Luxury in the lavatory is in style. Think granite countertops and Whirlpool baths.
The latest trend in bathrooms is making the room look nothing like a bathroom. Modern bathrooms require ambient lighting and freestanding vanities made to look more like furniture than cabinets. Warm colors are replacing the sterile white of the past.
Tubs – Many homeowners are removing bathtubs to build showers instead. If they do have tubs, they look for standalone models to save space.
With these standalones, the spigot doesn’t come out of the tub itself. You’ll need a standalone set of tub-filling pipes and faucets installed next to the tub. You can even have a standalone pipe with a hand-held sprayer device. And of course, the finishes used on faucets and pipes include many choices: black, bronze, brushed nickel, chrome, gold-finished brass, metal with glass trim.
Toilets – Hundreds of models of toilets are on the market at hardware stores and plumbing supply companies. White remains the color of choice in Arizona, particularly for contemporary style baths, although earth tones, grays, off-white and “biscuit” are gaining popularity — but not avocado or dusty rose.
Toilet tanks keep shrinking, largely because federal regulations require that the flush in toilets be limited to 1.6 gallons of water. But some toilets have only a 1.28 gallon flush.
Sinks – Demand has dropped for pedestal sinks, because these sinks have so little counter space for bottles and jars or even a comb. The newest cabinets for the bathroom look like furniture and have specially designed “insides” with outlets for hair dryers and shavers and electric toothbrushes. Cabinets are big enough to store those small appliances so they don’t clutter your counters.
Vessel sinks remain popular – particularly for powder rooms. But they’re not made out of glass anymore because glass is hard to clean and keep spot-free. The latest vessels are made from concrete or metal — like copper or brushed nickel.
The bathroom has become a place to escape from the stress of the rest of the world. And they have become one of the biggest selling points of a home.
Working on a budget? Replace your faucets and hardware, and spread a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Then choose a single luxury item—something you’ve always wanted—and make it the focal point of the room.
How about one of these trendy additions:
- An eco-friendly item. When revamping your room, consider a water-saving toilet or a low-flow showerhead. Both are designed to use about half as much water as the originals—without compromising your experience.
- A shower spa. Showers are as luxurious as the bath when you add seats for relaxation and jets that shoot from all sides.
- A TV. Installing a TV instantly makes the room a place to relax after work—or to catch up on current events before you head out in the morning.
- Bold color. Color is not just for the walls. Replace a white sink and tub with bright bowls in red or blue.
- Nature indoors. Bring a natural feel to the bathroom by installing a showerhead that simulates rainfall or faucets that flow like waterfalls.
- Vintage baths. A clawfoot tub will make your bathroom look unique. Combine it with a telephone-look showerhead for a retro look.
