Spring is a season for renewal and refreshment – a time to shake off the doldrums of winter and spruce up the design space. This is especially true in the bathroom, where new spring looks and great new products are plentiful. Start with a good old-fashioned spring-cleaning, and maybe a fresh coat of paint. Then take a serious look to evaluate what improvements can be made in keeping with the latest trends. Is it space-challenged? Or maybe lacking a certain Zen-like atmosphere? Thanks to innovative leaders in the bath industry, there are easy solutions to these problems. We love the detail that goes into modern bathroom design – the careful consideration of color and scale, the little touches that add big impact. Here are a few trends for spring 2018 that will inspire your clients to create a chic bathroom that incorporates good looks, amazing products, and fashion-forward design.

Focus on wellness

Creating a luxurious spa-inspired bath experience at home continues to be a rising trend. MTI Baths embraces the wellness aspect of this trend by adding a new sensory therapy to its repertoire of hydrotherapy options. MicroBubbles use the powers of tiny bubbles to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin. This innovative technology saturates the water with 50 percent more dissolved oxygen than regular water, turning the bath water a milky white and creating a relaxing soak. As millions of tiny bubbles pop, they release energy that helps to keep the bath water hot and the bather’s body temperature warm. The oxygenated water gently polishes the skin and removes impurities from pores, leaving the body moisturized with skin that is soft and exceptionally smooth. This new therapy option is available on most of MTI Baths’ drop-in tubs for both soakers and air baths. www.mtibaths.com

Color blocking is black

You might think of soft pastels as the traditional colors of spring, but this year’s color trend is all about bold color blocking patterns, and the leading color is black. Designers are moving away from white-on-white bathrooms in favor of a look that is more high-contrast. Black is a particularly sophisticated choice in the bathroom, and Lenova strikes just the right note with their fabulous black granite sinks. Available as an above counter round bowl or a rectangular sink paired with a chic stainless-steel stand; both options are visually stunning. The sinks are created from a solid block of natural stone by skilled craftsmen who take up to 10 days to perfect each sink to its final form. No two are exactly alike, but all share an amazing beauty that makes them a design focal point in the bathroom. The sinks are available in different sizes and include a unique hidden drain system to ensure a clean look. www.lenovasinks.com

Grandeur Hardware celebrates the black-is-cool trend with two new knobs that combine classic silhouettes and a dramatic ebony hue for loads of glamour and sophistication. The new Coventry knob is made of lovely black porcelain and has a classic rounded design that complements any décor. The Lyon knob is crafted from black Chambord, a high-quality pure glass that is exceptionally smooth and glossy. With unique octagonal edges, this knob strikes a balance between vintage and contemporary vibes. Available in a variety of configurations, both knobs are assembled by hand and constructed to Grandeur’s high standards of excellence with solid forged brass plates and a lifetime mechanical warranty.  www.grandeurhardware.com

Simplify

Less is more when it comes to smart bathroom design. A minimalist space is easier to maintain and creates a serenity that is soothing to the body and spirit. ICERA’s updated Palermo II toilet has a sleek, understated style that is modern and sophisticated. Its two-piece design features a compact-elongated bowl and is fully skirted for a contemporary silhouette. Crafted of vitreous china, the Palmero II offers a high-efficiency design with a gravity-fed flushing system that requires just 1.28 gallons per flush. This exceptional toilet is ADA compliant with thoughtful touches such as a Silent-Close quick-release seat and cover and a choice of five beautiful metal finishes on the tank lever and hardware. www.icerausa.com

It’s all about details

No detail is too small when it comes to creating a fabulous on-trend bathroom. Atlas Homewares offers the new Oskar line, featuring a hint of playfulness with circular knobs and curved pulls that lend themselves to both retro and contemporary decors. The knobs are detailed with grooved borders for an extra touch of style, while the handles are appealing with their smooth lines and polished ends. This collection has a wonderful versatility and comes in a range of sizes finishes. www.atlastothetrade.com

Switch up the details in the bathroom with beautiful new Switch Plates from Nostalgic Warehouse. There are a variety of styles to suit any design theme, from Victorian to Art Deco. All are exquisitely detailed and add the perfect finishing touch to homes where details and luxury are valued. Each Nostalgic Switch Plate is crafted from hot-forged brass for exceptional durability and finished by hand in a selection of lovely finishes, such as Antique Brass, Satin Nickel, and Timeless Bronze. They are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, including toggle and rocker switches and duplex outlet covers.www.nostalgicwarehouse.com

Living large 

Making spaces seem larger than they are is always a good thing, whether that is achieved through smart engineering or with visual elements that create an illusion of roominess. MTI Baths succeeds on both counts with their redesigned Alissa freestanding tub. Offered in response to frequent requests for a tub that will fit in a 66-inch alcove, this beautiful oval bath is notable for its integral pedestal and sleek lines. The Alissa measures a compact 64-5/8-inch long x 33-1/2-inch wide, yet with MTI’s single-wall SculptureStone construction, the bathing well is surprisingly spacious. Offered in white or biscuit, matte or gloss finish, the tub can be ordered as a soaking tub or as a therapeutic air bath.  www.mtibaths.com

Victoria + Albert offers a smart solution for bathrooms with limited storage in the form of an elegant wall-mounted cabinet ideal for neatly storing away linens, shampoos, and lotions. Known as the Lavello 40 Armadio, this oh-so-practical cabinet is crafted from the finest beech timbers and features two adjustable shelves. Install a single cabinet for extra storage or pair them on either side of a vanity for a cohesive look. The wall-hung design makes the bathroom appear larger by keeping the floor space beneath open. Designed by Meneghello Paolelli Associati, this cabinet is available in Gloss Black, Anthracite or Gloss white and measures 15-5/8-inch wide by 11-5/8-inch deep x 32-5/8-inch tall.  www.vandabaths.com

Now is the time to let “spring fever” prompt you to make some changes in your showroom space with beautiful modern designs and new products geared to make life a little more comfortable and enjoyable. We hope you find inspiration here and look forward to discovering new trends and design ideas in the months ahead.