Natural Balance – Kitchen & Bath Design News

Bathroom vanities serve a dual purpose. They’re both a primary design element and essential storage spaces. With different bath types come unique aesthetic and functional needs.

A primary decision in designing bathroom storage is whether to use open or closed storage. Increasingly, the answer is to have both.

Carmine Lacava, CEO at LACAVA in Chicago, IL says open and closed storage are simultaneous trends for bathroom vanities and storage units. First, he says, open shelving is a top demand. “Such open storage can be very effective in creating a certain interior style, as well as in using the space with the most efficiency. You can very creatively install hooks and hang baskets on them where you perhaps cannot install a medicine cabinet or linen closet,” he remarks. “The other trend is closed storage, which is expected to have lots of drawers or pull-out shelves, drawer organizers, adjustable shelving and interior lighting.”

With a vast range of finish possibilities, vanities can be tailored to coordinate with any bathroom design.

Chris Lee, president at Hillside, IL-based Lenova, says hues that connect to nature are popular, from sage to forest green and sky blue to rich navy.

“We’re also seeing high demand for natural wood vanities that highlight beautiful grain patterns and visual texture; this plays on the overall trend toward bringing natural elements into the bathroom,” stresses Naomi Neilson, founder and CEO of Native Trails, based in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Medicine cabinets are a unique storage component with distinct trends of their own. “Medicine cabinets are gaining ground as an excellent option for placement over the vanity in place of a flat mirror, or over the toilet, or on any available wall space where, as a single cabinet or a series of cabinets, they can provide extra storage,” states Lacava. “They often feature mirrored doors, open shelving or cubbies, adjustable interior shelves and interior lighting. Installing hooks or pulls on them that work as towel holders can readily add a creative and utilitarian touch to these pieces of cabinetry.”

Other vanity trends include textured finishes, floating vanities in the master bath and smaller vanities in other bath spaces, according to manufacturers recently surveyed by Kitchen and Bath Design News.

Open and closed storage each have a role in the design of a bathroom. “The type of storage really depends on who is using the space,” reports Neilson. “Master bathrooms tend to incorporate more closed storage to keep personal items out of view. On the other hand, a powder room is often a place where ‘less is more,’ and a single drawer or open shelf can be ideal.”

“The preference for open or closed storage hinges on the location of the bathroom within a home,” concurs Michael Nakash, president, sales at Spectrum Fine Cabinetry based in Syosset, NY. “In master and secondary bathrooms, where ample storage for toiletries and personal items is essential, closed storage cabinets reign supreme. These cabinets ensure a clutter-free space, fostering a sense of cleanliness and organization.”

“We know that people do not want to sacrifice style for function,” says Alexandra Yacavone, design studio manager – Trend and Color, Material and Finish at Kohler in Kohler, WI. “Concealed storage can help drive style as well as act as focal point for the space, while still providing storage.”

“Closed storage does not preclude additional open storage opportunities, like floating shelves or cubbies, which very easily expand the storing capacity. These can enhance the interior design of the space overall as well as its functionality, placing necessities within arm’s reach,” notes Lacava.

Powder rooms often feature open shelving under the sink, adds Nakash. “This open space serves as an elegant display area for extra towels, diffusers or decorative accessories, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the room.”

Judy Hedreen, chair for Strasser, in Woodinville, WA, says open storage is useful for small or uniquely shaped baths, creating a feeling of spaciousness. “Open shelving can be added to a master bath to provide a feeling of elegance and pleasure when displaying a favorite object or piece of art.”

Bob Gifford, director of business development at Hastings Bath Collection based in New York, NY, agrees that people prefer a combination of open and closed storage. “We have numerous vanities that combine open and closed shelving. It’s a very different aesthetic – lighter in feel than a fully closed vanity, though those have their benefits as well,” he says.

Natural materials and finishes, as well as soft paint colors, are in demand, manufacturers note. “Homeowners are increasingly focused on health and well-being, preferring to incorporate natural and organic elements into their lifestyles and living spaces,” offers Neilson. “There’s a growing interest in eco-conscious products – we’re seeing big demand for items made from ethically sourced, recycled and reclaimed materials.”

