The trend toward repurposing fixtures and materials brings a sense of individuality to the bathroom. We’re seeing this in everything from fluted cabinetry to textured wood vanity chairs.
The clinical, sterile aesthetic that once dominated bath design is giving way to warmer, more inviting aesthetics. Terracotta tiles in rusty orange hues are bringing this warmth into the bathroom.
Matte Finishes
In recent years, matte finishes have emerged as a popular bathroom design trend. Their lack of shine and gloss creates a sleek, sophisticated appearance that blends well with a wide range of décor styles. They are also more forgiving than glossy finishes, concealing water spots and fingerprints more easily. This makes them an excellent choice for busy bathrooms or homes with young children.
The most popular matte bathroom fixtures are faucets. They can be used as a bold accent or serve as a focal point. Matte black fixtures are highly versatile and can be paired with a variety of wall and tile colors. They work particularly well with white bathroom walls and can help to brighten darkly colored rooms.
Another popular option is Oil Rubbed Bronze. This finish has a rich, warm hue with subtle copper undertones that can create an antique-inspired look for any bathroom. It is easy to clean and looks great with both traditional and contemporary designs. It works well with a variety of different bathroom materials, including natural stone and concrete.
Keep in mind that matte finishes may fade faster than other types of finishes. To prolong their life, it is important to only use mild, water-based cleaners. Abrasive cleaning pads, intense chemicals, and bleach-based products should be avoided as they can damage the surface.
Smart Technology
The integration of smart technology and eco-friendly solutions is reshaping bathrooms into havens of comfort, style, and functionality. From touchless faucets and toilets to chromatherapy lighting, the latest innovations are redefining what makes a bathroom a modern oasis.
Touchless fixtures are a growing trend as people become more aware of the need for sanitary and germ-free spaces. Sensors and motion detectors enable you to operate showers, bathtubs, and sinks without touching them. This eliminates the spread of germs, allowing you to clean your hands with less water and reduce waste.
Another popular feature is automatic toilets that detect when you’re entering or leaving the room, adjusting the temperature and flushing cycle accordingly. This can save you a lot of money in water and electricity bills, as well as lower your environmental footprint.
Smart LED lighting systems are also gaining popularity in bathrooms. Using voice activated technology, these can control the light in your washroom with preset settings for different times of day. These “light recipes” can be designed to create specific moods, from relaxing to energizing.
Other technology-driven trends in bathrooms include a move towards minimalism with sleeker vanities, mirrors, and storage solutions that fit seamlessly into the overall design of the space. This minimalist aesthetic can be enhanced with the use of natural materials and a blend of textures and colors for a balanced look.
Innovative Storage Solutions
Whether it’s the master bath, powder room or guest bathroom, storage is an issue in many bathrooms. But there are many innovative ways to keep this high-traffic area organized and visually appealing.
Take advantage of vertical space with hanging baskets that make it easy to grab the items you use most often. You can even find baskets designed to hold specific items like nail products or hair tools. Another option is to install wall-mounted shelves. These are great for making use of a small area or repurposing a shallow shelf built between the studs. They can hold decorative items or toiletries.
The area under sinks can quickly become a black hole of clutter, but there are solutions that can turn it into an organized storage unit. One popular choice is a stackable drawer system that fits around the plumbing under the sink, allowing you to store cleaning products, extra toilet paper and other necessities in separate, easily accessible units. You can also opt for clear bins that are labeled so you can instantly identify the contents of each container.
Lastly, consider using a wrought iron French pastry shelf or ladder to display towels and toiletries. Or install a repurposed bar cart as a place to store your essentials, such as extra linens or cosmetics. You could even use a rolling shelf unit on wheels that can be easily repositioned and stowed away when not in use.
Natural Materials
With Spring traditionally the time when homeowners start thinking about a new year renovation, Sanctuary Bathrooms opened up to industry experts, influencers and interior designers as well as our very own Sales & Design Consultant Nick Hanson, to discuss what they think will be the biggest bathroom trends of 2024.
Bringing the natural elements inside is one of the main bathroom remodel ideas that’s gaining popularity, especially when it comes to timber finishes like teak and other hardwood species with a more modern, slatted style. This is a great way to subtly boost your mood and create a sense of calm.
Wood is also a good choice for vanities, cabinets and shelving, especially when treated with a water-resistant coating and finished with a protective lacquer. It’s a durable, stylish and incredibly versatile material that can be adapted to many different styles of decor from sleek contemporary to rustic farmhouse.
Other natural materials that are popping up in bathrooms include rattan and other woven materials. You’ll often see this in the form of storage baskets and other decorative accents but it’s also possible to dress up a shaker-style vanity with circular caning or rattan panels for a more unique look.
Other bathroom trends that are catching on this year include fluted textures. We’re seeing this reflected in everything from ceramic basins to wooden shelves, with grooves dressing up white vanities and even ceramic. It’s a subtle design feature that adds interest to an otherwise simple, functional space.