Bath Design Inspiration
Bath design inspiration is typically a personal experience for the client and may involve many influences. It is not uncommon for a client to present pages clipped from architectural and design magazines when interacting with our design staff. For example, these sources may remind them of a special vacation that evoked a lifestyle and feeling that they want to carry home. Terms such as spa, Zen, clean lines, minimal, serene, glamorous and luxurious are often discussed. Understanding the style and look desired is extremely important. However, knowledge of how construction materials perform is critical to success for the designer, architect, builder and of course, for the homeowner.
Designers’ Quick Guide to Decorative Bathroom Tile
The Big Picture: You may need help with selecting the right color, pattern and texture and matching supporting elements such as lighting and hardware as they relate to the materials being considered.
- Attention to Details: As designers, you often need help introducing special details that give the overall design a very finished appearance. For example, the moldings, custom details and surrounds that will help complete your overall design.
- Consider the Material Finish: While deciding on your color palette, the finishes should also be taken into consideration: Honed, Polished, Brushed, etc. This will enhance and speak to the basis of the décor.
- Add Impact with Mosaics: You also may consider incorporating customized mosaics in stone, glass or ceramic. They can create focal points on a wall, “rugs” on a floor, insets, borders and decorative liners as appropriate.
- Create Patterns: Various materials can be used to create large patterns, small patterns, interesting shapes and complexly blended finishes.
- Material Performance: Be mindful of the technical characteristics of the materials, specifically porosity and slip resistance. It is necessary to understand the reaction of tile and stone to the environment in the decorative bathroom.
- Go Green: More and more homeowners prefer eco-friendly materials to help drive bath design inspiration. Today’s construction standards point out how important it is for materials to contribute to LEED certification by having “green” characteristics in the manufacturing process. Ask about these criteria!
- Work with an Expert: It’s paramount to work with someone who can provide the knowledge of every architectural material and its application in regards to space, climate and sustainability.
Baths are not renovated frequently, so it is smart to take the time to design and construct your space for longevity; even if that means allotting time for a custom product and budgeting for the help of trade professionals to make it all come together…….perfectly!
