What’s New in Bathroom Design?

The last couple of years has seen some major changes not only in the design of the average bathroom / powder room / ensuite, but the purpose of this functional room. It has evolved into more of a place of relaxation rather than a just quick pit stop. The bathroom is now treated as a personal spa and its design trends reflect this evolution.

Overall Feeling of Serenity

Relaxation and rejuvenation are what separate yesterday’s bathroom design from today’s. The emphasis on the bathroom acting as a personal spa has taken the design of this once very functional space and turned up the volume on its look and general feeling. Designers have opted for more privacy, soothing colour schemes and accents, and personalization. Additionally, by increasing the overall functionality, the evolution of bathroom design has caught the attention of homeowners and designers alike.

Natural Wood

The use of natural wood cabinetry and accents is back, often employing light finishes like white oak. The organic feeling this material exudes puts us in touch with nature and creates a soothing spa-like feel.

Tiled Accents

While the ever-popular subway tile still has a home in today’s bathroom, more designers and homeowners are choosing tiles that form a pattern. Often, intricate black and white patterns are chosen for the level of fine detail without resulting in a gaudy or over-the-top look. This also complements the growing popularity of the black on white colour scheme. 

Clean White Bathroom with Matte Black Hardware

Black hardware and accents over a clean, white palette is most commonly seen in today’s bathroom. The motif is also extremely popular in today’s kitchen. From cabinet pulls and knobs, towel bars and decorative hooks, to sconces, faucets and showerheads, matte black finishes have become the predominant choice for transitional and contemporary bathrooms.

Additional Bathroom Storage

Achieving additional storage space in a bathroom is often a challenge. Whether it’s a small powder room or a thousand square foot luxury ensuite, efficient and beautifully orchestrated storage solutions are a must have in today’s bathroom design.

Tall or upper cabinets garner more storage space for items that you wouldn’t necessarily want to have on display. Eg. medicine, beauty or hygiene products. For items such as linens, open shelving is a fine option that can create an airy spa-like aesthetic. In smaller bathrooms, plumbing cutouts for vanity drawers offer homeowners additional space for storing anything from cloths to hygiene products.

Designer Bathroom Hooks

Designer wall/clothing hooks from Viefe can assist in customizing a bathroom and reflect your personality in its design. Choose matte black finishes in models such as Crestt, Floid, Takk, Fin, and Como to match matte black hardware, or brushed finishes in Round, Diabolo, and the ever-popular Graf for a luxurious, contemporary look. Prefer a more organic design? Zoot, Switch, and Bol bolster a warm, welcoming feeling due to their use of natural wood.

Separate Bathing/Toilet Areas

Sharing a bathroom is most often a necessity and not everyone is comfortable doing their business with another person present. Whether it’s between a couple, their kids, or the entire family, monopolizing the bathroom for personal grooming, bathing, or other matters can be frustrating for the rest of the family. The rise of separate bathing and/or toilet areas has allowed the bathroom to be a more communal space, while providing privacy to those that require it. Frosted glass stalls, pocket doors, and partitions are all great ways to create privacy.