Bathroom trends that make a splash

WHETHER you are embarking on a full bathroom renovation or just looking for ways to keep your space fresh for the year, stay on-trend with the latest bathroom design styles for 2024.

Expect to see a combination of functionality and design with natural elements, earth tones and a focus on accessibility.

Timeless aesthetics

Consumers can expect to see an increased popularity in spaces that feel truly timeless.

This trend is credited to homeowners seeking to stay in their homes for a longer period — perhaps well into retirement. Homeowners want to achieve a timeless style with materials and features they will not grow tired of.

Even modern homes are incorporating elements such as brick, handmade clay tiles, rustic wood elements and arches that create a feeling of quiet luxury. Focusing on a more timeless aesthetic also furthers the popularity of sustainable design where features like water- and energy-efficient fixtures, LED lightbulbs and dimmers are all continuing to gain prominence.

Handmade features

This trend towards handmade details and features is closely linked to the growing popularity of timeless style.

It includes handmade tiles, custom bathroom vanities and other bespoke elements, which create a feeling that the homeowner has something truly unique and special.

Warm wood vanities

It has been discovered that wood is the most desired choice when upgrading a bathroom vanity. While white continues to dominate as the most popular colour for countertops and walls, this attraction to wood vanities connects to a larger move throughout the home, away from cool greys and stark whites to warmer neutrals like beiges, creamy off-whites and rich browns.

With the broad range of wood tones on the market, it can work for nearly any aesthetic, ranging from coastal to traditional.

Attention to details

Scallops are popping up just about everywhere. From vanity chairs to cabinetry details, they are coming in hot. Another detail that is making its way to the bathroom after playing a prominent role in living space design is fluted cabinetry. The aesthetic creates a thick, often rough statement-making detail beneath island countertops, bathroom vanities and dining room tables, adding visual texture and interest.

Earth tones

While natural materials are continuing their unprecedented rise in popularity, so, too, are nature-inspired colours and wall treatments that can further the soothing, indoor-outdoor appeal of the aesthetic. Earth-toned paint colours, plaster and accent colours are recent favourites for many.

When it comes to selecting earth-toned paint colours, undertones are more important than ever.

To keep it interesting, look for shades that bring an unlikely element to the table (like an off-white with a subtle apricot nod) for a fresh take on the earth-tone trend.

Marble materials

Bold marble and natural stones have been a big bathroom trend through 2023 and we expect 2024 to be no different. Lately, we have developed a liking for the deep reds and browns, bold veining and black stones for bathrooms.

For those looking to keep their budgets in check, consider tiles that can lend a similar effect, or even smaller elements like a rattan stool, natural rug or wood bench to deliver a grounding, natural feel.

Features for ageing in place

Because more homeowners are planning to stay in their homes for longer, they are implementing features that they will need down the road. Half of homeowners who are addressing these needs are planning ahead for the future and there is growing interest in universal design that prioritises beauty, in addition to function.

Manufacturers are supporting this trend by creating stylish, ageing-in-place features. For this reason, nonslip flooring, curbless showers, wider doorways, lower vanity heights and grab bars are a few design elements you will see more of this year. — Wires