By Monique Valeris, ELLE DECOR
It's that time of year when the design community begins predicting the trends that will dominate homes in 2019, and, of course, the bathroom is a space that shouldn't be overlooked. Before you begin sprucing up your bathroom, consider these insights from some of our go-to designers on the trends that are worth your attention in 2019.
1) Statement Art
"The year 2019 is all about making an artistic statement; even in the bathroom. A sophisticated piece of fine art will provide your bathroom with a pretty focal point." - Anne Hepfer
2) Vanities in Front of Windows
"I'm seeing more vanities in front of windows. When there is a beautiful view, it's great to stand by the sink and look out. I've suspended mirrors from the ceiling or used a mirror on the end wall of the sink. Another plus is that the lighting is great." - Moises Esquenazi
3) Open-Concept Designs
"Long are the days where you hide behind a wall or door when getting ready for work or a big night out. It's all about the open concept, with the exception of where you handle your private business. I personally love the idea of an open bathroom and have applied this in several of our projects. The use of steel or privacy glass as a barrier is important, but ultimately, showering and getting ready in the open air is awesome. I see a lot of this happening in the residential interiors world." - Becky Shea
4) Statement Walls in Powder Rooms
"Powder rooms have always been a place to add high drama to a small space, but now oversized floral wall prints and pattern-on-pattern are feeling very of-the-moment, particularly in bold, bright colors." - Carolyn Pressly
5) White and Grey Marble
"White and grey marble continue to be strong, popular materials into 2019 for bathrooms and kitchens alike. They are classic and timeless, can go from traditional to modern in terms of aesthetics, and are also great for resale. Man-made materials, such as quartz and porcelain tiles that look like natural stones, are also workhorses from a durability perspective and will continue to be popular in the new year." - Ariel Okin
6) Spa-Like Designs
"We’re seeing that people no longer see the bath as a utilitarian space and more as an experiential space. They’re looking for spa-like experiences as well as a kind of theatrical beauty for what used to be a very interior and private space." - Young Huh
7) Marble Slabs & Hidden Drains
"No more tiled, grouted shower floors and visible drains! Beautiful plumbing fixtures still deserve to shine, but the pedestrian drain is becoming invisible: now walk-in-showers can feature a luxurious floor surface of large marble slab that acts to hide linear drainage lines beneath. Sandblasted for a non-slip surface, the full marble floor is a bespoke detail that feels so luxe beneath book-matched walls." - Carolyn Pressly
8) Infrared Saunas
"Infrared saunas can be attractive. They give you an instant high and health benefits without the clunkiness of a regular sauna." - Young Huh
9) Concrete
"We'll see the use of concrete application in sink basins, countertops, floors and walls. It's really exciting to see a brutalist material mixed with organic elements. Traditionally, concrete has been viewed as cold and non-welcoming, but I'm of the mindset that marrying this utilitarian medium with woods, steel, porcelain and resin is what you guys are going to see surface in 2019 across all design aesthetics." - Becky Shea
10) Art Deco Influences
"I'm seeing a lot of Deco influences taking shape in gorgeous new bathtubs from Waterworks and Kohler. The Empire is a personal favorite. Nods to old-world craftsmanship are coming back in a big way!" - Ariel Okin
