Given that most of us spend a fair amount of time in our bathrooms, it’s only natural that we want them to look and feel like a valued inclusion in our homes. The question is, with new design trends appearing every year, which ones are worth investing in? Although we’re only a few months into 2022, bathroom design trends are well and truly in motion.
Shoot for simplicity
Over the past few years, we’ve all spent more time inside the home than we might have anticipated, and for many, it has sparked a decluttering frenzy as we sought to create a calm environment. In keeping with this trend, minimalism is just as popular as ever, with small, understated fixtures and pieces of furniture making a splash. Modern basins perfectly embody this trend, merging color with class and finishing perfectly simplistic spaces. With the right pieces in place, all that’s left to do is keep the surfaces clean and clear.
Create a freestanding focal point
Freestanding bath designs have become a fixture in modern bathrooms, and for good reason: the clean lines and contemporary style make them a good fit for almost any overarching style. Still, it’s important that you choose your bath early on so that you can gauge the available space in your bathroom. For even better use of space, create a two-in-one shower and bath solution with a shower head installed over your bath.
Tile it up
Tiles belong in the bathroom, so much so that you would be hard-pressed to find a bathroom with no tile features, but that’s not to say your bathroom tiles can’t be as unique as your personal taste. While classic ceramic tiles will always have their place, a range of different styles and finishes have cropped up in modern bathrooms in recent years. In keeping with the nature theme, some homeowners opt for a wooden-look tile, while others prefer to invest in edgy hexagon designs in intricate patterns, a popular modern trend with staying power.
Bring the outdoors in
Plants and natural features have had their place in modern bathrooms for some time, and for several good reasons. According to biophilic design principles, it’s incredibly important to connect with the environment on a daily basis, and adding plants is a great way to start. By simply purifying and adding natural air to the atmosphere, they can benefit your mental and physical health in fairly profound ways. Even if you’re not sold on the idea of introducing living things into your bathroom space, introducing a standout feature such as natural timber or even – privacy permitting – a few floor-to-ceiling windows.
Choose a cool color scheme
After countless years, a classic white scheme still features on the list of top bathroom trends, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick with tradition. An earthy, neutral bathroom vibe is right on-trend for 2022, and even if you’re not interested in a whole-room renovation, a subtle approach – like a feature wall or a collection of fixtures and elements – is a great way to test it out. Meanwhile, pops of color are also having a moment, which is great news if you’re looking to create a fun vibe in the room. For the ultimate modern style, pair shades of blue or fun wallpaper patterns with black fixtures and elements.
Add creature comforts
The bathroom has long been a major selling point in any home, but that hasn’t necessarily translated to spending much time in there. Many of us are inclined to get in and out as quickly as possible; however, this way of thinking has seen a major shift over the past few years as homeowners embrace a more welcoming approach to bathroom decor. Furniture that was once reserved for the living room – think plush chairs, vintage wooden vanities and vibrant fabrics – has found its way into once-cold and sterile bathrooms, encouraging visitors to stick around a little longer and feel at home.
Make lighting the last touch
The right lighting selection can add a sense of glamour to any room, but like any design element, there’s no one “right” way to light up your bathroom. 2022 is already shaping up to be a year of polar opposites in this space, with the simplicity of inset LED lighting on one hand and more dramatic, colorful light shades on the other. A lighting fixture may well be the final touch in your bathroom, so consider the rest of your furniture and what the room needs most before making a selection.
While some bathroom trends are transient, others can add serious value to your home in the long term. The best way to gauge a good investment is to make design decisions that make you feel good in your space, so if you’re after trends that last long-term, give your wish list some thought before you take the plunge.