It is important for installers to keep informed on the latest and emerging design trends in order to provide up-to-date advice to style-conscious consumers. Chris Taylor, design expert at Bristan, talks about the biggest hits of the year and the ones to watch in 2017.
According to a new report on the bathroom market, bathroom sales in 2016 are now at a historic high, surpassing £1 billion for the first time. The kitchen market remains just as buoyant; the value of British kitchens and items contained in them has doubled over the last three years and the average cost of a kitchen has risen from £6,698 in 2013 to £10,048 in 2015.
This presents a massive opportunity for the installer; if people are spending more than ever on their kitchens and bathrooms, they are certainly going to be spending on taps, showers and fittings. Therefore, installers would be well advised to keep abreast of new and emerging design trends in order to make informed recommendations to their customers, upsell and, ultimately, maximise the profit potential allowed by this market growth.
Modern minimalism
While modern minimalism continues to reign supreme, this year saw it evolve with a leaning towards design detailing. Here, it’s all about small details which make a big impact; for example, an eye-catching flair on an otherwise simple tap – allowing customers to retain a minimalist look whilst adding quirky, distinctive details.
Bristan’s Alp tap, which combines a minimalist body with a European-inspired ultra-thin lever, is a good example of a clean look with an understated but effective difference. Whilst the tap itself is crisply and simplistically styled, the addition of the thin lever gives the tap a touch of individuality, which appeals to consumers who love the minimalist look, but want to inject a touch of personality.
Subtle white
For a wide-ranging appeal, white has remained a popular choice, being equally suited to classical and contemporary interiors. However, rather than wall-to-wall white, which can feel overpowering and cold, we will see accessories use this neutral staple in a much more subtle form, blending into almost any décor whilst providing an on-trend update to the room.
A good example is the Claret white range from Bristan, which is finished in high gloss white, coupled with sleek chrome– a subtle but simple nod to the trend, which looks stunning when paired with white sanitaryware.
Industrial
Finally, the industrial look, based on a dark, gritty warehouse-style aesthetic, will continue to dominate design. Muted colours and materials such as grey and granite form the basis of the trend, which has only grown in popularity – with 19% of kitchens updated this year featuring a hue of grey.
This is seen in sparse designs, distressed finishes, exposed pipes, brickwork and beams inspired by the factories, wharfs and mills associated with the industrial era. For a softer edge, installers should recommend the incorporation of metallics such as golds and rose golds.
Tomorrow’s trends
With 3.7 million Brits stating that the bathroom is the only place in the home they can find a retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life, it is no surprise that escapism is the next big thing in bathroom design.
This is seen with neutral hues, natural accessories and simple styling, creating an inviting and soothing ambience. In terms of profit potential for installers, this trend works work well with deep, luxurious baths and vessel sinks alluding to a spa.
Equally, the appeal of black and white, both in the kitchen and bathroom, will see a marked resurgence. This will be seen in white lacquer furniture and black granite tiling and/or countertops, countered with rustic hardwood floors to provide a rustic edge. The clever choice of taps offers an easy upsell for those looking to capitalise on this trend; such as the Bristan Melba kitchen tap in black, which couples chrome with a matt black finish to add design distinction.
The appetite for all things kitchens and bathrooms shows no time of abating any time soon. Therefore, the recommendation for the shrewd installer is to take stock of the upcoming trends so that they can advise on style as well as practicality, giving themselves the advantage over the competition.
