Bathroom trends for 2014 and beyond

The bathroom has emerged as a key focus for both designers and homeowners as we seek respite from our busy lives.  Belinda Try, founder of leading luxury stone composite bathware company, apaiser, shares her thoughts on what we can expect to see in bathroom design in 2014.

A sensory space

Sensory appeal is a worldwide trend in bathrooms that I think will continue to grow in 2014. More than ever, customers are looking for the luxurious, indulgent and sanctuary-like experience they enjoy whilst travelling.  To meet this growing demand, designers are looking to enhance the consumer experience in the bathroom and increase customisation as we shift from function to enjoyment.

We are also starting to see larger bathrooms with spa-like design features in new homes, as designers, clients and homeowners are sacrificing space elsewhere to create a larger bathing area.  

A shade of black

Organic material and darker spaces will become more common, with a definite trend towards a sexier and moodier space. We can expect to see charcoals and ‘darker blacks’ become more prominent in bathware products as we move even further away from the sterile white ceramic bathware that dominated for so many years.

Eco-sensitive materials

Soothing stone and natural-based materials continue to be a focus, as Australian designers are trending towards the dominant use of eco-friendly organic materials. However, it has taken some time for consumers to embrace this growing global trend. We still see many designers and homeowners looking to ‘match the toilet’ – this is a curious and frustrating barrier to eco-sensitive design.  Innovative designers are now, more than ever willing to embrace an eco-sensitive aesthetic.

The wet room

The total wet room look is very much becoming the centrepiece of the modern bathroom – we are seeing this trend gather serious momentum globally. We will continue to see large free-standing baths, oversized showers and showerheads as well as floating wall hung vanities with storage to maximise floor area and to create the illusion of more floor space. 

The resort appeal

Outside of the home, resorts and hotels globally have embarked on a huge investment in the bathing space, using higher value materials and fit outs as they strive to make a statement. This is driven by the need for differentiation and also by customers who demand an indulgent bathing experience when they travel.

apaiser is the preferred supplier of luxury baths, basins and vanities for the world’s leading hotels, resorts and prestigious homes. Visit www.apaiser.com for more information and stockist details.