Bathroom trends for today and tomorrow

Got a vendor that needs inspiration to do up their bathroom?

Or perhaps a buyer looking to renovate?

Highgrove Bathrooms Managing Director James Sinclair knows what’s hot, and what’s not, in bathroom design right now.

Here’s what he says what’s on trend right now and what you can expect in 2024.

Accessories

The days of the predictable colour-coordinated tapware and bland accessories are truly done with.

Trending are slim lines, sleek designs, beautifully shaped faucets, shower heads, taps, and accessories in brushed nickel and brass, and, yes, the classics of matt black and chrome are still going strong too.

When it comes to showers, no one uses fixed-head and swivel-rose showers anymore.

The large head showers with additional hand-held, slender heads are on point.

And, if space permits in your bathroom or ensuite – go for a double shower. 

Basins

Soft shapes, flowing forms, and slender above-counter basins are in high demand – largely in clean white tones, off-white, and natural hues.

While stone, concrete, and Terrazzo, in a range of finishes, are being used extensively to feature in bathrooms, it is still ‘any colour’ is the new white.

Yes, demand has been on the rise for coloured basins, bathtubs, and even toilets.

For inset basins, recessed, and under-mount basins, demand is still strongest for the classic white gloss finish, although more colourful finishes are on the rise, right through to stainless steel.

Semi-recessed and wall-hung basins are largely used in smaller spaces such as washrooms.

Integrated vanity tops with prefab basins in clean smooth designs are also making a comeback.

Bathroom walls and colours

We will see a mix of classic finishes and more daring designs of colours, contrasts, and textures in 2024.

Further exploration of tiles and wallpapers of textures and hues will act as feature backdrops to highlight basins, toilets, baths, and accessories. 

Indirect lighting, recessed shelves, and stylish vanities with ample hung storage rather than floor-mounted units will be in demand.

Natural fibres like bamboo, natural timbers, rattan, and textured finishes will make bathrooms warmer in their appeal and diverse in their design into the coming year and beyond.

Accessories are the highlights of a bathroom or ensuite and tie the design elements together.

Stunning designs, finishes, and well-thought-out functionality of good quality that oozes with luxury and visual appeal are all the go. 

Bathtubs 

Large free-standing slender-walled designs with high backs are trending, and it’s obvious why.

And, not just in classic white, but black outer and white inner finish, colours in matt and gloss, bring a unique class to your bathroom design and create a clever dance of contrasts when using black tapware.

Colours and metal finishes are the new white.

Overall, designs that meet the family’s changing needs and that offer ample storage, yet don’t look bulky, are coming to the fore.

This uncluttered feel has been riding the bathroom design wave for quite some time and will continue to do so into the future. 

Bathrooms are no longer an essential afterthought, but rather a featured personal space to be proud of.