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Bathroom styles are shifting to contemporary, spa-like styles that are accessible and easy to maintain, according to the latest trend report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which surveyed 420 designers to find the top bathroom trends this year. (Also, see last week’s post: 7 Trends Spicing Up Kitchen Designs)
“Spa bathrooms and Zen-like retreats are definitely desired aspects of today’s bathrooms, driving a more contemporary aesthetic,” says John Petrie, the 2014 NKBA president.
Simple styles, with an emphasis on clean lines and functionality, are in high demand, adds designer Maria Stapperfenne of Tewksbury Kitchen & Bath in Whitehouse Station, N.J.
Below are among some of the trends designers identified for bathrooms this year.
Trend #1: Shades of grey
Beige and bone color schemes remain the most popular, but the third most popular color scheme – grey – is gaining traction. Fifty-eight percent of designers predict that grey will be the fastest growing color scheme in 2014. (Read: The Power of Grey in Staging)
Trend #2: Universal designs
Sixty percent of designers say they anticipate doing more universal design/accessible bathrooms this year. For example, about half of designers specified the growing popularity of no-threshold showers. These showers allow home owners to more easily walk or roll into the shower without having to step over any small ledge.
Trend #3: Shower lighting
Spotlights are being turned on in the shower. More designers say they are incorporating lighting in showers. Designers also say they expect more benches and seats to be included in showers.
Trend #4: Steamy
Steam showers are growing in popularity --with twice as many designers specifying steam showers being incorporated than whirlpools in master bathrooms.
Trend #5: Higher toilets, vanities
Toilets and vanities are getting more of a lift. Eighty-four percent of designers said that comfort height toilets and vanities gained popularity in 2013 and are expected to continue to be a growing option this year.
Bathroom Features in Demand
Designers identified the following bathroom features as most in demand:
• Ceramic or porcelain tile for flooring
• Quartz for vanity tops
• Linen storage cabinets
• Undermount sinks
• Wall-hung floating vanities, console tables and open shelving
Losing Favor
Similar to kitchen designs, designers noted a decrease in Provincial and Tuscan-style bathrooms, as well as a decline in rustic/country styles. Also, black was the least popular fixture color and is expected to decline even more this year, NKBA designers noted.
