MICHAEL ON DESIGN

The following questionnaire was sent to me by John Filippelli, Senior Editor of Kitchen and Bath News. I think there are some interesting tends happening in the Bath fixture industry. I also think as well as interesting things NOT happening you might be interested in. Please jump in and let me know your thoughts on what products you’d like to see, or not see, in your bathroom.  

JF: What overall product trends are you seeing in master baths today (IE shower systems, steambaths, whirlpools, faucetry, vanities, etc.)? Why do you think this is?

I’m not seeing whirlpools, Jacuzzis and other fancy gadgetry. I think bathrooms are returning to quiet, Zen-like spaces where one can be alone, quiet or just calm and relaxed. On the other hand we’re building larger than normal showers with multiple heads for families that share bathing and grooming experiences. My own shower is 4’ X 5’, has 2 Grohe hand helds and routinely accommodates, me, my wife and at least one of our 2 young children at the same time.

  JF: Are there any recent master bath projects that you’ve finished recently that reflect some of these trends?Just about all of them. See the Pictures throughout this article.

  JF: How would you describe the role of integrated technology and similar equipment in the bath today? (IE: TV screens behind mirrors, morning/juice/coffee bars, pre-programmed thermostatic valves, shower systems or steambaths, heating and lighting systems?) Where do you see this heading in the future?

I work in New England and I’m sure we’re years behind the rest of the country. However, I’m not hearing anybody clamoring for bells, whistles, gadgets or technological wizardry. I’m sure if this trend does become popular we’ll be hearing it from the West coast. Much of this sounds like sales pitches for upscale communities that are looking for an edge over another competing builder. At the end of the day, I think, bathrooms ought to be simple, easy to understand, familiar, have little to no color in them and be sound proof. Bathrooms, like bedrooms are retreats. Places to recharge. I can’t see my clients taking lessons on how to properly fill a tub, dispense the soap or change the color of the water.

JF: What trends are you seeing in color palettes and how is this impacting the bath as well?

Neutral, neutral neutral. Glass tiles are beautiful, pastel green and blue. Let the color come from a fresh bouquet of flowers of towels and beautiful cream and lotion bottles.

JF: What role are eco-conscious products and techniques having in the master bath? Where do you see this going in the future?

Honestly I keep hearing this is the next great thing and I’m waiting for somebody to ask me what I know about going green. No one in my market as asked me about eco-conscience products. I’m not opposed to it. I recommend them to my clients but sooner or later the fuzziness wears off and it’s let get this darn thing done.

JF: What types of bells and whistles are you seeing on whirlpool tubs today? And shower systems?

The best bells and whistles I see and not having them. Again, simple, simple simple. I like shower pans, not built up shower curbs. I’m making my own out of white Corian or buying them from Duravit in Italy. Stand alone shower systems are interesting. Easier on the plumbing, especially when it has to be on an outside wall.

JF: Are design themes taking on a more traditional, contemporary or transitional look these days? Why is that, and what does this indicate in terms of consumer preferences?

American gave up on the future just around the time Sputnik was launched and circled the globe. October 4, 1957 to b exact. Since then modernism has all but disappeared, except for some more progressive parts of the country. I still see a lot of granny houses all painted white with skinny Pottery Barn starfish on the bead board wainscoting. Personally, I’m tired of it but I understand where it’s coming from: the way life used to be; safe, familiar and predictable. As much as I try to get my clients to take control of their lives and develop their own sense of style, it’s daunting to them because they really have a hard time saying this is me and I’m out with it. There’s a lot of conformity out in the world today and taking what others perceive to be chances, is tough. Look no further that the TV show ‘Desperate Housewives’. It’s about belonging and ‘not getting kicked off the island’.

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