Bathrooms tend to hold a special place in the hearts of people looking to renovate. Inspired by Pinterest, home renovation shows, and visits to the toilets at fancy London restaurants, they’re often seen more as an area of luxury and comfort than the very functional room they are purpose-built for.
They also tend to reflect current trends in interiors, as popular metal finishes, design styles and colour palettes can be displayed relatively easily in these smaller spaces. Size of this room also means people are more comfortable with making braver design decisions – while a strong feature wall in a bedroom might feel a bit much for everyday viewing, using a 3x2m room to dip the toe into bold design is certainly more appealing. We’ve put together current and upcoming trends in bathroom design below for some bathroom inspo:
Bathroom fittings
We are seeing a real resurgence of love for traditional-style tapware and sanitaryware. Classically British design has become popular once again, and the sense of nostalgia for years gone by is practically palpable (late 90’s fashion, I see you). Think Victorian style taps and toilets, basins on metal stands, and non-concealed showers. We are also seeing a modern twist on this style, as people are being braver with their interiors decisions – pastel-coloured traditional sinks and toilets, and claw foot baths with brightly coloured enamel exteriors.
Contemporary fittings also remain popular, being sleek and smooth with a dash of organic shape keeping the style modern and fresh – beautifully curved basins, pebble-shaped free-standing baths, and an ongoing preference for wall-mounted loos – something we don’t expect to go anytime soon due to their easy-cleaning + hygienic properties.
Finishes
Warm metal finishes have been popular for a few years now, and don’t seem to be slowing down. Brushed brass tapware – perhaps with an antique finish, again a nod to a renewed love of traditional style – matt nickel, and black metalware reign supreme in the world of bathrooms.
Matt and ‘unfinished’ finishes continue to be favoured, largely due to a preference for organic style. This style has been one of the strongest interior trends in recent years, as people continue to value sustainability as well as fittings and finishes reflective of nature. Think limewash walls, un-lacquered timber, and metalware with a natural patina to it. (Use with care in areas that get splashed a lot…)
As people are becoming braver in their design decisions post-pandemic, we’re also seeing a real embracing of wallpaper in bathrooms, an ideal space to add a bold touch that brings some colour and drama to the space. The small amount required also means more expensive lines can be used – the perfect opportunity for finally introducing some House of Hackney to your home….
Tiles
Organic style is also seen in tile trends currently, as artisanal tiles have made a resurgence in popularity – with a very 2022 pastel-colour touch. The visual texture in these tiles adds subtle interest, as does their slight colour variation.
Feature tiles have become popular once again, often Victorian in style – again, a nod to the current nostalgia for traditional style.
Colour
As ‘braver’ choices are made in bathrooms, bold, bright colours are being used more often, particularly in the biggest colours of the season – the warm pastels of terracotta, lilac, pink and apricot. These colours bring comfort and joy to the rooms we generally begin and end the day in. If you like the thought of adding some warm tones but would prefer to ease yourself in slowly, doing so through just towels and perhaps a couple of planters is a great place to start.
While warm, rich colour in interiors is everywhere we turn this year, just as popular is a preference for layering of soft, organic neutral tones – beige on sand on beige on white. Reflective of nature and bringing a sense of calm, we expect this trend will be around for some time.
Do you need help with your renovation in London or Brighton? Contact us now!