Transform your bathroom — and treat yourself — to these trending indulgences
Though it's the smallest room in the house, the bathroom is a spectacular place for an upgrade. Because of the room's cozy size, a luxe item will pop as soon as someone walks through the door. Everything from lighted mirrors to matte black faucets is making it big this year. And recently seamless design has become popular in the bathroom too, in the form of floating vanities and wall-mounted toilets. Here are seven to consider:
1. Matte black finishes
Forget shiny metallics — today's trendiest finish is dark and daring. Black is the real deal, showing its bold personality on faucets, mirror frames, vanity legs — anywhere you want to make a strong yet sultry statement.
2. Floating vanities
If you want an elevated bathroom experience, install a floating vanity, says Nicole S. O'Dwyer of NS Designs, an interior design firm in northeast Pennsylvania. With no legs to anchor it to the floor and no visible attachments to the wall, “it's a noticeable difference from your average out-of-the-box vanity.” Adding under-cabinet lighting gives it a special glow.
3. Lighted mirrors
This mirror coordinates nicely with a floating vanity. “It eliminates the need for a light fixture,” says O'Dwyer, “and creates a streamlined look that works in a large space but is ideal for a small space.“
4. Wall-mounted toilets
There's something very sleek and modern about a toilet that “floats” on the wall, its plumbing and working parts hidden from view. A wall-mounted toilet is an extravagance — it's pricier than the standard model and you'll likely need to make plumbing alterations — but if your bathroom lacks in square footage, the indulgence may be worth the price since some models can save you up to 12 inches of space.
5. Round-cornered rectangular mirrors
When is a rectangle not a rectangle? When it's got soft corners that look fresh and modern, less severe than the traditional figure's edges. Framed or not, this new shape is a reflection of good taste and style. Combine two trends and hang a rounded rectangular mirror in a matte black frame.
6. Exposed shower pipes
While floating vanities and toilet bowls hide their inner working parts, this trend proudly goes in the opposite direction and makes them stand out. Exposing the plumbing creates an industrial look that feels both rustic and luxurious.
7. Fine art on walls
When you've acquired a work of art and are considering where to put it, the bathroom probably doesn't make the cut. But why not? There's no rule that says you can't decorate the bathroom with art — if you do put up a painting or photograph, the room might start feeling more like a spa! To keep your masterpiece safe, avoid anything under glass or with glazing, where moisture could get trapped and cause damage.