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As we continue to unpack my findings from my visit to KBIS (the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show), let’s shift from kitchen design trends to bath design trends.
As much as bathrooms are utilitarian spaces (and I design to that so my clients experience ease and simplicity in their daily routines), I want to point out that what I look for in bathroom design is as much about creating a restorative sanctuary space as it is about creating a highly functioning space.
It happens all the time that my clients go to a luxury resort and then come back and ask us to create the same experience in their home’s bath. This kind of design is about going beyond functionality and aesthetics to weave a sense of peace, escapism, and privacy into the space.
That said, here are the ‘trends’ I saw at KBIS that I love for achieving all of this in the luxury baths I design.
Sinks
Integrated sinks (where the sink is built right into the countertop) are still going strong. They’re so easy to maintain and I love them for their sleek, seamless look.
Yet at the opposite end of the spectrum, it may surprise you to know that vessel sinks made a good showing at KBIS. I noted recently on Instagram that I think vessel sinks–when done right–are still a relevant and appealing option and from what I saw at KBIS, I’m not alone in that view.
The difference between vessel sinks of the past and those that are ‘on trend’ is that current options are simpler, sleeker, and more generously sized for practical use.
Faucets
For sink faucets, we’re seeing wall-mounted faucets as the preferred application with vessel sinks. This certainly makes the counter and sink area look less cluttered and usually makes cleaning the faucets easier. When paired with integrated sinks, wall-mounted faucets give a very pared-down look, as well.
That said, deck-mounted faucets are still very much with us. Although I can’t honestly say any new or different designs in particular stood out to me, that may be because I tend to gravitate toward timeless, European-inspired options for deck-mounts in the bath.
Tubs & Showers
When it comes to showers, my biggest takeaway from KBIS was probably that there are so many more showerhead options than ever before. As a designer, I’ve known there are many, many options based on what I’m exposed to in the plumbing showrooms, but as it happens, there are countless more than that! When you think about it, it makes sense because there’s really nothing more critical–or more personalized–to a shower experience than the showerhead.
The trend of using multiple shower heads is strong right now, giving you two, three, or even more options in your shower at once. These options include:
Standard showerheads
Rain shower heads in all shapes and sizes
Wall- or ceiling-mounted options
Body sprayers that come out of the wall
Hand-held showers applied to a bar or in a simple cradle
Some or all of these can be combined together in various ways in one shower.
This ever-expanding array of options tells me our interest in creating spa experiences in our homes is clearly deepening (our clients often request in-home steam showers or dry saunas, and there was no shortage of options for these at KBIS, as well).
Standalone bathtubs are still going super strong (which I love since they’re my personal favorite!). I saw many options that are perfect for modern bath spaces. I saw so many varieties–there’s literally a tub style for every bathroom imaginable!
Tile
At RHD we generally gravitate toward tile options that are more organic or artisanal as opposed to those that are manmade. Zellig tile has long been a favorite of ours and it had a big presence at KBIS.
While I didn’t notice any new standout examples at KBIS, I want to mention graphic tiles. Used as an accent such as the backing for a shower niche or–in the right context and done in the right way–even covering shower walls, these can make a beautifully bold, modern design statement.
Mirrors
As I’ve noted before, mirrors in funky shapes are having a major moment in bath design, and embellished mirrors are, as well. Although nothing new and notable jumped out at me at KBIS, I feel so strongly about this trend that I’m still compelled to mention it here.
Cabinets & Vanities
When it comes to cabinets and vanities, the trend everywhere at KBIS was rounded shapes and modern doors. We also saw more and more reeded and fluted doors and drawers, as well as slab-front vanities with beautiful wood grains, so those trends are also still continuing to grow.
It’s worth noting that we’re clearly taking steps away from all-white cabinets and moving toward wood tones, from the palest of blondes to rich dark tones and everything in between. We have been heading in this direction for a while now but it was clearly evident at KBIS with a plethora of wood finishes being put forward. This movement makes sense as the modern aesthetic steers more towards an organic feel overall and as wood finishes are strong in design in general.
It’s clear from KBIS that when we’re doing paint on our cabinets, color is back. Even the whites have an implied color within them. What at first glance might seem to be a straightforward white is actually a soft pink, blue, or lilac. I was struck by how many colors made a showing, from vibrant hues including blues and greens, as well as bright Barbie pinks (and Ken yellows!) to moody, earthy tones like plum, eggplant, and putty.
Suffice it to say that the bath trends I saw at KBIS that I’m most excited about are those that exude a uniquely sophisticated yet invitingly livable look and feel. In particular, organic finishes and textures, artisanal touches, and newly rediscovered timeless elements rooted in the classics are what I’m bringing back to my clients’ designs–not to mention inspiration like you wouldn’t believe!
If you have a bath design project coming up and want to bring some of these RHD-approved ‘trends’ into your special space, reach out and talk with us about your project.