“We’re seeing more utilization of natural materials such as woods that have beautiful grain and color variations,” agrees Hedreen. “Homeowners and designers are branching out from black, white and simple wood finishes and choosing more ‘fun’ statement pieces, including those that combine natural wood vanities with colored doors and drawers,” she states.

Yacavone notes, “Soft, warm neutrals, earthy greens, or clay tones like light pinks and terracottas feel soothing and elevated.”

Gifford remarks, “Pink is still very fresh – though we mean a softer pink, not bubblegum or Barbie pink!”

Manufacturers believe current trends lean towards vanities with visual variety, such as textured finishes, multiple tones and unique elements. “This season, textured and patterned finishes that provide a tactile experience and visual interest are top of the interior fashion,” says Lacava.

“Blending unique elements with natural materials and finishes develops a timeless aesthetic that is both classic and current, and that is resonating strongly with homeowners and designers,” concurs Neilson.

Lee notes that two-tone vanities that combine two colors, such as a dark color cabinet frame with light colored doors, are trending. Base cabinets are often in the dark colors, while countertops and upper cabinets are lighter, he adds.

“Contemporary bathroom design is characterized by a focus on stone, textured panels and light colors,” observes Nakash. “Textured panels, particularly bull-nose or half-round milled oak, are highly sought after for their understated elegance and tactile appeal.”

Hedreen reports that the addition of subtle details, such as metal accents, is a trend that the company illustrates in its new Aldaire vanity, launching this summer. “The metal band brings a special sparkle or pop of detail that elevates the vanity from a bath furniture piece to one that could be at home in an art gallery as a piece reminiscent of minimalist art,” she remarks.

Reportedly, there is significant demand for floating vanities. “Floating vanities, the standard in much of Europe, are increasingly popular in residential and hospitality settings, contributing to a more open feel in a bathroom,” stresses Neilson. “Homeowners also love that they are easy to clean beneath.”

Lacava concurs, “Wall-mounted installation is in high demand, as it frees the floor space for other things, like step stools, baskets or trays that can be neatly stowed away when not in use.”

“Floating vanities featuring sleek radius corners offer a contemporary aesthetic,” reports Nakash. “Floating vanities with an open shelf below, finished back panel and toe kick extended to the floor with LED lighting, create an ambiance of tranquility and spa-like luxury. This design innovation incorporates a practical cubby space, ideal for storing towels, fostering a serene and clutter-free environment.”

While standard sizes remain in demand, manufacturers say they’ve also seen a rise in requests for smaller and customized vanity choices.

“Traditional 30″, 36″ and 48″ options are always popular, but we’re seeing more requests for custom sizes, from space-conscious 20″ all the way up to 96″-wide pieces for hospitality settings,” says Neilson.

“Smaller-sized vanities seem to be in higher demand, perhaps because they are easier to handle not only logistically, but they also offer more flexibility for installation,” adds Lacava.

Gifford adds that vanities with a slightly shallower depth but longer width are a new option in the collection. “This is perfect when space is a consideration. And the beauty of this is that [you] barely lose any counter – in fact you’d hardly notice that the vanity is ‘slimmer.’”

Medicine cabinets above the vanity pull double duty as the bathroom mirror as well as additional storage space.

Lee notes the trend is towards sleek, recessed cabinets installed flush with the wall to maximize space. Medicine cabinets that are “smart” and multi-functional, with built-in LED lighting around the mirror, are trending, he adds.

Nakash reports, “Custom medicine cabinets have witnessed a surge in demand, offering additional functional storage for toiletries, cosmetics and medications.”

“These cabinets are tailored to complement the vanity below, matching materials and finishes for a cohesive aesthetic,” continues Nakash. “Metal trim accents in polished nickel or polished chrome finish lend a touch of sophistication, harmonizing with plumbing fixtures and bathroom accessories. From a design perspective, requests often include rounded corners on mirror frames or pill-shaped cabinets for a sleek, modern look.”

“It’s all about coordinating finishes – for medicine cabinets that are surface mounted, the ability to match the finish to the finishes on the vanity is a subtle but nice complement,” Gifford remarks.

