Our year is starting off with a whole new house renovation, with three different bathroom designs! Bathrooms are one of my favorite spaces to design (second only to kids rooms) so naturally, I’ve spent countless hours gathering ideas and inspiration. Keep reading to discover my top ten bathroom trends designers are loving this year.
PinI’m not sharing this list to convince you to follow the trends—but rather to share my observations as a designer. It’s fun to discover new ideas, recognize patterns in the design world, and anticipate what’s ahead.
The overarching theme across these design trends is a shift towards timeless, classic design and a desire to use natural, raw materials that won’t look dated in a few years.While these trends are popular right now, they’re actually all timeless on their own. It’s not the materials you use, but how you use them that makes them trendy or timeless.
Jump to:
1. Moody Marble
Step aside zellige tile, veiny marble is the new go-to material for bathrooms. From shower walls to countertops, trim and sinks—every surface is fair game.
PinYou can’t open Instagram or Pinterest without seeing in your feed, and in nearly every designer’s work. This natural stone exudes luxury and elegance, but it also comes at a cost—both in price and upkeep.
PinAlthough there’s been a recent surge in popularity, this timeless material has been around for thousands of years. If it was good enough to use in the Taj Mahal, Buckingham Palace and the Pantheon—rest assured, it’s a safe choice for your bathroom.
PinIf you’re worried about it looking dated in a few years, go with a more subtle veining and neutral color, or limit its use to just one surface.
Pin2. Checkerboard Tile
You may have noticed checkerboard tile floors everywhere in the last couple years, and it’s one of the undisputed design trends of 2024.
PinWe can attribute it’s popularity to a variety of factors, including its timeless aesthetic, versatility, visual interest, and mix of traditional and modern appeal.
PinWhile checkerboard is a traditional pattern, there are many ways to make it unique and fun—like grouping multiple small tiles together, or experimenting with different materials and colors.
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PinThis versatility allows homeowners and designers to customize the look to match different preferences and bathroom styles. I plan on using checkered travertine in the backyard at the new house, and can’t wait to share more!
Pin3. Stone Floors
Stone floors are another historic feature that many designers are leaning into this year.We’re seeing a lot of limestone, flagstone, travertine, slate and porcelain tile made to look like natural stone.
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PinApart from their timeless appeal, stone floors are durable, water resistant, and typically low maintenance. There are also many options when it comes to material, color, shape and size.
PinYou can lay them in traditional patterns such as brick, cobblestone or diagonal, or get more creative with basketweave, checkerboard and other unique variations. I’ve got my eye on these for our next primary bathroom project!
Pin4. Statement Sinks
From rustic stone troughs to antique marble vessels, designers are using sinks as focal points in bathrooms more than ever.
PinWhile often found in powder or guest bathrooms where counter space isn’t as critical, there are many ways to combine eye-catching materials or shapes with practical every-day use.
PinThese vessels can be a work of art, and an opportunity to stand out with one-of-a-kind designs that tell a story.
PinYou’ll often find sinks integrated into the countertop or even backsplash, as one seamless focal point (as shown below).
Pin5. Rich Reds
If the “moody, warm, traditional and unexpected” trends were encapsulated in a color, it would be called dark red.
PinWith safe and predictable neutrals so prevalent in recent years, designers are seeking more personality, more drama, and taking more risks with color.
PinRed is certainly a polarizing shade in the design world, but there are ways to apply it tastefully. To avoid looking like a fast food restaurant, opt for a deep red with a neutral brown base, like Drew chose for this vanity below.
PinWant to try it but afraid to commit? Instead of permanent features like tile, consider introducing it as an accent—accessories, artwork, vanity or walls that can easily be repainted over later.
Pin6. Wood Tones
In today’s design landscape, there’s a heightened desire for character and warmth in living spaces, and nothing accomplishes this better than real wood.
PinI think part of the resurgence is a direct response to the prevailing “trends” of the past decade (thanks, HGTV and house flippers). You know—the cold and stark white, gray and black rooms devoid of any depth or personality.
