Bathrooms are one of the most renovated rooms in the home. They also are one of the costlier projects, so it’s important to get it right the first time! Let’s take a look at the top trends in bathroom vanities, what to look for, and how to make sure you get the right fit for your space.
Floating Vanities
You may have noticed floating vanities as the latest and greatest style. These wall mounted vanities give a more contemporary look. They work great in smaller bathrooms to give the illusion of space, since you can see more floorspace. Styles that have closed storage with drawers or doors appear blocky and monolithic, usually all in one color. Other open storage styles can give and airy and linear look.
The floating Century vanity from Porcelanosa
A floating mount vanity from Duravit’s Happy D.2 bathroom line
Functionally, having open floor space under the vanity makes cleaning a breeze. If you should choose this style vanity, plan accordingly. You will need to have wood blocking in the wall behind your drywall to support the weight of these units. In powder rooms, especially formal powders I would steer clear of an “off the shelf” wall mounted cabinet, and instead opt for a more custom floating stone sink or counter that will feel more appropriate.
From Porcelanosa, the sleek Edge washbasin unit
The Duna concept from Porcelanosa
Furniture Style Vanities
For a more eclectic or traditional look, consider a vanity that looks more like a piece of furniture, rather than a typical bathroom cabinet. With legs, metal details and more intricate door panels, vanities that appear more like furniture can add interest and make a space look even more special and cozy.
There are vanities that you can purchase, but also consider heading over to a local tag sale or antique shop and finding an old chest or cabinet that fits your size parameters. Have your contractor remove the top for stone and modify for a sink and trap, or put a vessel sink on top of the existing top. Keep the piece as-is, even if it’s a little roughed up, or paint it a bold color to fit with your scheme, or white.
Sink Consoles
These sink consoles are more open and leggy. They are great for formal powder rooms where you don’t need to have lots of closed storage for toiletries. These traditional metal sink consoles are beautiful with a marble top, and remind me of an old New York City feel. Some styles combine lucite legs with metal accents in brass or nickel that absolutely sing.
Others are more sculptural and look like a furniture console, these styles can look great in more transitional style powder rooms with a fun graphic wallpaper.
For an ultra modern look consider a console cast in a single solid surface material. In all matte or glossy white, these consoles are show stoppers. With integrated sinks these pieces are easy to clean, and are definitely more contemporary. But don’t be afraid to try and dress things up with a high end faucet that looks like a beautiful piece of jewelry.
Vanity sink from MTI Baths
There are so many small details that can be considered when renovating a bathroom. Take your time and don’t rush the process! Make sure you allow yourself enough storage and space, and really love everything you select. Don’t compromise on anything, your bathroom renovation is an investment and you want to make sure you’ll love it for years to come.
Need help with a bath remodel project? We’re happy to provide a free quote or talk through options if you’re just thinking about where to start.
Katie Canfield is the founder and principal designer at Studio KC. Studio KC got its humble start in 2015 when Katie was just 23 years old. While she was freelancing with other interior designers in the NY and CT area she also became a go-to designer for local contractors and trades that needed a designer’s help for their clients whether it be for custom cabinetry drawings or plans for a gut renovation on an entire home.
Katie Canfield’s design aesthetic is eclectic and flexible. She delights in the marriage between old and new- keeping spaces approachable but still matching each client’s unique aesthetic and family narrative. Her passion for design keeps her motivated and constantly on the hunt for new trends and materials. Her broad experience includes an art history background, study at the Accademia Italiana in Florence, a stint with the renowned Manhattan firm Amanda Nisbet Design, as well as collaborations with builders and designers across the tri-state area. She’s seen it all: from gutting prewar Manhattan apartments to new construction in the ‘burbs.