Now's the time to examine the big bathroom trends for next year if you're starting a bathroom project in 2022, after all, you'll want to make sure your design stays ahead of the bandwagon.
The latest bathroom trends are a bit of a departure for bathroom design, with new and interesting colours, textures and styles entering this once simple and practical space, meaning you can be more expressive in your scheme than ever before.
We asked the bathroom experts to walk us through exactly what some of the hottest trends in bathroom design are for 2022 to inspire your project. Here's 15 of the best.
Should I be Following Bathroom Trends?
If you're worried about committing to bathroom trends and your interior design aging quickly, it's worth considering that most bathroom trends don't tend to be such a flash in the pan as in other rooms in the house. Regardless, it's impossible to make a decision informed by your personal likes and dislikes without considering trends.
Even what would now be classified as classic bathroom design or a 'safe choice' for the bathroom, think white metro tiles and grey grout as one example, were once not in vogue, however, some trends have more staying power than others.
1. Green in the Bathroom
While each year the big players in colour forecasting such as paint brand Dulux and colour experts Pantone make predictions about the shades that are set to define the coming year, the reality of the colours that resonate over that time can be very different.
While Blue Skies, a soft blue, is Dulux's choice for 2022 and Very Peri, a periwinkle-indigo blue, has been chosen by Pantone, it's actually searches for sage and forest green that have boomed over the last year, up some 23%.
Green is a great choice for a bathroom too, especially in these warmer toned varieties. The colour looks great against brass and copper finishes, and leans in to creating a natural connection in a bathroom space.
Introducing colour into a bathroom is easier than ever too, with many new fixtures and fittings being produced in colourful finishes.
2. Open Showers
Is 2022 the end of the freestanding tub trend? Probably not, but there's certainly a trend towards a certain type of shower, according to bathroom retailers.
“More people are choosing to go for walk-in showers and wetrooms over baths, while also moving away from smaller cubicles to much bigger and larger enclosures," says Paul Wells, Showroom Manager & 3D Bathroom Designer at Sanctuary Bathrooms (opens in new tab).
Think about the benefits of walk in shower ideas and wet rooms or wet floor bathrooms — they're a great way of maximising the space that you have available, as well as proving more accessible, futureproofing your home.
Open showers also mean that you don't need a door on your shower enclosure, freeing up extra room where you'd need to consider the swing of the enclosure door and making the shower enclosure feel more spacious. Open showers are a great choice for a small bathroom.
3. Statement Stone Finishes
Large expanses of marble and other stone are a trend shortcut to a luxe look, however, using real stone can be prohibitively expensive, even for the biggest of budgets.
"From marble-effect to onyx-effect, this season wonderful stone effect patterns make their mark in the world of tiles," says Grazzie Wilson, Creative Lead at Ca’ Pietra (opens in new tab). "As stone effect tiles typically come in materials including porcelain and ceramic, it makes them more affordable than the real deal."
Marble-effect tiles often come in both large and small formats, ensuring that you can execute almost any bathroom tile idea with ease.
4. Creative Bathroom Lighting
Decorative bathroom lighting is nothing new, but in 2022 you can expect to see even more ornate and interesting bathroom lighting ideas hit the market, where once bathroom lighting was mostly perfunctory.
These new designs, which will require a higher IP rating depending on where they're used in bathroom, give you a greater range to explore when creating a lighting design for your bathroom. Mixing different types of lighting and creating a more sophisticated lighting scheme should be high on your agenda for your 2022 bathroom project.
5. Coloured Ceramics for Baths and Basins
“Coloured ceramic is one trend I see returning with a vengeance," says David Garner, a Retail and E-Commerce Manager from Villeroy & Boch. "Maybe not avocado green or whisper pink which were so popular in the 80s and 90s but we are already starting to see a large demand for statement coloured ceramic basins and even WCs."
This mirrors a wider trend for bolder interiors in bathrooms, focusing on brighter, more colourful spaces where bathrooms have long been sterile white boxes. But will these styles of bathrooms age well?
