Thursday, July 30, 2009

Contemporary Bathroom Ideas

The bathroom is a great place to go contemporary because there are state-of-the-art fixtures, finishes, furnishings and accessories that combine function and fashion. Go high-tech with some of the latest bathroom gadgets, or keep things more simple but minimalist. You can also jump on one of the modern bathroom decor trends, such as spa bathrooms or eco-design.


Furnishings


They seem so basic, those bathroom furnishings of toilet, sink and bath but, these days, there are more options with which to furnish a contemporary bathroom. Go international and install a bidet or outfit the counter with a double sink setup. Install a shower that is separate from the bathtub, or invest in a spa-inspired steam shower lined in subway tiles or a step in whirlpool tub. Little details can add a modern edge, such as a curvy jacuzzi tub or a rectangular bathtub lined with square tiles. The vessel sink style, in which the sink appears to be a bowl floating on a pedestal, is popular in contemporary design. Pedestal vanities as opposed to cupboards have gained in popularity, but require a sacrifice of hidden storage space.








Fixtures and Finishes








Contemporary bathrooms tend toward glossy and brassy surfaces. You may find a sink made out of glass or stainless steel. Designer faucets, hardware and spigots may be in simplified, angular or geometric shapes. The trend in fixtures is toward chrome and soft brass. Walls and furnishings are often white, bone or biscuit. Another design innovation concerns shower doors, which may be in plain glass or may be frosted or beaded.


Accessories


The lighting design in a contemporary bathroom can carry the look. Small, gallery-style spotlights can add emphasis to the vanity area, while dimmer lighting adds a moody touch in other parts of the room. The contemporary trend of spa bathrooms has introduce luxury accessories to the bath, which may range from waterfall shower heads to a glass fireplaces. For those who wish to make the most of their contemporary bathroom, some luxury designs include mini-refrigerators, massage tables, dressing rooms and flat panel-style televisions mounted on the ceiling. If you are interested in green design, add elements, such as organic cotton towels, a bamboo floor mat, wicker baskets in various textures, apothecary jars for holding various natural concoctions and solar tubes, which allow natural light to pour in.

Tags: contemporary bathroom