There has been an influx in Pinterest searches for shower-related bathroom inspiration, according to consumer trend analysis from the Pinterest 2023 ‘Pinterest Predicts’ trend report. John Schofield, sales and marketing director at Just Trays, discusses the trend and how the bathroom industry can tap into this to support 2023 sales in a tough market.
He said: “Here at JT, we predict that showers will be a huge opportunity for the bathroom industry this year and will be a key sales driver, as consumers search for more energy efficient bathroom solutions, convenience and stylish wet room designs which all centre around the shower.
“There are many reasons why consumers are looking to replace the bath as the formally traditional centrepiece of the bathroom. First and foremost, showers save a lot of space. Not everyone is blessed with a large bathroom floorplan, particularly those living in apartments in cities, and so opting for a shower is a much more compact design solution.
“With both the cost of living and the climate crisis high on the news agenda, we are also seeing a massive shift towards more considered shopping decisions here at JT. End consumers who are in the process of home renovations are looking to make investments that are kind on both the pocket and the planet. And with more and more of us taking environmental concerns into account when shopping, it’s no surprise that customers are opting for showers over baths, all in the name of water conservation. According to ‘Water’s Worth Saving,’ swapping one bath a week with a 4 minute shower could save litres of water – and shave £53 from your energy and water bills.
“This year, we expect to see more and more bathrooms being transformed into spa-inspired wet rooms, with the shower taking centre-stage. Installing shower trays that are flush to the floor, such as our industry-leading Evolved by JT shower tray, create minimalistic, clean lines – the perfect solution to creating that sought-after modern wet room effect at home.
“To get ahead of the curve this year, we recommend tapping into this trend by ensuring that your portfolio includes a wide range of shower tray sizes, materials, and colours, in order to offer your customers plenty of options.”
Here are Just Trays’ top tips for tapping into the shower room trend:
- Consider sizing: It’s important to remember that not one size fits all, so ensure you can offer a wide range of shower trays to suit a range of different bathroom spaces to appeal to a wider market and wow your client. An awkwardly shaped shower area shouldn’t be viewed as an obstacle but should be embraced and viewed as a unique selling point for a bathroom.
- Promotion of added benefits: Many customers sway towards a wet room look to create the overall feel of a smooth and seamless bathroom. It’s important to highlight the added benefits to your clientele, from increasing the value of a property to providing full accessibility for the whole family. Low level 40mm trays can be installed to run flush with tiles, and likewise the 25mm shower decks make that look even easier to achieve when paired with a wet room panel.
- Solutions built to last: Clients will be looking for a shower solution that is durable and to a high standard that can be trusted. Developments in shower floors such as anti-slip, soft cushioned floors continue to give the design aspiration in conjunction with the installation confidence that they require.
- Fancy foundations: Choosing a shower tray that is flush to the floor is absolutely necessary in getting the look and feel just right.
- Calming colours: Colour scheme is so important when designing a bathroom. Choose the wrong one and you could risk disrupting the whole atmosphere of a sanctuary-like haven. Natural, mellow colours such as cream, beige, sage green and pastels, are all great for creating calming environments.