The bathroom is one room in a home which has moved beyond a vision of utilitarian use to a more personal customized space. New trends in bathroom renovations are taking advantage of this changing view by creating a little safe haven for everyone. These new trends include an increasing use of color and light to add a relaxing environment in which to de-stress and sooth emotions.
New stylish shower heads, bathtubs, and faucets take advantage of this trend in changing bathroom décor. Another hot trend is the increasing use of technology to enhance this new personal space. These electronic devices include multimedia systems, shower massage systems, and infrared-faucets. New improvements not only meet personal needs, they also create a stress free environment which can significantly increase the return on investment in any home.
Bathroom High-Tech Gadgets: New Technology for Modern Living
The following are new high-tech bathroom gadgets which are part of the latest trends in bathroom renovations.
- Personal Shower System – this system allows the shower head to move up or down, as much as 24 inches, to accommodate tall and short bathers.
- Self-Serve Toilets – these toilets have heated seats, automatically open and close, are self-cleaning, and flush when lid is closed.
- Rain Showerheads – these showerheads make every shower a natural rainfall experience. Models include a high pressure shower option, a luxurious spa-like experience, or a drenching rainfall spray.
- Multimedia Systems – these systems include televisions, radio, or MP3 players to provide bathers with enjoyable and relaxing experience.
- Shower Massage Systems – these systems turn a shower into a personal spa through the installation of wall-mounted, top-mounted, handheld, and shower panels.
- Dual-Purpose Television Mirror – a television mirror offers a person the opportunity to apply makeup or brush their teeth as they check the weather, news, or catch last night's sports scores on a LCD television. Options include recessed or surface-mounted models which integrate cable or satellite television.
New trends in bathroom fixtures no longer consider contemporary standard fixtures found in most homes today. Newly remodeled bathrooms feature beautiful and modern fixtures which truly stand out and create a personal space. Faucets that resemble waterfalls and multi-shower heads are just some of the things people are wanting in bathroom fixtures these days.
New stylish and modern bathroom fixtures are part of the new trends and include:
- Soaking Tubs – these tubs include water agitation for massaging, aromatherapy for relieving stress through scents, and integration of warm colors to create a feeling of well-being.
- Stylish Vanities – are replacing the traditional bathroom cabinets. They offer more space saving features with pull-out drawers, deep cabinets, and extra towel racks. Options include sleek, stylish modern bathroom vanities in beautiful glass, wood, and porcelain designs.
- Stylish Sinks – these include vessel sinks which set on top a vanity instead of beneath. Other options include undermounted, self-rimming, wall-mounted, or pedestal sinks. Styles include round or square and made from glass, wood, natural and man-made stone, or porcelain materials.
Bathroom Design Features: Lifestyle Choices
Additional new trends in bathroom renovations include using green materials. The following are the latest trends in green bathroom materials:
- Cabinets and Vanities – the use of natural and renewable materials such as bamboo and wheat board is part of the new trends.
- Lighting – the use of florescent lights with electronic ballasts or halogen lights save energy and reduce the electric bill.
- Natural Lighting – the use of as much natural lighting as possible not only opens the bathroom, it brings as sense of calm. Sometimes the use of skylights is the only option for adding natural light, especially popular is the use of tubular of round skylights.
- Tub or Shower – the green trend is to select recycled glass, ceramic, or porcelain tile for the tub or shower and surrounding area. This includes the use of epoxy grout which is less prone to mold and mildew, along with giving off volatile chemicals.
- Ventilation – if the bathroom does not have a vent fan, renovating is the time for installation. Venting removes airborne contaminants, irritants, and moisture. If a vent fan is already installed, this is a good time to upgrade to a more energy efficient and quieter model.
The current trends in bathroom renovations are designed to create a more comfortable personal space for people to relax and get away from all the daily stresses. Warm colors, the latest high-tech devices, green considerations, and the use of modern stylish fixtures are all part of the newest tendencies in bathroom remodeling. If considering moving because of outdated or inefficient bathrooms; why move when remodeling with the newest trends is much less expensive?
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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