What's New in Bath Design? Here are NKBA's Top 10 Bath Trends for 2017

Last month, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) published their Top 10 Bath Trends for 2017. Conducted online in August/September 2016, the NKBA surveyed 562 of its members from across North America. Here's a look at the major trends that came out the survey.

1. As with kitchens, contemporary and transitional designs have overtaken traditional styles for the first time.

Shaker is gaining momentum, with mid-century modern emerging. Many survey respondents described clients' tastes as modern, clean and sleek. 

White bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

2. Whites, off-whites and greys continue to be the most popular colour schemes.

Blue is also trending upward, with younger design professionals choosing violet and purple colour schemes. Stainless steel is niche and emerging.

3. Storage solutions such as linen cabinets and wood vanities are most common.

Floating vanites and open shelving continue to be a popular and growing choice. The use of toilet topper cabinets is declining with requests for specialized storage options (custom medicine cabinets, drawers for hair dryers/curling irons, tilt-out hampers) on the rise.

4. Ceramic tile is the most popular floor option for the bath.

High-quality vinyl appears to be on the rise, with wood-look porcelain gaining ground.

5. Undermount sinks are in the most demand.

Use of vessel and pedestal sinks continue to wane, with trough sinks growing in numbers.

6. Freestanding tubs are on the rise.

Essencia Design from BainUltra

Although more than half of NKBA members eliminated a tub or whirlpool in a bath remodel over the past year, 60 per cent of respondents expect to specify more of them in 2017.

"An increase in soaker tub requests is a direct reflection of the lifestyle changes we have seen over the last two decades," says Monarch designer Chantal Miller. "People are spending more and more time commuting, longer hours at work, shuttling kids to activities, and less social down-time outside of the home as a result.

"The idea that your bathroom becomes your private oasis and escape from the chaos is a trend that will only continue to rise. Homes have now become a space for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation. Bathrooms are becoming less utilitarian and more about sustaining both your mental and physical health. The popularity of soaker and hydrotherapy tubs is a direct reflection of the trend toward the focus on personal wellness."

7. White fixtures are trending higher while bone-bisque units are declining.

Chrome and polished nickel continue to be the most popular faucet finishes, with gold and brushed brass emerging.

 

Self-cleaning toilet from American Standard

8. Safety- and comfort-improving amenities are still popular.

These include comfort-height toilets, shower seats and lighting, and no-thresold showers. Emerging trends include smart toilets and toilet seats, music in the shower and radiant floor heating.

9. Water-saving toilets and faucets are becoming more mainstream.

 

10. Technology-wise, video, audio and wiring pathways for future integration are beginning to emerge.

Check Out NKBA's Top 10 Kitchen Trends for 2017

This month, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) published their Top 10 Kitchen Trends for 2017. Conducted online in August/September 2016, the NKBA surveyed 562 of its members from across North America. Here's a look at the major trends that came out the survey.

1. Contemporary kitchens have overtaken traditional styles for the first time.

Although transitional designs remain the most popular, traditional kitchen design has dropped to the third most popular style and is expected to keep declining. 

2. White and grey painted cabinets and colour schemes will continue to dominate.

Photo courtesy of Cambria. Shown: Carrick.

Blue painted and high gloss cabinets styles, as well as blue and black colour schemes are also trending upward. 

"I'm happy to see that the light/dark and simple grey/white contrast finishes, with is a true and basic design tenant, is making its way back into the mix...and it should...for good reason," says Monarch designer Chantal Miller. "Countertops and cabinets are significant to change in your home so this elegant, yet simple, combination allows homeowners to protect their large renovation invest by using other inexpensive parts of their space...paint colour, backsplash, draperies...to add the fluid, fun and trendy colours for years to come."

3. Emerging trends of mixed colours, including varying countertop materials and mixed cabinet finishes.

This includes exaggerated two-toned effects, darks with lights and lights with darks. Several of those surveyed mentioned blending quartz countertops with wood.

4. The use of metal cabinetry is on the rise.

Although wood cabinets are still the top choice for most designers, metal cabinets appear to be a favourite of both younger and male designers.

5. Furniture-look pieces, rollouts, pullouts and under-cabinet lighting are popular cabinet features.

Simplicity is key, with flat-panel doors, flush inset, on the rise. Drawers are also popular. The bigger the better! On the downswing? Crown moulding and built-in desks. 

6. Quartz countertops are the favourite, with granite continuing its trend downward.

Photo courtest of Cambria. Shown: Swanbridge

 

7. Induction cooktops, convection ovens and microwave drawers are trending higher.

 

8. Kitchen technology is on the rise.

A whopping 31 per cent of NKBA professionals included wiring and pathways for future tech integration in their kitchen designs. Docking stations and appliances connected to the internet are also on the rise.

9. Barn doors and pocket doors are becoming a popular choice in the kitchen.

 

10. Accessible and universal design features continue to be popular.

Why You Should Hire Monarch to Renovate Your Condominium

When introducing new products or services on this blog, we often reference renovations we’ve performed in the houses of our clients. The truth is, a substantial number of our clientele are condo owners, as well.

In fact last fall, condo owner Donna Young was the winner of our Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop contest. Earlier in the year, Monarch transformed Mrs. Young’s traditional condominium kitchen into a sleek, contemporary space. This year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association honoured Monarch designer Melissa Foley for a major "medium kitchen" condominium redesign.

Renovating a condo is different than renovating a home. Condominium corporations typically have rules that regulate renovations and the condo board outlines what can and cannot be touched during a renovation (ie. windows, corridors, mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical, bearing walls etc.). You may be considering relocating a toilet or sink in your condo’s bath renovation, for instance, but the drains and supply lines are common elements between units and cannot be touched. If they were to be moved, it may disrupt the plumbing and drainage for the entire building!

Melissa Foley's NKBA award-winning "medium kitchen" design

Condo renovations require a great deal of planning and coordination between the designer, the tradespeople, the condo corporation and the owner. A well-executed renovation involves:

• a design that not only pleases the owner, but adheres to all building permits;
• the use of experienced, licensed tradespeople;
• managing noise levels and working only during designated hours so as not to disturb the neighbours;
• finding proper parking and booking elevator time for the transport of supplies and materials;
• effectively managing the removal of waste and construction debris.

Condo redesign by Melissa Foley, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

With so many additional considerations involved, some contractors avoid working on condo units. Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre is not one of them. Our design team is experienced with the challenges of designing and renovating condo units and is committed to your complete satisfaction. Call us today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our showroom and meet with one of our designers.

The Beauty and Versatility of Viatera Quartz Countertops

Earlier this year, over 300 National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) members-designers from the United States and Canada responded to NKBA’s annual design trends survey. In the survey, respondents were asked to report the materials, product types, and design styles they specified over the final three months of 2012. The results are in and it appears that quartz countertops are making a comeback: “While the use of quartz finishes was in slight decline last year, it has surfaced as a clear trendsetter this year [2013].” ~ NKBA

If you’re considering a kitchen or bath renovation this fall, chances are choosing a new countertop is on you’re to-do list.

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre designers often recommend quartz countertops to our clients. Stunning and exceptionally versatile, quartz is low-maintenance, resistant to stains and comes in a variety of textures, tones and colours.

The Viatera line of quartz countertops from LG Hausys, for example, is available in four colour collections. Drop by our showroom today to see them first-hand.

Terracota (warm earthen tones of beiges, browns and rust)

Woodlands (inspired by the colours and tones of the forest)

Urban Chic (an eclectic mix of colours that are both fresh and inviting)

International (bold coloured patterns, some with chips of glass, mirror and metal)

To view the Viatera Inspiration Gallery, click here.