Wide open space has been the theme for Los Angeles bathrooms and kitchens for the past year and this trend will continue on for some time. So those cute galley kitchens and all-in-one bathrooms are not what homeowners want anymore. They want large spaces with the option to section them off into relaxation or work areas. HandyAmerican.com has local professional bathroom and kitchen contractors waiting to compete for your remodeling project. Post Your Project and receive responses from local contractors now.

Where Are Bathrooms Going?

In years past bathrooms were the after-thoughts of building and architects used to place them where it was easiest to get at the utility lines: electrical, plumbing, drainage. However, in recent years this humble, closed-off room has been going through a metamorphosis that has seen it grown to over three times its original size. Now, instead of a quick use area the bathroom is developing the characteristics of a entirely new living space.

The Vanity Room

Vanity: Like an “ensuite-within-an-ensuite” the Los Angeles bathroom is actually a large area divided into utilitarian chambers. The first chamber contains the vanity, complete with stylish vessel sitting on a redesigned bathroom sink vanity. Instead of the traditional, rounded spouts a squared bathroom fixture pours water into a glass bathroom sink. The “his-and-hers” vanities are still popular and the larger space can create a large storage capacity for each. And while molded-acrylic used to be the vanity counter of choice look for sealed marble or the softer travertine as the crowning touch.

Walls: The trend for both floors and walls in a Los Angeles bathroom is the large, ceramic tile, sometimes as large as 18” or more with tiny grout lines. Tile not only covers the floor but also the walls right up to the ceiling. Of course the floors are heated.

Lighting: Because this is where the up-close work is performed the right lighting is very important. Three layers of lighting are preferred: overhead wash, sconces and vanity lighting. And also look for small navigation lights in the cupboards and towel storage.

Shower/Bath Area

Tubs: The new shower and bathing rooms can be separate or together depending on the amount of space available. Japanese soaker tubs are the focal points of many of these new bathrooms. With hundreds of tiny hot air bubblers streaming out thousands of bubbles every second it is a bathing sensation. Add a waterfall or chromatherpy lights that change the hue of the water and the bather will want to relax here for a long time.

Showers: Like the vanity room the shower has large tiles that flow along the floor to the door and up the walls. The multi-jet shower station can direct over a dozen streams of water to the bather. In smaller spaces an enclosed shower cabinet with steam is very popular.

Relaxation Room

After a soak there’s nothing like lying back on a sofa or small bed and listening to music while reading. Post-bathing, relaxation rooms can also double as guest bedrooms.

Kitchens Are Also Gaining Space

Kitchen Cabinets: Los Angeles kitchens are seeing a change in the uniformity of cabinets. They are being made more like furniture and it is not uncommon for the main storage area to be different from the islands or pantry. The busy woods designs are gone and smooth surfaces in a variety of colors make the kitchen a more vibrant area.

Countertops: Granite and marble used to be the only surface for a high-end kitchen, and still are. However, they are not the only surface that’s popular. Look for stainless–steel, copper and even a variety of sealed hardwoods like walnut to take center stage. Also gaining in popularity is polished concrete, colored to the homeowner’s tastes and smoothed to a beautiful finish. These materials can even include sinks.

Flooring: In-floor heat is very popular in all areas of th ehome but especially the kitchen and bathroom. It can be installed under tile or new materials like engineered cork and bamboo. Linoleum is also making a comeback and, like cork, is easy on the feet.

Sculleries: The newest trend in Los Angeles kitchens is the scullery. This is a dedicated work area that can be closed off from the rest of the kitchen, which then can be used for entertaining. Ceiling mounted retractable doors or ones that hide into the wall separate the scullery from the rest of the kitchen.

Multiple Kitchen Island Designs: An island used to be like and outpost, a place to work but also to grab a quick bite while sitting on a stool. Now, two and even three islands are becoming popular in kitchens, each with its own counter surface or work sink.

Lighting: Bathrooms the kitchens are finding their own source of light from inside-the-cabinet LED’s that provide light for storage to wall sconces for mid-rang illumination. Direct lighting can still be found over islands and other work areas.

Appliances: There’s no need to leave your work area if you can reach down into a refrigerated drawer for a head of lettuce.  In-drawer freezers and dishwashers save a lot of bending over and extra steps in the modern kitchens .

To get the latest trends in Los Angeles kitchens and bathrooms consult with a professional kitchen designer and bathroom professional. Most of these contractors have bathroom and kitchen showrooms and are well-versed in newest applications. They will give you great ideas for your renovation or new home inclusion. Simply post your project online and a qualified contractor will contact you.

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