Home Design

3 Ways Bathrooms Will Change in the New Decade HOW CLASSIC WHITE, NATURAL ELEMENTS & TECHNOLOGY WILL KICK OFF THE 2020S

By Lisa J. Gotto

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.

Photo Courtesy of NKBA

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.”

B E L O W A R E O T H E R WAYS W H I T E W I L L M A K E A S TAT E M E N T I N THE 2020S:

Right: A new level blending of modern and rustic. Photo courtesy of Kohler. Left: Designs that feature a two-tone approach and using statement hardware. Photo courtesy of Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.

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.

Photo Courtesy Moen

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 Shower

head 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.

Photo courtesy of KOHLER

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 allmoss 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.

Front Doors & More

CREATING AN INVITING FIRST IMPRESSION

By Lisa J. Gotto

Is your front door a snore, or does it offer more with a few well-chosen touches? Ideally, a welcoming vibe can be created with just a few complementary accessories. Whether your front door look is classic, contemporary, or craftsman, here are a few items that can turn a bland scheme into a grand scheme!

CRAFTSMAN

BASKET A FUN BUNCH Just add seasonal florals four times a year to this woven tote and enjoy! Potterybarn.com

MAILBOX CLEVER CATALOG KEEPER And large enough to keep your copy of What’s Up? crisp and dry. Houseofantiquehardware.com

DOOR MAT TASTE, WELL-PLACED This sturdy black rubber mat has an attractive woven design that pulls this entire front door look together. Frontgate.com

WREATH A POP OF COLOR … IN REVERSE White wreath, black door — need we say more? Chic! Crateandbarrel.com

DOOR MAT SIMPLE & EFFECTIVE A subtle design; an oh, so neat-freak, necessity. Anthropologie.com

MAIL SLOT NICE SPOT FOR A SLOT If the post office deems your neighborhood slot-worthy for delivery, this vintage version is timeless. Signaturehardware.com

CONTEMPORARY

HOUSE NUMBERS CLEAN & SEEN A proper set of house numbers should be large enough to be seen from the street—and these do the trick beautifully. Modernhousenumbers.com

UMBRELLA STAND STAND BY ME Cloudy day? You won’t forget your umbrella if its right by the door. This sleek, cylindrical holder is made of outdoor-friendly, easyclean ceramic. Birchlane.com

DOOR MAT STOP, WIPE, ENTER Where street dirt meets its match! Westelm.com