Ultra minimalism, solid materials and full functionality are all evident here in the Latis Bathroom Collection. Set to debut globally this December by designer Thomas Coward of Omvivo, the collection features luxury dual-function bathtubs, sleek trestle vanities and unique basins. All made from earthly elements of natural stone and timber.

Latis, whose name was cleverly inspired by the Celtic Goddess of Water, includes a range of bathroom furniture designed for all lifestyles. Their back-to-basics approach is apparent throughout the collection with simple lines and flexible design. Efficient, uniform and elegant, the simplistic pieces are reminiscent of Old World with a contemporary twist.

The sculptured natural stone basins are offered in rectangular and round shapes and come in various finishes. They sit atop oak tables with your choice of stone or wooden lower shelves. The deep rectangular stand-alone tub is sleek with clean and simple lines. The bathtub is undercut at one end to allow for the optional wooden open-shelf unit – convenient for a dish of pretty bath soap or an owl collection.

Omvivo also offers lighting, accessories and other lines featuring basins and wash planes. With the highest quality materials, attention to detail and traditional craftsmanship, the Australian company offers you the uncomplicated bathroom.

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Here are seven of the latest and innovative remodel trends:

#1 – Let There Be Lots and Lots of Light

As bathrooms get more and more attention as “the new den,” homeowners are letting in lots of light. Windows above baths are commonplace now, but skylights and lighting tubes are bringing more of that sweet sunshine into the bathroom.

#2 – Big Bathrooms

Now people want to use their bathrooms for more than the mere necessaries. The bathroom is the place to relax, read, sip wine, put on makeup, do nails, get dressed, watch TV, and oh, take a shower. Adding a dimension of space to the whole mix is essential, not to mention relaxing.

#3 – Powerful Ventilation

Most bathrooms are equipped with fans – the noisy little blowers mounted near the light that clear the bathroom of excess vapor and unpleasant odors. The new trend is to install extremely powerful fans, fans that are ten times as powerful as the old-school variety. By placing the motors of these fans in remote locations, owners can experience more power with less sound pollution. These fans can dry out a bathroom in minutes, keeping it fresh and clean.

#4 – Steaming it Up

In keeping with the home spa theme, many bathroom remodels are installing a steam machine or steam shower. These several-thousand dollar bathroom makeovers involve a total redesign, including comprehensive tile coverage, better drainage and vapor barriers on all exterior openings. Though it takes some more to-do, the relaxing comfort and thorough cleanse of a steam treatment is so very worth it.

#5 – Entertainment Systems

The multifunctional bathroom needs some entertainment. That’s why some people are installing television sets, surround sound stereo systems and even refrigerated coolers in their bathrooms.

#6 – Keeping it Private

Bathrooms still need toilets, but why not get this element of the bathroom furniture out of sight and a bit more private? That’s precisely what many remodelers are doing when they install the toilet in its own private nook.

#7 – Responsibly Green

It’s not all about making a comfortable bath. It’s also about contributing to a sustainable planet. Green products have had their entrance into the bathroom in the form of low-flow toilets, on-demand water heat, local building products and sustainable or all-natural materials

Photo credits: DigsDigs, MySteamRoom, CasaSugar, Tuvie, & Trendir

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Eclectic bathrooms combine elements from different sources. They aren’t afraid to be quirky, edgy or a tad out of line. And as their style elements evolve, these bathrooms become something all their own.

Yes, most people use a theme of muted or neutral colors to make the bathroom look clean. But splashes of color really give the eye a bit of a tease, not to mention something unique to focus on. Items like a colorful piece of framed art, a vase of fresh flowers or a single wall painted in a faux finish or mural can liven the place up a whole lot, and are easily taken out or painted over when you’re tired of them.

Consider designing with asymmetry. Hard, sleek lines look amazing in bathrooms. Since we spend so much time in a tiny box-shaped room, it helps to expand the interior shape and aesthetic of the space with an asymmetrical countertop, tile pattern and vanity.

Hang large mirrored tiles on another wall and you’ve just doubled your pleasure. The mirrors can help with shaving and coiffing while also adding light and depth to the room.

Don’t be afraid to go at it like an eccentric. Get creative with your tub and sink fixtures. They certainly don’t have to match – a nickel finish on the sink can still look great in a room with a bronze-toned tub fixture. And instead of a typical overhead dome-shaped light covering, a great stained glass or artistic-looking pendant light hanging over the vanity makes a colorful addition.

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Here are 6 modern bathroom vanities that might have you spending more time staring at your cabinetry than at that beautiful face in the mirror.

#1 – The Contemporary Blue Glass Vanity-Solace by Bath Gems is certainly unique. Although it doesn’t present much storage space, it’s gorgeous with sleek lines and a modern sheen. We love the combination of different colored glass and steel. Best of all, the blue glass vessel bowl sink is included.

