Every few years, bathroom design shifts noticeably — materials fall out of favour, new finishes take hold, and what felt modern a decade ago starts to look dated. Here’s what we’re seeing from customers walking into our Waterloo showroom right now.
Matte black fixtures became popular several years ago and show no signs of fading. Chrome remains the most versatile and universally appealing finish, but matte black brings a bold, graphic quality that works particularly well in contemporary and transitional bathrooms. Brushed gold is also having a sustained moment, adding warmth to spaces that might otherwise feel cold.
Wall-mounted, floating vanities continue to dominate renovation requests. They make a bathroom feel more spacious, are easier to clean around, and have a light, modern quality that floor-standing cabinets can’t quite replicate. We carry floating vanity options from several brands, including Aktuell, Bagno Italia, and Stonetouch.
Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which means a cleaner look and easier maintenance. 24×24 and 24×48 tiles are popular for both floors and walls. These formats work best on flat, properly prepared surfaces — another reason proper waterproofing and substrate prep matter so much.
Smart toilets, digital shower controls, and heated floors are no longer reserved for luxury builds. We see these requests regularly at every renovation budget level. The technology has matured and become more accessible.
Multi-outlet shower systems with rain heads, hand showers, and body jets continue to grow in popularity. Paired with a steam generator — we carry ThermaSol steam systems — a shower can genuinely replace the spa experience.
Come talk to our team at Vanity Mart about what’s working in bathrooms right now. We’re at 1-90 Frobisher Drive in Waterloo. Call 519-886-3240.
