Top 8 Bath Trends for 2014

From Professional Remodeler Magazine January 2014 Edition

Here's what we're seeing for the most requested trends in bath design this year. Maybe you've considered a few of these items for your bathroom, or if you haven't, read on to learn a little more about why you might want to!

1. The Bathroom Spa Experience

Many homeowners see a bathroom that provides a relaxing and comfortable retreat from their hectic lives. The bathroom spa experience brings that sense of serenity. Although it can come in many forms, the spa-like bathrooms generally is clean-lined, contemporary space with a mix of rich, textural elements blended with polished surfaces, neutral earthy tones and natural materials. In the spa experience, storage is important because clutter should be kept to a minimum. The shower typically contains elements such as steam, multiple showerheads, therapeutic body sprays and even music to enhance the showering experience.

2. Stand-Alone Tubs

One aspect of the bathroom spa experience that homeowners are incorporating into their bathroom remodeling projects is the stand-alone tub. If homeowners want a tub experience in 2014, it's likely they will select a stand-alone tub as a structural element, which takes up much less space in the room than the old tile-in tub deck. In some cases, the stand-alone tub may be more aesthetic than functional. It seems the stand-alone tub, in the eyes of out clients, is much more the for "look" than actual functionality and day-to-day usage.

3. Radiant Heating

As homeowners opt for bathroom designs that offer more comfort built into space, the installation of radiant heating systems has also risen.
With newer, easy-to-install radiant heating systems, that luxury is becoming more attainable for homeowners. It's no longer just a feature you'd build into a whole-house new construction project. Radiant heat is available in three forms: air-heated radiant, water-heated radiant and electric-heated radiant. Electric-radiant heating is typically used to heat a bathroom because it is the easiest system to install and requires little maintenance when heating a smaller space.

4. Multi-generational Design

The family bathroom is one of the few rooms in a home that can meet the different needs of multiple generations, therefore the design of a family bathroom must be diverse as well as practical. It must be useful for people of all ages, abilities and sizes.

One aspect of multigenerational bathroom design has been the introduction of curbless or zero-threshold shower stalls with a channel drain. the initial investment is larger, but in the future, as family members get older ,they may have trouble getting in and out of a traditional shower and at some point, if they need to use a wheelchair, this type pf shower would allow for easy access.
Other multigenerational options include replacing lower toilets and sinks with a taller option that requires less stooping or bending; larger 32-inch door frames in the bathroom as well as other rooms within the home to ensure there is enough clearance for a wheelchair; and space underneath the sink to allow for a wheelchair to roll right up to the wash basin.

5. High Quality Faucets

Because the bathroom continues to evolve as a personal space designed to ensure maximum relaxation and comfort, high-quality faucets must be timeless, stylish and practical.

Single-lever faucets specifically designed in an arc manner and combined with stain-free materials such as chrome have proven popular throughout the US; however the finish may differ depending on geography. The overall style of the home also dictates faucet style as well; for example, in a contemporary space, the faucets should be clean and simple. Streamlined contemporary sinks built into eco-friendly natural cabinets mesh well with high-quality fixtures.

6. Diverse Color Palates

Varying shades of blue, green, gray and purple continue to be popular colors due to their calming nature. Vibrant colors should be used in smaller amounts as accents to complement a room's dominant color as well as in light fixtures and backsplash tiles, for example.
Grays, whites,  blacks and charcoal greens have been trending as the neutrals an entire space may be designed in. It's much easier to then add in the pop of color for focus and less expensive to change it out later when the trend or desire for that specific color has faded.

Bolder colors as the focal point of a bathroom is considered a risk because of hte cost associated with changing these colors if it filters down beyond the walls into countertops or fixtures.

7. Freestanding and Hovering Vanities and Cabinets

For smaller bathrooms, freestanding vanities with furniture styling continue to be admired by homeowners. Some standalone vanities cab provide a great deal of storage while creating a spacious feel surrounding the vanity.
In recent bathroom renovations, homeowners are still looking for the most storage. Most homeowners want a more spacious and inviting space creating their own "spa" regardless of the size of the room.
Hovering or cantilevered vanities have also seen an increase of interest lately. Because they are open underneath the countertop, you can tile the floor up to the wall adding to the continuity of the bathroom's appearance.

8. Natural Stone and Custom Tile

Designing a bathroom that uses the same natural stone and custom tile for the walls, floors and corners is one trend contributing to the open design of a bathroom. Today, an emerging trend is to have the layout of the bathroom be as open as possible. Rather than the shower being a closed off space in the corner, walls and floors are often designed using the same tile. This style makes the bathroom feel like one continuous space and not compartmentalized. 

 From Opulent to sophisticated, and matte finish to highly polished, the broad array of natural stone and custom tile options provide high performance and durable surface with an endless number of style options.