Trends are determined, discussed and ultimately displayed for every room of the house, so why shouldn’t the bathroom have a chance to shine? We’ll just say it: The bathroom should be stylish too! Here’s how to bring yours up to date with sizzling new bathroom trends for 2010.

Bathroom trend 1: Ultramodern meets oversized baroque

Ornate moulding and panelling, a huge mirror with a detailed frame: These elements soar style-wise when paired with the lines of a modern bathtub. The look is made sophisticated with the strategic use of paint -- white for the trim and a soft gray for the walls. For paint colours, try Benjamin Moore CC-40 for a classic trim colour, and a clay-based low-VOC gray by Farrow & Ball.

Parity bathtub available from Kohler Canada.

 

Bathroom trend 2: The white floating vanity

Modern and hotel-styled, the floating vanity makes small bathrooms feel more ample than they really are. From a practical perspective, you won’t stub your foot on them on those sleepy early mornings either. White is the clean, feel-good colour we’re keep seeing, in both high and low prices.

Foremost Madrid wall-hung vanity, Price Pfister Vega Lavatory faucet, and
Trafficmaster Groutable Natural Concrete vinyl tile all available at The Home Depot.

Bathroom trend 3: Antibacterial tile

If nothing else, 2009 was a year about communicable diseases, namely the H1N1 virus. In 2010, expect to see technological advances in kitchens and bathrooms, such as this brand-new self-disinfecting "antibacterial tile." It won’t kill viruses, but when sunlight or artificial UVA light shines on the tile, the reaction with titanium dioxide kills nasty bacteria found in bathrooms.

Active Clean Air & Antibacterial tile available from Savoia.

 

Bathroom trend 4: Rustic room

We've seen a move toward rough-hewn weathered oak in other rooms of the house such as the living room and dining room. Now it’s taking pride of place in the bathroom where it’s matched with the polished crispness of white porcelain. Restoration Hardware uses hand-sanded oak and angled louvers, an architectural detail dating from ancient Greece, in its Shutter collection.

Shutter Double Vanity sink (includes countertop and basin) available at Restoration Hardware.

 

Bathroom trend 5: Go for gold

Gold is on everyone’s mind, with Canada hosting the 2010 winter Olympics. It’s also a trend we’re seeing in bathroom fixtures. Gone are the days of dismissing gold as passé -- today’s finishes are dark and sophisticated, like this single-lever bathroom sink faucet in Kohler’s Moderne Gold finish.

Vibrant Moderne Brushed Gold Faucet available from Kohler Canada.

 

Bathroom trend 6: Graphic treatment

Bold graphic treatments are making the leap off the computer screen and into the real world, in this case, the bathroom. This look calls for ultramodern fixtures, and a sinuous Panton chair.

GranitiFiandre Xtra Shape and Color tile available from Savoia.

 

Bathroom trend 7: Budget chic

The recession may technically be over, but saving money is still a "do" in the new decade. If you need to assemble a whole powder room for under $500, The Home Depot has put together the style-savvy components to let you do so. Perfect for the starter home or a basement bathroom where spending several thousand on fittings isn’t in the budget, these hardworking fixtures do the job for the right price.

Vanity, mirror, toilet: $500 for set. Available at The Home Depot.

 

Bathroom trend 8: Exotic style

It’s South Africa’s summer to shine during the 2010 World Cup. Even if soccer isn’t your cup of tea, be on the lookout for sizzling South Africa style – lots of indigenous wood, authentic statuary and woven baskets. Kohler shows off this winning style with its vanity and sink, matched with African-inspired accessories. (Try Toronto’s Snob boutique for responsibly sourced accessories and furniture from South Africa, imported by ex-pat Denise Zidel.)

Vanity and sink available from Kohler Canada.