The bathroom may be one of the smallest spaces in the home, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch, design wise. From statement stone and crazy-yet-cool colour combinations, recent years have seen bathroom design grow in leaps and bounds. And why not? While there’s always a place for all-white minimalism in the bathroom, creating a zen and modern oasis is no longer restricted to single-colour schemes or neutral finishes. There’s plenty of scope to embrace bold textures and unusual combinations of tapware and materials to create a personal space that’s completely unique to you and your home.
Below, we asked 11 interior designers and architects to predict the major bathroom design trends to come in 2024—and the good news is, bigger and bolder is back.
1. Unusual extras
Sometimes, it’s the little extras that make all the difference, says Melbourne-based designer Brahman Perera. “When designing a bathroom, I always want to include artwork. Due to the inherent varying temperatures and humidity a bathroom has, it’s best not to use something of a high value. But even a little market-find painting can be beautiful in an otherwise fairly prescribed space.”
2. Bye bye glass shower
“We are seeing more enclosed showers,” explains Kevin Kaminski and Alexis Pew of Philadelphia-based design studio Kaminski + Pew. “We’re moving away from the exposed glass cube in the corner and creating a separate room by strategically concealing the shower space within the bathroom (kind of like a separate toilet room).” While the old glass shower screen was a great way to section off the shower without losing natural light, Kaminski + Pew are finding ways to work around this. “To make sure the space is not a dark, uninviting cave, we always make sure the shower has access to daylight through a window or preferably skylight,” they explain.
3. Mood lighting
Gone are the days of brightly lit bathrooms—Perera is a noticing shift toward more mood-driven options. “Dimmable decorative lighting is also becoming more of a staple, as clients are wishing for a space that is both intimate and also hospitable when entertaining guests,” he says.
4. Stay at home (in style)
Thanks to the pandemic and its overhaul of the work/home divide, we’re seeing more and more people spend more time at home. Enter, the luxury hotel-style bathroom, says Liz Ride of Studio Tate. “We’re seeing a desire to bring some of the more luxurious amenities you might find in a great hotel into our living spaces,” says Ride. From heated towel racks to recessed shelves, anything you might find in a high-end hotel is in.
It’s an ethos that also extends to the powder room. “We’re continuing to see the elevation of the humble powder room into a space that is luxurious in finish and often a departure from the design language of the spaces adjacent,” she adds. “Design details like integrated lighting, bold wallpapers, and feature stone that departs from the idea of a ‘wet area’ and elevates the level of finish to a very much ‘front of house’ space.” Ride also lists “hidden speakers, concealed toilet paper roll storage and space for elegantly arranged rolled hand towels and baskets” as other key elements of this trend.
5. Mixed metals
“When it comes to bathrooms, black plumbing is dated,” says Amy Mobley, cofounder of Tennessee-based practice City Hill Design. Instead, many designers cite the ongoing use of mixed metals for tapware and hardware. “Not everything needs to be the same finish, so many [metals] pair beautifully together,” says Ryann Swan of Ryann Swan Design. She cites “unlacquered brass and polished nickel as perennial favourites, however we are leaning into more warm metals with a lightly burnished finish.”
The embrace of metals with character which will develop a patina over time is also something Charlie Inglis, founder and principal of Inglis Architects in Melbourne has noticed. “We try to embrace timeless finishes that will add character to a home throughout its lifetime,” he explains. “Recently we’ve seen a willingness from clients to embrace more bold combinations of mixed metal finishes that are classic and contemporary. These natural materials have their own inherent qualities, that when combined in unexpected ways, can accentuate the metal’s individual characteristics.” He suggests “stainless steel, with its cooler appearance accents well with the warmth of oxidised brass.” Similarly, pairing zinc with oxidised steel can work to create an interesting contrast.
6. Materiality over pattern
“There’s definitely more of a focus on quality materials over patterns,” says Sarah Stacey of Sarah Stacey Interior Design. She argues that “using marble to create a pattern instead of a printed tile is such an upscale and luxurious way of adding interest into a space.” While marble remains a popular addition to bathrooms, so is the use of other natural stones. “Quartzite in vibrant colours, marble with rust and brown veining and the use of onyx in bathrooms is continuing to trend,” says Californian-based Jen Samson from Jen Samson Design. “Walls, showers and vanities are given a jewel box feel by covering the surfaces completely for a true showstopping appeal.”
Swann also embraces using bold marble in creative and new ways. “We recently completed a little girls bathroom that used Calacatta Viola in seven different ways in the same bathroom—from a patterned floor inlay to slab countertops and even a pencil trim,” she says. “Using the same material helps you feel enveloped in it, which is always lovely, but the different applications are a great way to add a subtle texture.”
Mobley also loves using marble, as well as Zellige tiles, to make a statement. “We appreciate the use of real materials that are not screen-printed or mass-produced,” she explains. “This era is all about letting nature and master-craftsmanship shine.”
7. Grid worthy
While we’re talking tiles, interior designer Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home + Design is embracing the grid pattern. “Gone are the days of the subway tile and accent border,” she says. “We’re all about a richly toned, gridded square tile—and lots of it.”
8. Colour me cosy
As Mobley says, “the days of grey homes are long gone,” and richly hued colour is making a comeback. Jill Elliott, founder of Color Kind Studio is “excited about the sophistication of colour and material we are seeing in this space.” She sees clients embracing the notion of “a warm, luxurious cocoon to prepare ourselves for the day” and this is articulated with rich timber tones, fluted finishes and deeply hued stones and tiles. Swann seconds the trend towards more comforting colour schemes in the bathroom. “We are swapping out stark whites for whites with a creamy or even slight rose undertone,” she confirms. “Not only does this add a sense of tranquillity and warmth to a bathroom, but a light rose does wonders to your appearance in the mirror. You’ll thank us later!”
Like everyone else, Meichtry predicts more earthy hues paired with the aforementioned statement marble. “This combination is the relaxed excitement we all need heading into 2024,” she says. “Think: clay, sage, even a lovely brown tone (which is having its moment, as well) paired with a heavily-veined and busy marble. It’s an easily-executed design ready to elevate any kitchen or bathroom.”
9. Spa at your leisure
“Recovery is an increasingly significant trend in the health and wellness industry,” says Lisa Schwert, the Connecticut-residing founder of Innate Studio. Little wonder then, that it’s also started to make its way into high-end homes. “We’re incorporating elements such as steam showers, infrared saunas, and cold plunges into primary bathrooms and home gyms,” she says. “We are also incorporating automated lighting systems that optimise lighting to support natural circadian rhythms not only in bedrooms but throughout the entire house.”