If your concerned about the longevity of a bathroom with coloured ceramics, choose one bolder statement piece rather than the whole suite. Statement basins will add wow-factor without overwhelming the space, and if you get tired of them years down the line, they're relatively easy and inexpensive to replace.
6. Wellbeing and Biophilic Design
Wellness has become a hugely important trend for the home, both in terms of physical and mental wellness. Unsurprising really, after the events of the last few years.
“There was certainly a surge in homeowners and designers creating spaces that became a place to escape to after a day of working from home or homeschooling," says Emma Joyce, Brand Manager EMEAA at House of Rohl. "With so many people still working from home and a greater appreciation for the little things in life, the requirement for a place of calm and respite in the home has not dwindled."
For the bathroom, this has meant creating a space that goes beyond perfunctory use to becoming a space in which you can spend time and unwind.
Biophilic design is one way in which this can be approached — a design ethos that relies on the health benefits stimulated by an exposure to nature that can be adapted into home, and bathroom, design.
7. Steam Rooms and Spa Bathrooms
Taking the idea of home wellness to a new level, creating a bathroom design with extras you'd expect in hotel or spa bathrooms is a huge trend. Steam rooms and saunas are becoming much more common options in large homes with the space to accommodate them, allowing homeowners to use these as part of their everyday routines.
“With so many added extras such as in-built Bluetooth speakers, heated seating and exquisite finishes, it allows you to have your own home spa,” says Nicola Whyte, KI Bathroom Interiors (opens in new tab) designer.
8. Fluted Features
Fluted designs have been kicking around interior design for the past year, but you'll see it appear much more in bathroom design in 2022 as designers and brands launch new fluted products.
While fluted bathroom furniture is relatively easy to find, new fluted basins and tiles are a big trend for the coming year. Fluted finishes are also popular wall panelling ideas which can be adapted for use in a contemporary bathroom too.
9. Terracotta Bathrooms
When it comes to choosing natural-inspired colours for a bathroom design, we tend to go towards blues and greens, but there's a range of more earthy tones that are becoming big bathroom trends too.
As well as taupes, beiges and browns, terracotta is one of the biggest trending ideas for the bathroom right now, both the colour and the material.
“Similar to green, terracotta encourages positive energy in the home and is an up-and-coming shade for 2022," says Rikki Fothergill of the Big Bathroom Shop (opens in new tab). "When it comes to using terracotta in your bathroom, think of a Mediterranean villa and use cement tiles or even choose a soft apricot shade for accessorising with towels and bathmats."
10. Mixing Modern and Period Styles
Traditional bathroom styles are perennially popular, but there are certain ways to create a classic look without falling into pastiche. Giving a contemporary twist with colour selections, while honouring the shakes of a traditional bathroom suite is one way to get it right.
“This trend is about how you successfully combine the two styles. Consumers are more informed in what they love and want and are also willing to take more risks when it comes to their bathroom design, to create something truly unique,” says Darren Allison, Marketing Manager at BC Designs (opens in new tab).
“The secret to making it work is in the mix. Just remember, opposites attract! Traditional bath with modern and sleek faucet. Period faucets with a modern shaped sink.”
11. Wallpapered Bathrooms
Wallpaper might have been an odd choice for a bathroom 10 years ago, but with modern vinyl wall covering ideas now widely available, wallpaper in a bathroom is a common sight.
“Vinyl wallpaper is best to use in a bathroom due to its resistance to moisture and humidity. If decorating a large space, go for a large-scale print or pattern. For a smaller space, choose a singular wall or the corner of a room to give the illusion of a bigger bathroom.” says Rikki Fothergill.
However, if you want to use traditional wallpaper, it's still possible, you'll just need to consider placement. Avoid areas where it will be in direct contact with water and make sure your bathroom has plenty of ventilation.
12. Microcement and Polished Plaster
While maximalist bathrooms are a huge trend in interior design, on the other end of the spectrum, more minimalist spaces are also trending.
One of the biggest up and coming trends for these minimalist spaces is microcement or polished plaster walls — a specialist process which creates a waterproof bathroom wall without relying on tiles or shower panels, creating a stripped back room design.
