I tend to be more on the conservative side and avoid looks which will date quickly. I simply observe the trend by adding the current hue to the space as it’s the easiest room to incorporate colour. If the colour orange is trending, add an orange towel or accessory rather than tile which is a lot harder to change out when trendy orange is now dated. Currently, intense colours such as oxblood red, navy blue and chocolate brown are used in powder rooms. The colour alone adds a hit of drama, pair that with an over the top light fixture and some exotic tile and you have a stand out room. As for ceramic tile, it’s still the leader for flooring, tub and shower enclosures however, the choices are very diverse. Exotic patterns with an ethnic feel such as a bright blue and yellow mexican tiles or tiles that have a faux wood or stone look are emerging as a strong trend as the look speaks to natural elements and provides texture to the space. Floral prints on a tile, be it cascading flowers, the look of vines or ivy all have a calming spa like feel and work well in a bathroom setting. Geometric patterns, with sharp edges, and bright colours have an art deco feel which is another trend for the bold and brave. regardless of your personal style, all can be great additions to a bathroom decor. If a traditional look is more your preference try larger sized tile in an unconventional pattern. Compared to the standard subway look which is laid in a stacked or brick formation it can be quite striking. Consider using different sizes of the same tile to create movement within the floor or wall. If budget is an issue, a basic tile can be interesting if the size is not uniform. Also think about a mosaic pattern or using an insert piece such as glass in a 1”x1” size for effect. Ceramic tile is a practical surface application as it is resistant to humidity, it is durable and if heated can be great on the feet. I love the look of wall coverings or wall paper as it used to be called, but I tend to get worried about the effect of moisture and glue so I hesitate about the application in a an area filled with humidity. Wall coverings have come a long way and I am sure the quality is much better then when my mom pasted up wall paper in almost every room and then a few years letter I was enlisted in the dreaded removal. The patterns and colours can be vibrant, exotic, romantic or contemporary. If you have a vision or style there will be a wall covering that can duplicate that look. It’s a cost effective way of transforming a small space and adding a bit of flare in a conventional powder room. For counter tops, granite, marble and quartz are the still the top sellers. They are durable, have an elegant appeal and are easy to keep clean. Since the square footage is generally small the style of granite can be upgraded to something more exotic and less mainstream. If unusual is what you are after, consider concrete counters which can be mixed with any colour, have imprints created or anything custom you can dream up. Another option is crushed glass in quartz which can be all one colour, for example white on white or multicoloured for a bit of flare. 44 home décor and renovations junE - july 2013
CUrrENTLy, INTENSE CoLoUrS SUCH AS oxbLood rEd, NAvy bLUE ANd CHoCoLATE broWN ArE USEd IN PoWdEr roomS. Currently, the style of bathrooms has morphed into a more transitional look. That is the combination of traditional and contemporary. you may see a very basic vanity paired with an unusual counter top or classic granite top placed on a modern vanity. The mix of style keeps things interesting, and it’s fun to break the rules and try mixing up a few styles. of course the eco-friendly bathroom is still a strong trend and manufactures have embraced the development of new products which use less water but still perform and leave the buyer feeling as if nothing has changed. Low flow toilets and shower heads can save up to 40% in water use and that’s great for our environment and the water bill. Anything repurposed or reclaimed is another green initiative. An old dresser for example can be retro fitted as a vanity or a storage unit for towels and other bath items. Use a mirror from