2012 Trends: What's New for Your Bathroom Cabinets

Updated laminates are a hot cabinetry trend and they're showing up in high-end baths. When you hear the words "laminate" and "cabinetry" in the same sentence, you probably picture the peeling boxes in your first apartment. These are definitely not that!

New styles include exotic woods, as seen here, textured metals and creative patterns.

Floating vanities will continue as a strong trend in 2012. It's not uncommon to see them partnered with tall storage, acknowledging the needs of a modern family.

Furniture details are a strong trend for cabinetry this year. Even with traditional cabinetry and traditional finishes, the detailing gives it that lived-in, not-a-standard-vanity look.

Frameless cabinetry is an increasingly hot trend for baths, and it is for kitchens. It's easier to get to your contents without a face frame, and the construction allows for larger drawers, too. One of the driving forces of frameless cabinetry acceptance in the US market is Ikea. Unlike pricier European competitors with offerings that populate many high-end modern baths, Ikea combines style with affordability. That's a trend millions can embrace.

Integrated handles are a hot trend for cabinetry, especially contemporary European styles. This Bornholm Swedish-inspired vanity strips the integrated handle to its purest form. Other manufacturers add metal — usually aluminum or stainless — to their cabinets. The priciest configuration is usually a continuous handle, which extends across an entire bank of cabinets.

Whichever works best for your space, the idea is to eliminate the visual clutter of a knob or pull.

I can't recall the last time I designed a kitchen without storage accessories such as roll-out trays. Well, accessories are a hot trend for bathroom cabinetry, too.

Roll-outs are practical for towels or toiletries. Tilt-out trays (which I just added to my own master bath) are great for toothpaste, floss and toothbrushes — even for keeping your ring from slipping down the drain while you get ready for work. Storage racks on the backs of doors hold hair blowers. Appliance garages hide electric razors and trimmers. Drawer dividers organize cosmetics. Smart storage accessories make just as much sense for bathrooms as they do for kitchens.

Medicine cabinets have gotten smarter and more functional, too. New models include such features as integrated television, MP3 charger and speakers, soft-close doors, refrigeration and locking sections for medicines, and more.

Rustic is a strong trend for bathrooms this year. This Vintner Series Cabernet Vanity is made from oak planks reclaimed from wine makers. What a perfect expression of a wine enthusiast's interest.