The way that these finishes are applied also creates a desirable texture on the walls, and it can also be used for furniture and floors too.
13. Arches
The big shape trend in 2022? Arches — and there's loads of clever ways to use them in your bathroom.
You could look for a shower screen in a statement arch shape, like this one from Villeroy & Boch, or opt for a simple arched mirror to bring this to your space. If you're remodelling your bathroom, why not include a recessed arch alcove in your design? This is a great way to frame an area like around the bath and create more of a feature of a plain wall.
14. Modern Mosaics
Small square mosaic tiles had a real moment some 10 or 20 years ago, but since then, this style of tile has largely fallen out of favour. However, this year, we can expect to see more mosaic tiles come to the forefront, reflecting new trends in tiles.
This Iggy mosaic tile (opens in new tab) from Mandarin Stone is a perfect example of a modern mosaic tile, incorporating trends for shape and irregular, handmade finishes for a mosaic that adds bundles of charm and character to your space.
Plus, mosaic tiles are super simple to install, even around tricky areas, making them a good candidate for bathroom DIY — something that's become more popular as we've been in and out of lockdown over the past few years.
15. Split Level Bathrooms
In looking to create a more interesting bathroom scheme, alternative layout ideas are coming to the forefront, including this bathroom design idea for split levels.
Adding platforms into your scheme is both a way to create a layout that naturally zones different areas, but in a bathroom, these raised floor platforms can also be used to hide pipes and other bathroom infrastructure.
While freestanding baths have been the big trends over the last few years, there's a move back towards fitted bathtubs, especially in designs like this which incorporate them into the floor, creating more of a design feature out of these practical baths.
Hugh Metcalf
Hugh is Digital Editor ofhomebuilding.co.ukand has worked on a range of home, design and property magazines, including Grand Designs, Essential Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Good Homes. Hugh has developed a passion for modern architecture and green homes, and moonlights as an interior designer, having designed and managed projects ranging from single rooms to whole house renovations and large extensions. He's currently renovating a Victorian terrace in Essex, DIYing as much of the work as possible. His current project is a kitchen renovation which involves knocking through walls and landscaping a courtyard garden.
FAQs
What are the 2022 bathroom trends? ›
Natural And Spa-like Surfaces, Combined
Perhaps the biggest bathroom trend you can expect to see in 2022 is an emphasis on serene, smooth surfaces and understated, organic materials. Think: large slabs of monochromatic stone, matte black fixtures and light oak-wood surfaces that are naturally elegant.
Expect to see a lot more of green hues in 2022. Pastels, tinted shades, emerald, green, sage greens and more. Green is a brilliant way to refresh a bathroom without overpowering, additionally it's really nice hue to introduce that can encourage positive wellbeing. Bringing you back to nature with pops of colour.
Are GREY bathrooms out of style? ›Are grey bathrooms still in style? Grey bathrooms, as with any grey room, are always going to be in style. Trends for bolder colors and decorating with pastels will come and go and while these colors can be fun to experiment with, if you are after a design that has longevity, grey is a safe choice.
What are the 2022 color fixtures? ›The most popular trend in home design in 2022 is switching over to matte black fixtures and finishes in the kitchen to distinguish and add personality to the space. Adding black to the features in any room is nearly always appropriate, especially when utilized as an understated finish or accent.
What is the most relaxing color for a bathroom? ›- Charcoal and White. Dark and light colors contrasting each other is always an interesting color combination for bathrooms. ...
- Beige Chocolate and Cream. ...
- Navy Blue and Silver. ...
- White and Lavender. ...
- Pewter and Ivory.
Traditionally, white has been the most popular bathroom vanity color for years. It never really goes out of style, and there are many different kinds of white, not just “paper” white. Because it's been so popular for so long, there is always the danger of overusing it.
What is a good neutral color for a bathroom? ›Neutral colors, such as crisp white, soft cream, cloudy gray, and many shades of beige, create a bathroom that is clean and calm. To avoid creating a look that falls flat, layer various shades of the same hue throughout the room through the flooring, vanity, shower curtain, and accent pieces.