PinWIth a desire for moodier spaces, we’ve also seen darker wood tones become more popular—another reaction to the whitewashed wood that has reigned supreme in recent years.
PinOne of my design rules is to incorporate wood into every room, and bathrooms are no exception.Can’t find a good place to add wood? There are a few convincing wood-look tile options, like this ribbed tile I used in the Hacienda Hideaway. It’s stunning in person and creates a spa-like feel without the upkeep of raw wood.
Pin7. Plaster + Limewashed Walls
One of the oldest building materials on record, plaster walls have been the worldwide standard since 7500BC. Today’s modern take can be achieved with a variety of finishes designed to produce the same old world, ethereal look.
PinNo, we’re not talking about the sponge painted tuscan walls from the 90’s. Current plaster wall alternatives have a more subtle and organic appearance, creating movement and understated elegance. They’re typically made with natural materials like venetian plaster, limewash, roman clay, tadelakt, and microcement.
PinSome of these techniques can be used on shower walls and floors, countertops and tubs. The appearance can range from rough and textured, to smooth and reflective. They can be tinted to any desired color, with either slight or dramatic variation.
PinAs demand increases, more products are becoming available to homeowners and DIYers (check out my DIY limewash, venetian plaster and microcement tutorials!) These coatings are become a popular choice thanks to their affordability, and high-end aesthetic. If a minimalist, old world or luxury spa is the vibe you’re after, consider one of these wall treatments for your bathroom.
Pin8. Framed shower enclosures
Shower enclosures have come a long way from the thick, yellow brass door frames from our childhood. Modern day designs feel sophisticated, unexpected and custom.
PinFrom simple fixed panel frames to intricate window grids reminiscent of a greenhouse, this trend can be incorporated into any shape or size shower. While normally this would require a custom shower glass installer, there are creative ways to DIY it (like Coco & Jack did below).
PinAged brass appears to be the most popular metal choice at the moment, but white or even painted/powdercoated grids are an interesting option.
Pin
PinPersonally, I’m excited to see an alternative to the predictable frameless shower doors that have prevailed for so long.
Pin9. Arches and Curves
This one is near and dear to my heart, as we added arched doorways and arched walls all throughout the Hacienda Hideaway.
PinArches are a timeless way to bring softness, elegance and movement to a room. This departure from sharp angles creates a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
PinIt’s difficult to label as a trend, as it has been used in design since the beginning of time. However, it has certainly become more popular in recent years. We’re seeing it everywhere from arched shower openings, doors and tub alcoves, to vanities and sinks.
PinBut you don’t have to tear out your door frame to incorporate curves into your bathroom—it could be as simple as rounding the corner of a countertop, or even hanging an arched mirror.
Pin10. Accent molding
In recent years, certain styles of molding have become hugely popular—fluted, reeded, tambour and scalloped profiles have made their way onto every surface.
PinThey’re a great way to add texture and interest to a plain wall or piece of furniture. Designers can create truly custom, one-of-a-kind pieces by incorporating these details in unexpected ways.
PinWhile vanities and walls are the most common application, we’re also seeing a lot of fluted and reeded stone accents.
PinThese small details go a long way to make a room feel elevated and thoughtful. Think of them as the icing on the cake—the finishing touch that makes the room memorable.
PinI hope you found this roundup interesting, informative or inspiring! I’ve certainly gathered a ton of ideas for our upcoming bathroom renovations, and will be incorporating several of these trends into the designs.
Do you have a favorite trend? Do you enjoy following them, or do you prefer to stay true to your own style? Let me know in the comments, and stay tuned for more laundry room updates soon!
PinLike this post? Check out these other design tips:
- 8 Clever Ways to Hide your Kitchen Outlets
- 10 Simple Ideas to Update your Kitchen Cabinets
- Kitchen Organization Ideas
- How to make Windows look Bigger
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in interior design and trends, I have a deep knowledge and understanding of various concepts related to bathroom design. I have been actively involved in the field for several years, continuously staying up-to-date with the latest trends and gathering inspiration from various sources. My expertise is demonstrated through my ability to identify patterns in the design world, anticipate upcoming trends, and provide insightful observations based on my firsthand experience.
