Bank on These Kitchen and Bath Design Trends

"We're seeing a range of kitchen trends and bath styles, from 1940s glam with curvilinear shapes to the architectural, clean lines of professional grade products," says Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend forecasting and design for Lowe's. "But what's consistent across the newest products is a trend of hyper-personalization and using the latest in technology to provide precision performance, in everything from refrigerators and sinks to toilets and towel bars."

Plumbing contractors who stay on the cutting edge of style and technology trends say there are more choices today than ever before. That's why more homeowners are choosing to incorporate the newest kitchen and bath plumbing design trends than stay with standard looks and operation, says Brian Lane of Minneapolis-based Randy Lane & Sons Plumbing & Heating.

"A lot of people are watching what they're spending now," Lane says. "Homeowners don't have to go high dollar to get solid products in a style they like."

Innovation Goes Mainstream
"Overall, innovation has gone mainstream, whether it's in new finishes, colors and technology, or functionality that makes products easier to use for a wide range of users," Birdsong says.

More homeowners are able to afford innovative technologies married with design as seen in the growing popularity of the vintage style. "If the fixture my customer wants costs $100 more, I encourage them to splurge and be happy with their choice because to redo it will cost twice the amount of money," Lane says.

The last couple of years, design experts have identified a movement toward homeowners selecting more stylish and traditional looking sinks and faucets in the kitchen as well as the bath. Inspired by plumbing fixtures of the early 20th century, several manufacturers offer historically influenced lines featuring an antique touch yet equipped with 21st century conveniences including undermounted sinks with a discreet front overflow drain and jetted tubs with a variable-speed motor, integrated heater and lighted electronic keypad.

Lane adds that customers with older bathrooms who like to keep the vintage look also are looking for pedestal style sinks and porcelain cross handles or louvered handles.

On the modern side, more people are transforming their basic baths into luxurious spa retreats complete with whole-body amenities like jetted tubs and deluxe walk-in shower systems.

"Today, we are seeing consumers spend more money to produce the ultimate spa experience in their own bathrooms," says 2004 NAHB Remodelors Council Chairman Douglas Sutton, Sr., president of Sutton Siding and Remodeling in Springfield, Ill. For more, see "Home Spa Revolution."

• Sinks—Undermounted designs are hot in the kitchen, with one side of many double-bowls being larger and deeper to accommodate pots and pans. Second sinks for food preparation mean additional faucets and disposals. The National Association of Home Builders Research Center reports that in 2003 vitreous china led lavatory sink finishes (44 percent) and stainless steel ruled in the kitchen (63 percent). Once basic porcelain sinks now feature visual texture such as tempered frosted glass, crackle finishes or soft hues.
• Faucets—Ideal for families, many single-handle kitchen faucets feature high arches, ergonomic handles, pull-out sprayers and built-in soap dispensers. Exotic waterfall faucets for the tub and sink are adding distinctive style in high-end bathrooms.
• Showers—Rain showerheads, multiple massaging body jets, thermostat controls, and unique off-set placement of water controls are all new directions in showers.
• Toilets—Toilets have become efficient flushing units with water conservation capabilities up to 20,000 gallons per year in a household of five, as well as self-cleaning and deodorizing features.
• Water Heaters—Tankless, on-demand water heaters are becoming hot due to their ability to use energy as needed.