Innovative Bathroom Trends To Spring Into The New Season

If the changing of the season has inspired you to update your bathroom, then the first stage will naturally be looking around for some sources of inspiration. The world of bathroom design has blossomed over the past few years, and there has never been such a range of innovative and inviting styles to choose from. 

Here’s an overview of some of the most exciting trends for spring and summer this year.

Decorative glasswork

Traditionally, decorative glasswork has been reserved for door panels, but in 2024 there is an increasing trend to use it for bathroom glazing and glass shower screens. Coloured stained glass designs or frosted glass offer the opportunity to add some individuality to a more neutral bathroom design, and are the perfect choice for vintage style bathrooms.

The patterned glass offers a degree of privacy that can eliminate the need for blinds or curtains, while still allowing a good degree of natural light to flow around the room. This is beneficial for our mental wellbeing, and also helps to increase the sense of space. 

Stained glass has of course been used for centuries, with some of the most beautiful examples to be found in the Gothic churches and cathedrals of Europe. The Reformation of the 16th century led to the destruction of many such decorative windows, as plainer styles were considered to be more appropriate.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that stained glass making techniques were revived, and began to move away from the purely religious to a more general way of decorating public buildings and homes. 

For example, the Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries popularised the use of stained glass as a purely decorative form with flowers and curved lines based on natural forms. These beautiful designs influence modern stained glass art, and make a characterful choice for bathrooms today.

Smart technology

It seems that no aspect of life is escaping the smart tech revolution, even our daily ablutions. Smart showers with remote control panels can help to control the exact temperature and timing of our shower, helping us to save energy and water ( not to mention time in the mornings when it is all too tempting to linger in the hot shower). 

The toilet is also undergoing a tech makeover, with all manner of features such as heated seats, automated lids, touch-free flushing, integrated bidets, and self-cleaning mechanisms. These are designed to increase the comfort and hygiene of toilets, and who knows, maybe one day we'll look back on the standard toilets of today with horror…

Even the trusty bathroom mirror has not escaped modernisation. There’s now no need to put up with a steamed up mirror: de-fogging technology allows you to enjoy a clear view for shaving or applying makeup, even if you have just stepped out of the bath or shower. The mirror can even be integrated into apps to provide news, travel and weather updates.

Combining materials and textures

In 2024, there has been a move away from sticking to a predominant material for bathroom design, but of mixing up different textures such as glass, polished metal, ceramics, or wood. This creates a greater level of depth and interest into the bathroom that is visually appealing and will stand the test of time. 

Nature inspired designs

Last year saw the rise of biophilia, as fashionable bathrooms were adorned with all manner of humidity-loving indoor plants. Now the trend for all things organic and natural has been taken one step further as we begin to place much more emphasis on our connection with nature. 

Natural materials such as stone or wood textured walls and flooring are popular choices. Stone basins and natural wood shelving and vanity units are also right on trend. 

If you can’t afford genuine natural stone (which is costly and also time consuming to maintain, because it is porous and requires sealing to prevent moisture damage), then look for porcelain alternatives. Modern manufacturing techniques mean that porcelain can now be engineered to produce high quality replicas of almost any type of material. 

Recycled glass is also a popular choice for bathroom fittings such as shelves and shower doors, and even for decorative mosaic tiles.