Bathroom remodels remain one of the top jobs for Pros. About 13 percent of all households undertook a bathroom renovation in 2015, and 58 percent hired a pro for the job, according to the most recent study from the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Given the importance of the project, it’s crucial for remodelers to stay on top of the trends as design elements evolve and change.
At The Home Depot, we are constantly updating our inventory and working with top brands to deliver innovations in both the look and functionality of bath products. Here is a look at the latest developments that will help cut down on installation time and bring style to your customer’s bathroom.
Modern Faucets
Faucets are one of the most cost-effective and eye-catching upgrades for customers. They can be introduced as part of a full remodel or a simple, standalone upgrade. The Home Depot works directly with manufacturers to create every faucet on the store’s shelves, and 90 percent of our models are exclusive.
This year, leading design trends include matte black faucets and faucets with built-in LED lights that activate when the water flows to help you see if the room is dark. For environmentally conscious customers, make sure to look for WaterSense-certified faucets, which are at least 20 percent more water efficient. Microban faucets from Moen, exclusive to The Home Depot, feature an antimicrobial film that help inhibit the growth of stain-and-odor bacteria, and reduces cleaning time.
These new features are great for customers, but pros will get more excited about innovations that make installation simpler and faster. Our bath merchants worked with Glacier Bay to create the Clickinstall drain assembly system specifically as a simple install solution for contractors. It features joints that click into place to enable you to install the drain in seconds with no placement errors.
New Looks for Showers and Tubs
When searching for the best look for the shower or tub, keep a few trends in mind. Freestanding tubs are the hot item for master baths right now. In showers, looking for frameless sliding shower doors, which mirrors the interior barn door trend.
For tiling around the tub and shower, play with patterns, textures, sizes and colors to present a look not normally expected in this space. Flip tiles vertically to make the space feel larger simply by drawing the eye up versus across. Add a subway pattern or incorporate a trendy color with Cashmere Blue from the Merola collection. Smart Tile for backsplashes is also popular for property managers looking to save on remodeling time; the heat resistant peel-and-stick tiles can be installed in just minutes.
For older customers looking at accessible, American Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant options, Aquatic offers an excellent lineup. The brand’s accessible shower liners feature innovative pre-leveled bases, making installation significantly easier. The Home Depot is the only national retailer to offer the Aquatic line.
The Importance of Aging in Place
Speaking of accessibility, expect aging in place and universal design elements to play an increasing role in the remodeling world. The number of people 65 and older in the United States is expected to increase to 55 million by 2020, and 87 percent of them want to stay in their current home and community as they age, according to AARP.
The essential universal design elements to feature in bathrooms include widening the doorway so it is accessible by wheelchair, reinforcing the walls to support grab bars, installing a zero-threshold shower with a fold-down seat, putting in a comfort-height toilet and installing a sink with space for a person to sit. To create a more natural and seamless look, incorporate Delta’s “Hidden in Plain Sight” line of products, which turn standard bathroom hardware like toilet paper holders and towel racks into reinforced assist bars.
High-Quality Hardware
Vanities offer an opportunity to create a design statement while also enhancing the storage availability in the bathroom. Dark wood and stone look countertops remain popular design choices. Modular vanities allow customers to select from a variety of matching options that fit well into any space and can help simplify the decision-making process.
Toilets are easy to overlook, but a smart choice can make for a satisfied customer. By far the main source of water use in the home, toilets account for nearly 30 percent of an average home's indoor water consumption, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Just like faucets, look for WaterSense certified options, which ensure top performance and maximum water efficiency. Also keep in mind Glacier Bay’s SuperClean toilet options, which feature an antimicrobial glaze that helps keep the bowl cleaner over time. Similar to the faucets, our merchants worked with Glacier Bay to include the QuickConnect easy installation system that expedites toilet setup for contractors.
These innovations can help pros improve the installation process and offer customers excellent long term value for their new bathrooms.
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