Water Works

They say variety is the spice of life. Apparently more and more people agree – at least when it comes to designing the bathroom. While high-end consumers are punching up the “wow” factor in the powder room with uniquely styled vessels and faucets, variety is increasingly making the sink and its faucet a focal point for every bathroom in the home. Whether it’s a water-and-light faucet that’s as much art as function or a stained glass vessel sink with precious metal accents, a trendy – and sanitary – stainless steel sink for the master bath or dual-level, side-by-side vitreous china sinks with painted dinosaurs for the kids’ bath, pretty much anything goes, as long as it speaks to the personal desires of the client.

That’s according to manufacturers recently surveyed by Kitchen & Bath Design News, who note that, while the powder room often gets the most dramatic sink and faucet choices, master baths are also seeing striking sink and faucet choices selected to create a unique focal point.

Nor is there anything near a one-size-fits-all bath sink and faucet. Not only can bath style vary dramatically – even from bathroom to bathroom in the same home – there are an ever-growing array of choices available. And, with the plethora of materials and styles to choose from, designers are increasingly using the sink and faucet as a way of personalizing the bath, whether it’s a powder room, spacious master bath or whimsical children’s bath.

If there’s any one commonality, it’s that style and maintenance remain key, regardless of the size, shape, material or finish. Additionally, the continued trend toward using the bath as a private, luxurious spa remains a strong one – and that means consumers want their private spa to be gorgeous, with the faucet often acting as “jewelry” to finish off the room.

While contemporary designs are generally more popular on both coasts, with traditional choices finding favor in the South and Midwest, manufacturers and dealers note that geography doesn’t always impact design choices. Indeed, with the tremendous media attention given to the design field by television, shelter magazines and the Internet, today’s consumers arrive at kitchen and bath showrooms more educated than ever before, and they are far less concerned with what their neighbors have or what the prevailing regional style is. Rather, the goal is frequently to choose products that provide the bath with a one-of-a-kind look, regardless of the consumer’s budget.

For that reason, the greatest single trend seems to be…that there is no one single trend.

Versatile Vessels

Consumers are having a love affair with vessels. And, why not? With so many materials and styles to choose from, the vessel allows for the creation of a highly personalized and contemporary design statement that simply smacks of good taste. Jay Beaumont, v.p./operations for Wells Sinkware in Chicago, IL, says, “choosing a vessel becomes an individual design statement.”

Beaumont also points to the versatility of vessels as one of its greatest benefits. He notes, “In addition to adding a dramatic look to a countertop, they provide drawer and cabinet space beneath the sink, which is a feature that pedestal sinks don’t offer.”

Lenora Campos, Ph.D., spokesperson for Toto USA, in New York, NY, agrees. She points out, “Vessel lavatories and pedestal lavatories are challenging built-in cabinet-style vanities.”

Beaumont adds, “Porcelain vessels in unusual geometric shapes are very popular with our customers.”

Ken Fey, v.p./sales & marketing for Houzer in New Brunswick, NJ, agrees that vessel sinks are a hit with his customers. “Vessel sinks with integral overflows are a growing category,” he says. “Above-counter models are more popular than the drop-in designs, also bringing a dramatic element to the overall look of the room.”