2014 bathroom trends key design directions for baths, basins, tapware, showers

New Zealand designers and suppliers in the bathroom industry travel the world to keep up with the latest products and trends at world fairs, such as the recent trade fair in Milan.

Hamish Kofoed, specification and design manager for Mico Design New Zealand, says the ideas that spring from international fairs determine the look of new bathrooms over the next few years.

"Several key directions are emerging that will play an important part in bathroom direction for 2015," Kofoed says. Some of these are specific to the changing functional requirements of bathrooms, and some are purely trend related that are applicable to interior design in general, such as the strong return to the natural timber aesthetic, which was a key theme of the recent 2014 fair in Milan.

"Timber and timber veneer surface treatments are a leading trend for 2015. Designers are also taking cues from stone palettes, with interesting new cool greige' tones providing textural interest in both bathrooms and kitchens. We are also seeing a return to the semi-industrial aesthetic of the early 2000s. This is a modern, almost revisionist interpretation of a natural product."

Kofoed predicts this will be a strong direction for bathroom palettes, particularly as Kiwis love to use natural products.

"We are also seeing the mainstreaming of the home spa, with customers demanding a more sensory experience from their product selection. Discerning clients are gravitating towards luxury features, such as steam showers, two-person showers with overhead rainheads, body jets and massage jet functionality. These former luxuries are becoming more affordable."

Kofoed says Mico Design is working with designers and architects that are looking to marry these features with organic materials, such as feature pebble and stone inlays, decking-style timber floor inlays and indoor plants.

"The home spa allows one to find an escape, away from technology, a place to relax, think and recharge."

The need for design flexibility is also another key trend. Twin-basin vanities and ample counter space are paramount to provide the required space, and half- and full-height privacy partitions are also transforming the look of our bathrooms.

"Storage options are not overlooked either. These help to reduce the morning clutter. We recommend clients plan for recessed mirror cabinets, cavity spaces, and ample towel shelving."

The concept of a living wall is also appealing to more and more homeowners.

"A new twist to our Eco bathroom suite is the Woolly Pocket planters that have a built-in moisture barrier to ensure your wall fixings remain dry," says Kofoed. "This greenery can transform bathrooms."

In terms of the colour palette, moody blue overtones are taking over. The very directional Stiffkey Blue, for example, endows a room with a wonderful moody atmosphere, inviting relaxation.

"Monochrome hues for tiles are in vogue. We are seeing larger-format tiles and simple tonal colour combinations in sleek, polished and contrasting matt tiles. These complement modern and minimalist tapware designs. It's all about simplicity, reducing clutter and creating a premium look with high-quality materials."

The Mico Bathroom Book highlights all these trends, and showcases in situ bathrooms where it all comes together. These houses have been specially selected to showcase Mico Bathroom products and the latest design trends.

The Mico Bathroom Book also presents the New York Subway Collection a semi-industrial look that's perfect for loft-style interiors. And the book offers pages of handy hints to help you work out the best solution for your bathroom.

With 90 branches spread nationwide, Mico Bathrooms stores are within reach of virtually every household. For a copy of the Mico Bathroom Book, or to visit a showroom, phone 0800 844 448. Or visit the website: www.micobathrooms.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas