Most of us don’t think of our bathrooms as a place to relax. However, they can be transformed into a luxury retreat with the right design and accessories.
When designing a new bathroom or remodeling an existing one, you don’t want to overlook design trends. No more boring eggshell white walls! These days, there are plenty of ways to spice up the design of your bathroom with exciting trends that can transform it into a calming retreat or a chic showpiece.
Keep reading for five of our favorite upcoming trends in bathroom design.
1. High-Tech Bathroom Trends
You might be surprised to learn that the bathroom is leading the charge regarding home technology. Bathroom fixtures are being designed with more high-tech bells and whistles.
Let’s start in the shower. New high-tech showers are designed to respond to voice commands and can even send alerts when they’re running too long! There are also high-tech mirrors with hands-free lighting control, media streaming capabilities via Bluetooth speakers, and more.
If you’d like to know more about plumbing be sure to check out Inner City Plumbing., smart toilets are equipped with bidets and heating seats. Voice-activated flushing, self-cleaning functions, and other features make it easier to care for your body. Soon, you won’t have to lift a finger in the morning.
But what about getting in the steamy tub? New steam showers allow you to create your spa retreat. The steam function creates a relaxing environment while also saving space on countertops. You don’t need to install a separate humidifier or diffuser.
You should always encourage energy-efficient practices in your homes. If you’re looking to upgrade any of the appliances in your bathroom, consider investing in newer models that are more efficient than older versions.
2. Copper Tubs
Taking a bath in a copper tub can feel like a luxurious, spa-like experience, without the cost and inconvenience of an entire remodel.
Available in an array of styles, copper bathtubs are undeniably beautiful. The material is naturally antibacterial, which means that you’ll never have to worry about scrubbing at mildew. It’s also resistant to corrosion and heat. Copper tubs are more durable than other materials, so they’ll last longer and stay warmer than other bathtubs.
Here are some different types of copper bathtubs design:
Hammered copper tubs
Hammered copper tubs are all about natural beauty. The simple lines of their shape and the rippling light reflecting off their surface create a sense of calm. Their color and reflective quality draw attention to the fact that they are made from one piece of material, giving them an organic feeling. They’re perfect for traditional decorating styles and more modern ones because they manage to be both ornate and streamlined at once.
Copper clawfoot tubs
Flaunt distinctive aesthetics and allure with a copper clawfoot tub. The iconic outward-curving pedestal and feet of these bathtubs enhance their visual appeal, making them a solid focal point in the room. Their freestanding style also allows for enhanced flexibility when positioning the tub with the rest of your bathroom and when it comes to plumbing fixtures.
Drop-in copper tubs
A drop-in tub has a rim that sits on the bathroom floor. It can be installed in any space and used as a free-standing tub or part of a shower or tub combo. This type is perfect if you want a bathtub that will last for years. The durability and longevity of copper ensure that your tub will remain shiny and new-looking even after years of use.
Undermount copper tubs
An undermount tub has no visible rim when looking at it from above. It’s installed beneath your bathroom flooring, which can be more challenging to install but has a seamless look. Undermounts give you an ultra-modern aesthetic with less clutter in the bathroom space.
Copper is an eco-friendly option for your bathroom, no matter your design choice. Though it is less expensive than complete bathroom remodels, having a copper tub in your bathroom can add value to your property if you ever decide to sell your place.
3. Sinks and Vanities for Luxury Bathrooms
A bathroom is only as luxurious as its sink, so investing in something nice is necessary. Today’s sinks come in various styles and materials, from classic marble to strikingly modern copper sinks.
While marble is still going strong, many homeowners embrace the rustic look and feel of copper. Copper sinks and vanities are warm, rural, and surprisingly easy to care for. They work well in various styles, from industrial chic to a farmhouse and everything in between. For the ultimate in luxury, opt for hammered copper or antique copper.
In addition to copper, wood is making a solid comeback. Teak sinks can be gorgeous, especially when mounted to teak vanities. A clear varnish will help keep out moisture while allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. Just ensure that you protect your wood from excessive moisture by sealing it properly whenever necessary. Look for wood vanities and sinks that can be easily coated with oils or varnishes.
Another latest trend is to pair two sinks together on one vanity. It’s an excellent choice for couples or roommates who share a bathroom but need separate space for their grooming needs.
For families with small children, another good option to consider is faucet extenders that make it easier for kids to reach and use the water without climbing up onto the countertop.
4. Mood Lighting in the Bathroom
Mood lighting is a term that has been tossed around in the design world for years. It can be used to create ambiance, change the feel of a room, and highlight specific areas of your space. Adding these types of layers to your bathroom will not only add to its overall appeal but also help you create a relaxing sanctuary.
How do you go about doing this? The first step is to choose from the various available lighting options.
- Overhead lighting is often considered standard, but try putting fixtures along with your ceiling that shines a light down rather than across for a more modern look.
- Accent lighting helps create depth in a room. Depending on where it is placed, it can be used to highlight certain items such as artwork or specific architectural features within the space.
- Task lighting is contoured to the area where you need it most. It typically illuminates an activity, such as putting on makeup in front of a mirror.
- Wall sconces are another popular option because they provide direct task lighting while adding style and interest to any wall–not just those near mirrors!
Today, choosing just one type may seem daunting, with so many choices available. Still, there are many ways in which these different styles compliment each other beautifully when layered together.
Consider using dimmers to change the mood with lights — lower for relaxing baths and higher during busy mornings getting ready for work! Finally, consider color temperature when selecting bulbs. Warm whites make rooms feel cozy, while cool tones brighten dark spaces without the harsh glare of fluorescent lights.
5. Vintage and Antique Bathrooms
Suppose you’re thinking about a vintage bathroom makeover. In that case, it’s essential to keep in mind the materials and styles of the era you’re going for.
Here are some standard bathroom features of each design era:
| Victorian-inspired bathroom | Mid-century modern style | Farmhouse bathroom design style |
| Clawfoot tubs | Freestanding bathtubs made of cast iron or acrylic. | Tin bathtubs, clawfoot tubs |
| Porcelain sinks and toilets | Pedestal sink | Trough sinks, apron front sink |
| Medium-tone wood cabinets | Cabinetry made of natural wood tones with sleek lines | Antique furniture pieces as storage solutions for toiletries |
| Beaded board ceilings and walls | Minimal design elements (including door handles) | Exposed beams on ceilings or walls |
| Carpeting | Vinyl flooring or terrazzo floors | Wood flooring (hardwood) |
| Glass globe-shaped lights, Light bath bars | Chandeliers, Sconces, Pendant light, Track light | Rustic lighting fixtures, Gulliver sconce, Brass vanity light |
| Wallpaper with floral patterns and bright colors | Geometric patterns and bold wallpaper | shiplap walls in white or light colors |
There are plenty of ways to achieve this antique look without breaking the bank. You can find some reasonable prices at architectural salvage stores. You can also find great deals on Etsy! Keep your eyes open for unique finds like old subway tiles at garage sales and estate sales. There are tons of options—you just need to be willing to do some research!
Be Bold With Bathroom Personalization
These trends are significant, and we’ll undoubtedly see many of them moving into 2022. However, you have to keep in mind that your bathroom should reflect you. While these trends are fun to look at, you need to incorporate your flavor into the design. That’s the beauty of interior design – there are no rules (okay, maybe just a few). So don’t be afraid to explore other options as well.
