By Deanna Kane
No matter how functional and aesthetically pleasing your existing bathroom is, using the same space day in and day out can inspire you to make some updates. In fact, updating a bathroom every seven to 10 years is a typical time frame. And, since bathrooms and kitchens add the most value to a house, updating your bathroom is a project that will pay off. But, before you embark on your bathroom remodel, take some time to learn about the current trends and to keep the space feeling fresh for the next decade.
Frame the Focal Point
Creating a focal point is an essential part of any design plan. A shower room, which is a walk-in shower large enough to also accommodate a soaker tub, top many homeowners’ bathroom must-have lists. Dianne Fasano, owner of Bella Tile and Stone, has seen all-tile shower rooms becoming increasingly popular.
Carly Loobeek, partner and designer with Studio M Interiors says, “Bathroom floor plans are often designed to put visual focus on a luxurious soaker tub. I have noticed a trend in arched openings leading to a walk-in shower. This creates a picture frame effect.”
Curved lines are a prevalent 2022 design trend throughout all aspects of the home, and the bathroom is no different. Expect more of these curved edges to add softness to bathrooms.
Functionally Beautiful Amenities
Optimizing a room’s function has reigned at the top of many homeowners’ must-have lists over the past several years. Pairing this level of function with comfort and beauty has also enabled people to feel truly comfortable at home. Fasano sees many homeowners seeking out features to increase their comfort while using the space. “Many people are interested in heated floors, towel warmers, and benches outside and inside the shower,” she says.
Plentiful storage options are another aspect that makes a bathroom stand out. Loobeek’s clients look to include vanities that incorporate a makeup station with storage and towel storage.
There is also a particular focus on bringing beauty to these functional spaces. For example, Loobeek says, “Vanities with fluted details or beaded insets are a few special details that can make a standard vanity look like a piece of furniture.”
Warmth and Color Throughout
White and gray had their moment, and now people crave warmth and color in their homes. This includes in the bathroom.
“While marble still dominates the [primary] bath industry, [but] some clients are gravitating to warmer marble tones that incorporate golds and browns in the veining instead of the typical gray and white marble,” says Loobeek. “When clients are open to color, earth tones are very on-trend, such as rust, terracotta or imperfect, handmade-looking tiles.”
Fasano sees many clients gravitating towards vivid colors, with green being a favorite choice. “All different shades of green are popular. Clients are less afraid of color than ever before, and we have had more fun putting together interesting areas while being able to use pops of color,” she says.
And, in Lake Geneva, blue is always trending. “In the Lake Geneva area, shades of blue tile are always in style and stand the test of time,” says Fasano.
Loobeek agrees, “Soft greens and blues are a favorite.”
Tile Versus Wallpaper
Tile will always be the first choice in a bathroom because of its ability to stand up to humidity. However, using both materials will keep your bathroom on-trend.
“There is still a need for tile in certain places, but we see wallpaper used in many bathrooms and powder rooms,” says Fasano. “Wallpaper is being used in more unexpected places than ever before, such as the ceiling.”
Loobeek cautions that it’s essential to assess the wallpaper material before hanging it in the bathroom. “When selecting wallpaper for a bathroom, it’s important to look at options that can hold up to the moisture. For example, grasscloth and silk papers are beautiful, but not a smart choice for a bathroom,” she says. “If it’s a high traffic bathroom or is the primary bathroom for kids, I highly recommend sourcing a vinyl wallcovering.”
Being creative with tile selections and pattern is a great way to give your bathroom personality and a new look. “We are seeing subway tiles laid in different patterns (versus staggered horizontally) such as vertically, two up and two sideways or in a herringbone pattern instead,” says Fasano. “We are also using many more square tiles, such as zellige tiles.” (Zellige tiles are glazed, square terracotta tiles that have a handmade, artisan look.)
Classic Hardware
The preference for curved lines also extends into cabinet hardware. Loobeek incorporates knobs in classic round or egg shapes in many of her bathroom designs. She also finds a broader trend towards classic shapes and accents, as she sees pulls and knobs with leather accents and classic shapes with special details.
Mixed metals have been trending, and it isn’t going anywhere. “Lately, we have been mixing metals and finishes, which has created some unique looks,” says Fasano.
Bathroom Technology
Incorporating technology in the bathroom can completely transform the bathing and vanity experience. “The primary bathroom is a room where clients are open to luxury upgrades, such as heated toilet seats, bidet attachments, heated floors and even refrigeration for cosmetics or prescriptions,” says Loobeek. “This room is about quality materials that create a luxurious space.”