LUXURIOUS PRIVATE RETREATS - Bedrooms and bathrooms are private spaces that should be relaxing retreats from the bustle of the busy outside world. What are some of today’s trends that can make them truly fabulous?

Well, lines are clean, colors are romantic, fabrics carry hints of shimmer and gleam. Natural stone is everywhere. Retro styles from the past are roaring back, while modern technology is also influencing décor.

Interior designer Eloise Kubli, owner of Collective Construction and Design in Plantation, Florida, concurs that there is a definite trend towards gleam. “We’re adding dramatic pops of color like aqua and orange against backgrounds of shimmering silver,” she says. For pillows and duvets there are beaded and metallic finishes.

CLEAN CRISP AND RETRO - Dressing tables, which have been absent from bedrooms for decades, are reappearing, complete with decorative mirrors above them. And remember furnishings made from clear acrylic and Lucite? “They’ve made a huge comeback,” Kubli says.

BEDROOM TECH
Today’s bedroom décor often incorporates technology. Pole lamps, wall fixtures or high hats provide illumination for reading, because nightstands no longer have space for reading lamps Instead, they must accommodate computers and cell phones, and many nightstands have built-in outlets so the electronic devices can easily be plugged in.

SET IN STONE
While flooring in the bedroom used to be carpet or wood, some designers are now using marble or porcelain tiles that look like wood, but require less maintenance. Natural stone is also a major décor component in bathrooms.

GETTING THE GLOW ON
Some stones like onyx and quartz are translucent, and illuminating the walls from behind the slabs can create an overall romantic glow. LEDs allow designers to create drama in other ways as well.

STYLISH SINKS
Many people prefer under-mount sinks that are installed from beneath, eliminating overlap on a luxurious stone vanity. Another option is a vessel sink that sits on top of the vanity. And there are plenty of choices besides porcelain.

Technology comes into play once again with hardware. Cabinets are often wood with dark finishes, and drawers may have electrical outlets in back to plug in hair dryers and other appliances.  Above the vanity, wall-to-wall mirrors are definitely out. Some high-tech mirrors do double-duty, serving as both a place to do makeup and watch the morning news. You turn it on and it’s a TV, and turn it off and it’s a mirror,” Kubli says.

SHOWPIECE SHOWERS & TEMPTING TUBS Showers have become showpieces, rather than just places to clean up. Frameless glass enclosures are popular, but some designers go further. “We like to put in a beautiful drain that enhances the design of the shower,” Kubli says. “It’s a design element that’s often overlooked.”

While showers are great for busy workday mornings, a tub can be nice when there’s time to soak. Air-jet bubble systems can be relaxing, and it’s even possible to color the water with LEDs. And if there is enough space and the budget allows, homeowners are moving away from built-ins. “They want free-standing tubs instead because they have a sculptural look,” Kubli says.<<<   

Note: This article has been edited for format and content.