Those who run plumbing, home improvement, or construction companies are likely already familiar with the trend cycle and its impact on operations. While certain styles might be fun and easy to incorporate, others can take a lot of work. However, businesses can use all kinds of trends to their advantage when consulting with clients about what they want for their bathrooms.
Every business and customer is different, which provides ample opportunity to personalize each project and try out new trends and ideas. Currently, there are so many things that rely on innovative plumbing solutions with quality craftsmanship. Here are a few to keep in mind.
1. Enclosed Toilets and Water Closets
This trend for bathrooms is both old and new — people have been using water closets and enclosed toilets in design for years, and they definitely have their benefits. They offer a layer of privacy for those who share bathrooms and also make small spaces feel roomier. Moving a toilet and rerouting the necessary plumbing might take a lot of expertise, but the transformation will certainly be worthwhile.
2. Rain Showerheads
Showering under a torrent of rainfall is a true luxury experience many homeowners crave. Rerouting the plumbing is one of the best and most thorough ways to install a rain showerhead, but it’s not the only one. Another option is to use an overhead shower arm to get the same effect at a fraction of the cost. Either way, you’ll be feeling that soothing rainfall in no time.
3. Powder Rooms
People who don’t have a powder room in their homes might be interested in adding one. Although a full bathroom is optimal, there are plenty of spaces where a half bath can be exactly what a client needs, especially if they have frequent guests. Powder rooms can provide the convenience of a full bathroom with an even more concentrated burst of personal design flourishes.
4. Heated Floors
Heated floors might not always involve plumbing, but they can interact with many bathroom fixtures to create a luxurious experience. Some people even take things a step further with towel warmers and other heaters to up the comfort level.
5. Asymmetrical Bathtubs
Many people are taking the opportunity to change out their old bathtub for fancier and more modern asymmetrical models. Many modern tubs include all kinds of waterworks, such as overflow areas, jacuzzi jets and detachable showerheads.
6. Freestanding Bathtubs
While the practicality of a combination shower and bathtub can’t be overstated, some people would much rather have a classic standalone tub alongside an elegant and spacious shower. This is a change that requires extensive plumbing assistance, but it could definitely be worth the effort for the luxury and versatility this combination provides.
7. Natural Materials
Natural materials are making a comeback all over the home, and the bathroom is no different. Many homeowners are swapping out heavy, traditional fixtures for easier, more minimal and natural items. Think hardwoods, bamboo, and even metals that patina beautifully, like copper. While tastes may differ, this is definitely a trend to consider.
8. Bowl Sinks
Bowl sinks have been in style for quite a while now. The appeal of a minimal, elegant sink that offers even more room for vanity and countertop space is appealing to many homeowners, and for good reason. While each bowl sink has the opportunity for unique design, they often require plumbing changes and alterations.
9. Floating Vanities
Floating vanities have been taking the bathroom scene by storm as of late. They provide the added allure of minimal, sleek design. Where the plumbing usually comes in is the floating element — the most important part. The ability to make a vanity appear to float while still serving its purpose is a valuable skill to have.
10. Smart Toilets
Another trend that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon is the smart toilet. These devices include things like adjustable bidets, sound systems, automatic lids, and even nightlights, along with other amenities, to improve the bathroom experience. Offering smart toilet integration can make plumbing businesses much more marketable.
11. Larger-Format Tiles
There was a time when small tiles were all the rage in bathrooms. That’s no longer the case, at least for the foreseeable future. Large-format tiles and slab-style wall coverings are gaining a lot of traction among owners of residential and commercial restrooms alike. In addition to the striking visuals, subway and other large tiles reduce grout lines and make cleaning easier.
12. Backlit Vanity Mirrors
Adding a backlight to new vanity mirrors is a practical and visually striking addition to any bathroom. The backlight adds a pleasant ambiance that eliminates the need for a nightlight and reduces the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents. It’s also a distinctive and soothing visual element that reduces the amount of glare on the mirror from overhead lights.
13. Warm Color Choices
Where is it written that bathrooms need to be painted in sterile shades of white, cream, and eggshell? One of the most striking trends in bathroom renovations for 2021 and beyond is warm color choices. Bathrooms must welcome the user and make the space enjoyable to use, and one great way to do that is to think beyond the classic colors and choose something bolder. During the color selection, be sure to choose a hard-wearing, mildew-resistant product.
14. Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one hardest materials that occurs naturally throughout the world. It’s also non-porous and shrugs off products that would permanently stain some other common countertop materials. Quartz slabs also offer style and sophistication without a lot of grout lines or seams. This helps with cleanup and maintains sleek surfaces throughout the space. If you choose a warmer, slightly darker color for the walls, consider a lighter-colored countertop material to offset the look nicely.
Bathroom Trends to Take Advantage Of
Every plumbing and construction business is unique and tailors itself to the needs most often communicated by the customer base. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for trends that might make a company stand out while offering quality service and craftsmanship.
Rose Morrison is a freelance writer who covers construction, home improvement, and contracting topics. She is also the managing editor of Renovated.com, a site dedicated to the latest trends in the home industry. She has a passion for innovative technologies that are making the home industry sustainable and efficient. Check out Renovated.com to see more of her work.