In the following article, the author discusses the top ten bathroom trends that designers are loving in 2024. I will provide information related to each of these trends, highlighting key concepts and ideas mentioned in the article.
1. Moody Marble
Veiny marble has become the new go-to material for bathrooms, appearing on shower walls, countertops, trim, and sinks. Despite its recent surge in popularity, marble has been a timeless material used in prestigious structures such as the Taj Mahal and Buckingham Palace. To ensure its longevity and avoid a dated look, opt for subtle veining and neutral colors or limit its use to one surface.
2. Checkerboard Tile
Checkerboard tile floors have become a prominent design trend in 2024. This pattern offers a timeless aesthetic, versatility, visual interest, and a mix of traditional and modern appeal. Designers have found creative ways to make the pattern unique, such as grouping multiple small tiles together or experimenting with different materials and colors. The versatility of checkerboard tile allows homeowners and designers to customize the look to match different preferences and bathroom styles.
3. Stone Floors
Stone floors, including limestone, flagstone, travertine, slate, and porcelain tiles that resemble natural stone, are gaining popularity in bathroom design. These floors offer timeless appeal, durability, water resistance, and low maintenance. There are various options when it comes to material, color, shape, and size, allowing for traditional patterns or more creative variations like basketweave and checkerboard.
4. Statement Sinks
Designers are using sinks as focal points in bathrooms more than ever. Rustic stone troughs and antique marble vessels are popular choices for creating eye-catching designs that tell a story. These sinks can be integrated into the countertop or backsplash, creating a seamless focal point. While often found in powder or guest bathrooms, statement sinks can be combined with practical everyday use.
5. Rich Reds
Designers are seeking more personality and drama by incorporating rich reds into bathroom designs. To avoid an overwhelming look, it is recommended to choose deep red shades with a neutral brown base. If you're hesitant to commit to permanent features like tiles, consider introducing red as an accent through accessories, artwork, vanities, or walls that can easily be repainted later.
6. Wood Tones
There is a growing desire for character and warmth in living spaces, and real wood is an excellent way to achieve this. Darker wood tones have become more popular as a response to the prevailing trend of cold and stark white, gray, and black rooms. Incorporating wood into every room, including bathrooms, adds a touch of natural warmth. Wood-look tiles are also available as a low-maintenance alternative to raw wood.
7. Plaster + Limewashed Walls
Plaster walls, made with natural materials like venetian plaster, limewash, roman clay, tadelakt, and microcement, are making a comeback. These walls provide an old-world, ethereal look with subtle and organic appearances. Plaster techniques can be used on shower walls, floors, countertops, and tubs, offering a range of textures and finishes. With increasing demand, more products are becoming available to homeowners and DIYers, providing an affordable and high-end aesthetic.
8. Framed Shower Enclosures
Modern shower enclosures have evolved from thick, yellow brass door frames to sophisticated and custom designs. Fixed panel frames and intricate window grids are popular choices for incorporating this trend into any shower shape or size. Aged brass is a prevalent metal choice, but white or painted/powder-coated grids offer interesting alternatives to frameless shower doors.
9. Arches and Curves
Arches bring softness, elegance, and movement to a room, creating a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere. This timeless design element is being incorporated into various bathroom features, including shower openings, doors, tub alcoves, vanities, and sinks. Adding curves to the bathroom can be as simple as rounding the corner of a countertop or hanging an arched mirror.
10. Accent Molding
Certain styles of molding, such as fluted, reeded, tambour, and scalloped profiles, have gained popularity for adding texture and interest to plain walls or furniture. Designers can incorporate these details in unexpected ways to create custom and unique pieces. Fluted and reeded stone accents are also being used to elevate the overall aesthetic of a bathroom.
By being well-versed in these concepts and trends, I can provide valuable insights and advice when it comes to bathroom design. Whether it's selecting materials, choosing colors, or incorporating specific elements, I can assist in creating a bathroom that is both trendy and timeless.
