Looking for fresh inspiration for your Chicago bathroom remodel? Here are some of the 2019 trends we’re having fun with as we work to design, update and renovate our clients' bathroom spaces.
Powder rooms with pizazz
Powder rooms may be small, but that gives you permission to try bold, creative and wonderful things you might not be brave enough to install in a larger hall or master bathroom. Have fun, and take all of the more bold, busy, sassy or extravagant ideas you passed on for your other bathrooms and celebrate them in the powder room.
Examples include things like:
- Highly patterned and/or color-rich wallpaper
- Designer mirrors
- High-contrast color combinations
- Vessel or uniquely designed sinks
- Furniture-turned-vanity
Click Here to read more ideas for designing a powder room you’re proud of.
Exposed plumbing
A while back, we posted an article on 4 Luxury Bathroom Features You May Not Have Seen, where we referenced one of our favorite plumbing fixture manufacturers, Sonoma Forge. They're a high-end plumbing fixture designer that specializes in exposed shower systems.
So, we weren’t surprised to hear that exposed shower systems and plumbing fixtures are trending these days. Bringing the pipe works front and center provides a fun change in texture and dimension, especially when paired with an open shower or a frameless glass shower door.
Black matte accents
Black and black matte appliances are trending in Chicago kitchen designs, and bathrooms are following suit. From all-black bathrooms that have a sultry feel, to bathrooms with black or dark accents, homeowners seem interested in choosing bold accents that catch the eye.
In addition to black matte cabinetry or dark tile work, we’re also installing more pewter, gunmetal and darker-finished faucets.
Wood vanities are on the rise
All of a sudden, bathroom remodelers are experiencing a higher demand for wood vanities, particularly those that have visible grain patterns in lighter woods (maple, driftwood or barn wood styles).
We think Americans’ fascination with the Danish hygge (pronounced “hooga”) lifestyle (warm, cozy and homey) has something to do with it. Beautifully patterned hardwoods add warmth and coziness to sleeker, contemporary designs – preventing the designs from being too sterile.
The tub is back (more or less)
Back in 2017, Houzz reported that more than a quarter of American homeowners opted to forgo their bath tubs. Most of them used that extra space to enjoy more roomy countertop, sink and cabinet space and to design a gorgeous shower space – including luxury features like steam and multiple faucet heads.
It seems that just two years later, people are starting to re-think the elimination of the bath and are choosing to upgrade standard baths with freestanding, soak tub options.
Art on display
Now that bathrooms are becoming a place to be, rather than a place to get in/get out, bathroom designers encourage homeowners to think about creative ways to display feature art. This could be as simple as recessed shelve niches for a blown glass display. Then again, we designed a step-up bathtub in this Northbrook master bathroom remodel, with specific spaces for the homeowners to display a beautiful large canvas on the wall, along with framed art and other collectibles on shelves.
Technology – from the mirror to the toilet
Techie fixtures, gadgets and "smart" additions will continue to infuse the bathroom design world with their benefits. Upscale techie bathroom upgrades include everything from screens embedded in mirrors (including waterproof versions for the shower) and super-toilets that take care of cleaning, washing and just about everything else you could possibly need.
Contact the design team at Kitchens & Baths Unlimited to learn more about the 2019 Chicago bathroom remodeling trends you won’t want to miss.
