The Bold and The Beautiful

As the bathroom continues its meteoric rise in status, today’s hectic homeowners, more than ever, are looking for a variety of style choices to help them create a personal sanctuary away from overbooked schedules, one-hour commutes and nagging phones. In response to this, the already dazzling array of choices in the bathroom sink and faucet market is climbing to dizzying heights, with personalization the new hot trend.

Manufacturers see this trend as a way to help people better enjoy their personal bath experience. "Everyone has their own tastes and preferences," says Ed Detgen, director of marketing for Danze, Inc. in Bolingbrooke, IL. "The more variety and options you give them, the more they can accessorize to their liking."

"There's so much choice right now," concurs Judy Riley, senior industrial design manager for Moen, Inc. in Cleveland, OH.

While traditional styles continue to be a popular choice for the mid-level market, many manufacturers are introducing cleaner, more contemporary designs at this price-point, especially in larger, metropolitan areas. "Today there is wider accessibility to [multiple design] alternatives," says Detgen. "People are choosing [designs] based on their own styles [not just on what's trendy]."

At the luxury level, consumers are opting for transitional designs that offer everything from mid-century, old-style glamour sinks and Chanel-inspired faucets to the casual lines of the Pottery Barn look. The ultra-minimalist industrial look of the last few years is reinventing itself to allow for a bit more functionality. "Ultra-minimalist was too minimal," says Lou Rohl, chief operating officer for ROHL, LLC in Costa Mesa, CA. "The form became more important than the function."

"It's not the hard-edged European style," adds Riley. "It's a softer look at modern design."

WHOLE-LIFE STYLES

For both the mid-level and the high-end consumer alike, however, it's all about holistics, as the bath experience takes on increased value. "A lot of people want a bathroom that is more of a place to be in rather than just to use, then leave," says Suzanne Barner, showroom specialist at VitrA USA in Atlanta, GA.

Many manufacturers are presenting their sink and faucet products as a way to help the consumer create an overall relaxing environment in the bath to help them maximize that bath experience. "In our faucet designs," says Riley, "it's more than just delivering water. You're actually enjoying the presentation of the water and maybe even seeing the water glitter by the lights of the vanity mirror."

Jason McClain, creative development group manager for Hangrohe in Alpharetta, GA adds, "The water is the design - the sound that you're getting from it, the presentation of the water."

Of course, beautiful faucets continue to gain popularity because they add to the allure of the bathroom. "High-arc faucets are very popular," relates LaManda Dorval, product marketing manager for Brizo, Delta Faucet Co. in Indianapolis, IN. "They create a focal point in the bath. Special finish options also create that 'jewelry' type feel."

RETHINK THE SINK

Just a short time ago, the vessel bowl was still considered a bold choice for consumers. Not so, today. As innovations in material, technology and design continue to transform them into a viable and functional alternative to the traditional sink, vessel bowl sinks are popping up all over. "Vessel sinks are becoming established instead of being a trend," believes Detgen. "You can find them in every imaginable material and finish, from vitreous china to acrylic, glass to precious metals."

"The sink no longer has to be hidden," asserts Naomi Neilson, president of Native Trails, Inc. in San Luis Obispo, CA. "Of course, that's never going to go away, but people are realizing that vessel bowls can be really practical, too."