Top 9 Bathroom Furniture and Fixture Trends for 2019
Three design experts reveal the nine must-know looks in tubs, vanities and basins for 2019
Georgia Madden
16 May 2019
Is a bathroom reno on the cards for you this year? We’ve asked three bathroom design experts to share the top trends in fixtures, finishes and technology you need to know about for 2019. Prepare to create the fashionable bathing space of your dreams.
1. Curves
Forget sharp lines – soft profiles and voluptuous curves are where it’s at for bathroom furniture and fixtures in 2019, say the experts.
“As with fashion and interiors in general, the current focus is on the imperfect and handmade – pattern, texture, tactile elements, organic forms and curves in baths, basins and mirrors,” says Maria Roussos, principal at interior design firm schemes & spaces. “The same goes for tapware, which has moved away from angular edges to curves.”
Forget sharp lines – soft profiles and voluptuous curves are where it’s at for bathroom furniture and fixtures in 2019, say the experts.
“As with fashion and interiors in general, the current focus is on the imperfect and handmade – pattern, texture, tactile elements, organic forms and curves in baths, basins and mirrors,” says Maria Roussos, principal at interior design firm schemes & spaces. “The same goes for tapware, which has moved away from angular edges to curves.”
“The return of curves in bathroom furniture is inspired by Art Nouveau and modern Mediterranean styles,” says Kaety Thompson, co-founder and manager at Oliver Thom. “Curves in vanities and cabinetry mimic the arches popular in architecture and interiors right now.
“Contemporary toilets are also moving away from harsh, straight lines and becoming more fluid and soft in shape,” she says. “This helps them blend into the bathroom and makes them less of a focal point so basins and tapware can shine.”
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“Contemporary toilets are also moving away from harsh, straight lines and becoming more fluid and soft in shape,” she says. “This helps them blend into the bathroom and makes them less of a focal point so basins and tapware can shine.”
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2. Statement sinks
From cool concrete to the prettiest pastels, look-at-me basins are making waves in 2019. “We are being more adventurous with colour in bathrooms than ever – think hand-formed basins in muted shades of bush, mint, terracotta, often mixed with marble, concrete, timber and metallic elements,” says Roussos.
The secret to making this look work is to opt for a matt finish, she says; “non-reflective and organic finishes are key”.
From cool concrete to the prettiest pastels, look-at-me basins are making waves in 2019. “We are being more adventurous with colour in bathrooms than ever – think hand-formed basins in muted shades of bush, mint, terracotta, often mixed with marble, concrete, timber and metallic elements,” says Roussos.
The secret to making this look work is to opt for a matt finish, she says; “non-reflective and organic finishes are key”.
Image by Oliver Thom
Marble, terrazzo and metallics such as stainless steel, brass and copper are other basin materials to look out for in 2019, says Thompson.
Marble, terrazzo and metallics such as stainless steel, brass and copper are other basin materials to look out for in 2019, says Thompson.
3. Rimless toilets
Sick of trying to reach under that awkward toilet rim with your brush? If so, the new breed of rimless toilets is sure to appeal.
“Toilets are becoming more high-tech with rimless edges for easy cleaning,” says Roussos. “Think of it as ‘cleanovation’ – that meeting point between production innovation and hygiene-focused design,” says Daniela Santilli, Reece bathroom marketing lead. “You’ll find rimless, bacterial-minimising toilets from a variety of brands at different price points to suit every budget.” Also look out for water-saving vortex-flushing toilets, she says, which offer powerful flushing with minimal water usage.
Sick of trying to reach under that awkward toilet rim with your brush? If so, the new breed of rimless toilets is sure to appeal.
“Toilets are becoming more high-tech with rimless edges for easy cleaning,” says Roussos. “Think of it as ‘cleanovation’ – that meeting point between production innovation and hygiene-focused design,” says Daniela Santilli, Reece bathroom marketing lead. “You’ll find rimless, bacterial-minimising toilets from a variety of brands at different price points to suit every budget.” Also look out for water-saving vortex-flushing toilets, she says, which offer powerful flushing with minimal water usage.
“In keeping with the current focus on space-saving minimalist bathrooms, in-wall cisterns are another popular trend in toilet design,” says Santilli. “They’re streamlined and space-efficient – perfect for smaller bathrooms.”
4. Terrazzo
“Terrazzo is definitely the material of the moment and is being used in abundance on bathroom floors, walls, benchtops and basins,” says Thompson. “The great thing about terrazzo is that every piece is different – some pieces are full of colour and large stone pieces, and others are subtle and almost neutral.”
“Terrazzo is definitely the material of the moment and is being used in abundance on bathroom floors, walls, benchtops and basins,” says Thompson. “The great thing about terrazzo is that every piece is different – some pieces are full of colour and large stone pieces, and others are subtle and almost neutral.”
5. Organic lines
If you have the space, a striking freestanding bath is guaranteed to make a statement in your bathroom. This season’s styles have a looser and more asymmetrical feel compared with previous seasons’ styles.
“Rather than classic oval and symmetrical styles, we’re seeing organic forms and natural shapes coming through in baths,” says Thompson. “Tubs are also being specified in materials other than standard acrylic and steel enamel, such as solid surface and volcanic limestone, which creates a warm, textural feel.”
If you have the space, a striking freestanding bath is guaranteed to make a statement in your bathroom. This season’s styles have a looser and more asymmetrical feel compared with previous seasons’ styles.
