Darren Bedford, Sales Director at Lakes, discusses the key 2023 trends tradespeople should be aware of in order to meet customer demand.
As we move into 2023, homeowners are focusing on transforming their bathroom into a sanctuary space, with comfort and tranquillity key priorities. For installers, this means an interesting focus on both aesthetics and functionality tailored to the individual.
Technology
The use of smart technology around the house has continued to rise over the past decade.
While the bathroom may have been somewhat late to the party – coming after the kitchen and living room – it is now becoming an increasingly ‘smart’ space. Over the past two years great strides have been made with bathroom friendly Bluetooth technology and smart apps, which are now becoming more financially viable for homeowners.
De-misting mirrors and cabinets and Bluetooth/adjustable LED lighting are just a few ways in which technology is allowing individuals to control their sanctuary in new and exciting ways, creating that personal bespoke connection with their bathroom space.
Shower spaces are also blending more with technology now, with voice control functions and smart apps allowing for precise temperature controls at affordable pricing.
A trend for 2023 could be homeowners putting aside a bigger budget than ever before for their ‘sanctuary’ space as it becomes possible to experiment with new technology.
Aesthetics
If 2022 was the year of the industrial theme, we are starting to see 2023 – or at least the first part of 2023 – as the emergence of earth tones and florals. Greens, browns and blues are now at the forefront of homeowners thinking, with brushed copper and brass showers complementing this.
One thing we see set to continue in 2023 is that trends are changing quicker than ever before.
For many years, installers and by extension suppliers have been the oracle of good taste in bathrooms across the UK. Of course, the customer is always right, but the relationship each individual has with their bathroom space has been dictated by the industry for a long time now.
However, what we have seen over the past few years, particularly in 2022, is a greater informed customer than ever before. Thanks to social media platforms such as Pinterest and TikTok, trends are being shared and picked up upon at a greater speed, with the individual then tailoring their wish list to suit their taste.
For installers and suppliers, this is leading to a collaborative revolution, with the potential for more clarity than ever before to work with and in turn, plenty of happy customers. It’s time to embrace this sea change and think outside of the box in 2023.
With regards to the shower spaces market and particularly ensuite or awkward spaces, consumers are looking at shower enclosures that feature increased glass and reduced metal to maximum the space they’re working with.
En-Suites and Cloakrooms are often compact and unique spaces by their nature, so trends are always evolving to maximise their potential in keeping with a homeowner’s attention to detail.
A key way to ensure a shower enclosure looks sleek and prestige is choosing the right glass within an enclosure in order to give the sense of a clean and crisp look. Lakes’ Ambient and Wave ranges are ideal for this scenario.
For en-suite bathrooms, tailored shower enclosures have long been a recommended approach when tackling an awkward space.
Using bespoke glass screens, shower enclosures or shower trays, while ensuring the sizing and accessories match the space and design required, is key to avoiding time spent rectifying or altering down the line.
We are seeing a move away from traditional chrome styles in favour of coloured finishes, matte black, and trendy tones. Shower enclosures have emerged as the focal point of the bathroom.
Consultation
Installers continue to be the biggest influence in what customers choose, however it feels as though the process is more collaborative than ever before. This is a trend that isn’t going to change. Rather, it will increase and become more sophisticated.
A customer being informed and enthusiastic about their bathroom requirements is good news for installers – who are able to have a clearer idea as to what a good job looks like for their client.
Sustainability conversations are also going to be a key trend for 2023. We are already seeing sustainability rise up the priority table for customers, and installers are going to be expected to have a strong understanding of how a customer can make their bathroom as environmentally friendly as possible.
