Bathroom Suites for 2013

January is one of the most interesting and exciting times of year for anyone involved in interior design, as it is the month when we can look ahead and spot those style ideas and trends that look set to come to the fore over the next 12 months. They could be designs which have steadily been gaining in popularity in the last year, more traditional themes which seem ready to make a comeback, or brand new products and looks which can seem to simply appear out of thin air (I must admit, these weird and wonderful left-field products are often some of my favourites).So, in the world of bathroom design, what can we expect to be the success stories of 2013? Here are what I predict will be a few of the top contenders:

Wall-Mounted Fixtures and Fittings

There are a few classic tricks that we all know for making any room seem larger than it is; traditionally that means opting for as much light and as many mirrored surfaces as possible, in order to enhance the feeling of available space. Keeping more of your floor space free is another simple and highly effective trick that is only recently starting to become more widespread. Wall-mounted fixtures and fittings are really coming into their own in this regard, with basins, toilets, and bidets all now readily available. Although a wall-mounted toilet might seem a slightly disconcerting at first, they are more than capable of supporting an adults’ weight, and by virtue of keeping your floor space clear, and by having a concealed cistern, they can go a long way to creating a far more streamlined, spacious and stylish bathroom. Expect to see a lot more wall-mounted fixtures this year.

More Efficient Sanitaryware

I think we can all accept that utility bills aren’t going to be coming down any time in the near future, and as around 60% of our domestic water consumption takes place in the bathroom, expect to see a far greater number of bathroom suites this year where the emphasis is placed just as much on efficiency as style. Ceramic disc technology will become the industry standard in 2013, allowing for taps which not only give much more control over water temperature and flow rate, but prevent drips for far longer than traditional models as well. Standard lever-handle toilet flushes will eventually disappear, to be replaced by far more wallet-friendly dual flushes. Improved materials also mean that baths are now better at retaining heat than ever before, which means that even for an extra-long, relaxing soak, you shouldn’t need to top up your hot water levels.

The Return of Colour

Whilst avocado and peach coloured bathroom suites have long since disappeared from our bathrooms, colour is returning in different ways. Natural stone basins can provide any bathroom with warmth, style and character, whilst also being particularly hardy and resistant to scratches and stains. Elsewhere, slightly more outré products, such as baths and full-pedestal basins with black exteriors are proving to be immensely popular for people who want to make their bathroom stand out with a bold style statement.

Just remember to keep your eyes peeled: I think 2013 is going to bring us loads of exciting, stylish new bathroom design ideas. I can’t wait!