2015: The Year Ahead in Bathroom Design
This year brought us the use of matte black fixtures in the bathroom with the declined use of oil-rubbed bronze. Matte gold finish gained ground in fixtures, lighting and accessories – especially in higher end homes.
In 2014 contemporary bathroom design requests surpassed traditional. For 2015 I expect clean, contemporary design will still be most popular with curbless showers and suspended vanities incorporated into designs for continuous sleek tile floors.
LED lighting will not only be used in lighting fixtures on the ceilings and walls but also underneath suspended vanities and recessed to accentuate free-standing tubs.
My prediction for the most significant shift in 2015 will be in the request for semi-recessed tubs.
Homeowners want bathrooms that are easier to clean and the corners and crevices behind free-standing tubs can be difficult to reach. Installing a tub in a semi-recessed design allows the bathroom to look more spacious and modern while eliminating the need to clean behind the tub.
In addition to providing easily accessible storage for bath salts and other bathing items, the partial platform allows for additional plumbing options for the tub filler placement.
The semi-recessed tub installation requires skilled installers that can carefully craft a deck that follows the contour of the tub.
As the 2015 progresses, more manufacturers will make installation easier by offering half-skirts to consumers. Cladding the surrounding decking will become faster and easier.
The semi-recessed tub can also be installed at variable heights providing customization for homeowners and plumbing solutions for drain configuration in bathroom remodeling.
Leave a comment if you think this trend will take off or if you think it’s too custom to get a foot-hold and will flop. Here’s to a prosperous and creative 2015!
Warmest Wishes
Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2015
I was going to combine the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year post with the previous post about AkzoNobel’s Color of the Year 2015 choice but I found so many great inspiration photos I decided I had to break it out.
Sherwin-Williams chose Coral Reef (SW 6606) as their Color of the Year 2015. It’s part of the Buoyant color palette I wrote about previously.
“Its unexpected versatility brings life to a range of design aesthetics, whether traditional, vintage, cottage or contemporary.” -Jackie Jordan, Sherwin-Williams director of color marketing.
Coral Reef is warmer than AkzoNobel’s Copper Orange and is a wonderful compliment to the Blues that have been popular these past few seasons.
Coral reef plays happily with white, black, lush greens and lilacs. For a more subdued palette, mix it with warm neutrals such as gray and soft browns.
Coral Reef is not the pumpkin color from the 50’s. It’s a softer, more approachable color.
Since Coral Reef is such a flattering color, it’s well suited for use in bathrooms. Who doesn’t want to have a youthful glow?
Pair Coral Reef with matte gold or brass for a luxurious vintage feel.
Don’t limit the color to the interior. Consider brightening your home’s exterior by applying it to your front door, shutters, flower boxes or garden structures.