“The trend in medicine cabinets is toward a more contemporary design,” Hedreen stresses. “The sleek look is on trend and lends to the bath’s overall look, but the drawback can be less storage space. To help solve this problem, a more generously sized cabinet with a 6″ or 8″ depth can be recessed into the wall.”

Adjustable LED lighting is a must for medicine cabinets, manufacturers add. “LED lighting, while not ‘new’, is now also underneath the cabinet as well as around it – this diminishes any shadows,” offers Gifford.

“Integrated LED lighting, whether halo-type for ambient illumination or front-facing for practical purposes, adds a layer of elegance and functionality to modern medicine cabinet designs,” adds Nakash.

Hedreen concurs, “LED lighting is a favorite in contemporary medicine cabinets and mirrors because customers are looking for the ability to control the level of lumens from soft to bright. In particular, medicine cabinet interiors with internal lighting, electrical outlets and charging stations are in high demand.”

Magnifying mirrors fixed to the interior of the cabinet are falling out of favor, adds Hedreen. “What is gaining in popularity are magnifying mirrors that allow adjustable heights whether inside the medicine cabinet or mounted adjacent to it,” she reports.

The Craft + Main Lanagan bathroom vanity includes double drawer fronts combined into one generously sized drawer box with built-in drawer dividers. Inside the doors is an adjustable interior shelf. Hardware choices include Brushed Nickel or Matte Black.

The Winemaker Series, Native Trails’ newest eco-conscious launch, is handcrafted in the U.S. from oak staves reclaimed from Central California wineries. Distinguished by its intricately placed horizontal slatting and generous graining, the vanities feature open shelving and soft-close drawers.

Fittings Metal Collection offers two styles of metal vanity bases – the signature cross design and the open design. Both options are available in single and double, with 64 sizes to choose from. A shelf and towel bar can be added. Finishes include: Black, White, Gold, Nickel, Gunmetal and Urbane Bronze.

From Lacava comes the Flutti FLT-ST-16, a wall-mount storage cabinet with fluted detailing on an architectural, columnar shape. Its interior is outfitted with three adjustable shelves and two drawers. Decorative hardware is offered in multiple finishes, and optional legs are available.

Showplace Cabinetry offers a wide variety of storage solutions for the bath, ensuring everything from towels to laundry to personal care products has its place. The vanity shown features the Lane door style in Evergreen Fog painted finish.Photo: Courtesy Showplace Cabinetry

Grothouse’s Anvil Metal line employs finishing techniques to coat wooden substrates with real metal particles. The custom vanity, shown, was designed by Palmer Todd using Magnum (brass) Anvil Metal finish on sides and base and Argentum (pewter) Anvil Metal finish on the door/drawer fronts.Photo: Stephen Karlisch

Lenova’s flat panel Manhattan vanity is constructed of CARB-certified solid hardwood and finished with a 16-stage finishing process that includes an environmentally friendly paint. The black vanity is paired with vanity tops of granite, marble or porcelain, as well as a square porcelain sink.

Premier Copper Products offers a variety of artisan-crafted copper items for the bath, including the 24″ Hammered Copper Wall Mount Vanity with single faucet hole, shown. Each of the company’s hand-hammered products showcases marked attention to detail for one-of-a-kind results.

StoneTouch’s bath vanities blend Italian artistry and functional elegance, states the firm. Available from AD Waters, the offering includes the Deville Collection, made from marine-grade MDF. The vanity is available in White Matte, Warm Grey Matte, Black Matte and Light Wood in three sizes.

Lido, Scavolini’s latest bath furniture range designed by Vuesse, features a squared door combined with a round recessed grip profile. The textured finish is offered in three new pearl-effect colors – Cuvee, Pas Dose and Perlage – which supplement a range of glossy and matte lacquered shades.

The Jeffrey Alexander vanity line from Hardware Resources has launched Tempest, a vanity that can be wall mounted or freestanding with three leg designs. It features a narrow, 181/2″ depth in 30″, 36″ and 48″ widths, and is available in four finishes: Blue Steel, Dark Walnut, Natural Oak and White.

Paying tribute to early 20th century Art Deco design, the Metropolitan Essence vanity from Devon&Devon showcases retro lines and materials such as wood, marble and brass. The dual volume of the cabinet body in oak with a matte finish is outlined by the frames and marked by a continuous series of slats.