What color to paint a small bathroom to make it look bigger? ›1. Coordinate the Colors. So what colors make a bathroom look bigger? According to basic design principles, light colors such as white, crème, pastel blue, gray or yellow will visually expand a room, while dark colors such as a deep red, green or brown, will make a room feel smaller.
What color vanity is best for a small bathroom? ›According to Bailey Carson, Home Care Expert at Angi, soothing colors are the way to go in a small bathroom. This means shades of blue, gray, and white offer a neutral palette and reflect as much light as possible to keep the room feeling open.
Do bedroom and bathroom colors have to match? ›What is this? Bedroom and bathroom décor do not HAVE to match, but by choosing a cohesive color scheme, using similar material finishes, uniting your accessories, and aligning the themes you can create a pleasing complementary ambiance that extends throughout both spaces.
Is tile on bathroom walls outdated? ›
No, it doesn't have to be. Traditionally, tiles are used in wet areas of a bathroom (around the bath and within the shower enclosure) as a means to waterproof walls but there are now alternative materials to add a decorative, waterproofing to bathroom walls.
Is pink tile coming back? ›Today pink bathroom tiles, in particular, are making a comeback—but not in the typical way they were used in 1940s and '50s spaces.
Is Chrome Coming Back in Style 2022? ›Interior Design Trend: Chrome
Some mixed metals and others full-on embraced the silver shine. From coffee tables to dining tables to shelving to vases and other accessories. If you want to add a touch of trending decor in 2022, I highly suggest sprinkling in a couple of chrome pieces in your space.
Shiny chrome is the most popular bath finish and comes with an affordable price tag. Nickel has a warmer tone and a more exclusive pedigree. Stainless steel, still the leading metal in the kitchen, looks indulgent in the bath, too.
What is the best finish for faucets? ›Brass. Solid brass finishes are the most expensive but are considered to be the best faucet finishes. They are extremely durable, and they barely corrode, like other metals do.
Is subway tile out of style 2022? ›Clean and straight lines and neutral color schemes which are the backbones of a modern style for kitchen backsplashes stand out in 2022 trends. You can use classic subway tiles in a stacked layout to give a more modernized vibe. Geometrical tiles like hexagons or triangles are also perfect to create a modern appeal!
Is it better to have vanity lights up or down? ›You need both ambient and task lighting in the bathroom. Vanity lights mounted with shades pointed up provide ambient light, and those with shades pointed down provide task light.
Is grey a good color for a bathroom? ›Gray bathroom ideas are a popular choice for a modern bathroom, and it is easy to see why. Gray is the new neutral and there's a shade to suit every style of bathroom, be it contemporary or classic.
What is the trend for bathtubs? ›One of the best modern tub styles is a freestanding asymmetrical soaking tub which adds an artistic focal point and clean, simple lines to your modern bathroom design. House and Home agrees that the asymmetrical bathtub is a top 2021 bathroom trend.
What is the best color for a bathroom floor? ›Light and cool toned shades, especially white and grays, and other light neutrals. Neutral colors, especially light ones are the most popular. Bathrooms tend to be smaller than other rooms in the house (and often have fewer windows), so going lighter tends to work better. Lighter colors make the space look larger.
What wall color goes with beige tile? ›
Neutral colors like white and gray go well with beige tiles and will not darken the room. White and grey have both warm and cool variants, so no matter the color temperature of your tile, you'll be able to find something that matches.
Should cabinets be lighter or darker than walls? ›There are no strict rules as to whether painted kitchen cabinets should be lighter or darker than the walls, essentially it comes down to personal preference and the look you're trying to achieve.
Should bathroom cabinets be darker than walls? ›Normally, the cabinets in your bathroom must be darker than the color of your walls.
What is better for bathroom quartz or granite? ›Quartz is a better choice than marble or granite for a bathroom vanity countertop. Since quartz is engineered and not a natural stone slab like marble or granite, it's less expensive and more eco-friendly. Unlike marble or granite, quartz is nonporous, making it less susceptible to bacteria and more durable.
