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Jun 04, 2023

Storage With Style

Whichever bathroom they’re in, vanities and storage solutions must be highly functional and complement the desired aesthetic in the space. Some serve as a statement piece, especially in powder rooms;

Whichever bathroom they’re in, vanities and storage solutions must be highly functional and complement the desired aesthetic in the space. Some serve as a statement piece, especially in powder rooms; others are specifically designed to keep the space uncluttered and easy to use. Details that add to the functionality, such as lighting, integrated outlets and specific organizational features, are also in high demand.

Carmine Lacava, CEO at Lacava in Chicago, IL, says that bathroom furniture that makes a statement has become quite popular. “Bathrooms are a part of the real estate value of the house, so understandably they have been kept in the neutral design zone for general appeal in most cases. The market segment we are in has been growing bolder in the pursuit of expressing the property’s individual character and style,” he relays.

Linda Yang, lead industrial designer for Bristol, PA-based Robern offers, “Vanities are becoming a statement piece reflecting personal taste and styles.” Vanities and storage units are moving towards being furniture pieces that carry the style of the home into the bathroom, she adds.

The interiors of these pieces are as important as the outside, with storage being a driving factor. “The current trend focuses on maximizing storage space while maintaining a clean and minimalist aesthetic,” observes Erin Sullivan, senior design manager at James Martin Vanities, based in Dallas, TX. “To achieve this, modern bathroom vanities and storage units feature a mix of different-sized drawers, including various depths and separated compartments. This versatile design allows for organized storage of toiletries, towels and other bathroom essentials.”

Other top trends include natural and nature-inspired materials and finishes, interior and exterior lighting for medicine cabinets, and integrated features that add convenience. That’s according to manufacturers recently interviewed by Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Vanities, medicine cabinets and other storage pieces must match the needs of the space and the people who will be using it. Self-care is an important element of bathroom use, particularly in the primary bath.

“The most interesting trend concerns the growing demand for multifunctional and compact vanity units, capable of creating areas dedicated to well-being even in small bathrooms, typical of contemporary living,” notes Sara Ramundo, product design manager for Florence, Italy-based Devon&Devon. Solutions requested include a make-up area with coordinated pouf and a washbasin in the same piece. ”The vanity unit is increasingly interpreted as a corner dedicated to overall self-care,” she says.

“Another trend we are seeing is the desire for functional storage spaces like powered vanity drawers that provide integrated power outlets and easy storage for hair styling products,” remarks Asa Harrison, product manager at Jeffrey Alexander by Hardware Resources in Bossier City, LA.

Using space wisely to incorporate as much storage as possible is also critical. Stephan Pousse, CEO of PSCBATH in Miami, FL states that storage both under the vanity and behind mirrors has become very important.

“Bathroom vanities have become smarter and more functional,” Sullivan stresses. “One notable trend is the incorporation of power outlets within pullout drawers. These specially designed drawers are ideal for holding and concealing hair styling tools like curling irons, straighteners and hairdryers. These drawers eliminate tangled cords and offer a convenient charging solution, keeping styling tools easily accessible.”

Ramundo observes, “In master bathrooms, the most requested storage units are those with large spaces for storing objects and self-care tools. These pieces of furniture are therefore equipped with capacious doors, shelves and drawers.”

Countertop storage towers are also being used more often, Sullivan adds. “These towers are sleek and stylish structures placed on the bathroom vanity, allowing users to have everything within arm’s reach without bending down.”

Many manufacturers say that most bathroom spaces need to incorporate some closed storage to maintain a clean, uncluttered look. An exception, however, is in the powder room. This space is where homeowners often show off their style, and its limited use makes storage less necessary. In other bathrooms, the choice between open and closed storage depends on many factors, and a combination approach is often used.

Christopher Grubb, interior designer and owner of Arch-Interiors Design Group in Beverly Hills, CA, relates that 90% of their projects use closed storage solutions. “Typically it makes the room look larger, being a solid piece,” he says. While people like the idea of open storage, he continues, when they have it they find its harder to keep organized and aesthetically pleasing, so they don’t request it again.

Alex LeTourneau, principal industrial designer at Kohler Co. in Kohler, WI, responds, “We are rarely asked for open storage. Most people prefer hiding their clutter, but this also depends on what bathroom. Powder rooms will tend to have more open storage, so the customer has room to display their decorative soaps and incense burners.”

Harrison adds that the choice depends on the designer, homeowner and overall style of the home. “A kid’s bath with open shelving and storage bins for bath toys, towels and shampoo is ideal for young families who need quick, easy access to items during bath time. Other people prefer internal rollout drawers that provide easy access to personal care products and appliances,” she reports.

