While the bathroom is largely a place where basic needs are met, its function, style, and general footprint have done nothing but evolve over the years. Today’s bathrooms simply need to be designed smarter if they are to have longevity, make sense for the individuals using them, and transform into spaces where not only optimal convenience is delivered, but optimal health is maintained.
These design markers will manifest themselves in several ways as we enter this next decade.
Style: New Ways to Do White in the Bath
No matter how quickly times and aesthetics may change an all-white approach to fundamental fixtures and design elements in the bath provides for enduring style. The best aspect of this framework is that the look can be changed later by updating your bathroom’s soft goods and smaller fixtures.
That said, the 2020s will be prime time for pushing boundaries with basic white. Like this exceptionally well designed and visually intriguing example of what happens when you add the word “wow” to “white.”
Technology: Delivering Ease of Use & Personalized Experiences
Remember the first time you encountered a sensor-tech faucet feature? That was a game-changer. Not only would this smart technology save time and our most precious resource, water, it also makes for a cleaner and more hygienic bathroom. Unlike those first iterations, however, motion sensor technology and tap-touch technology has improved significantly making it something you need not even think about anymore.
One of the areas you’ll most noticeably see upgrades right away is in the shower.
Seriously? Siri in the bathroom? Is this something we want? Consumers are saying yes and manufacturers like Moen agree! Actually, Alexa could be in the bathroom with you, too, if you opt for the U by Moen Smart shower. So, if you like it hot, you’ll get it hot. Just use the presetting function and enter in your most desirable temperature. You’ll then be able to turn that shower on from the phone on your nightstand with the accompanying app that is also compatible with Apple’s HomeKit and Google Assistant.
Singing more in the shower these days? You can be with KOHLER’s Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker. Part of their Konnect Smart product series, KOHLER’s in-showerhead speaker uses Bluetooth tech to stream your favorite power ballad right into the shower. This voice-activated technology also allows the user to control water flow, light, and even colors in the shower for an experience as unique as you are.
With music in the bathroom can TV be too far behind? No, it was actually ahead, as TVs have been masquerading as mirrors in high-end homes for some time now. The 2020’s will only make this kind of convenience — or perhaps distraction, more commonplace.
Well-Being: Adding Natural Elements
Health experts agree and studies have shown that the time we spend in natural surroundings can have a positive impact on our health. A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology stated that adding 20 minutes to your day in nature can lower stress hormone levels. Interior designs have been reflecting and utilizing these elements in the home in various ways in primary living spaces for years, but now this aspect of living is also extended into the bath.
Not only are live plants being added to these spaces in innovative ways, but more of the spaces are being situated in nature as well, where they make sense. Think of all the gorgeous outdoor showers you’ve seen on Pinterest. For many this is not a possibility, but clever homeowners are finding other ways to make nature happen.
Adding a “living wall” of Wandering Jew (shown) in combination with other vines, brings the outdoors in in a profound way. An all-moss composition accentuating different depths is also a great low-maintenance choice for a wall of this nature—pun intended, but adding a series of potted plants on terraced shelves achieves a nice affect, as well—without all the bath-scaping.
