Volume 21, Issue 1 - January 2007

Bath Hardware Design Trends

AGGM recently spoke with Danny Donahue, director of frameless shower hardware for C.R. Laurence Co. Inc., about bathroom hardware design trends. Here are his comments.

What are the design trends for bath hardware?

The major design trend continues to be the use of frameless enclosures. In fact, the frameless enclosure hardware industry continues to grow at a nearly exponential rate across North America. There is growth as more and more homeowners see them at each others’ homes or at hotels and resorts. After seeing the frameless enclosure designs, they want to incorporate that look into their respective homes. 

As far as finishes are concerned, brushed bronze has really taken root in the design community. C.R. Laurence used to provide this finish on a custom basis, but has now added it as a standard finish to the line of frameless hinges. 
Lastly, some manufacturers are now providing sliding shower door kits that have eliminated the traditional use of metal extrusions for vertical supports, replacing them with clear jambs to provide a truly frameless appearance.

What is driving these trends?

Bathtubs and showers are no longer looked at from a solely utilitarian point of view. Rather, they are considered as strong design elements that add a touch of elegance and status to a person’s home. A frameless shower enclosure adds an open feeling to a bathroom, and showcases the designer tile and stonework. Also, the creation of new finishes by the faucet and hardware manufacturers drives the desire to incorporate all-glass looks and matching finishes in frameless hinges. Consumers don’t want to combine beautifully finished designer faucets and fixtures with shower enclosures surrounded with plain aluminum extrusions. 

Architects' Guide to Glass & Metal
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