Bathroom design ideas
Whether you want to renovate your bathroom to add value to your home when selling or just want to revive the space, here are some design ideas to get you started.
Light tones
The colour palette of a room can change the whole mood. As an antidote to maximalist style, more designers are moving towards softer, lighter schemes, but the secret to this trend is to use ivories and very pale peachy tones – stay away from bright white! Think soft warm matt whites, bleached pale terracotta tones, or pale ivories.
Online tiles specialist Hyperion Tiles predicts beige tiles will lead bathroom trends in 2023. Layer texture, and contrast gloss and matt finishes to create interesting bathroom or cloakroom schemes. The demand of home renovators seeking a minimalistic aesthetic has rocketed in recent times, with Pinterest highlighting a 180% rise in searches for 'minimal living room' and ‘minimalist home’.
When creating paler colour schemes, ensure you have layers of light colour and texture. If you match everything in the room perfectly, the results will be a flat uninteresting scheme. If you want to contrast light walls and tiles with colour, look no further than this magenta bath and sink set from Waters Baths of Ashbourne, inspired by Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2023.
Think about tiles
Craig Smith, Flooring Superstore’s Merchandising Manager, says: “No matter how much time and money you spend on new homeware accessories, redecorating your walls, or hand-picking lust-worthy furniture pieces, your living space won’t ever look ‘complete’ if your flooring is also in need of a refresh.”
Tiles in 2023 are all about making a statement. Whether it’s a dramatic geometric pattern or bright and bold pops of colour, 2023 is the year to push boundaries with your tiled flooring. Team with neutral shades and low-key accessories to make your flooring pop.
Flooring Superstore’s Patterned Tiles in Spanish Stone are designed to be a focal point. This budget friendly tile is actually a vinyl floor covering, making it even easier to achieve the sought-after tile effect. It also offers great durability for busy traffic areas and is easy to keep clean. For a more traditional take on the trendy tile, Flooring Superstore’s Patterned Tiles in Terracotta Mosaic, a variation of the vinyl tile with baby blue, cotton white, onyx black and terracotta tones is sure to add personality and colour to any interior.
Fluted interiors
Fluted interiors could be the next big trend with Google Trends data showing searches for the term ‘fluted’ recently peaked at its highest-ever position. The fluted trend is inspired by the Art Deco era and will add depth and texture to any wall space.
Abbas Youssefi, Director of Porcelain Superstore, says: “If any collection epitomises modern glamour, it is this one. The striking fluted finish plays with the light to create a statement finish.
“The pandemic has fuelled an appetite for interiors that wow not only in real life but on social media too and these gorgeous tiles with their subtle matt glaze are scene stealers.
“And while these might be our newest addition, we are already seeing demand for them soar.”
Inject some luxury
It might be one of the most utilitarian rooms in the home, but that doesn’t mean the bathroom should be cold and clinical. Bring some luxury into the space with accessories such as soap dishes made of marble, gold towel holders and a statement mirror.
This freestanding, individually hand-beaten copper bath from Renaissance at Home will command attention and create an indulgent bathroom experience.
Barry Whitehead, Marketing Director from Renaissance at Home, said: “Copper baths are a sumptuous addition to any bathroom. They epitomise luxury and are a timeless piece, meaning they are a truly worthwhile investment.”
Great looks aside, copper baths are perfect for those who love a piping hot bath. The copper will ensure the water stays hot for longer, while copper’s hygienic surface will help keep bacteria at bay.
Bathroom designs that combine black and metal can turn a simple bathroom design into a luxurious and elegant space. The combination of Maison Valentina’s leather Darian Bathtub and the Shinto Vanity Cabinet provides a soothing ambiance combining black with golden touches.
To panel or not to panel?
If you’re looking for an easy, quick update for your bathroom with a premium yet Scandi feel, consider wood effect panelling which offers surprising benefits as an alternative to tiles in the home and is perfect for bathrooms.
Naturewall’s Waterproof SlatWall is easy to install with grab adhesive or screws and add that feeling of luxury to a bathroom. To keep it clean, simply wipe down the wall with soap and water.
Don't forget about lighting
Spa-style bathrooms often stick to a neutral scheme, using capsule colours and indulgent materials such as marble or stone. Brass and golds will add a luxurious gleam while matt blacks exude drama and ground a scheme. Minimalist designs with a hint of texture are best for achieving a calm, considered aesthetic, but if you want to conjure a sense of boutique residence, try using a tiered flush.
Peter Legg, lead designer at där lighting, says: “Layering your lighting to provide task, ambient, and accent points is crucial to ensuring [the bathroom] space can be used for everyday as well as relaxation. Dimmable spotlights and warm white LED wall lights will create a more focused stream while being versatile enough to support a gentler impression.”
ESPC magazine
This article appeared in the January 2023 issue of the ESPC magazine. Find out more about the ESPC magazine and read the latest issue online.