The Bold and The Beautiful

Most surveyed are seeing more interesting designs at the mid-level price point than at any time in the past.

"People want to be surrounded by beauty," concludes Fischer. "They want a bath [with products that let them] feel relaxed."

Bath Sink and Faucet Trends at a Glance

The desire for an experience-based bath environment has led to a greater interest in personalization, as evidenced by the ever-growing array of bath faucet and sink options available on the market today.

Transitional styles keep expanding in bath sink and faucet designs, incorporating new elements from the traditional and contemporary as a way to answer the consumer's desire for a spa-inspired bath.

The ultra-minimalist industrial look of a few years ago is reinventing itself to allow for more functionality.

Vessel bowl sinks are becoming an established statement in the powder room and are gaining ground in the master bath. They are being offered in an increasingly wider variety of shapes, styles and finishes. Paired with an elongated, single-mount faucet, the shallow vessel bowl in hammered copper is a warm and inviting look for a luxury bath.

Under-counter sinks are taking on unique shapes, colors and textures for consumers who want something different, but who still want plenty of countertop space.

As furniture continues to migrate into the bath, the sink and vanity are often integrated into an overall, seamless look. Pedestal sinks, by contrast, are being seen as more unusual, transitional pieces that often act as the base that holds a vessel bowl sink.

The simple, clear glass sinks of a few years ago are being edged out by more colorful, iridescent glass.

Lighted glass, paired with a waterfall-type faucet, is a unique way to explore the soothing, zen-like interplay of light and water in the bath.

Scooped-out stone vessel bowls in natural hues are a hot new trend for the high-end customer looking to make a unique statement.

In faucet finishes, the trend is away from reflective finishes and towards more muted, warmer colors that coordinate well with the new palette.

The majority of manufacturers have pushed their specialty finishes into the PVD-realm,which some believe will sound the death knell for living finishes. Luxury finishes such as antiqued gold, satin black and rhodium are sexy choices.

The contemporary market continues to see a rise in cylindrical and rectangular shapes, while the clean lines of European styling are gaining ground in the traditional.

Mid-century, old-style glamour designs are popular for transitional styles, as well as organic shapes.

While wall-mounted faucets continue to trend up, the deck-mounted faucet in unique shapes and luxury materials is still a popular choice for the upscale customer wanting to make a bold bath statement.