It’s almost 2020, and bathrooms are no longer just a place to brush teeth and shower: With all the hustle and bustle of daily life—coupled with a healthy dose of HGTV and Pinterest inspiration—homeowners want a modern sanctuary. They’re not asking for much, just simplicity and relaxation. And all it takes is the installation of floating vanities, smart technology, savvy storage solutions, beautiful, large-format tiles… all right, clients have a lot on their wish list. But if their budget can swing it, the result is a dream oasis that homeowners will use every day to unwind and wash their troubles down the drain.
In the first installment of this three-part 2020 residential design forecast series, we covered the macro trends driving preferences. In the second installment, we looked at kitchen trends. This third and final installment in the series focuses on bathroom trends.
I’ve asked these design industry colleagues to weigh in on what they’re predicting for the new year:
- Michele Alfano, principal at Michele Alfano Design, design blogger and influencer;
- Jean Brownhill, founder and CEO at renovation platform Sweeten;
- Janice Costa, editor of trade magazine Kitchen & Bath Design News;
- Lee Crowder, Dallas-based designer for national homebuilder Taylor Morrison;
- J. Pickens, host of HGTV’s The Work Around.
“Baths are continuing to get bigger, with spa-like aspects to provide a personal wellness sanctuary,” predicts Costa, adding, “No-threshold showers are hot – yes, they’re great from an accessibility standpoint, but they also show off the stunning tile designs that are all the rage in bath design right now, and they simplify cleaning as well. Freestanding tubs can act as a beautiful focal point, but the shower is still where the daily activity takes place, so greater thought is being put into creating a luxurious shower experience that offers a soothing spa feeling.”