Zen and Now
“A few years ago, bathrooms were always a place to experiment with lots of different materials, but now, the trend is minimal and Zen,” observes architect Michael Lomont, principal at Stelle Architects in Bridgehampton, N.Y. Lomont thinks it’s because many clients he talks to have visited some kind of a spa and want to bring that vibe home. “The bathrooms we’re doing have more elegant details—linear drains, nicer faucets and hinges, and simpler finishes,” he adds. In a high-stress world, a spa-style bathroom makes sense as refuge and retreat. But if that’s the case, what accounts for the rising popularity of the double-sized shower, sometimes to the exclusion of the bathtub? Says Lomont, “Everybody’s in a rush—taking a bath takes longer.”
Think Inside the Box
The trend toward customized storage began in the kitchen, where it’s still going strong. But that’s not the only room where precise, compartmentalized storage is being requested. Interior designer Troy Adams, who designs custom built-ins at Studio Becker by Troy Adams in Los Angeles, notices a trend toward “customizing the entire environment.” “Right now the wardrobe is getting a lot of attention,” he says. Why? “Neat and stylish storage helps to balance the chaos of our lives.”
