Caxton magazines staff
Craig Taylor from Bathroom Butler reveals the major trends making a splash in bathroom design
Whether you’re considering a bathroom makeover or building a new space from scratch, these trends will help you choose the right bathroom style.
Natural beauty
More and more natural influences are being seen in current bathrooms – from earthy colour palettes to the introduction of raw materials, indoor plant life and vertical gardens. “Nature softens the bathroom space and makes it more inviting,” says Craig.
Sustainable style
“The growing awareness surrounding sustainable living is having a visible effect on home design, even in the bathroom,” says Craig. We are seeing increasingly more products being manufactured from recycled or recyclable materials. Consumers are considering the environmental impact of the products they invest in – from methods of manufacturing and the materials they are manufactured from, to the kind of carbon footprint they would leave at the end of their lifecycle.
Efficient luxury
Environmental consciousness is all about consistently looking to reduce water and electricity consumption and it is a growing trend. “As a general rule of thumb, homeowners want better energy and water efficiency ratings in their homes, but they don’t want to compromise on luxury. Luckily, with innovative technology and clever design, today it is possible to have both. Bathroom Butler’s heated towel rails for example, come with a built-in temperature switch, which allows for reduced energy consumption due to greater control over power usage. The bottom line is that if you choose cleverly, you can actually enjoy five-star bathroom luxury at a very minimal cost,” says Craig.
Freestanding tubs
Our love affair with freestanding bathtubs is only beginning and the bathtub is not only a sculptural focal point but it is also an invitation to relax and unwind. Craig suggests considering the proportions of the bathtub and how the design of the tub will look in your bathroom space. He explains, “curves can soften the look of a bathroom space, while angular lines can add structure to the room. Also, it is important to remember that you need a comparatively large bathroom space to feature a freestanding bath. If space is limited, then consider including a semi-inset, stand-alone tub. One side of the tub is designed to fit against a wall, while the other offers the look and feel of a freestanding tub.”
Streamlined good looks and sacred geometry
Currently, there is a big move towards simplicity and clean, contemporary lines. “This is not to say that bathrooms are trading in their cosy, rustic charm in lieu of contemporary glamour, but there is a definite focus on minimalism.” Geometric shapes and designs are also gaining popularity, notes Craig: “Geometric designs are increasingly being used throughout the bathroom space – from tiles to sanitary ware and bathroom accessories. These shapes add depth and visual interest to an otherwise neutral space”.
Bespoke vanities
Floating vanities and fitted basins are becoming increasingly sought after. There is a genuine quest for vanities that enhance the illusion of spaciousness, while at the same time offering lots of valuable storage. Basins are not seen as standalone pieces, but rather as an extension of the bathtub. It is becoming a popular practice to choose basins that complement the shape of the bath for added continuity. Craig notes that the sleeker the design, the more popular the basin; “there is a drive to create the illusion of seamlessness – whether it is with a freestanding countertop, built-in or wall-mounted basin. Incorporating the basin so that it is seemingly part of the vanity is paramount in achieving the desired effect”.
Extension of the living space
One of the biggest trends at the moment is the creation of bathing zones that have been designed to look and feel like an extension of the living areas. Craig says that this trend can be easily incorporated into any bathroom space as “adding pieces of furniture and decor to your bathroom will allow you to personalise this space and make it feel more inviting.”
Shades of grey
“Grey is a great colour palette – it is neutral and earthy, without being dull and boring. It can be infused with lighter shades of grey and slicker tones of white to lighten up a dark and lifeless bathroom. A mixture of darker tones can be used to create a moody and sophisticated space. Grey colour palettes are a great choice for bathroom spaces, they are classic while still being edgy. They also make white sanitary ware and stainless steel accessories stand out.