What color is best for bedroom? ›- Blue. Blue is perhaps the best color for your bedroom. ...
- Green. Green can be reminiscent of nature, which may put you in a relaxing mood. ...
- Yellow. ...
- Others. ...
- Avoid glossy paint.
In a bedroom or nursery, the accent wall will be the wall with the bed or crib and in a bathroom it will be behind the vanity or directly behind the bath tub or even in the shower.
Do all bathrooms in a house need to match? ›There's no rule that every bathroom in your home has to be the same color or be decorated in the same style. However, if you like a similar style throughout, it's probably a classic style that will be beautiful in any bathroom.
What flooring makes a bathroom look bigger? ›Horizontal floor tiles are successful in making the room look less cramped, and making your small bathroom appear that much larger.
Should bathroom floors be light or dark? ›Make the Bathroom Feel Smaller: The dark bathroom tiles anchor the floor, making the space appear smaller. To avoid this feeling, we recommend using light-coloured tiles for the floor with dark-coloured tiles for the walls or vice-versa. This contrast will create a horizon that will make the room appear larger.
What is the best paint for a bathroom? ›The best type of paint for bathrooms is a satin, semi-gloss, or glossy finish with a mildew-resistant additive. Ideally, your chosen paint should last a while. However, if you're set on a flat or matte finish, there are options for you too. Don't forget to clean and prime walls before painting for the best results.
What is the best paint for bathroom cabinets? ›
The most popular options for bathroom cabinets are acrylic enamel paint and alkyd paint. Acrylic, or water-based, paints are low-fume and clean up easily with water. Alkyd, or oil-based, paints require good ventilation because the paint contains solvents that can irritate your lungs and make you feel sick.
What should match in a bathroom? ›The cabinet fixtures and hardware in a bathroom do not have to match the faucets. Matching all the hardware to each other is the safest way to make sure the fixtures look cohesive. But since it's your home, go with whatever you like!
Does tub and toilet have to match? ›Having a bathtub that matches the other elements in your bathroom, such as the toilet and sink, depends entirely on your preferences. Although it's common for the bathtub to match the toilet and sink in most bathrooms, this is not a firm rule.
Should master bedroom and master bathroom be the same color? ›However, you don't have to paint both rooms the same color. Because master bedrooms are larger than master bathrooms and usually have more furniture, linens and decorative accessories, it's best to choose a color for your bedroom before you finalize your bathroom color.
What size tile looks best in a small bathroom? ›While some bathrooms can look great with large and small tiles, your best bet to enlarge a small bathroom is to opt for a medium-sized tile, no larger than 1' x 1'. The best way to decide what size tile will work in your space is to bring home samples prior to tile installation in Flint, MI.
What tile pattern is best for small bathroom? ›Do Set Tiles in a Diagonal Pattern. Here's another optical illusion that can work in your favor: Tiles set in a diagonal pattern across the floor can help a small bathroom be perceived as larger than its actual size. This layout places emphasis on the length and width simultaneously.
Why are old bathrooms pink? ›Inspired by former first lady Mamie Eisenhower, who adored pink, the bathrooms were built by the millions in the 1950s and 1960s. They found their way into the ranches, Capes and split-levels that sprouted across the nation in the postwar boom years.
Are retro bathrooms back in style? ›Even though white minimalism remains the norm, retro trends are making a serious comeback in modern bathroom designs, with homeowners incorporating pops of color, classic fixtures, and patterned surfaces.
How do you spruce up a pink bathroom? ›“Adding some black decor or black and white art or a black ladder with white towels hanging from it will ground all the pink color scheme and keep things looking classic and clean and simple, which is what bathrooms should be — more calming and spa-like,” Bell says.
What is the most popular finish for bathroom fixtures 2022? ›#1 Most Sought-After Finish in 2022: Matte Black
Adding black to the features in any room is nearly always appropriate, especially when utilized as an understated finish or accent. Matte black makes a strong statement on its own while also complementing nearly any color scheme.
