and accent pieces, Furniture style cabinets work well in powder rooms and are also elegant additions in master bathrooms.
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Walk-in showers. Walk-in in showers can be a room within a room or can occupy a corner space of a bathroom. They can be equipped with a traditional showerhead, a hand held spray or multiple. Many homeowners are replacing tubs with deluxe showers.
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Stone flooring and wall accents. Natural stone and pebble flooring is a hot trend in bathroom design. Porcelain tile and laminates are also made to replicate natural stone and offer a cost-effective option if you like the look.
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Shower seats. Shower seats are great for storing bathroom essentials like soaps and hair care products but they also provide support for an individual who cannot stand in a shower an a place to sit for a relaxing shower experience.
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Safety accessories. Stylish grab bars located in tub and shower areas are designed to appear as though they are towel bars and will support an adult’s weight up to 350 lbs. Consider “Universal Design” features when planning your bathroom.
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Water efficient faucets and toilets. Most water consumption in a home occurs in the bathroom. Save on water bills and help the environment by installing low volume toilets and efficient faucets.
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Granite vanity and counter surfaces. Granite continues to be favored among homeowners for its beauty and durability. Not only is it being used in bathrooms on vanities but it is also used with tubs. If your budget is limited consider using new granite look laminate products.
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Natural lighting. Think about adding a skylight or sun tunnel to your bathroom space. Natural lighting not only illuminates the space but is great if you want to grow plants in the room.
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Go “Green”. Install a solar water heater to save on your energy bills and to be eco-friendly.
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Add decorative faucets and hardware. Personalize your space by choosing from hundreds of decorative products designed for bathroom.
If you’re looking for some state of the art and futuristic features check out HGTV. Several of their designers visited a trade show and saw new products which include glass counter surfaces and panels, body drying units which save on use of towels, low flow toilets and even a space saving machine that washes, then dries up to nine pounds of laundry and is small enough to install in a bathroom.
How do our trends compare with what you’ve seen or heard from others?
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