European designers have held sway over U.S. kitchens and baths in recent years, and their influence isn't about to dwindle anytime soon.

Americans are drawn to trends from across the pond embodied by sleek minimalist forms on faucets, sinks, tubs and hardware. Where American designers don't think twice about multi-hole accommodation for a spout and handles, Europeans say, "Why use three when one will do?"

The European design vernacular replaces gusto with grace.

Expect to see more in the U.S. in the coming years, as advertising will be increasingly aimed at American consumers to drive home the message of European styling, designers say. U.S. firms, which are likely to specialize in the still-appealing traditional bath decor, need to take note of that trend.

"European design has homogenized into one voice rather than be geographically fragmented," says Tristin Butterfield, creative brand strategist for U.S.-based Kohler. "They're fighting for a chunk of a smaller market over there, and they see the biggest business potential in North America. They have to raise their games, be smarter and be as cutting-edge as they can just to be noticed."

European design is noted for clean lines, few frills and consciousness of limited space. It is design born of necessity; Europeans tend to live in tight quarters where space is at a premium.

Conversely, their American counterparts practically invented kitchen and bath sprawl.

"Americans have had the luxury of unlimited space for a long time, and now they're trying to simplify their lives and minimize their sensory input," says Michelle Healy, chief marketing officer for European bath powerhouse Grohe America. "European design helps them to achieve that, because the European approach is all about minimizing."

Some of the most obvious places to see the ways European design makes good use of space, says Healy, are in showers and hardware.

Europeans largely rely on hand-held showers; Americans have warmed to large "sunflower" showerheads and multiple water outlets.