Bathroom trends for 2012

Now that 2012 is in full swing what are some of the trends will be seeing this year?

Let's start with bathrooms.

The Natural Bath

You will see a trend towards warmth and nature in the bathroom this year. Wood grain tiles, porcelain tiles, use of recycled materials (such as recycled glass counter tops), soothing and calming colour palettes, also the warmth of metal fixtures in Champagne and bronze, weathered wood (such as driftwood) is hot as an accessory and for cabinetry. Wall colours will be minimalist in shades of ivory, or a light tough of green. even accessories will have an organic feel with stone accessories, wood, and natural sponges.

Streamlined and Eco-friendly design

This look is a bit more on the modern side in terms of aesthetics. Very simple and clean. Those dark, heavy vanities are on the outs and instead we are seeing light in both colour and material. Even the plumbing is getting an update, you will see flush drains (that are functional but not a focal point), wall mounted faucets, and chrome will continue to be hot with this look. You will also see a modern take on recycling with a trend toward Ice Stone and Paper Stone - these products are made of recycled glass and mimic the look of a natural stone, they are super durable and very easy to clean.

Colour and tile

This a for someone who really wants some personality in their bathroom. This is for the person who doesn't mind flaunting their stuff! Whether it's the tile floor, shower surround, or back splash or maybe all of the above - eye catching tiles are in the spotlight! Don't be afraid of colour and texture and pattern - there are so many selections for so many tastes. But you can really make incredible impact with the tiles on the marketplace these days. Colour, pattern, texture and shine - yes you can have it all!

Wood floors in the bathroom?

Sounds crazy? Well it's not. The quality of wood planks is so much better than in the past and they can stand up to the challenges in a bathroom. Just let you installer know you are putting wood flooring in the bathroom so they can do a proper install. Something like salvaged barn board is perfect since it is already weathered and it looks great - so full of character ! not sure of wood on the floor? Try introducing it in a vanity or even just a mirror frame. You can accessorize with driftwood (so sculptural and truly unique) or a vase with sticks in a corner. To offset the heaviness of wood add soft elements with your towels and look at a custom shower curtain (keep a vinyl layer for the inside but go to a fabric store and select a fabric or even look at pre-made curtains for a custom shower curtain look). Colour isn't the only way to add warmth to a room - texture can do wonders!

Hot Trends in Paint for 2012

Well, we already gave you a sneak peek at the hot new colour for 2012 - tangerine tango!

But what are the other hot trends that we will be seeing in 2012?

Paint colour:

Expect to see a wide range of hues this year. Such as earth tones, bright candy inspired colours and lots of blue! some of the favourites: Tea Dance by CIL (a blush, reddish and lively colour) fabulous for any room that needs some life and bounce. Perfect for a bedroom, craft room or office - any space that could use a jolt of energy.

Some calming blues to keep your eye on are by Benjamin Moore - wythe blue, nimbus grey, montpellier, and amethyst shadow, they are modern without being over the top and still classic in that they work beautifully with neutrals. Tired of the grey trend? Then check out these blues. Still cool but refreshing and not gloomy.

Check out Behr's Tea Party collection, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. These colours are playful and add whimsy to any space. This is perfect for a child's room or any space for the young a heart. Check out - queen's tart, minty frosting, violet water, sugar pool, and first peach.

If you are looking to redecorate your daughter's room and she loves that 'princess or ballerina' look, check out Beauti -Tone's 'Japanese blossom'. So elegant and soft, pink but not bubble gum. this would also be stunning in a bathroom, the reflection will make your complexion glow!

When you hear 'earth tones' chances are browns and greens come to mind, but Mother Nature has so much more to offer. Olympic paints and stains have really embraced nature this year and made natural tones feel vibrant and alive. For instance, Indiana Clay is a warm and spicy but soft orange tone that looks so chic and inviting when teamed up with shades of cream. Perfect for a study, family room or a living room.

Looking for something bolder? No problem. SICO has some really great options for you - that offer colour an contrast. They are really spearheading the colour blocking trend by using colours such as Inscrutable sky (think a bold and deep eggplant) and Marjoram (a very light celery tone) in the same room. They are calling this 'colour zones'. So try using the deeper colour to emphasize architecture in your home.

Not sure how to bring these colours into your rooms? Try colour blocking. Yes, just like in fashion, accent walls or accent ceilings or accent pieces in a bold, vibrant colour can be a way to add some real splash into any room. It's great to see colour again and in such an economical format. Paint is so inexpensive and easy to apply (I know we don't often want to under take the task, but the results can really change up your space). Colour your world and make it fabulous - your options are endless!

Trend Alert: New Colour for 2012 is.....

The Panton Colour Institute has just announced that the 'official' hot colour for the year 2012 is....Tangerine Tango.

A Pantonerep describes the colour as "sophisticated yet at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it. Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red and the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy"

What do you think of this colour? Would you use it in your home? If so, how and where?