Tubs and showers
Many homeowners are opting to remove their tub and go with a larger walk-in shower with a modern frameless glass surround. Walk-in showers can include benches, niches, and handheld sprayers that can eliminate the need for a tub for many homeowners. A curbless entry with a linear drain can also increase accessibility while contributing to the more modern simplified design. Curbless showers are the next evolution in the trend towards seamless open concept bathrooms. A luxurious built-in soaker tub is still popular with some homeowners, but freestanding tubs are more common. A freestanding tub can allow for a multitude of design options as well as giving more versatility in tub location. A freestanding tub is usually more expensive but can a centerpiece for any design in a new bathroom remodel.
Vanities and countertops
New bathroom vanity trends include a more traditional timeless shaker style cabinet design, a freestanding 'furniture' type vanity piece, a wall-mounted 'floating cabinet' design, or even a more modern Euro design that often includes a pre-finished and floating wall mounted application.
Countertops
Updated bathroom countertop designs can include granite, marble, quartz, and quartzite. Marble is a recurring trend that seems to never go out of style but is a slightly softer top that needs a little more care. New exotic granite colors can offer a lot of versatility in design options. Quartz and quartzite are the hardest materials and seem to be emerging as a leader in new trends. Clean square edge details have taken the place of older bullnose or rounded edges.
Lighting
Proper lighting is an important part of every bathroom remodel design. The latest designs include an emphasis on more creative fixtures. Chandeliers, pendants, and lighting integrated into mirrors can enhance the overall design as well as add functionality. LED strip lighting can also be used in creative ways below floating wall cabinets, upper soffit areas, and as accent lighting around large mirrors.
Tile
Bathroom tile can provide a wide variety of updated design trends.
- Colors - Neutral colors are more popular in contemporary design. Most homeowners install neutral colors such as gray or creams. White can be a better option if you want to brighten your bathroom. Neutral colors can be used to layer when using more than one color or shape. Brighter colors such as yellow, red, and blue can be used in specific areas for details or accent walls.
- Subway tiles are rectangular, brick-like tiles that come in a broad range of colors. They are popular because they can fit a traditional or more modern design and can be set vertical, horizontal, or as a herringbone design. This can provide a timeless look.
- Matte finish tiles can be a preferred choice among designers and homeowners. They can give a softer more modern look and provide a low sheen that makes them easier to maintain in comparison to the glossy tile that more easily shows watermarks or smudges.
- Glossy tiles provide a more dramatic and highly polished look.
- Mosaic tiles are smaller tiles that come on sheets and usually include glass tiles. Mosaics can be used as a decorative band or feature wall and often provide the needed accent to an overall design.
- Large-format porcelain tiles have become a part of more modern trends and come in larger square or rectangular shapes. A vertical or staggered installation for long rectangular floor or wall tile can also be included in an updated design. Decorative horizontal or vertical accent bands can be used to break up and or add design features when installing a larger format tile.
- Hexagon tiles are a great option for feature walls and come in a broad array of sizes and patterns. Hexagon tile is also great as an accent and can put the exclamation mark on many great designs.
