1] The Vanity. In the past, vanities offered very little
storage — if any — but today’s designs are more creative, Madsen
says. Newer designs have drawers that wrap around the plumbing. And
you can always have storage built into a custom-made piece, Kempf
says. Even sleek, Italian-style wall-hung vanities without legs are
deceptively creative with storage options.
2] Drawer Dividers. Those tray dividers that make kitchen
drawers more functional are finding their way into the bath, Madsen
says. Acrylic pullout trays can double storage within a drawer. There
are also units that make storing hair dryers and curling irons
convenient and accessible, Madsen says.
3] Countertop Storage. Install a cabinet that sits on the
countertop and keep all manner of items out of sight but still within
easy reach.
4] Outlet Subterfuge. Install outlets inside of cabinets or
drawers so electrical appliances can stay inside the cabinet and off
of your countertops, Kempf says.
5] Create Alcoves. Instead of mounting shelves or cabinets
on top of the wall, Kempf suggests building storage inside the wall to
free up space. Create recessed spaces in showers or between wall studs
above the toilet. A recessed tub can provide an alcove on either side
for shelves that can house a TV, toiletries and folded towels.
6] Illusion as Reality. Kempf says using glass walls in your
shower takes up less thickness than a wall and gives illusion of more
space. If your bathroom is small and opens into the room, replace it
with a pocket door to clear up floor space inside the room, Kempf
says.
7] Mirror, Mirror. More and more people are incorporating
flat-screen televisions into their bathroom renovations, Madsen says.
You can have your mirror do double duty by mounting your TV behind a
two-way mirror so the TV can only be seen when it’s on. Another
option is to install the TV behind a mirror that slides up for easy
viewing.
| 5 Bathroom Trends
1] Green is Golden. The green
movement in home design shows no signs of slowing down, says
interior designer Karen Kempf of Karen Kempf Interiors.
"People are more and more interested in environmentally
friendly features, like low-flow toilets, low VOC paints, bamboo
and other renewable woods for flooring or cabinetry, she says.
2] Hot, Hot, Hot. Heated floors
are not only a little luxury but also energy-efficient, says
Molly Madsen, vice president of AB&K. "It makes a huge
difference in the comfort of your bathroom." Tile holds
heat and costs less to run than a 15-watt light bulb. "And
it’s not a dry heat so it doesn’t dry out your skin,"
she says.
3] Sink a Showpiece. There is a
current trend to make the sink more of a design feature, Kempf
says. "There are so many options for sinks now it can
really become an interesting focal point."
4] Modern Movement. "Things
seem to be trending toward the contemporary or
transitional," Kempf says. "People are getting tired
of the same old, same old."
5] Power Showers. A handheld
shower unit is a must-have for every bathroom, Madsen says, for
the ease of use and ease of cleaning. It also helps save water,
she notes. "Some of the best products aesthetically are
also environmentally friendly". |
