Bathrooms are coming out from the fringes—and we’re loving it! More and more interior décor designers and style-conscious homeowners are paying increased attention to the once-neglected room, turning the space into a spa-like retreat.
According to the 2021 U.S. Bathroom Trends Study by Houzz, a home design and renovation website, “old and outdated” décor was the main culprit behind the bathroom renovation efforts of 7 in 10 homeowners. Additionally, more than 2 in 5 renovators used their spruced-up bathrooms for rest and relaxation.
If the last 2 years or so have taught us anything, it’s that the bathroom is sacred. It’s a much-needed getaway from the hustle and bustle of life. It’s the one room where privacy is non-negotiable.
And if you’re looking for the most stunning bathroom design trends that’ll stand the test of time and turn your space into a restful sanctuary, we’ve got the inside scoop to inspire your next bathroom project. Whether you’re renovating outdated décor or building a new home, the following trends are sure to spark your creativity.
1. Plant Décor – Blurring the Lines Between Indoors and Outdoors
Nothing says spa-like getaway quite like mother nature. Plants in the bathroom add a beautiful layer of satisfying green to the décor, they freshen the air, help absorb moisture, are affordable, and are eco-friendly.
In addition to sustainability, merging the indoors and outdoors may literally make turn your bathroom into a relaxing sanctuary. A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology suggests that indoor plants may help reduce physiological and psychological stress by promoting “comfortable, soothed, and natural feelings.”
So whether you choose to keep it lowkey with a few potted Bird’s Nest Ferns or go all out with living green walls and built-in planters, you can’t go wrong with green décor.
Tip: Target plants that thrive in warm, humid conditions based on their native environments.
2. Go into the ‘Woods’
Natural décor seems to have a time in the spotlight – with wood coming in as another bathroom design trend on the rise. Wood instantly changes the aura of a space to that of warmth and coziness. Wooden floors are nothing new in home designs. But now it’s time to take the natural material to the bathroom.
Stylish wood panels or woodcuts are great for accentuating bathroom designs to create a luxe feel. But since wood has a tendency to swell and shrink in an uncontrolled environment, think along the lines of water-resistant wood products, wood-like tiles, or parquet tiles.
3. Bed, Bath, & Convenience
How about bringing all your ‘relaxation’ amenities/rooms into one ultimate space? Interior designers point towards an interesting all-in-one trend that is all about bathrooms coming out into the open by merging the bedroom, shower/tub, and toilet.
This bathroom renovation trend is great for homeowners who prioritize practicability. Having the 3 locations that leave you feeling tranquil in close proximity is not only convenient, but it all creates a sophisticated, luxurious, and luminous ambiance.
4. Time to Turn Up the Shower Experience
Tubs have hogged bathroom design trends for the last few years. But now showers are splashing their way back to the spotlight and claiming the attention they deserve.
Emerging bathroom remodeling ideas are seeing showers take centerstage—from multi-functional shower heads, double showers with rain heads, multiple faucets, walk-in-showers, to body sprayers.
Time to rethink your shower experience?
5. Splurge on a Wet Room
Ever heard of the wet room? It’s basically a regular bathroom minus a few walls. It revolves around the idea of having all bathroom features in one shell where everything is waterproofed. There’s no need for a separate shower, sink, toilet, or tub. The wet room is commonplace in European bathrooms. And now the bathroom design style is shipping to the U.S. and the rest of the world.
If you decide to go the wet room route, the good thing is that you don’t have to tinker too much with in-wall plumbing. There are neat renovation ideas that build around the existing showerhead.
6. Insta-Worthy Palettes
Who says the bathroom has to be all-white or thematically similar to the rest of the house? Well, not the emerging bathroom design trends that’s for sure. The bathroom is special—and you should remodel it as such.
Renovators and designers are demonstrating a creative appetite for unique statement designs. There’s a welcomed wave of creatives bringing much-needed fun and flair to bathrooms with quirky design elements. Think along the lines of eye-catching wallpapers, dazzling light fixtures, and colorful hues.
7. Go Black – Don’t Hold Back
Not a fan of a little pop of color in your bathroom? Take the leap to the dark side with the darkest hue of them all. Black-themed bathrooms are enjoying a period of popularity.
Some ideas for an ever-refreshed and chic broody black bathroom include matte back sanitaryware, tiles, bathtubs, and stand-out fixtures. You can also balance different shades of grey or black tiles on the bathroom walls and floors to tie everything up.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, black accentuated with gold fixtures and finishes blends seamlessly for a luxurious feel.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have a huge or small bathroom, remodeling/renovation your space is always an exciting experience. But it can also quickly rack up grim sums. Therefore, it’s highly advisable that you allocate a fair amount of time for due diligence. You don’t want to splurge your bathroom renovation funds on a design that’ll feel “old and outdated” or out-of-place in a few months.
Which bathroom design trends are you most eager to explore?