Are white cabinets going out of style 2022? ›
The short answer to this question we've been hearing a lot recently is: “Absolutely not! White kitchens are here to stay…in 2022 and beyond.” The simple truth is, the best white kitchens never go out of style.
What trend is replacing farmhouse? ›Cottagecore. The new hot style that is on the rise is Cottagecore. According to an article published on realtor.com, “While slightly similar, this trend is replacing the popular modern farmhouse trend, which may be on its way out, according to designers.
Is Chrome Coming Back in Style 2022? ›Interior Design Trend: Chrome
Some mixed metals and others full-on embraced the silver shine. From coffee tables to dining tables to shelving to vases and other accessories. If you want to add a touch of trending decor in 2022, I highly suggest sprinkling in a couple of chrome pieces in your space.
Sculptural all-in-one handbasins, burnished bronze tapware and large-format tiles define this bathroom by Davinia Sutton.
Are pink bathrooms coming back? ›While homeowners like Wheelock and Rodimer are keeping the pink now, buyers often demolished the bathrooms in the 1970s to adapt to new trends. But the rooms are experiencing a renaissance thanks to new homebuyers who are drawn to midcentury styles in architecture and design.
Are white cabinets going out of style 2022? ›The short answer to this question we've been hearing a lot recently is: “Absolutely not! White kitchens are here to stay…in 2022 and beyond.” The simple truth is, the best white kitchens never go out of style.
What trend is replacing farmhouse? ›Cottagecore. The new hot style that is on the rise is Cottagecore. According to an article published on realtor.com, “While slightly similar, this trend is replacing the popular modern farmhouse trend, which may be on its way out, according to designers.
Is brown furniture coming back 2022? ›It's on our radar as one of the top trends for 2022, and we're seeing brown home decor pop up all over our social media feeds. This rich neutral brings a sense of warmth and familiarity at a time when we'll take all the comfort we can get.
Are Coloured bathrooms coming back? ›Coloured baths and basins are coming back for bathroom trends, but in bolder shades than 1970s avocado, adding a sense of drama and luxury. 'What's set to turn our heads is the emergence of blue sanitaryware as a cool alternative to white,' says CP Hart (opens in new tab)'s Rachel Martin.
How do you make an avocado bathroom look good? ›The You Magazine website recommends that you use browns and neutrals to complement your avocado green toilet, tub and sink and create a soothing earth-tone palette. Paint the walls beige or mocha and, if possible, paint cabinetry a deep shade of brown.
Are garden tubs still popular? ›
Some bathroom design styles stand the test of time – but the garden tub isn't one of them. Once the sign of an upscale master bathroom, now the garden tub is outdated and no longer trendy.
What colors go with pink bathroom walls? ›Blues, in general, look good with pink. Green mint, pale yellow and turquoise also all provide a lovely accent to pink. Keep in mind that you can combine these color schemes if you want. Use neutrals for the larger surfaces, like cabinets and walls, and then brighter colors for accessories to accent the space.
What color goes with pink for a bathroom? ›What color goes with pink in a bathroom? You can either play it safe and stick with neutral colors such as whites, beiges, and grays, or you can enhance the vintage look that pink brings and choose bold colors, such as turquoise, that are more on the retro side.
What Colour goes with a pink bath? ›Pink bathroom tiles are seen paired with soft shades of green, to create a delicious pastel colour palette – to create a serene and relaxing scheme. Pale pinks contrast beautifully against darker shades of black and navy blue, softening the look of light and dark.
What is the most popular bathroom vanity color? ›Traditionally, white has been the most popular bathroom vanity color for years. It never really goes out of style, and there are many different kinds of white, not just “paper” white. Because it's been so popular for so long, there is always the danger of overusing it.
What is the most popular finish for bathroom fixtures 2021? ›Chrome is arguably the most common and most popular finish found in most bathrooms. Apart from the fact that it works well with all home styles, it is also inexpensive and easy to maintain. It's also durable and easy to find and match with accessories and other fixtures.
Do bathtubs add value to a home? ›Does adding a bathtub to your home increase your resale value? The short answer is yes, with many US homeowners recouping around 60% of their investment from having a bathtub installed in their home.