BATHROOM TRENDS

From feature tubs to brass taps and lush greenery, combining the latest trends and timeless styling tips will transform your bathroom into a bathing sanctuary worthy of a day spa.

Feature Tubs
The freestanding bathtub has gained popularity in recent years, epitomising the changing nature of bathrooms as a space for relaxation and escape from our daily routines. Free-standing tubs work not only as a luxurious space to relax but are a sculptural design feature that brings a striking look to your bathroom. In terms of materials, there’s a movement away from acrylic material to natural products such as volcanic limestone or fine pressed steel. Technology wise, leading European manufacturers including Bette, Kaldewei, Duravit and Villeroy & Boch, have developed sophisticated air and champagne bubble systems, taking the ‘wellness at home’ experience to a whole new level.

Showers
Dual shower-heads, shower rooms, cascading waterfalls and jets of water from the walls – nothing says luxury more than a shower with special water features. Rain shower heads will continue to be popular due to their luxurious aesthetic appeal and the soft cascading waterfall sensation. If you have some extra space to play with you can make your shower space a room in itself, or add a small sauna. After all, it’s a space you use every day, so why not make it
extra special?

Tiles and Bathroom Finishes
Driven by the throwback to mid-century design which continues to influence interior design in Australia, retro, geometric and herringbone tiles are surging in popularity and can be seen everywhere from top luxury hotels to hip restaurants.

Concrete feature walls in bathrooms are also on the rise, and are excellent for adding an industrial flair to any room in the home. Paired with a patterned floor or natural timber elements, a concrete wall finishing will add interest to the space.

Another definitive emerging preference is for large format tiling. Ranging from 600mm x 600mm to enormous slabs as a big as 3m x 1.5m, the extremely large format tile creates a sense of spaciousness and the seamless finish achieves minimal grout lines giving added benefits of less grout cleaning and maintenance.

Taps and Fixtures
Matt black fixtures and fittings will still be going strong into 2017 and 18 with no signs of slowing down. While black tapware has been around for some time now, its place in the market has solidified into a top-ticket bathroom must have. Brass tapware is a slightly newer trend that has been sneaking in. Brass has been celebrated by interior designers as it produces stunning results with much versatility in styling. Closely following behind brass is rose gold. Previously known for its shiny finish, the new rose gold or copper finish is available brushed or burnished which offers a lovely matte finish that looks just as beautiful as brass. Copper offers a bold look that brings a sense of warmth to a bathroom.

Greenery
Indoor plants are having a moment. The mega-trend for inviting nature inside extends to the bathroom as well – from mini- succulent families, orchids, terrariums and plants under glass cloches, to showy palms and figs – has also hit bathrooms. Matched to your decor, natural greenery is a contrast to cool tiles and ceramic fixtures, working exceptionally well against a darker background to lift the space and bringing an exotic spa ambiance.

*This article originally appeared in The Listing Magazine.