The past couple of years has seen an increased focus on maximizing the functionality and comfort of our living spaces. Now, as we are well into the start of a new year, interior design trends continue upward with an emphasis on upscale bathrooms, wine rooms, and glass railings. These ideological shifts are reflected in the way both commercial and residential spaces are utilized.

While the home has always been important, homeowners and interior designers are amplifying its use as a place for relaxation, leisure, or entertainment. And with the cost of real estate at a premium, it is important to maximize the functionality of these spaces from an investment perspective as well.

Luxury Bath Designs

The primary bathroom is a great example, as it continues to grow in size in residential designs in everything from single-family homes to luxury condominiums. And as these primary bathrooms grow, so does the demand for large glass shower enclosures. Homeowners and real estate developers of luxury high-rise condominiums are looking for more glass—taller glass enclosures with minimal hardware.

Today’s homeowners are savvy enough to understand that a premium investment upfront will prevent the need to replace lower-quality shower doors down the line. Therefore, they are willing to spend more for a premium product and design. Glass shower enclosures can be hinged, sliding, or fixed panels using as much or as little hardware and framing as desired. Many are being designed to span floor to ceiling with a vent panel for the option of a steam or shower enclosure.

Material Finishes that Make a Statement

For the most luxurious shower enclosures, designers are looking to direct-to-glass printing as the perfect way to elevate the design but without the exorbitant cost of natural wood, stone and marble finishes. Back-painted glass and [standard or custom] direct-to-glass printed designs make for an economical approach to achieving the look of more expensive materials. And, there are multiple options for single-surface shower protected glass or dual-surface glass protection. Contractors have the flexibility to offer what best meets customer needs.

The broader use of glass doors, enclosures and wall cladding provide designers the opportunity to make striking visual statements. Glass allows for increased sharing of light between spaces and with a variety of glass options to choose from if more privacy is desired.

Speaking of striking designs, matt black finishes and iron grid designs continue to gain traction. And nothing looks better than the trending soft gold fixtures combined with black gridwork!

Wet Rooms

As primary bathrooms are growing larger and more luxurious, a newer trend has emerged—the wet room. Wet rooms can be a totally waterproofed bathroom sans shower enclosures of any kind. The tub and the shower are not features of the room, but part of the room itself. The floor of the wet room is level with the shower itself, installed at a gradual slope to allow for water drainage. The sink and the toilet are water-sealed or raised to avoid contact with excess water depending on the size of the total area.

The wet room concept began as a solution for smaller spaces and more minimalistic. As primary bathroom suites continue to be a focal point for extravagance wet rooms are being utilized as a glass enclosed area within the bathroom. In this wet room design, the oversized glass shower enclosure area typically incorporates a soaking tub or spa, seating, and other water-friendly design elements.

Glass Takes Wine Out of the Cellar

Decorative glass designs have taken wine storage to a new level. A stunningly beautiful, functional new level. For restaurants it’s about creating a visual that enhances the dining experience, and one that sells more wine. Not to mention the huge shift in hospitality and retail creating more experiential designs. Wine displays are “a visual destination that let the story of the dining experience unfold.” So says Tom Davis, restaurant design expert.

For residential designs, reimagining the home interior creates the opportunity to put other existing spaces to better use. Wine closets under the stairs and bonus rooms are being transformed into wine storage that can be exquisitely showcased with floor to ceiling glass enclosures. Popular now for both residential and commercial, particularly hospitality, these decorative glass applications are an easy and visually stunning way to create upscale interior designs. Wine storage is also an attractive benefit when it comes to increasing home value and follows the trend of open-concept kitchens and decorative glass wine cellar displays in restaurants.

Glass Railings

In fact, “open” is the deciding trend, one easily captured by creating more visual space with glass walls and glass railings. Even though the square footage remains the same, glass provides the feel of more room, and therein more value. Glass railings, partitions, and operable glass wall systems [doors] support natural daylighting and the sharing of light between spaces. They give us larger, more unobstructed views to nature.

Glass railings have always been popular for commercial building designs, but now we are seeing more and more glass railing designs being used for residential applications—interior and exterior.

In realizing these designs, glass continues to be a creative and flexible material for commercial interior designers and homeowners. It’s an easy-to-clean solid surface that requires no maintenance unlike traditional alternatives. The glass types, textures, colors, and custom fabrication capabilities offer endless design possibilities.

Glass is a Win-Win

These decorative glass applications add value for homeowners and commercial building developers. In fact, the addition of luxury amenities such as primary bath suites and wine cellars can increase a home’s sale price by more than 30%.

Altogether, these interior design trends provide glass installation contractors the opportunity to upsell in a manner that adds value to the end user while boosting their bottom-line.

A lot has shaped the way both work and home spaces are regarded and utilized over the last couple of years. Glass continues to prove itself versatile and uniquely equipped to fulfill a range of creative, practical, and aesthetic demands. And that’s a trend that will continue to drive sales growth for our industry. Reach out to us for design assistance.  See what glass can do for you.