5 Hottest Bathroom Design Trends For 2014 by Tim Koehler
5 Hottest Bathroom Design Trends For 2014
The bathroom continues to be one of the most requested remodeling projects. But bathroom remodeling has become more than just replacing worn out fixtures and repairing water damage. Bathroom remodeling has evolved into designing for comfort and accessibility. Homeowners want their bathrooms to have features that make the bathroom more convenient. And even though consumers may not spend a fortune on their bathroom remodel, they want to feel as if they did. Bathroom design trends for 2014 will include features that are practical AND pampering.
These are the latest trends our customers are asking for and the trends that the industry says are on the wish list of homeowners across the county.
Here are my top 5 bathroom design trends for 2014:
1. Easy Entry Showers
Replacing a bathtub with a shower has been popular for some time. But shower base manufacturers are now offering lower thresholds or curbs, which makes entering the shower easier for all ages.
The latest trend is level entry showers (no threshold or curb), which eliminates tripping and allows easy access for a wheel chair if the need arises. Level entry provides a seamless transition from the floor to the shower offering a more open look.
The shower base is delicately sloped towards the drain to keep pooling water from escaping the shower enclosure. The end effect creates an elegant and accessible shower design, making it one of the most popular bathroom design trends for 2014.
2. Large Airy Showers
Homeowners who have a claustrophobic shower often request the largest possible shower. However, the constraint is often the size of the bathroom. Removing walls, soffits (lower ceilings over the shower), and stealing a little room here and there increases the actual and visual size of a shower.
In addition to gaining more space, using a clear glass shower enclosure gives the appearance of an even larger shower. A frameless (without metal framework) shower enclosure gives an even more open look. The clear glass allows you to see right through the shower while giving the appearance of a much larger bathroom.
3. LVT Flooring
Ceramic tile has been the standard floor for bathrooms since indoor plumbing became popular. Tile was chosen and used because of its durability and low cost. The drawbacks to ceramic tile are difficulty cleaning, little if any slip resistance, and tile is cold on the feet. LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile, which is available in tile sizes of 12 x 12 and 16 x 16.
It has the look of tile or stone and can be installed with or without grout. The surface is slip resistant and warm on the feet. Unless you see the LVT flooring being installed, you’ll never know it’s not real tile or stone. The tile is only 1/8” thick, so it can be installed over most any floor that is in good condition. LVT is extremely durable and easy to clean. Not only is it water resistant, but also impact resistant and much more durable than stone floors, making LVT flooring a chic bathroom design trend for 2014.
4. Free Standing Bathtubs
Freestanding bathtubs are perfect for those who want the luxury of a roomy soaking tub. The old claw-foot tub was the original freestanding tub.Sizes and styles were limited. But today manufacturers offer a wide variety of tubs from claw-foot reproductions to modern almost futuristic looking tubs.
Freestanding tubs require more space than a tub installed in an alcove, so they are usually reserved for larger bathrooms. The plumbing is exposed, which requires more expensive plumbing fixtures.
5. Transitional Styling
Transitional style refers to a blend of traditional and contemporary or modern styles. This concept is similar to the eclectic style, which uses a combination of elements from different styles while still achieving a unified look. In other words, it’s okay to mix and match different styles as long as the look is pleasing to the eye. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
If you’re thinking of remodeling your bathroom, keep these trends in mind and work with a designer who is up on the latest bathroom remodeling trends. We spend a lot of time in the bathroom so our bathrooms should be a place we enjoy –a place where we can groom our bodies and soothe our souls.