Renovating a bathroom is one room that requires careful consideration, and budget(!) to get the desired look, but with ever changing trends it can be difficult to keep up with what is on-trend and stylish.
Function should be at the heart of every decision you make, and it will also impact the budget required for the renovation. But, we’re firm believers that function and aesthetics can merge perfectly for a bathroom that you can be proud of.
So, we’ve spoken to the design experts within the bathroom industry to get the inside information on the top bathroom trends that we can expect to see in 2024.
Bathroom Trends For 2024
There is a running trend across interiors in 2024 that we are seeking cosier, warmer and more comforting spaces, a definite result of our ‘new’ post pandemic world.
Whilst indulgent, warmer colour schemes are leading the way throughout our homes, with the continuation of the cost of living crisis, more are seeking affordable, budget renovations without scrimping on aesthetics.
It’s also worth noting the metal hardware trends that are reigning supreme too, there’s a lot to look forward to in our bathrooms in 2024. We’ve included a round up of the trends as told by the experts, as well as my own insights from an interior designers perspective.
1.Tile Trends – Pattern Revival
Tiles have always been one of the best ways to demonstrate design flair and personality in a bathroom, even more so in a small downstairs toilet when it pays to be braver with your choices.
Even more so in 2024, we can expect to see bolder patterns, and a lean into warmer, sumptuous colours for a cosy, cocooning feel.
Molly Woodward-Moor, creative director of Stone Superstore said, “The resurgence of retro aesthetics will continue to evolve over 2024, building upon the popular warm browns, rich colour and dark woods, with elements of vintage character and graphic pattern for a new take on the trend”.
“Working with both modern & traditional styles, the versatility of this trend is endless, so don’t feel restricted to a certain era – it’s all about making a space for you, encouraging you to be brave and empowered with your décor choices. Opt for balanced amounts of pattern with half walls and zonal tiling, or go all out by adopting the trend of pattern-drenching, for a maximalist look which builds elements of clashing colour for a playful, eclectic style”.
2. Indulgent, Cosier Colours Are In
The leading paint brands have already revealed their colours of 2024, and there is a resounding collective that indulgent, warmer and more sumptuous colours are in.
There is a direct movement away from lighter neutrals that our interiors have been subject to over the last few years. Rich browns, rusty reds, terracottas and heritage yellows will be hugely popular in 2024. In fact, Little Greene has even released a capsule of colours called Sweet Treats that perfectly summarises the rich, indulgent colours that will be on-trend and stylish in the coming year.
Molly Woodward-Moor shared her thoughts on incorporating these colours into your bathroom, “For colour accents, stick to warm, embracing colours such as burnt oranges, deep reds, creamy yellows or even rich greens for ultimate relevance to retro aesthetics”.
So, what’s the best way to start feeling comfortable in using these darker shades in a bathroom? Always get a tester pot of a few of your favourite shades, it’s surprising how different they will look online to what they do in your space. You need to see how the light in your bathroom affects these colours.
If you don’t feel brave enough using a colour throughout, try zoning a space such as behind a mirror or set of shelves so you can add that warm pop of colour, it will make all the difference.
3. Mixing Metals For Visual Interest
Mixing metals was always a design faux pas in an interior, but it’s a continuation of 2023’s bathroom trends, and it’s set to stay.
Combining a mix of differing metal hardware through taps, small details and even sockets and switches (outside of the bathroom), is one of the greatest ways to instil warmth and character in the space.
The key to executing this correctly is to have one dominant finish in the space, ideally you will only use two finishes at a maximum as too many will create a clash and will lose the desired effect you’re looking to create.
It’s worth playing around with a few finishes to see what works best, I’m a massive fan of both satin brass and aged brass or unlacquered brass finishes in an interior. Satin brass and polished brass finishes remain a very popular finish in bathrooms for 2024.
The design experts at CRL Bespoke Shower Screens shared, “Satin brass makes a real statement, particularly when used in moderation. Opt for a bespoke frameless shower enclosure for the ultimate ‘less is more’ approach to your bathroom’s design and shower hardware in a satin brass finish to create a luxury statement. In a shower space, this finish particularly stands out against simple tiles, for a paired back, sophisticated look”.
“Don’t be afraid to mix metals in your bathroom design. Using chrome and brass in a balanced way, for example, can also result in a unified look”.
4. Healing Spaces Are On The Rise
After dedicating an increased amount of time to indoor spaces in recent years, we have sought solace and rejuvenation within our immediate surroundings.