“We find that preference of open versus closed storage solutions is primarily driven by the size and use of the space,” Yang offers. “If a customer has a small master bath with plenty of personal items to be stored, they most likely opt for closed storage. If that master bath has a larger footprint, the customer may opt for a mix of closed and open storage to both hide and also display personal items. In the case of a powder room, there may be a higher probability for open storage simply because there may be fewer personal items and the design decision is driven by aesthetics.”

Lacava offers that closed storage has been standard because it allows for a more organized and visually appealing space free of clutter. “However, in recent years, many regular household objects are provided in packaging that is designed with aesthetics in mind, so they oftentimes become decorative objects in addition to being necessities,” he adds. “In consequence, open storage has become a more embraced solution, adding interest and creativity to the interior design.”

“Open shelving has become a stylish and practical addition to bathroom vanities and storage units. It provides a perfect opportunity to display neatly folded towels, adding a visual element of luxury and accessibility,” says Sullivan. “Moreover, open storage promotes a sense of openness and airiness, contributing to a more relaxed and inviting bathroom environment.”

Floating vanities mounted directly to the wall are also popular, due to their modern appeal and space-saving benefits, Sullivan adds. “By eliminating the need for visible support legs, floating vanities provide a clean and open atmosphere in the bathroom. Additionally, they allow decorative tiles or flooring to be highlighted as a focal point, adding an extra touch of visual interest to the space.”

“We see wall-mount vanities gaining in popularity because they make items easier to reach and free up floor space,” Lacava explains.

Grubb, on the other hand, sees fewer requests for cantilevered vanities. “I think people are going from contemporary to comfy contemporary. It usually happens when there are economic uncertainties,” he remarks.

Many manufacturers believe there is a move towards the use of natural materials and finishes, as well as nature-inspired looks.

“Hardwoods in their natural tones are hot right now,” stresses Harrison. “Lighter woods like natural oak give a softer, airy feel, while darker woods like walnut bring a warmer, moodier aesthetic,” she says.

Grubb agrees that the material trend is natural woods, or a more contemporary combination like a gloss finish with a natural wood.

“We have observed a great transition from dark finishes to light painted or natural woods, which journey towards weathered and knotted woods,” offers Lacava. “The craving is the texture these materials provide. There is a story behind each tree and piece of lumber, so the markings on it can transfer a small portion of that story all the way to the customer and their interior space.”

Ramundo confirms, “The trendiest materials are the sustainable ones: wood from certified forests, ecological paints free of components harmful to the environment and people, etc. Natural materials such as marble are also highly appreciated.”

“The materials are becoming very authentic and natural; they reflect what is organically found in nature with raw material characteristics like subtle textures, irregularities and imperfections,” reports Yang.

Modern designs with clean lines and minimalist forms are highly sought after, says Sullivan. “To complement these designs, natural wood finishes have become increasingly popular. Light finishes, such as oaks and ash grain, offer a warm and inviting look that brings a touch of nature indoors. These light finishes create a sense of openness and tranquility in the bathroom, promoting a serene atmosphere for relaxation.”

Medicine cabinets help keep frequently used items within reach right at the vanity. With mirrors incorporated into the design, medicine cabinets are a key part of the overall style look of the bathroom. Lighting options, both inside and out, are important, manufacturers agree.

“There is a growing interest in medicine cabinets with open shelving and accent interior and exterior lighting as well as interior electric outlets,” stresses Lacava.

Jerry Bougher, senior product manager, Styling Space for Kohler Co. says, “Consumers are looking to complement the overall look and feel of their space with coordinating finishes and more on-trend shapes like rounded rectangles, arches and capsules.” Because storage and ease of accessibility are a primary reason for needing a medicine cabinet, he adds, more space and flexibility to arrange the interior of the cabinet and hold larger bottles is desired.

Lighting is also a major trend in the medicine cabinet area, Bougher reports, whether secondary backlighting to provide subtle light or in-mirror lighting to enable the user to perform personal hygiene tasks like applying makeup.

Pousse states that the lighting for cabinets must be energy efficient, outlets incorporated into the cabinet are a plus, and shelves and an additional mirror inside the cabinet are a must.

In the primary bathroom, Grubb states, highly organized vanities mean clients are not requesting a medicine cabinet. In secondary bathrooms, desired features for a medicine cabinet include a lit mirror door, audio capabilities, fog-free mirror and touch controls that provide options in warmth for the lighting. “For some, a TV is the final touch,” he adds. ▪

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