#2 – Another gem from Bath Gems is the Stratton. This is a vanity to delight basket lovers. The vanity looks clean and compact with a wooden basket weave motif on the front and a granite top with a drop-in sink. One intriguing feature is that it stands on legs, not flat on the floor, lending the piece a cool, casual furniture feel.

#3 – Classy and sleek like a polished Grand Piano or Billy Zane in a tuxedo on the deck of the Titanic (before disaster strikes) is the Black Lacquered Console by Devon&Devon. It’s black, shiny, curvaceous and stunning. The addition of this beautiful vanity might just mean you’ll have to class up the rest of your bathroom, but it would be worth it. The vanity offers a small amount of storage by way of two drawers and sits atop tapered cast-aluminum legs that come in a chrome or gold finish.

#4 – For a more traditional look, the Francisco Sink Cabinet offers Old World-style craftsmanship. Made of reclaimed wood and hand-pounded copper, this vanity looks like an heirloom treasure. It offers plenty of storage space with its eight drawers – four on either side of the central compartment. The beautiful wood is mirrored fabulously with the addition of warm copper door and drawer panels, a solid copper vanity top and copper sink.

#5 – The T450 is definitely not Old World; it’s a vanity for a very modern bathroom. The piece is simple in design yet clean and intriguing. This vanity is basically a set of two very wide drawers, one under the other in asymmetrical stacking. It’s a clever way to obtain storage space while keeping hideous plumbing totally behind the scenes. With the sink set off to one side, it gives the appearance of haphazard awesomeness just casually dropped into place.

#6 – Aptly named Traditional Bathroom Vanity, this cabinet is a throwback to French provincial style. It’s white with lots of beautiful trim work and sits upon claw feet. The simple elegance will give your bathroom a lovely focal point without going over the top.

Pick your favorite vanity from the list and we might just write a blog for you featuring more of the same!

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Many of the components that go into a kitchen remodel are the same as those in the bathroom: cabinetry, countertops and sinks & plumbing. For these items, there are a whole host of ways that you can change the appearance and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom for very little lost lettuce.

Cabinetry

Cabinets can be a very costly part of remodeling, especially in the kitchen where you have so many of them. If your kitchen or bathroom floor plan is good the way it is, then there’s really no point in replacing your cabinets one-for-one, unless they’re damaged or irreparable.

Instead, the doors, drawers and frames can be sanded down, painted or re-stained (or both). For a dramatic look, consider painting the frames a bold color (country blue, barn red or hunter green, etc.) and staining the doors and drawer fronts a natural or honey tone.

Up for a little challenge?

Pull the wall cabinets down and hang them back up at varying heights. This will change the focus of the entire room and provide a few overhead display spaces for your famous cookie jar collection. Another great way to spruce up the cabinets is to replace the handles or knobs. There are tons of very cool and artistic cabinet hardware available today. Just be sure to get something that will work in the drilled holes you already have in your cabinets.

If you do want to replace your cabinets, think about getting knocked down cabinets from a major supplier. They’ll be much less expensive, although they do cost a bit more in time and effort; knocked down means there’s some assembly required (like all of it). The good news is they’re very simple to erect and come with all the hardware and instructions to get you through it.

Bathroom cabinetry can be even easier to replace since you’ll really only need a few. Some great deals can be found at the thrift stores, yard sales, salvage yards, antique shops and classified ads. For very little money, you can probably score a very unique find that will alter the entire image of your salle de bain.

Countertops

Countertops can be tricky to alter without replacing the entire thing. If you’d like to replace the whole countertop, start by looking in the big box hardware stores for what’s in stock. Most likely, you’ll be able to find something suitable, but will need to make the proper cuts for the lengths and sink hole. Some stores may be willing to make the cuts for you, but you’ll need to provide proper measurements. Remember, measure twice, cut once. Measure once, and it’s likely you’ll have to pay twice!

If you’re handy with a power saw, you may be able to customize your own wooden or laminate tops. If you’re ready to invest in the best countertops, a concrete top would be ideal. They’re extremely durable, eco-friendly and can be molded into numerous variations of patterns and textures. Or want something simpler? You can rough up your existing wooden or laminate top and adhere tile on top of it for an entirely new look.

Sinks & Plumbing

The simplest thing you can do to brighten the kitchen or bathroom is to install shiny, new faucets and fixtures. There are tons of fixtures to choose from at large hardware stores. Many of them very durable, attractive and in fashion – all at prices guaranteed not to soak you.

