Homeowners are Personalizing Their Bathrooms with Unique, Colorful SinksMaking a Splash

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“More so than a trend toward new materials, we have seen a shift to claim modern design, geometric lines, and very simple forms that allow you to make very bold statements within those forms,” says Lenora Campos, spokesperson for Toto.

Toto’s Ethos collection, for instance, includes three minimalist yet creative lav designs meant to imitate the character of three U.S. cities: New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Other modern efforts are evident in Barclay’s Azteca basin, which plays with square edges and patterns to mimic an inverted Aztec pyramid, and the Mod collection by Vitra, featuring a square-shaped sink with a green pedestal leg. Meanwhile, Gerber added the Allerton suite, identified by square edges and clean lines, to its otherwise traditional collection.

Functionality Focus

Convenient maintenance features also are driving minimalist trends, says Quick, who claims “people don’t want drippy Baroque design with lots of curves and carvings” because they are difficult to clean. For the same reason, clients are choosing undermount lavs more often. “The most simple, easy-to-clean structure,” according to Quick.

Terrill echoes this observation. “One of the reasons new iron sinks are so popular is because they are one-piece, easy-to-reach integrated top-and-bowl sinks,” he says.

The trends toward functionality and self-expression through color and materials have baby boomer fingerprints all over them. “The boomers are a large group that will not be ignored, and they have a lot of money,” says Uhl. “They are going to choose products that make them feel good, including more storage space, higher sinks, and sinks that are easier to clean.”

Disposable income translates into a lot of vacationing and spa-going, inspiring boomers to bring that feeling home. New bathroom sink trends in minimalist designs and the use of natural material and color echo the spa theme.

“The homeowners are becoming more and more influenced by and aware of their surrounding environment,” says Terrill. “The hospitality [industry] and high-end hotels are exposing them to all these different elements. They are much more aware and conscious of alternatives.”

According to manufacturers, spa-like trends for the bathroom—including the increased use of green products—will continue during the next few years. “People want to bring the outdoors in as a way of mitigating stress,” Zimber says. “Bathrooms will continue to transform into the day spa, as homeowners will continue to crave soul-healing calm.” -- BUILDING PRODUCTS

	Stone Forest. Moso bamboo lavs are durable, solid, lightweight, and water resistant, according to the manufacturer. To transform the woody evergreen into a minimalist sink, the interior soft part of the bamboo is removed, and the hard exterior part is laminated. 888-682-2987. www.stoneforest.com.
Gerber. The Allerton pedestal lav bridges traditional and contemporary styles with a square pedestal leg, a conventional basin, and deck space. One of three new toilet and lavatory suites in the Vitreous China Suites collection, Allerton is identified by clean lines and square edges. Lavs are 21 ½ inches wide and are available in white, bone, and biscuit. 630-679-1420. www.gerberonline.com.