With home owners still feeling the economic pinch, many are tackling improvement projects instead of moving. The bathroom is one of the most popular rooms for renovations and is also one of the first rooms scrutinised by potential buyers.
This year sees some bold trends influencing bathroom design, but not all trends are a wise investment. Here are some of the key décor trends for 2012 with practical advice to incorporate certain elements without breaking the bank.
Bathrooms:
Neutral colours remain a firm favourite for the bathroom. The majority of bathrooms are currently decorated with tiles and accessories in natural stone shades that create a calming atmosphere in this room dedicated to relaxation. A subdued colour palette is right on trend and with colours such as murky greys and muddy greens, it sits comfortably with stone colours in the bathroom.
Black is making a bold design statement in the bathroom, from scattered mosaics to all-black feature walls. “For those who can’t quite see themselves entirely surrounded by black, the sensible use of silver, soft pewter, matt and gloss white are all ways of introducing a lighter touch,” says Kate van Niekerk, marketing manager for Tile Africa.
Pantone named Tangerine Tango, an energetic reddish orange, as the colour of the year for 2012. If you are looking for something bold and exclusive, a zesty orange mosaic feature wall might be the perfect fit for your bathroom. Vivid mosaic tiles create a dramatic effect if used as a solid block of colour behind the bath and vanity or in the shower. “If you’re not brave or flamboyant enough for an orange feature wall, try adding mosaics as an edging or border to deliver a quick colour punch,” she says.
Wet rooms are gaining popularity and transforming the bathroom from a practical room into a spacious area for the ultimate shower experience. With wet rooms, the shower is no longer contained in a cubicle with a shower tray, but spans the whole room and water drains away through one drainage hole. “The shower is the focal point of a wet room, therefore consider investing in an over-sized shower head and contemporary mixer set,” says van Niekerk.
Careful planning is necessary to ensure that this room fulfils its function. Make sure that the walls are properly waterproofed before you start tiling. Leaking water can cause serious damage to the walls and damp can affect adjacent rooms. To prevent water from pooling, slope the floor slightly.
As a wet room’s shower no longer consists of a glass enclosure, remember to fit towel rails within easy reach of the area now reserved for the shower, but not to close as towels can get wet. The basin and toilet completes the wet room layout.
For more information on Tile Africa contact their toll-free number 0800 002 783 or visit www.tileafrica.co.za. Find Tile Africa on Twitter and Facebook for more creative ideas for your bathroom and kitchen.
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