Bathroom Trend Watch
The fixtures, finishes and high-tech accoutrements that are bringing the bathroom into the modern age
By Carly Scholl
Inspired by our findings at the 2019 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, we’ve rounded up our favorite fixtures, finishes and futuristic accoutrements that will keep your bathroom on the cutting edge.
COLOR
Splash your bathroom in a rainbow of hues—from dreamy pastels to moody matte blacks and everything in between.
Flower Power
Ease into the color trend with a showstopping rug that will bring warmth and textural softness to your bath. Measuring 49″ in diameter, the Fiore rug by Abyss & Habidecor comprises 100% combed Egyptian cotton in a vivid floral formation. $413 (thelinentree.com)


Off the Wall
A little bit art deco, a little bit midcentury modern, a little bit pop art—the nostalgic style of the Kaleidoscope porcelain tile collection will infuse your bath or powder room with energy, vivacity and retro cool. To the trade. (walkerzanger.com)

Custom Creation
The highly versatile Class collection from Hastings Tile & Bath comes in a wide range of color and finish options and is distinguished by streamlined matte black metal frames for a clean, architectural style. Scaled up or down, one sink or two, tonal or technicolor—each vanity is part of a modular system that speaks to today’s trend of custom, personalized design. Prices vary. (clydehardware.com)

Beautiful in Blue
Designed by French architect Xavier Cartron, the Nihal faucet by THG Paris features a gently sloping spout and elegant, geometric deck valves trimmed in art deco-inspired blue porcelain for a worldly dash of color at your vanity. Prices vary. (clydehardware.com)

Clean Starts Here
Research shows harmful bacteria and mold could be lurking inside your shower head, but the Showerclear’s innovative design—invented by a local Phoenix man looking for a solution to his mother’s health problems—allows users to open the face of the shower head to thoroughly inspect and clean it. Available in four stylish finishes. $299-$319 (shopshowerclear.com)

Sleek and Sophisticated
With precise yet fluid dimensions, the Buzz faucet by Franz Viegener is distinguished by its softly rounded line segments that meet at a delicate angle, yielding a singular, standout shape. With an expansive reach that’s perfect for spacious basins and vessel sinks, it is available in eight finishes, including rose gold, brushed gold and flat black. Price upon request. (centralazsupply.com)

Push and Pull
If you’re unsure about using black as a bold accent in your bath, try a more subtle iteration of this trend: the T-Bar cabinet pull from Buster + Punch. Made from solid metal and featuring a sleek, industrial vibe, this handle will make an understated impact. $80 (busterandpunch.us)

Pretty as a Painting
Bring a pop of color to an unexpected spot in your bathroom with the Dutchmaster sink in Blush Floral from Kohler. Inspired by the spectacular still-life paintings of the 17th century, this rectangular vessel was designed in collaboration with artist Ashley Woodson Bailey and is adorned with peonies, dahlias, ranunculus and other bountiful botanicals. 21″L by 14″W by 4″D. $850 (shopstudio41.com)
TECHNOLOGY
Outfit your master suite with the latest gadgets, automation systems and smart devices.

Resort-Level Living
The ThermaSol Digital Shower puts the multisensory powers of water, sound, steam and light in your complete control. With a clean, integrated look, the modular digital interface eliminates the need for multiple bath fittings. The Digital Shower Valve with ThermaTouch—paired with the all-in-one Serenity Light, Sound, Rainhead—lets you personalize every element of your shower, from your ideal light setting, temperature level, duration, water volume and even your favorite video or music. Complete the experience with ThermaSol’s steam generator and SteamVection steamhead that deliver unparalleled floor-to-ceiling temperature uniformity. Prices vary. (thermasol.com)

Classic and Cozy
Inspired by their passion for detail, THG Paris introduces its debut collection of towel warmers in a continued mission to personalize the art of the bath. Stylish, versatile and expertly engineered, the new offering is built to suit any design specification while seamlessly integrating into your master suite. Price upon request. (clydehardware.com)

Singing in the Rain
Add the high-performance features of the Moxie shower head to your favorite tunes, and you get a mini concert in your bathroom each day. Outfitted with a wireless Bluetooth-enabled speaker, this fun innovation by Kohler can produce up to seven hours of music, news and podcasts while you shower. $219 (expressionshomegallery.com)

Sound Bath
Kohler’s VibrAcoustic technology delivers personalized hydrotherapy to the Underscore bath that will relax your mind, body and spirit. During a luxurious soak, hidden speakers send sound waves through the water to gently massage and, when empty, the tub functions as a stereo system for your bathroom. Available in multiple dimensions, shapes and neutral hues, this drop-in bath can suit any home. $2,146-$7,002 (shopstudio41.com)

The Fairest of Them All
Measuring 22″ in diameter, the Adore vanity mirror is equipped with Philips Hue LED lights that can be adjusted from warm to cool and bright to dim through the Hue Bridge smart device app or voice activation. $250 (meethue.com)
MATERIALS
Think outside the box when it comes to finishes and building elements—and don’t be afraid to mix and match.

DIY Design
Hastings Tile & Bath’s Urban collection is a fully customizable line of bathroom vanities with design flexibility. Offered as wall or floor mounts with open or closed side panels, the vanities are available in a multitude of options and finishes for a truly bespoke feel. Grooved handles that wrap around three sides of the vanity can be specified in contrasting colors and finishes for more visual impact. Prices vary. (clydehardware.com)

Transcending Styles
Blurring the lines between contemporary, traditional and industrial aesthetics, the Henry Gooseneck faucet features teak valve cylinders with cross handles paired with classic metal options, including nickel, pewter, brass and copper. The unexpected merging of materials adds a note of personality to what can sometimes be an unnoteworthy fixture. $3,149 (waterworks.com)

Rock On
The Elemental Trough Sink by Stone Forest is distinguished by a slender washbasin available in antique gray limestone or Carrara marble. The sturdy console creates an open space that is mitigated by slim, streamlined legs with knurled fittings, offered in matte black, aged brass or polished nickel. Prices vary. (centralazsupply.com)

Old World Meets Midcentury
The mixing of classic Italian Carrara marble with midcentury modern walnut makes the Bayonne Console a perfect inclusion in eclectic bathrooms. The stone top measures 47″L by 24.5″W by 6″D and can be paired with either tapered walnut or brass legs. $4,250 (centralazsupply.com)

Of the Earth
Crafted from natural minerals mined in Georgia and mixed with resins, the freestanding Watson tub from MTI Baths features a sleek silhouette, clean lines and glossy finish. Despite the ultrathin composition, it boasts high insulation properties, which keep water warmer for longer. $4,146 (ferguson.com)
Leather Love
Available in three knob and two handle options, the Fallbrook collection of drawer and cabinet pulls will add richness, warmth and a sense of sophisticated style with just a touch of supple leather. $206-$330 (waterworks.com)