In With the New: Bath Trends for 2012

The Styleture editorial team always keeps abreast of new trends in bath design. With the New Year right around the corner, we have a decidedly “out with the old, in with the new” attitude. From an increase in products with “Made in America” pedigree to digital and wireless technologies for the bath environment, 2012 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the bath enthusiast. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new:

Less Is More

According to an IFDA survey, Americans will be living in smaller spaces with fewer rooms by the year 2020 – increasing the need for products with uncluttered, clean lines. Enter the Chelsea small tub by Hastings Tile & Bath and Vola’s Round Series. The Chelsea tub might have downsized for 2012, since it now comes in a smaller version measuring 58 inches wide from tip to tip – but it still has curves in all the right places. The Round Series is a sleek and uncluttered collection of waste bins and tissue dispensers that save space (and hide the technical parts) by sitting flush against the wall.

Made in America

2012 will be the year of “Made in America.” More Americans today are seeking out “Made in America” products because they want to support local businesses and jobs. Even Europeans are gravitating towards American-made faucets because they want quality and classic American style. The Haley faucet by Watermark Designs, with its bold yet sophisticated lines, invokes timeless American design. Not to mention all of Watermark Designs’ faucets are manufactured in Brooklyn, one of America’s most renowned creative melting pots.

Bath 3.0

One of the most significant shifts in the bath we’re seeing for 2012 is the introduction of digital and wireless technologies that allow users to customize their bath experience according to their preferences – whether it’s water temperature or music playlists. The Luxury Shower System (LSS) from Watermark Designs and ThermaSol’s Bluetooth-enabled Serenity Light & Music System are two products that are taking the bath into a new era in the New Year.

Customizations

Faucet and bath accessory customizations will also be big for 2012. THG, the French luxury bath atelier of custom-crafted faucetry and bath fixtures, created the Beluga as a custom piece before launching it as part of their collection. Watermark ID, the custom division of Watermark Designs, also has a tradition of working along-side architects, designers and developers to design and fabricate customized bath fittings and accessories.

With such notable new changes and innovations in the world of bath products and design, it’s undoubtedly going to be a great New Year!