The New Zen

"While the focus is still on service, homeowners want their bathrooms to look pretty," says Julie Valmain, who co-owns Grand Kitchen & Bath in St. Petersburg with her husband, Richard. "Typically, the rest of the house is dressed up. Now, bathrooms get the same attention."

Going Natural

From waterfall faucets and rainhead showers to organic shapes and earthy fixture finishes, the newest trend in bathroom design is to welcome the outdoors in with nature's most soothing elements.

For example, stone, wood, glass and other natural materials are now comfortably at home here, in both traditional and contemporary styles.

"Homeowners are spending more time in the bathroom engaged in activities that stimulate the senses," says Claudia Allen of Cobblestone Court Decorative Plumbing and Hardware in Clearwater. "There's clearly a Zen approach to bathroom redesign that radiates a calming, relaxing influence."

Living-and Bathing-Luxuriously

An evolving trend to transform the bathroom into a sort of living room is most obvious in the choice of cabinetry and decorative hardware.

According to area design experts, wall-to-wall builders' cabinets commonly used in bathrooms are becoming obsolete. Instead, homeowners are opting for more ornate or decorative furniture.

"We're seeing more and more vanities that look like pieces of furniture with shelves, doors and drawers, rather than the standard box," says Allen. Whether the room's scheme is traditional or contemporary, the vanity or cabinet is chosen to create or complement the overall theme.

"People have also begun to realize that the cabinet hardware is the jewelry of the room," Allen adds. "That's why it's so important to select hardware that pulls everything together."

Valmain says there's a move away from wall-to-wall mirrors as well. "Framed mirrors are now replacing the typical plate-glass mirrors of the past," she adds.

Lighting fixtures are also being carefully selected to add to the room's ambiance by casting a warm glow. Sconces, hung on either side or above the mirror, enhance intimacy, as do diminutive yet decorative "chandelettes," or mini-chandeliers.

"You wouldn't install a row of fluorescent bulbs in your bedroom," says Allen. "The same principle now holds true in the bathroom."

Fashionable Fixtures

A key bathroom fixture that has experienced a notable renaissance in recent years is the sink. Today's "vessel," as it's now called, is available in an array of natural materials, including tempered or hand-blown glass, finished wood, granite, ebony, onyx, marble and jade as well as copper, concrete, stainless steel and porcelain.

The vessel, which is often used as the room's focal point, typically sits atop the counter. The latest trend, however, is to recess the vessel in the vanity so that it's only partially exposed.

Allen says another emerging trend is the use of farm sinks, which slide into an opening in the cabinet. The positioning allows the front of the sink, which is often embellished with decorative details, to be visible.

In faucets, plain-Jane fixtures are now pass,, as popular spouts have gone far beyond function to become decorative, eye-catching elements.

"In today's marketplace, there are absolutely gorgeous faucets that are now being created by talented artisans, who actually enter their designs in judged competitions," says Valmain.

Jose M. Goitia of Euro Bath Decorative Fixtures and Hardware in Tampa reports that many faucet shapes now have a contemporary flavor. "Europe leads the design in faucetry," Goitia says, "and many American manufacturers are now following European trends."

At Galleria Bath & Kitchen Show Place in Lutz, showroom manager Jennifer Perry is finding growing demand for the new, open faucets that give the illusion of a waterfall as water cascades over a thin piece of glass or an exposed spout.

Equally important is the faucet's finish. Bathroom design experts throughout the area overwhelmingly agree that oil-rubbed bronze and satin nickel are the finishes du jour.

While Goitia insists that polished brass is pass,, Valmain says polished chrome is making an impressive comeback.

"This isn't the same chrome we grew up with," Valmain states. "Now, cleaning is easier and water spots can be removed effortlessly."

Fixtures in bronze and coppery colors are trendy choices at Cobblestone Court. "Bronzes with living finishes that change over time provide old-fashioned appeal," says Allen.

To complement faucet finishes, leading manufacturers offer towel bars, rings and other fixtures in matching patinas.

According to Valmain even Americans with Disabilities Act-approved shower and bath grab-bars have become more decorative in their finish and style.

Sleek, Stylish Commodes

Sophistication in both design and technology is making headlines in bathroom commodes. The standard bowl and tank has been replaced by streamlined models that are far more compact, yet decorative in design.

Perry points to Kohler's Purist hatbox, an elliptical, tankless commode with an electric pump that is completely concealed within the bowl.

Technological advances in flushing systems, Perry says, maximize functionality without increasing the amount of water used. Kohler's Class 5 flushing system, for example, allows water to flow through a larger trapway opening, thus eliminating the need for second or third flushes.

Another innovative trend that is quickly catching on-even in Florida-is the heated bidet seat, which is designed for installation on any commode.The only requirement is a nearby electrical outlet.

Showers and Tubs: The Ultimate Self-Indulgence

Body cleansing almost seems secondary to relaxation in today's technologically advanced shower systems and bathtubs, which have been developed with features that soothe the mind, body and soul.

An important innovation is the transition from jetted whirlpool tubs to air-jet tubs that promote a healthier bathing environment and provide a more relaxing, "effervescent" soak.

"Whirlpool baths have piping around the outside that can become clogged with bubble bath products and body oils," warns Perry. "Air tubs have individual channels and no exterior pipes that trap residue, thus providing the most sanitary bathing experience."

Other innovative tub features include heated backs and chrome therapy components that use lights and colors to relax, stimulate or invigorate the senses.

The shower continues to reign as the idyllic haven for pampering, with multiple options for body cleansing and massage.

"People no longer just jump in and out of the shower," says Allen at Cobblestone Court. "They linger to enjoy a full body massage."

At Galleria Bath & Kitchen Show Place, vertical spas with overhead rainheads and side-wall body sprays are capturing the attention of area homeowners, says Perry.

The "absolute biggest trend," however, are Kohler's Water Tiles, which are body sprays that resemble square wall tiles.

"The water tiles are recessed, so they don't compromise square footage," Perry says. "They give the effect of multiple jets; it's a very spa-like experience that provides an upper and lower back massage."

According to Valmain, hand-held showerheads are becoming very elaborate with six or eight sprays in a variety of pulsating patterns. "Even the slide bar that is attached to the wall is much sleeker," she notes.

In rainheads, size does matter. Ceiling-mounted, these showerheads are flatter and now range in size from eight inches to three feet.

Other important innovations worthy of mention: Thermostatic controls that pre-set showerheads and body sprays at the same temperature, frameless shower doors, air-emulsion systems that make water feel "lighter and fluffier" and quality shower baskets that are replacing built-in porcelain soap dishes.

"There was a time when the bathroom was simply the 'necessary room,'" concludes Allen. "Now, it's become an integral part of our living space."