Are you planning a bathroom makeover? If so, don’t forget about accessorising your bathroom.
Stainless steel is a great choice of finish for bathroom accessories.
This is according to Craig Taylor from Bathroom Butler, who says just like fashion, where accessories can make or break an outfit – when it comes to bathroom design; it’s the smaller details that can really set a bathroom apart from the rest. The major difference between fashion and bathroom accessories is, however, that the latter serves an essential and practical role in the overall functionality of a bathroom space.
Today’s bathroom accessories don’t only need to look good, but they need to be practical and purposeful as well. Taylor offers an overview on the trends driving bathroom accessory design today:
Going Green
Never before have consumers been so aware of the environment, and this fact is impacting how people select their products – even when it comes to their choice of bathroom accessories.
One affordable ‘bathroom luxury’ that has become a must-have in any well-dressed bathroom is the heated towel rail.
Taylor says consumers have wised-up considerably when it comes to going green – they are not just interested in one green aspect of a product, but want to know about its overall cradle-to-grave impact on the environment. This is why the concept of recycling has gained such momentum – people know that at the end of its life cycle, a product that can be repurposed and reused will boast a considerably low carbon footprint, which is better for the environment in the long run.
Money-Saving
With the forecast of tough economic climes ahead, more and more consumers are looking for ways to save money in their homes.
However, consumers are not looking to do this by buying cheap and nasty products that will need to be replaced in a few months, he says.
The modern day consumer is a savvy one – they are aware of the fact that investing in quality products will save them money in the long run, as they will last. Instead, where they are looking to save money is in the running costs of these products.
In line with the green trend, Taylor says if any bathroom fitting is going to make it in today’s world, it needs to be as energy efficient as possible.
Fabulous Finishes
When it comes to finishes, stainless steel reigns supreme. It is a great choice of finish for bathroom accessories – it is durable, good-looking and it complements every style imaginable, and what’s more, it is easy to clean and maintain. Stainless steel with a high-gloss finish remains incredibly popular.
Versatile Design
Presently, popular bathroom styles mix it up a little – featuring a little of both the contemporary and traditional, says Taylor.
For example, current traditional bathroom styles tend to have a contemporary undertone, and the more minimalistic styles will feature some timelessly traditional accents too. This trend ensures added longevity to whatever kind of style you tend to lean towards.”
Uncluttered Simplicity
Clutter is out and streamlined is in, he says. “Overly fussy and ornate designs are a definite no-no. Instead, bathrooms with sleek and simple design lines are bang on trend.
Bathroom accessories offer a great way to negate clutter and store all bathroom necessities in a neat and orderly fashion – ensuring that they are easily on hand when required, but always remain in their designated spot for a well-ordered overall appearance.
Streamlined Design
Taylor says the actual design of bathroom accessories has also been greatly influenced by the quest for simplicity.
Today’s bathroom accessories don’t only need to look good, but they need to be practical and purposeful as well.
Simplicity is not only reflected in the aesthetics of modern bathroom accessories, but also in the seamless way that they are fixed to the wall. Traditionally, bathroom accessories were attached to the bathroom wall using grub screws. However, this often posed a problem – since bathroom accessories have a largely functional use, and the screws holding them in place had to be regularly tightened in order to keep them firmly secured.
A Concern for Safety
Any wet area in the home can become a safety hazard, especially in the bathroom. As more people are opting to install items such as grab rails and anti-slip flooring in their bathrooms in an effort to make these spaces as functional and safe as possible.
Getting in and out of the bath for example, is an incredibly dangerous movement for the elderly. Getting in and out of the shower is not quite as hazardous for the elderly, but it does involve a risk of falling over. For this reason, more and more people are realising the benefits of installing a grab rail in their bathroom space.
The Quest for Added Luxury
The bathroom is no longer a mere utilitarian space – today’s bathrooms are more like in-home luxury spa retreats used by homeowners to unwind and wash away the stresses of everyday life.
As such, the modern bathroom is jam-packed with every conceivable luxury – from porcelain tiles, designer lighting, waterproof speakers, spa baths, steam showers – the list is endless. However, although some of these items may be out of financial reach for most homeowners, there is one affordable ‘bathroom luxury’ that has become a must-have in any well-dressed bathroom – the heated towel rail.
Taylor says even though many believe that a heated towel rail isn’t an essential bathroom installation, if you consider their many practical benefits, as well as the fact that they cost marginally more than a plain towel rail, whether or not to include one into your bathroom is really a no brainer. They really provide an easy and inexpensive means of adding the finishing touch and that extra bit of luxury to any bathroom space.
SOURCE: www.property24.com
