Amanda Webb Furlow, Showroom Consultant at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery tells all there is to know about making informed decisions when remodeling your bathroom. From do’s and don’ts to the latest trends, she shares it all and more in this Q&A session.
What should every homeowner bring to a showroom to make an informed decision on plumbing?
We encourage homeowners to bring elements that represent their style to the showroom. Bring along magazine photographs, color swatches, paint chips, rug patterns, Houzz Ideabooks, or anything else that reflects your vision for your home. Our product experts can pair these with product samples in the showroom. This helps the homeowner gain a better understanding of how all the elements will come together.
Our experts also help the homeowner explore any functionality preferences they may want from a product. They can help them explore products that are easy to clean, have smart features, or that enhance luxurious experiences.
Don’t forget to bring all your measurements with you. We recommend working with a great contractor or licensed professional.
We believe that seeing your project through from vision to completion is our job and why consumers and skilled trade professionals alike chose to work with us.
Are there trends that you are seeing regarding plumbing fixtures? This is a very open-ended question and could probably warrant a complete post on just this topic.
The most significant trend in bathroom design is transforming the master bathroom into a spa getaway. Customers want their home to reflect their lifestyle and personality. The beauty of the spa trend is that there are endless options. The incorporation of luxurious pieces, such as freestanding tubs, digital showering systems, and bidets, help create relaxing experiences in the bathroom.
Freestanding tubs—Modern, stand-alone tubs are the focus of any spa sanctuary. They are striking in shape with sleek lines and geometric forms. The freestanding tub can be coupled with a broad range of freestanding faucets and coordinating hand showers. The generous size of the tub also offers the ultimate in comfort and all-around relaxation.
Digital showering systems—Homeowners are turning a routine shower into a personalized hydro-therapy experience with the help of a digital interface system. The digital display functions as a remote control—it allows homeowners to save their ideal temperatures and showerhead combinations, as well as play music from a handheld device, such as a smartphone.
Bidets—Over the previous few years, the trend to include a bidet in the home has been growing. Besides adding to the spa feel, bidets also help to improve hygiene and decrease waste of toilet paper. Options are available for a stand-alone bidet, a bidet toilet seat, or an integrated smart toilet with bidet functionality.
Finally, for color choices, homeowners are pairing light and neutral tones with bold accent pieces. For example, the homeowner may pair faucets and accent lighting in polished chrome or polished nickel finish with a bold red or deep blue vanity to add interest to the room.
Is there any one trend that you think is on the way out? Are soaker tubs overtaking a traditional built in tub?
Big, oversized built-in tubs are one trend that homeowners are finding impractical, both in terms of the space and water used. Like a piece of art, a freestanding tub can be a beautiful focal point of the bathroom. Homeowners love the sleek design and functionality of the freestanding tub. Plus, you don’t have to have a large space to enjoy it. There are many different sizes available, down to 60-inch by 32-inch.
It is important to note that claw-foot tubs and tubs with pedestal bases are out. Today’s freestanding tubs have clean lines, sleek geometric shapes, and take center stage as the focal point of any spa sanctuary.
If you are doing a remodel, is there an item that you would say you should never skimp on? Conversely, is there an item(s) that you can possibly get a lot of look for the money?
Lighting adds a beautiful finishing touch to a room, much like a special piece of jewelry completes the look of an outfit. The wonderful thing about lighting is that there are many beautiful choices at different price points.
For best results, layer your lighting. Consider your natural lighting and your task needs. From there, you can hang a fun chandelier or pendant light. Or depending on your style, you might choose a wall-mount light over a mirror.
Regarding mirror use, we’re seeing a growing trend from manufacturers to incorporate dimmable LED lighting into the edges of the mirror. The sleek integration of LED bulbs and plates into the mirrors produces inventive ways to deliver energy-efficient illumination to meet a homeowner’s needs. These lights can be adjusted to deliver a bright light for shaving or to apply makeup and then lowered to deliver softer illumination for general ambient lighting or as a nightlight.
Splurge vs. save?
Technology is dramatically elevating the bath experience. Moreover, manufacturers are incorporating smart tech to increase water efficiency and safety—so where it was once seen as a splurge, it is now starting to be more widely accepted for the savings it can bring.
Digital assistants, like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, are prominent in the bath space. Homeowners can control their water temperature through voice activation. One manufacturer has created a bathroom mirror with a built-in voice assistant that allows you to check your calendar during your morning and evening bathroom routines.
Motion-activated, LED lighting is also trending. Most of the advances made in bathroom lighting are to support sleep and wellness by mimicking natural light throughout the day.
And Bluetooth technology is making its way into the shower. Homeowners can now enjoy a showerhead with a wireless speaker to stream their favorite music to accompany their bathing experience.
