Bathroom Accessories: Styles and Trends

You've come a long way, baby Originating out of necessity, bathrooms of today have become a focal point of the home. Small bathrooms can be given a luxurious, uncluttered look with space-saving ideas like corner vanities and toilets or fixtures like full-length mirrors and glass shelves that give the illusion of space. Replace bathroom faucets, add space-saving wall or freestanding cabinets, replace outdated towel racks and dispensers with modern accessories, or build on existing bathroom accessories. Even a new shower rod, curtain and hooks, wastebasket, and magazine rack can give your old bathroom a face-lift. Bathroom trends The goal is to modernize the bathroom and achieve a style that will stand the test of time. Neutral, earthy wall shades remain a popular choice, but trends have moved toward deep and dramatic colors that have a warming effect. The bathroom suite represents a sizable investment and should be composed of classic shapes. Colored sanitaryware tends to date itself; pure white is timeless. The current movement embraces the sophisticated style of Art Deco.

Personalized areas, dual basins, and separated vanities and medicine cabinets have been the fashion for decades. Wall-mounted taps are popular for sinks and tubs; controls are integral, with sleek finishes. Tie the look together with towel racks, shower curtain rods, and various dispensers that complete the look you are aiming to achieve.

Choosing what's right for you

There is a vast line of accessories designed specifically for bathroom use. New homes are featuring larger bathrooms where accessories are adding style to already lavish bathroom suites. Prospective homebuyers are paying extra attention to bathroom features including toilets, sinks, vanities, medicine cabinets, faucets, and mirrors, and of course, room size. Today's market of bathroom accessories makes it easy to change out existing towel bars, toilet paper roll holders, soap dishes, toothbrush holders, hooks, and soap and lotion dispensers.

The primary function of bathroom accessories is to keep the bathroom organized and functional; over-accessorizing adds clutter. Select a theme or an era, evaluate the need for each accessory, and stick to a plan. Fixed accessories are popular in plain or intricate stainless steel, brass, and wood designs. Other accessories in ceramic and resin can add a handcrafted beauty to any bathroom. Decorative is not always functional. Carry your theme to the walls and incorporate artwork and decorative mirrors into your bathroom design.