Houzz Bathroom Trends
Last week we talked about some of the results of Houzz’ Bathroom Trend report, in which they polled around 1500 users from across the country to find out what trends are shaping choices for bathrooms. Here are some more trends we’re seeing which can assist you in considering what’s important to you for your remodel or new build.
- You have a love-hate relationship with tubs. They’re either eliminated entirely for a larger shower or they become a star in the bathroom in the form of free-standing, flat-bottomed tubs, or deeper soaking tubs. Gone (for the most part) are the Jacuzzi tubs of old. Sometimes clients have old tubs that seem to take over the whole room and don’t get me started on the tiled stairs leading to it!
- Floating vanities are becoming more popular! I find that you can still have great storage without the heaviness of cabinets sitting on the ground. This trend also speaks to the tilting towards a more “Modern” design aesthetic.
- Premium features worth the splurge. Remodels and new construction always have trade-offs between splurges and saves. I assist my clients in finding the right balance between getting the best products and also the best look for the investment. Sometimes we scale back in one place to allow for a to-die-for element somewhere else. Here are the items that respondents felt were worth the splurge (and I agree);
- One piece toilets with dual flush and bidet seats -in some respects this choice actually saves money because you don’t need to buy a toilet and bidet and being able to reduce water usage per flush saves on the water bill.
- Rainfall shower heads and dual showers – many of my clients are taking advantage of these along with body sprays and hand-held wands for a full water experience!
- Soaking tubs – we touched on this earlier and last week as well. There are so many fabulous tubs out there that can become focal points of a spectacular bath while allowing you to have a “Calgon take me away!” moment. For those of you too young to get that, google “Calgon, take me away!”
While these trend reports can help guide you in creating the bath of your dreams, professional assistance from designers, contractors and architects are the absolute best way to protect your investment and ensure your dreams don’t become nightmares!
Spa Retreat Master Bath
This was an unexpected update for my clients. They discovered they had a mold issue and had to rip down several walls. The client called me in a panic asking if I thought it made sense to just close it back up and keep it the way it was and then re-do down the line or remodel now. I suggested remodeling now instead of essentially doing it twice. We worked with mostly in-stock materials, although the splurges were the tub and the custom shower doors. We utilized the Siteline cabinetry line that I offer to keep costs down but still have great quality. The clients are thrilled with the outcome.
Check out our Spa Retreat Master Bath project on Houzz for more images and details on materials used.
The Fresh Designs in Freestanding Tubs
Between the hustle-bustle work world and the love-filled but hectic activities of our family lives, sometimes we just need to unplug. How many of us have staked a “no trespassing” rule around a private hour in the sanctity of our baths? Ah, the simple pleasure of a hot soak stretched out in the tub, a warm washcloth folded over your eyes, scented oils soothing both your skin and your olfactory senses – that’s a slice of paradise.
Unfortunately, anyone who has attempted to achieve that perfect soak in a traditional tub/shower combo knows it often leaves your neck at an uncomfortable angle and your legs folded up awkwardly.
Enter the freestanding tub. Large, freestanding soaking tubs are gaining popularity both for the comfort and the beauty of the designs. A gorgeous freestanding tub can be a breathtaking focal point in your bathroom design. Here are some of the best designs available in a whole range of beautiful styles and materials:
This traditional beauty from MTI Baths is gently sloped and wonderfully roomy, just right for wiling away a blissful hour gazing out the window. We just used this tub in a recent client project and it turned out heavenly. (Stay tuned for images on the finished project soon!)
Here’s a graceful Italian update to the always romantic slipper bath from Zucchettikos:
This gorgeous oval cast iron bathtub with burnished finish is from the Margaux Collection by Waterworks. You can see more views of this spa-like, European style tub in our Glenview Renovations project on Houzz.
Or sail away in the Pescadero tub from Victoria + Albert Baths, a unique “wave” design inspired by the sea.
The Papillon is a show-stopper from Studio 41 in Carrara Marble with a unique bowl shape.
Maybe the hand crafted, hammered finish of the Native Trails Antique Copper Aurora from Studio 41 is tub that calls you from the cares of the world.
The simple lines of the contemporary style, teak wrapped Petra tub from MTI Baths is a bold statement piece for a more modern spa bathroom.
With so many styles, shapes and features to choose from, there is a freestanding tub for every taste and hundreds of tiny vacations in your bathroom just waiting to happen.