Kohler’s Collage Medicine Cabinet collection features a control bar integrated within the frame of the main cabinet, which removes the need to touch the surface of the mirror for opening/closing, preventing fingerprints. The mirrors are complete with simple and intuitive controls.

As part of its vanity offering, Strasser includes its Benjamin Moore Color Palette, which allows specifiers to request any of over 3,500 colors. Shown is the company’s Alki Spa vanity in two tone with Coral Dust, providing a retro-inspired look.

Mirroring the 1940s-inspired glamour of Soho House Paris, the Valerie vanity from Soho Home features a front curved silhouette with a solid ash frame and an olive ash burl finish. Arabescato Corchia marble on the top and backsplash is complemented with Carrara marble handles.

Dura Supreme’s new Vanity Grooming Drawer offers convenient, organized and safe in-drawer storage for heating elements/curling irons/blow dryers with an included power outlet. The in-drawer power outlet is designed with a switch to quickly activate styling tools.

Ellis from London Basin Company features reeded panels and a scalloped edge. Created to work with the company’s porcelain basins, the vanity can pair with surface mounted and undermounted styles. Ellis is available in any Farrow & Ball or Little Greene paint color with a choice of three surfaces.

Borderline is a collection of bathroom furniture designed by Carlo Colombo for antoniolupi. The construction and design reflect emotions related to the double knot, with the roots of ancient craftsmanship, notes the firm. The modular design allows for seemingly infinite customization possibilities.

Thompson and red egg have teamed to create the Permanente Vanity, which features a hand-crafted smooth aged copper vessel sink from Thompson’s new Permanente Collection. The cabinetry is based on red egg’s Shanghai Loft Collection and is available in a variety of custom sizes and colors.

Modern minimalism is reflected in the Marigot Collection from James Martin Vanities. Featuring a waterfall frame and tambour doors, the vanity showcases a cerused Sunwashed Oak finish that enhances the wood grain. The interior features a shelf and a drawer with brushed aluminum laminate lining.

Spectrum Fine Cabinetry’s Contemporary Vanity features furniture legs with brass caps and solid walnut dovetail drawers. Each piece is made to order by craftsmen and hand finished by artists. A quartz countertop with integrated sink, paired with a brass faucet, add to the elegant design, notes the firm.

Marcel by Ceramica CIELO is a cabinet with washbasin inspired by the shapes of the Bauhaus and curved solid wood furniture and Vienna straw, reinterpreted by Andrea Parisio and Giuseppe Pezzano. The drawer unit includes a front covered in Vienna Straw in natural or black-stained ash wood.

Four vanities have been added to Robern’s Craft Series, including the Alisal, shown. The vanity features solid oak frame construction and legs, hand-stained finish, Blum slow-close hinges, full-extension drawers and a choice of Silestone tops. It is available in Greige Oak and Weathered Oak.

The Schmidlin MERO EVO pairs built-in bath furniture with the company’s MERO washbasin for a complete offering. Made from glazed titanium steel, the lateral lines of the washbasin frame the soft-close, push-open drawer. Options include a magnetic towel holder and interior drawer compartment.

Made in Italy, the Dot vanity from Hastings Bath Collection is fashioned from solid ash wood and features curved details and distinctive round handles that can be personalized with tone-on-tone or contrasting colorful stains. The vanity and handles are offered in 19 vivid and unexpected colors.

Sagehill Designs’ new Kaiya Bay collection features vanities and matching mirrors inspired by Mid-Century Morden design. Crafted from select hardwoods and veneers, Kaiya Bay features a bureau-style design with ample storage drawers and drawer fronts that are shaped with fluted details.

Wolf Home Products has launched Wolf Floating Vanities, with vanities offered in two distinct styles – a clean, ultra-modern aesthetic or a thin profile for a subtle accent. The interior features one U-shaped drawer and one full drawer for storage. Four finishes are available.

Duravit’s Starck 1 Barrel Vanity, designed for the company by Philippe Starck, plays with the role of bucket and bowl, delivering a gracefully tapered shape that extends to the ground with clean curves on the outside. The vanity is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

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