There are very few elements in a bathroom, so to create a luxurious retreat, attention should be given to sanitary ware, taps, flooring, walls and vanities.
Unlike most other rooms of a house, freestanding furniture and accessories only play a small part in a bathroom.
Since most items in a bathroom are fixtures, changing the look is costly, so it’s best to go for the most luxurious fixtures that you can afford.
Bathroom trends change gradually over years, so for longevity, opt for a style that is on its way in and not out.
1. Organic is back
Eurotrend’s cascading Water Fall Spout
Image: Euro trend
The allure of nature is back and with it the revival of natural stone, wood and plants. Contemporary wood is natural, medium coloured or grey washed.
Marble cladding is also back for luxe living. Mixers that imitate a cascading waterfall are part of the trend to return to nature. For the same reason rain shower roses are still a popular choice. Organic touches give a white bathroom a cosier feel.
2. Hidden bathroom
Style your bathroom like a living room, conceal bath products behind seamless vanity doors with hidden handles. A signature side table next to a contemporary bath with a carefully chosen pot plant will result in a calming bathing experience.
This look is ideal for en-suite bathrooms.
Continuity is the buzz word for minimalism – use the same tiles for the floors and walls and forget about old fashioned borders or shower strips.
3. Rose gold and brass
Contemporary rose gold, brass or copper accessories and even mixers have made its way into the bathroom. The neo metallic look has clean lines and is uber contemporary – definitely not Victorian bathroom style. Metallic accents counterbalance minimalist and organic elements in the bathroom.
4. Matte black
Image: Oxo bathrooms
Matt black is everywhere to be seen on the décor front. It is elegant, earthy and luxurious all at the same time. For the brave there are matte black taps on the market and even artsy basins.
Freestanding baths with matte black exteriors add smouldering appeal to a bathroom. For instant drama, add a black side table and vase to an otherwise white bathroom.
5. Pattern repeat
For a burst of character and colour, patterned tiles are the answer. It works best paired with simplicity.
There are various patterned tiles available from all major tile shops, but a personal favourite are the comeback of Encaustic cement tiles, also known as Victorian, Moroccan, French or hydraulic tiles.
Geometric, retro and 3D patterns are more contemporary than floral designs. Black and white, cream and grey, blues and greens are popular colours for the revival of these 1960s favourites.