The Sunday Mail
ULTIMATE relaxation and personal style are high in demand. An underlying current is shifting our view of bathrooms from task-focused spaces to rooms designed for comfort. Read on.
Fabulous walk-in showers
It seems everyone agrees 2023 is the year of the shower. We identified an “elevated shower routine” among top trends for the year. There is a continued and increasing popularity in shower upgrades. This includes expanding shower sizes. Two-person showers are preferred, as well as shower seats, multiple showerheads and zero-entry showers for ageless accessibility. But walk-in showers do not just have a functional focus. Experts point to design elements like sources of natural light, accent lighting and visually stunning wall tiles that create an eye-catching shower when paired with the popular glass shower enclosure.
Removing oversize tubs
While modern standalone tubs have been trending for several years, some people are requesting the removal of their unused large built-in tubs and reclaiming that space. That area is now being repurposed for other trending bath design elements, such as expanded showers or bathroom linen closets. Removing a tub can also open a floor plan to create a bathroom that feels less crowded and more serene.
Spa inspiration
There is a shifting mindset when it comes to bathroom design. Instead of seeing bathrooms as strictly task-focused, consider them as spaces for relaxing and taking care of your body. This can help heal a sore body when you have flu, or it can even help with sore muscles.
Although showers are trending in favour of tubs, generally, the 2023 bathroom design is all about personalisation, which means a rainfall shower for some or a soaking tub for others, or both.
Steam showers are increasingly becoming a popular solution, often including a bench or seating to encourage relaxation.
Natural and dimmable lighting, and incorporating more greenery, are similar spa-inspired trends.
Altering the floor plan and creating separate spaces, like partitioning off the toilet for more privacy, is another way to get a spa-like bathing experience.
Wood vanities
Painted finishes, especially white, have been the dominant choice for bathroom vanities of all shapes and sizes for years. However, expect to see a lot more natural wood on bathroom vanities and cabinets. Cane and wood-pattern inserts were also added to the vanity styles for the first time this year. This increasing appeal of wood complements the rapid rise of modern organic style and warm colours that we have seen in the last two years.
Decorating with wellness and sustainability in mind
Sustainability trends will continue in the bathroom, with the most popular areas being energy-efficient lighting, floor heating, paints and stains. Upgrades like automatic bath ventilation and tankless energy-efficient water heaters will continue to be part of bathroom updates this year.
A driving trend behind these choices is a desire for the more sustainable and environmentally conscious use of water, electricity and other natural resources.
Bathroom accents that pop
Although spa-worthy spaces might be this year’s biggest bathroom trend, the aesthetic does not have to be entirely subdued. After a series of serene and calm environments that we gravitated to due to the pandemic, we are now looking for fun and bold patterns to add texture and colour to our space. Many homeowners will incorporate geometric shapes and punches of colour in the bathroom, as well as jewellery-inspired textures, to accent the abundant neutrals and darker shades that will be decorating the home. There will also be mud cloth prints, through textiles, cabinet hardware, tile, lighting or mirrors. – bhg.com
