Turning your bathroom into a spa-like retreat is not new but it continues to be a popular design trend. Adding natural materials like stone and wood creates a look that is both classic and modern.
Decorative lighting is back and more homeowners are embracing wall sconces instead of ceiling lights to add ambience. Look for a warm-tone metal like brass or copper and mix it with other finishes to keep the space from feeling too stark.
Matte is the New Black
One of the more dramatic trends in bathroom design is matte black. Matte finishes look modern, work well with a variety of color palettes, and resist water spots and fingerprints more than shiny chrome. Whether used on shower fixtures, faucets, or vanity hardware, this trend is a stylish way to add a sophisticated wow factor to your bathroom renovation. This sleek finish is available from high-end manufacturers like Crosswater London, as well as go-to brands Delta and Moen.
Despite the bold statement of matte black, this is a versatile trend that can still be used to create a more traditional, rustic, or transitional aesthetic. The dark color also works well with natural materials like wood and stone, adding weight and contrast to a room, while also creating an at-home spa feeling.
For those looking for a less dramatic but still striking update, try introducing a pop of art to your space. Art in a bathroom draws the eye to itself and can provide a focal point that can guide the rest of the design. If you don’t want to commit to a full art installation, try framing a favorite painting or photograph in your bathroom. This will draw the eye to your artwork, while still allowing the rest of the room to remain open and airy. This can be a great option for bathrooms with smaller budgets since it’s an affordable way to add interest to your renovation.
Mixing Metals
Metal finishes used to be a major design no-no, but it’s becoming increasingly acceptable to blend different metals in your space. This stylistic technique creates depth and adds interest to your room, particularly when it’s done with a curated selection. The bathroom is the perfect space to experiment with this trend. Hardware, faucets, mirror frames, and lighting all offer great opportunities to mix and match different metal finishes.
It’s a safe bet that brass will remain one of the top metal finishes for 2023, but it’s equally as likely that black will continue to rise in popularity. If you’re unsure how to incorporate mixed metals into your bathroom, start with a neutral finish like brushed nickel, which won’t be going anywhere soon. It’s also important to make sure that the style of each piece matches up. For example, the vanity knobs and pulls in this bathroom are brass, but the light fixture and shower fixtures are brushed nickel, so they all look cohesive and intentional.
Once you’ve decided on a base metal for your bathroom, consider adding texture. Beyond standard polished or matte finishes, modern metals can be brushed, burnished, antiqued, hand-rubbed, oiled, and even hammered. Each variation adds a unique sensory element to your space. Whether you want a smooth, cool feeling to your fingertips or a tactile experience that feels warm and inviting, a textured finish will add dimension to your bathroom design.
Sustainable Materials
As we shift away from traditional bathtubs and focus on wellness and relaxation, incorporating sustainable materials into the space is a must. From flooring and countertops to vanity cabinets, these eco-friendly materials not only look beautiful, they also help reduce waste and conserve resources.
For example, bamboo or reclaimed wood vanities add a modern, yet earthy touch to the room and are made of renewable and recyclable materials. Recycled glass countertops are another stylish option that helps decrease waste and promote sustainability. And, if you’re going with a sleek, minimalist design, choose faucets and shower heads that meet EPA water-saving standards.
The same goes for lighting. Energy-efficient bulbs use less energy and last longer, reducing the amount of time you spend changing light bulbs and money spent on your electricity bill. And if you want to go even greener, opt for LED lights that use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
As for personal care products, look for zero waste options that are reusable or refillable, like shampoo bars or reusable cotton rounds. Or, switch to a nontoxic, organic or natural body wash and soap. And, for a fresh scent, try natural essential oils instead of artificial fragrances. Finally, if you have the option, install skylights or windows in top-story bathrooms to bring in more mood-boosting natural light.
Incorporating Plants
A bathroom can have an entirely green look by incorporating plants that thrive in damp and humid conditions. These plants not only add visual interest, but also purify the air and improve mental well-being through interaction with nature. These plants can be incorporated into the wall of the shower or affixed to the window sill. This is an environmentally conscious trend that can be used with any style of bathroom.
Another way to incorporate a luxurious feel into your bathroom is through the use of texture. This can be accomplished through the addition of a woven shower curtain, wainscoting, patterned window treatments, or even a plush bath rug. A rich palette of colors and textures adds a sense of depth and opulence to the space, creating a spa-like atmosphere.
Lastly, technology is becoming more prevalent in bathrooms as people seek to turn their bathroom into a personalized day spa. Incorporating voice activated features for lighting and temperature, smart mirrors that talk back, and increased TV installations are all trends that you can see in many of the newer bathroom renovations today.
While these bathroom renovation trends are popular, it is important to remember that you should always implement design elements that you love and are comfortable with. After all, it is your home and your bathroom, so be sure to make it a place where you can relax and be yourself.