Key bathroom trends emerging…Part 2
Recently our guest blogger, Hamish Kofoed – Specification & Design Manager for Mico Design New Zealand – talked to us about what’s new in bathroom design and where he thinks the NZ bathroom space is headed as we look toward 2015.
Hamish works closely with Designers and Architects, whilst still keeping in touch with what’s realistic for bathroom renovators. so here’s more key directions he has predicted to get your creative juices flowing for that renovation project!
Classical Monochrome hues
Monochrome hues when tiling are currently finding favour – “think larger tile slabs and simple tonal colour combinations” says Kofoed, “using sleek polished or matte tiles and surfaces really looks stunning when used in combination with more modern and minimalist tapware designs – its all about simplicity, reducing clutter and a really premium feel with high quality materials.”
Home Wellness Centres
We are currently seeing the mainstreaming of the ‘home spa,’ with an ever increasing proportion of customers demanding a more sensory experience from their product selection. No longer content with a basic slide shower within an acrylic box, discerning consumers are gravitating towards luxury features such as two person bathing or showering with overhead rain cans, side water jets, massage jet functionality, steam showers and the like, as these former luxuries become more and more affordable for the design-conscious.
“The designers and Architects we are working with look to marry up these features with organic materials such as feature-pebble / stone inlays, decking-style timber floor inlays and indoor plants” says Kofoed – “The Home Spa allows one to find an escape, a place to relax, think, and recharge.”
Design Flexibility
Further to this trend, says Kofoed, the advent of dual-person usage in the ensuite in particular has created the need for design flexibility. “Twin-basin vanities really are a must for couples in today’s busy world – no one likes fighting over counter space – and it’s super important to consider design features such as half or full height privacy partitions between the toilet and the shower unit or vanity. Maximising storage options really helps to reduce a sense of morning clutter – plan in recessed mirror cabinets, cavity spaces, towel shelving and the like – you can never have enough”.
Mix it up … with Wallpaper
Last but not least, wallpaper has come back into play of late – “one of the hottest trends at Milan this year was ‘placement wallpaper’ in kitchens and bathroom where designers are looking to mix up individual patterns mixed up for bespoke effect” says Kofoed, “ this creates a clever new take on a bathroom feature wall”.