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Bath dealers and designers say their clients are looking for sweet simplicity, favoring bath hardware and accessories that sport clean lines and minimal adornment, But that doesn't have to mean dull, they note,
"People are seeking simple forms in exciting metal finishes. Such items offer a bold presence without complicating a room's design, while still being functional and easy to maintain," says Peter Collins, assistant manager at Alure Home Improvements in East Meadow, NY.
Charmaine Rone, designer, Charmai ne Rone Designs in Redwood City, CA, agrees. "The biggest trends in bathroom hardware, mirrors and accessories are simple, clean lines and good quality [products that] are not expensive," she says.
"Clean, simple lines for cabinetry and hardware reign supreme with a slight nod toward an Oriental Zen feeling," adds Carole Ponzio, CAPS, CGA, owner/designer, Design Solutions! in Port Charlotte, FL.
While Rone sees more demand for traditional styles in her California MidPeninsula and San Fransisco areas, she says about 30 percent of her customers love a contemporary look. Collins says people in her market are asking for more contemporary and transitional styles to accent their bathrooms.
Bath designers and dealers agree both Universal Design and green design are important, and these concepts are showing up everywhere.
"As we Baby Boomers are growing in numbers, and have the most spending power, Universal Design becomes very important," says Rone. She sees drawer pulls becoming more popular than knobs, and decorative grab bars being installed more frequently.
"More homeowners are aware of the benefits of green design and Universal Design and are asking for items that fit either or both trends," Ponzio adds. Since she is CAPS certified, Universal Design is important in her projects and, she notes, "Manufacturers are creating more stylish hardware, grab bars and other items that don't look industrial."
"What once was thought to be 'institutional looking' is now the designer sensation," Collins adds.
Rone says in the San Francisco Bay Area, green design is very important. "More people are inquiring if the product is produced in the U.S. or Europe, and not other countries that don't regulate the manufacturing process as well [as far as the disposal of unhealthy byproducts]."
The variety of products available to dress up the bath is dizzying. From functional accessories like paper holders and towel rings to high-tech options such as a mirror with LCD TV, there are myriad choices at all price points.
Collins says there are many great accessories to have, but function still wins out over luxury.
Rones' list of must-have accessories includes towel bars, toilet paper holders, grab bars, soap dishes, toothbrush holders and water glasses. She also says matching light fixtures are popular, and new accessories on the rise are wall-mounted and freestanding magnifying mirrors, particularly lighted ones.
