Mastering Your Design: 12 Master Suite Trends to Look for in 2012
By Rebecca R. Newsome, MIRMIt’s no secret that today’s master suites serve greater purposes than just sleeping and grooming. They’re private retreats to relax, refresh, and renew from the day’s hectic schedule, far more similar to a spa environment than the bedrooms and baths of our parents. Keeping up with the latest trends in master suites, however, can be a little overwhelming in today’s changing attitudes towards function and fashion. Equipped with info obtained from research and discussions with “in the know” industry professionals, New Homes & Ideas presents the top 12 master suite trends to watch for in 2012. Read on to learn about what’s hot… Then compare how your master suite measures up!
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| Free-standing soaking tubs are more frequently requested than whirlpool tubs. Bost Custom Homes; Photo by Ray Strawbridge |
1. Clean and simple top the chart
The trend we’ve heard loud and clear is that the minimalistic style is in. Simple designs and clean lines are preferred over the ornate, Old World look. “Master baths are trending towards light or white marble countertops, chrome fixtures, and Craftsman-style cabinets as opposed to the elaborate and lavish look that has been in vogue for quite awhile,” says Rex Bost, President of Bost Custom Homes. Michelle Simms, Chief Operating Officer of Terramor Homes agrees. “Perhaps the recession caused a re-prioritization among us,” she comments. “Symbolic of the national mood, we seem to prefer simple over flashy. I like it… It’s refreshing.”2. We long for a spa-like setting
Although clean and simple is of ultra importance, so is a spa-like atmosphere in the master bath. Large format 12” x 24” marble tile with clean lines is being used more and more on master bath floors and walls says Gina Caputo, owner of Caputo Design, Stone, & Tile. Utilizing tile on the walls around the entire room allows the bath to serve as a wet room, eliminating worries of splashing water on walls, while accents of glass mosaics or retro tile on walls create a serene, tranquil environment.High gloss natural stone, such as marble, granite, onyx, and soapstone are in demand as countertop surfaces due to their aesthetics and durability, says Anca Moga, Showroom Consultant with Mogastone Granite & Marble. “Not only are these materials lovely and easy to maintain, they yield a high return in re-sale value,” she comments.
Therapeutic steam showers are also on the rise, allowing temperature-controlled steam to open pores, cleanse the skin, and release toxins. Heated bathroom flooring is a growing trend, along with heated towel bars and even warming drawers for towels. Go ahead; just say “ahhh” at the thought.
3. Cool colors are hot
As in years past, color plays a big role in creating ambiance throughout the entire home, but especially in master suites. Soft, cool colors reign, not only in master baths, but in master bedrooms as well. “Although many people still like warm colors, they’re trending more towards cool colors such as creams, greens, and especially grays,” says Anca Moga. “They open up a room and set the mood for relaxation more than bold colors do.” Michelle Simms concurs. “Today we’re looking for more simplicity and less ‘over the top’ throughout our homes. Muted tones allow for a simple, elegant look.” |
| Trey ceilings and trim detail remain a requested feature in master bedrooms. Photo courtesy of Terramor Homes |
4. His and her vanities promote great relationships
Consumers today prefer their own vanities and sinks, according to Jeanette Genovese, Raleigh Division Marketing Manager of Meritage Homes. “We want privacy and our own personal space,” she says. With this comes the opportunity to utilize furniture pieces and free-standing framed mirrors versus traditional vanity cabinets and sink to ceiling wall mirrors. “Even in master baths with his and her sinks combined in one long counter, framed mirrors are more popular today than the long, tall builder-grade mirror,” adds Anca Moga. “Separate mirrors provide a terrific way to personalize the master bath and add character.”5. Shower doors are oh so yesterday…Mega-showers are oh so today!
Walk-in, curbless showers with no lip to step over are the preference in today’s shower entrances. Not only are they less trouble to clean than traditional showers, they’re easily accessible for a wheelchair if the need arises. In many cases, oversized showers have replaced garden tubs in master baths. Complete with benches and shelves for grooming products, these mega-showers evoke a spa-like look and feel.“Interestingly, we’re seeing a trend of getting away from body sprays and rain head shower fixtures in lieu of standard shower heads,” states Rex Bost. “It seems that although we liked the idea of these items in the past, we found that we didn’t use them as much as we thought we would. We’ve realized we like the function of the simple, wall-mounted shower head.”
As earlier noted, classic chrome rules with shower, tub, sink, cabinet, and lighting fixtures, exuding a contemporary, linear atmosphere in today’s master bath environments.
6. Soaking tubs: Yet another opportunity for “ahhh” moments
Back in the day, a jetted whirlpool bathtub was standard in a master bath. Today, the request is more frequently for a free-standing soaking tub, taking up less space than a traditional whirlpool tub, and oftentimes offering an air-powered water circulation system. The introduction of air into the bath water creates bubbles and the sensation of a gentle massage, which is not only soothing but more sanitary than jet-powered circulation, according to Gina Caputo. Once again, “ahhh” is the appropriate response. |
| Photo courtesy of Caputo Design, Stone & Tile |
7. Natural lighting makes us happy
Lots of natural lighting remains an essential ingredient in a top-rated master suite. Window placement is strategically planned for furniture placement in bedrooms, and creative planning allows for windows in baths without tubs. Whereas a large window or a bank of windows has traditionally been placed above a garden tub, some designs now include vaulted ceilings in master baths without tubs, allowing for a large window above the shower. This type of planning brings in natural light while efficiently using space. Windows are also frequently included in master closets, not only serving as a light source, but also enhancing a home’s exterior as needed.8. We love our closets
As much as we’d like to scale down and simplify, we still seem to have a lot of “stuff” to hide in our closets. Over-sized and his and her closets are more popular than ever in today’s master suites. Built-in dressers, shelving, and sweater boxes allow for efficient use of space in closets, as do the double-sided hampers included in Terramor homes that allow us to toss our dirty clothes into a compartment that conveniently adjoins the laundry room. Not only do we love our closets, we love the ease of an amenity such as this!To continue reading this article click here: http://raleigh.newhomebook.