Other plumbing fixtures can be found at stores as well, but the important thing to remember is that you’ll need to replace the old fixtures with new ones that have the same configuration. For example, you can’t replace a three-hole faucet (the countertop or sink will have three holes in it for the spigot and handles to emerge through) with a single-hole fixture (a faucet that has a control knob on it), unless you are careful enough to buy one with a matching plate to cover the two remaining holes. It’s even more difficult if you try to do the reverse – you’ll wind up needing to drill two more holes in your countertop or sink, which is difficult, to say the least.

If you’re planning to replace the sink as well, be sure to note the type of fixture that needs to go with the type of sink you’re getting. Sinks, too, can be found at the store, but they’re also more accessible in places like antique shops and salvage yards. Sometimes, you can even find a really neat old one-of-a-kind model for nearly the same price as a brand-new style.

The key to remodeling on a budget is to keep your eyes and ears open. Look for great deals and snatch them up when you can. Also, soaking up any how-to articles and classes that you come across is great for gleaning valuable information (it also helps to have a few handy friends who can pitch in).

Photo Credit: Budget Kitchen Cabinets, & Online Tips

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There are basic aspects of a successful modern bathroom remodel. Once you understand these key elements, you can shape and mold your bathroom to suit your lifestyle. Let’s get started.

The Underlying Theme

As an example of the modern bathroom and the various elements involved, you’ll find (below) two almost identical bathrooms. Both utilize the basic modern theme but with completely different materials.

Designed by Kanner architects.

Layout

Unlike a traditional bathroom that can be pieced together as budget permits, a modern bathroom remodel needs to be thoroughly planned from the ground up. It should have an open space concept with all dysfunctional walls removed. Typical built-in bathtubs are replaced by standalone tubs or custom built-in tubs. Wall-to-wall oak cabinetry is replaced by sleek, highly efficient wall-mounted or standalone cabinetry. Get the bones right first and everything else will follow.

Flooring

Depending on the sub-style, flooring can range from slate to high-gloss laminate. Futuristic bathrooms look stunning in brightly colored ceramic tile, as well as shiny stark white vinyl. Urban bathrooms are beautiful with natural, highly buffed concrete or tile in soft, neutral tones. Asian or Zen bathrooms look gorgeous with cool gray stone or warm, burnt-brown clay.

Cabinetry & Storage

Modern bathroom cabinetry comes in a vast array of choices for all sub-styles. Usually hardware-free and modular, the cabinetry is sleek, uniform and elegant with clean lines and simple design. Common materials include stainless steel, lacquered wood, and veneer or laminated covered wood. Storage is integrated and minimal.

Vanity

From Rapsel – Vision washbasin

Vanities are the jewel of the bathroom; they tie the entire room together in balanced harmony and they’re the most used piece in the bathroom. Whether you’re drying your hair, brushing your teeth, or applying your makeup, this is your centerpiece. As you can see from the above lit fashionable sink & vanity combo, the sky is the limit when it comes to modern vanities. They come in all shapes, sizes, materials and colors. Vanities should be sleek and elegant and always remain clutter-free.

Bathtubs & Showers

Bathroom Collections from Ceramica Flaminia – new Plate collection

Tubs are typically clean-cut and contemporary. They often feature whirlpool jets for added luxury. Today’s modern bathroom contains standalone pieces, such as shower towers or open showers. Multiple showerheads, handheld features and top-of-the-line fixtures are a must.

Toilets & Sinks

La Fontana bathroom by ArtCeram

Wall sinks, sculptured wall toilets and bidets are the hottest trend – they take up minimal space and provide easy upkeep. Visually, they make the space much larger. They’re innovative, efficient, sharp and ultra-contemporary.

Fixtures

High-end fixtures go with modern bathrooms like peanut butter goes with jelly. If you shortchange your fixtures, your entire bathroom will be a fraud. Gold finishes are taboo; only use stainless steel or chrome. The ideal fixtures will be trendy, sophisticated, utilitarian, artful and crisp.

Designing a modern bathroom starts with basic elements. From there, you can add recessed lighting for unobtrusive ambience and accessorize with mirrors and specialty lighting over the vanity. You can hang a towel warmer or a flat screen TV. It’s your bathroom – make it your favorite room in the house.

Resources:

Bathroom Collections from Ceramica Flaminia – new Plate collection

Contemporary bathroom from ArtCeram – the new La Fontana bathroom

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#1 – This is the weirdest tiny bathroom I’ve ever seen!

#2 – This strapping young gentleman enjoys the comfort and convenience of killing two birds with one stone.

#3 – For every problem there’s a solution. Now that’s what I call thinking outside the box.

#4 –The Washup is a conceptual space-saver device that reuses your washing machine water to flush the toilet. Sounds good on paper, just make sure you don’t get the hoses reversed (or drop panties in the toilet!).

