Splashing Out: Inspiring Bathroom Trends To Look Out For

Bathroom design trends have become more diverse and intriguing than ever before over the last few years, and it is exciting to look ahead and see what the future holds. If you are planning to renovate your bathroom or just want to make a few simple changes, here are some inspiring ideas to consider. 

Quirky colours

White is no longer the go-to colour for bathrooms, as bolder and more unusual choices come to the fore. According to WGSN, a consumer trend forecasting company, key colours for 2024 include apricot crush, intense rust, midnight plum, and lime green. 

These are strong colours that might be overwhelming when used throughout the whole room, but can work well when combined with neutrals such as grey, white or cream. 

Replacing the bathtub

A hero piece such as a freestanding bathtub is still an aspirational feature for many homeowners and they can look elegant and beautiful when photographed for interior design magazines. However, the reality is that bathrooms are usually one of the smallest rooms in the house and a freestanding bathtub takes up a considerable amount of space. 

Therefore there is a growing trend to remove the bathtub altogether and replace it with a walk-in shower, or just increase storage space with extra vanity units. 

More streamlined storage spaces

The trend for spa bathrooms has seen more focus on how we can keep our bathrooms free from unsightly clutter and create a calm and tranquil space. This has led to a renewed focus on details such as shower niches, which are recessed sections of the wall, providing a space to store shower gels, shampoos and so on. 

This looks sleek and avoids the need for bulky shower caddies that can get in the way and be difficult to keep clear of mould or rust. Vanity units that surround the sink and make use of dead space are another storage option that will remain popular.

Bathroom wallpaper

Wallpaper may not seem to be an obvious choice for a bathroom, but modern water-resistant papers and adhesives now mean that it is easily achievable. If you have a very humid bathroom with poor ventilation and the walls are regularly coated with moisture, then just try a small sample to see how it reacts over a few days.

In a well ventilated bathroom, it should be fine to use a suitable wallpaper except in areas that are regularly soaked with water, such as inside the shower cubicle. Wallpaper gives you the freedom to experiment with patterns and colours, bringing life and personality to what can feel like a cold and clinical space.

Trending designs include large-scale botanicals and more delicate and subtle nature-based patterns. If you are looking for a touch of Art Deco opulence in your bathroom, then shimmery metallic finishes can bring that feeling of glamour and luxury. 

Other popular trends include geometrical abstract designs, and flowing chinoiserie papers influenced by Eastern artistic traditions.