Prepared Plumbing
Aesthetics, function and budget are all important when selecting plumbing. Clients want their kitchens and baths to look a certain way, and some visit a showroom having done research. They may or may not know how pipe or valve sizes and calculations will affect their showers or budget, but they are important. For example, rain showers may look sleek, however most of the time, women with thick hair end up selecting a more full-bodied spray to completely rinse their locks, or they add a separate hand shower to do the trick. Homeowners can mix and match brands, price points and finishes to achieve all the above.
Fresh Start
When looking to make updates, there is no perfect time to switch out a fixture. Sometimes it’s aesthetics, and even the slightest refresh can be meaningful. New cabinet knobs, a faucet or lighted makeup mirror can alter your room and update your routine. Sometimes a therapy such as a “system” air/nanobubble tub can offer much needed relief for sore muscles, aging skin or stress. Especially if someone has not renovated in a while, learning about modern offerings gives people education about how to best invest in their homes, lifestyles, and well-being.
Space Savers
When looking to utilize a small bathroom space, a wall-hung water closet and vanity with simple faucets might help create the feeling of more space. As would a small freestanding tub with an integral ledge for the faucet. Or possibly forgo the tub all together. A dimmable lighted mirror or medicine cabinet might be a nice touch as well.
Tech Talk
In terms of technology, we are seeing touchless (and hand-wave-activated) faucets in the kitchen. In the bath, we are seeing chromatherapy (the science of color) with shower heads that emit various colors that promote relaxation based on one’s preferences. Several of our vendors have adapted video technology into bathroom mirrors and steam shower vendors have brought this into the shower as well. Music and apps are seamlessly integrated into the bathroom.
Toiletry Trends
Mirrors with integrated, dimmable lighting continue to be extremely popular. Wellness-oriented therapies and products, such as steam showers, saunas and filtered water, for both health, relaxation and environmental
concerns remain on-trend. Industrial details are still “in”, as is unlacquered brass, matte black and polished nickel finishes. We remain on the lookout for bronze tones to hit our market from the coasts but have not been inundated yet. Kitchen sink workstations at all price points remain in demand for both design and functionality.
Ask the Experts
Homeowners have so much information about renovations these days. From fixtures to finishes, people can get a head start about preferences before going to a showroom or hiring a designer, architect or contractor. Sometimes home improvement shows are not quite forthcoming when it comes to budgets and time frames, however, industry professionals can help fill in the gaps. When it comes to plumbing, parts and pieces must be compatible (your shower handle and the valve behind it must fit together) and health and environmental codes must be met. Faucet and sink holes must be compatible and knowing how a project is coordinated is important. Your industry professionals can include you in as much information as you would like to know to ensure an accurate and timely project.