#5 - Not your father’s outhouse. The Fons features a composting toilet, sink, shower, rainwater collection system and a cistern at the top. If you’re going to reference Happy Days, shouldn’t it have been called “The Potsie?”

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Well, apparently, if I want to up my image, I can start by blinging my bathroom cabinets – or any other cabinets for that matter. California Faucets has a new batch of cabinet handles, called the Swarovski® Strass® Crystal Cabinetry Knobs. Part of the Cal Trim line, the knobs & pulls are meant to complement faucets that the company already makes, but I secretly think they had my Aunt Annabelle’s jewelry collection in mind when they did this.

The knobs are available in over 30 different finishes to match any bathroom plumbing fixture. They come with either sapphire blue or crystal clear inserts that remind me of tiny disco balls. (Hint: blinged-out Jewish girls may look like they can dance, but they do NOT disco well at all). The company has also prepared sapphire and crystal insert buttons. These can be ordered and placed on their faucets as well, keeping the theme unified throughout the room.

One of the coolest features, aside from the razzle dazzle of it all, is that the shimmer of the cabinet knobs and faucet inserts make great reflective patterns in the room, just like water does. And your bathroom is dedicated to water consumption – it’s more like being out on the ocean waves than skinny dipping with a rubber ducky. Another good thing about the crystal bathroom pieces is that they’re way less expensive than the outfit and matching gold bling I just bought. I need to seek help.

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I remember when I was a little girl, my mother used to tell me about the graceful beauty of Cloisonné. Of course, what she was referring to were the delicate patterns of glass and copper fused into beautiful floral patterns on bracelets, hair barrettes and other wearable jewelry and art.

It’s that type of nostalgia that always reminds me of home – not the home I’ve made for my family, but the home that beckons me back to the days of comfort in mommy’s bed, chasing fireflies in the backyard with empty mayonnaise jars and countless hours practicing (not of my own free will) at the Baby Grand.

It would seem that sink manufacturers feel the same way. Linkasink offers Cloisonné vessel bowl sinks so that every home can have that bit of old-fashioned charm. The bowls are absolutely stunning. There are several different colors and patterns, including leaves, circles, birds and even a dragon motif. Each bowl can be made as a vessel bowl or an under-mount sink.

In fact, all of the Linkasinks are quite impressive. They specialize in copper sinks, which are imported from India after sand-casting for a unique and rustic appearance. Since many bathrooms are somewhat small in nature, one very simple way to dress it up and make a dramatic change would be to install an elegant feature like one of these Cloisonné sinks. They don’t have an online store, but their website has a phone number so that you can find the nearest showroom that features their products.

I have a feeling if there was one of those in my bathroom, I’d be reminded to call my mother more often. Who knew a sink could bring a family closer?

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For the old traditional style, designers will tell you to “choose any combination of tiles from the main tile section and border to create your backsplash.” It’s good advice, but it’s not applicable to the funky fresh children in all of us.

Photo Credit: Freshome

First of all, there should be endless design possibilities. Second, you may suffer from decision paralysis because there are so many choices. The only rule of thumb (but not a rule) is to integrate your backsplash with other elements in your bathroom – this pulls it all together to create a sense of balance. There’s a difference between funky and crazy. Crazy means there are too many themes going on. It’s confusing to the eye and generates disorientation.

Whether you love contemporary or eclectic styles, there’s a world of intricate tiles to choose from:

• Ceramics – handmade or machine-made
• Glass – glossy or tumbled finish, solid or subtle color patterns
• Metallics – electrify the senses
• Natural stone for an organic homegrown feel 
• Hand-painted artistry
• Mosaics

Glass tiles create a unique accent and add a touch of mystique. You have a multitude of color options: soft greens, browns, ocean blues, milky opals, glittery topaz, turquoise, burnt orange, and deep purples and golds. The list of colors is endless.
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Photo Credit: Big Bang Mosaics

Because tiles come in many shapes and sizes, it’s fun to mix up the look with tile size, color and finish. Mix harlequin cracked glass-filled tiles with mosaic. Mix topaz and light blue with tumbled marble.

Check your blend

To get an idea of blended tile colors, click here to create your own mosaic. They give you six blends to combine in any pattern you like, including random modular design. See what a difference grout color makes by taking one design and changing the grout.

As you design your masterpiece, make sure to have lots of fun. For a list of to-die-for designer tile, see tile ideas below.

Related Links:

Oceanside

Gorgeous Seashell collection by Agapetile

Tiles from Ann Sacks

Ann Sacks “Sakura” line

Ann Sacks “Tres Feltman” Glazed Porcelain Tile

Ann Sacks “Aura” Glass Exclusive

Erin Adams Facet Glass Mosaics

Designer pages: A look at Venetian glass listello, Illuminessence prism, Illuminessence water crystal

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