BRASS AND BLUE
Check out these new ideas on a fresh bathroom upgrade from an Austin-based designer.
Sara Malek Barney, the founder and principal designer of Bandd Design in Austin, Texas,
spent the first phase of her professional career working in the fast-paced entertainment and sports industries. With degrees in Corporate Communications and Interior Design, she was named one of Fortune Magazine ‘s Most Powerful Women {Next Gen}, one of Austin
Monthly‘s Women to Watch, and is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the Female Founder Collective.
We asked Sara for her expert input on designing or updating a bathroom.
Cottages & Bungalows: What do you see as key considerations when designing a bath space?
Sara:
Be mindful of selecting the right surfaces so they are appropriate for a high-traffic space that is used several times a day, can handle water and humidity, and will last over time. For example, use porcelain tiles for the walls and flooring, and use marble or quartz for the vanity.
Think ahead about whether the elements you are incorporating will make sense and be on trend in the future. Stick with classic materials, and then bring in a few bold elements, such as a fun tile or cabinet color.
Storage, storage, storage! If you’re anything like me and hoard face masks and hair products, then you need to be sure that you consider storage. Of course, vanity cabinets are one thing, but also think about your shower: Do you need a larger niche or a bench?
Function above all. Consider how you use your bathroom every day, and from there, decide where you should splurge and what is essential for you to include. I constantly have clients telling me that they rarely use their bathtub, so ask yourself if it’s worth investing in one or not.
CB: What are the top trends as you see them in bath design for 2021?
Sara:
Freestanding vanity sinks. I’ve been seeing these everywhere and I’m absolutely obsessed!
Waterfall countertops on vanities that come down off the counter a few inches.
Slabs, such as quartz and marble, as backsplashes rather than tile.
Are there any “don’ts” to consider before beginning a bathroom upgrade or remodel?
Sara:
Do not confuse timeless and classic pieces for “builder’s grade” pieces. It’s one thing for the bathroom to stay on trend over the years, but that does not mean you should choose standard finishes and materials that don’t stand out. Do not skimp when it comes to hiring labor. If you do, in the end, you may end up paying even more having to fix it all.