“Rather than classic oval and symmetrical styles, we’re seeing organic forms and natural shapes coming through in baths,” says Thompson. “Tubs are also being specified in materials other than standard acrylic and steel enamel, such as solid surface and volcanic limestone, which creates a warm, textural feel.”
Slim is definitely in when it comes to tub and basin profiles, says Santilli. “People are looking to minimise clutter and maximise space, particularly in small bathrooms. That means looking to products with fine edges,” she says.
How Do I… Choose a Bath?
How Do I… Choose a Bath?
6. Coloured taps
“Colour continues to grow in tapware for 2019,” says Santilli. “We’ve seen a shift away from glossy rose-gold finishes towards softer textured metallics. This mirrors a wider trend towards more organic materials in the bathroom.”
“Colour continues to grow in tapware for 2019,” says Santilli. “We’ve seen a shift away from glossy rose-gold finishes towards softer textured metallics. This mirrors a wider trend towards more organic materials in the bathroom.”
7. Pastels
“Colourful curations are all the rage in design in 2019, and none more so than calming pastels,” says Wesley Sinclaire, Highgrove Bathrooms brand specialist. “Pale greens, baby blues, lemon yellows, apricot oranges and especially Millennial Pink will continue to be crowd favourites this year.” Use pastels on cabinetry, a striking bathtub or a basin to bring a plain, neutral bathroom scheme to life, he says.
“Colourful curations are all the rage in design in 2019, and none more so than calming pastels,” says Wesley Sinclaire, Highgrove Bathrooms brand specialist. “Pale greens, baby blues, lemon yellows, apricot oranges and especially Millennial Pink will continue to be crowd favourites this year.” Use pastels on cabinetry, a striking bathtub or a basin to bring a plain, neutral bathroom scheme to life, he says.
“Blush and millennial pink are moving into basins and baths, especially in tactile matt finishes,” says Santilli. “Duo-tone products are bringing together classic whites and trend-forward hues to give the bathroom an injection of colour, similar to what we have seen in other areas of the home.”
8. Unusual vanities
The bathroom today is less a utility room and more of an extension of the living and relaxation spaces in our homes, says Thompson. “As a result, people are looking for special furniture pieces for their bathrooms that tell a story, whether it’s a custom-made vanity with a beautiful stone top or an antique cabinet repurposed as a vanity.”
Best of the Week: 34 Brilliant Bathroom Vanities
The bathroom today is less a utility room and more of an extension of the living and relaxation spaces in our homes, says Thompson. “As a result, people are looking for special furniture pieces for their bathrooms that tell a story, whether it’s a custom-made vanity with a beautiful stone top or an antique cabinet repurposed as a vanity.”
Best of the Week: 34 Brilliant Bathroom Vanities
If you’re looking to update your bathroom on a budget, focusing on one key element, such as the vanity, is a good place to start, says Thompson. “Rather than undergoing costly bathroom renovations that might involve changing tiles or plumbing fixtures, you can refresh your bathroom simply by updating the vanity with a coat of paint or replacing the countertop. You’ll get a whole new look while keeping costs down.”
9. Smart showers
Like your shower pressure gentle in the morning and a little more powerful after a trip to the gym? Get ready for intelligent showers, where you can set your desired temperature and spray pattern with the touch of a button.
“The introduction of thermostatic technology, which offers a completely customisable shower experience, has changed the game in showers,” says Santilli. “We’ll continue to drive innovation in this space as the customers’ appetite for personalisation and digitisation grows.”
Smarter Spaces: 4 High-Tech Solutions for the Bathroom
Like your shower pressure gentle in the morning and a little more powerful after a trip to the gym? Get ready for intelligent showers, where you can set your desired temperature and spray pattern with the touch of a button.
“The introduction of thermostatic technology, which offers a completely customisable shower experience, has changed the game in showers,” says Santilli. “We’ll continue to drive innovation in this space as the customers’ appetite for personalisation and digitisation grows.”
Smarter Spaces: 4 High-Tech Solutions for the Bathroom
Your turn
Are you tempted to try any of these looks in your home? Tell us in the Comments below, save the images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
How Do I… Know if My Taps Contain Lead?
Are you tempted to try any of these looks in your home? Tell us in the Comments below, save the images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
How Do I… Know if My Taps Contain Lead?
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I love the look of those intriguing vintage basins such as shown #4. Remind me of old school boarding houses! Why that should be appealing I'm not sure but there you go, I'm intriguing!
Some of these bathrooms are really different - and i bet they are anywhere in the world but Australia! As an industry professional, I know this might sound like I am shooting myself in the foot - but I actually think the whole concept of bathroom fitting trends is a bit pointless, other than to keep manufacturers in business. With what they cost to install, I want a bathroom that will last at least 20 years. We need more practical innovations that will improve the whole hygiene experience. I am confused about the shower pressure tech - isnt that usually something that can be controlled manually anyway? I would like to see some kind of exhaust fan that somehow stops lint and powder dust settling everywhere! Also Teflon-like basins and shower walls that resist soap scum, toothpaste and shampoo build up. Sorry about the rant. Maybe I am in the wrong part of the design industry, lol.
Free standing baths may look nice but it would be hell to clean around them. I love the big round basins that sit on top, that's what we installed. We did the entire reno (not plumbing) ourselves and it looks amazing. I custom built our bench to suit the layout. Couldn't be happier with it.
Pleased to Bijou Design we are in Australia, we gutted the original ugly bathroom and designed the new one ourselves