The upcoming trend for 2024 urges us to forge stronger connections with our environments, promoting a sense of tranquility and restoration by minimising visual distractions and emphasising intentional decor choices that contribute to a harmonious and therapeutic design.
We spoke to Molly Woodward-Moor to see how this would look in a bathroom, “Natural materials like marble, travertine, and terrazzo are ideal surface choices here for their inherent textures and calming aesthetics. These surfaces not only visually enchanting, but also invite touch, creating a sensory, tactile experience that reconnects and grounds us. To take this idea further, consider installing underfloor heating to enhance your tiled space, for a soothing, comforting experience”.
“Stacked tiles and linear shapes offer a clean, sleek effect here, minimising the visual clutter. Low lighting, hidden LED strips or even back-lit mirrors are a great way of softening the overall aesthetic to create your own at-home spa bathroom”.
“Of course, any effective sensory space should go beyond the visual. Incorporate elements like aromatherapy diffusers and soundscape playlists to complement the visual and tactile experience of the space. By engaging multiple senses, you can create a truly immersive and therapeutic environment within your home”.
5. Ceiling Lights: White & Gold
Downlights and pendant lights have often been a first choice when it comes to bathroom lighting, and with limitations on what lights can be used due to the necessary IP rating, options are more limited.
What has often been overlooked in the past and is becoming more of an inherent lighting trend is ceiling lights. They create a more seamless look in a bathroom and they add to the overall aesthetic of the space.
One trend we are going to see more of is white and gold ceiling lights, they create an elegant and warm atmosphere, and with current trends for quiet luxury, it’s not hard to see why these are predicted to be on trend for 2024.
Jo Plismy, Lighting Designer and Founder of Gong commented “White and gold are classic colours associated with elegance and luxury. They have a timeless quality that can fit into a wide range of design styles, from traditional to modern, making them a versatile choice for light fixtures”.
“Gold accents on light fixtures can add a touch of opulence and sophistication, whilst also adding a warm and inviting glow to the light, creating a cosy and welcoming atmosphere”.
6. Sustainability Is Shaping Design
Shifting consumer attitudes mean that transparency is key, consumers want to know where the point of manufacture is, to what the fittings are made from.
We are seeing this shape all aspects of interior design through a home, and it was ever apparent at Decorex this year how important sustainability is in design.
Whilst some sustainable routes can be more costly, most people can get on-board with this by simply opting for LED efficient lightbulbs, water-saving shower heads and other eco-friendly fixtures.
In terms of fixtures and worktops, sustainably sourced wood offers a sustainable and long lasting finish to a bathroom. Instead of buying new, you might even want to look at reclaimed tiles which can bring a more unique and conscious finish to a space. (We love Bert and May for reclaimed tiles, this was a great find of ours at Decorex this year!).
7. Natural Materials
The year 2024 sees a continuing rise in the yearning to authentically and meaningfully engage with nature. That inside, outside feel gives a further nod to that desire of creating places of sanctuary within our homes.
Molly added, “We’re continuing to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, creating seamless transitions with large sliding doors, continuous flooring and flowing colour palettes”.
“Another great way of introducing a visual connection to nature in your spaces, is by opting for green as a colour choice in walls or kitchen cabinetry, or even using foliage motifs in tiled bathrooms”.
It doesn’t have to break the bank to start merging that line between the outside and inside in our bathrooms. Simply adding some houseplants that love humidity and moisture to our bathrooms is a great way for our spaces to benefit from greenery, and air purifying qualities.
8. Unusual Marble
Grey veined marble has been notoriously popular in interiors for a luxe, elegant look, but unusual marble is becoming more prominent through interior design.
Marble with distinctive and unique characteristics that deviate from more common or traditional marble varieties will be huge in 2024 and beyond.
Albeit expensive, unusual marble in a bathroom is a way to introduce distinctive and eye-catching aesthetics, adding a touch of luxury and individuality to the space.
9. Vertical Stacking
Houzz released its annual home design predictions for 2024 and vertical stacking of tiles made it into their top ten of interior trends for 2024.
This challenges the expected in a bathroom, and vertical stacking creates greater visual interest, and is also a great way to elongate the walls in a smaller bathroom.
Designers on Houzz are using thinner subway-style tiles positioned in straight vertical lines rather than staggered as with a traditional brick pattern to create a quiet but impactful statement wall in bathrooms, kitchens and even living spaces.
