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There has been a substantial increase in Bathroom Interior Design, and the year 2011 has been a trend setter for bathrooms tailored to the needs of users, with distinctive styles, comfort and functionality. Calming, relaxing, pampering seems to be the mantra to enhance our day to day lifestyle. The year 2011 has witnessed the transformation of the Bathroom, to a home-spa or a retreat for pampering you, and it’s totally worth it!
Bathrooms in 2011 have been simply stylish, with custom design features.
Color: In review of the strong trend for the “spa style bathroom”, the color palette essentially had soothing and tranquil colors. Earth tones like Beige, neutral browns, greenish gray, created a rich feel to the design. Pastels like; light rose, peach, peach yellow and cream, create a fresh, yet calming bathroom space. Natural accents in the form of stone tiles or veneers with wood grain, when paired with white or gray gave soft ambience. Metallic shades of gray or silver when paired with dark purple, or dark red with black or white, gave a modern, chic look to the bathroom.
Floor & Wall Tiles: Natural stone and pebble flooring emerged as hot trend in 2011. Porcelain tiles and laminates made to replicate natural stone, proved to be a cost effective option for the same. Pebbled glass tiles were perfect accents for white or gray stone tiles. Glass tiles were significant trend setters, available as accent tiles or borders. These tiles in playful colors could enliven any kids’ bathroom. High end materials like marble, limestone became popular design trends. The whole appearance was natural yet elegant.
Fittings: Another prominent trend observed was the demand for easy maintenance fittings. Back to wall toilet suites with the concealed cistern, and the pan & push button flushed to the wall, offer a crisp and seamless feel. They are not only stylish, but give a hygienic impression and are easy to clean. There has also been an increase in demand for custom designed vanity units. These free standing units with push-to-open drawers and unlimited options in color, texture and materials, have gained popularity. Crisp and neat single piece chrome mixers replaced three piece tap fittings. Spa features like whirlpool tub, multiple shower jets, multiple sinks, versatile lighting, media equipment and other luxury items gained immense popularity. Freestanding baths with organic shapes are also elegant additions in Master Bathrooms. Heated towel rods, a highly innovative and functional, luxury item, is one of the many must-have products on people’s lists to indulge themselves with. Walk-in shower equipment with traditional shower head, hand held spray or twin shower panels, or multiple shower jets, were seen as a replacement to tubs. Thanks to our busy lifestyles!
Go Green: Eco friendly interior design ideas dominated the design scene. Water and energy conservation received top priority in custom designed bathrooms. Installation of solar water heater not only saves energy but is eco friendly, as well. WC with dual flush, sensor operated taps, digital showers and taps with eco settings have seen an increased demand. Natural lighting was also seen as a distinctive style in 2011. Just adding a skylight or letting natural light filter into the bathroom, not only illuminates space but even saves energy. A fascinating new addition is L E D lighting incorporated in baths and showers so that the flow of water reflects the colors of your choice. Indirect lighting below vanity units, behind mirrors, at flooring level, is a fantastic way to create a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Organic Shapes: With the prominent use of natural materials in the bathroom, the introduction of curves in design of fixtures, added a calmative, warm feel, over the square shapes, without compromising on the sleek, minimalistic look. Rectangular glass wash basin bowls with a subtle curve or oval white ceramic bowl over a stone counter top look terrific. Bathtubs with funky organic shapes add to the “wow” factor in your bathroom.
The overall design trend for bathrooms in 2011 can be seen as more natural and eco friendly, yet more comfortable and functional. Right from the selection of natural stone over tiles, to letting natural light filter the bathroom, the creative use of color and light has made these bathrooms fabulous and much more inviting. In other words, minimalism, sheer comfort, functionality, teamed with natural materials, state-of –the art futuristic water and energy saving fixtures, organic shapes with a dash of color, and yet contemporary, stylish interior design has been the design trend for the year 2011.
Soniya is an interior decorator and social media blogger for QS Supplies, the online shop for Bathroom Furniture and home décor fixtures (for UK citizens).
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