14 Bathroom Trends Expected to Be Big in 2015
Want to whet your appetite with what's trending in bathroom design? Four designers reveal what's on their radar for the year ahead
Natasha Saroca
2 December 2014
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career working across a number of home design and lifestyle magazines, including BuildHOME and Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly. She enjoys writing about design and colour trends, decorating ideas (particularly how to transform rooms with colour and patterns), organisation tips, entertaining ideas and easy updates for the home.
When she’s not creating Ideabooks for Houzz, Natasha can be found writing about all things fashion for Missy Confidential, working on her soon-to-be-launched website – www.asmartsequin.com – or shopping online for new quilt covers, cushions and fashion illustrations (her three current obsessions).
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career... More
If you’ve been thinking about giving your bathroom a complete overhaul, but aren’t quite sure how to revamp the space, a great place to start is to look to the latest design trends for inspiration. Obviously, given that we’re at the business end of the year, many (or at least some) of the prominent looks, finishes and features that have reigned supreme in the bathroom over the past 12 months will soon make way for new trends. That’s why we made it our mission to find out what design ideas will make a big splash in 2015 so we could share our updated trends-to-watch list with you and, in turn, help make planning your bathroom makeover project that little bit easier.
To compile our list, we enlisted the help of four award-winning designers, who each shared their predictions on the trends they think will be on everyone’s radar next year. And if you’re keen to try the 14 striking looks below in your home, you’re in luck, because our design experts have also revealed how they would work these ideas into one of their own projects, too.
To compile our list, we enlisted the help of four award-winning designers, who each shared their predictions on the trends they think will be on everyone’s radar next year. And if you’re keen to try the 14 striking looks below in your home, you’re in luck, because our design experts have also revealed how they would work these ideas into one of their own projects, too.
1. Feature floor tiles
Statement-making floor tiles proved to be quite popular with designers and home decorators alike in 2014, and it seems like this striking look isn’t going anywhere in a hurry, says interior designer Jasmine McClelland. “I have done a couple of feature floor bathrooms this year – they are stunning and provide a great design opportunity when working with challenging bathrooms that have no clear walls for a feature wall,” she says.
“In smaller bathrooms, a feature floor tile adds style without overwhelming the space, and when used in a larger bathroom the effect is elegant,” McClelland explains. “I love the space when the freestanding bath hits the feature tile … beautiful!”
Statement-making floor tiles proved to be quite popular with designers and home decorators alike in 2014, and it seems like this striking look isn’t going anywhere in a hurry, says interior designer Jasmine McClelland. “I have done a couple of feature floor bathrooms this year – they are stunning and provide a great design opportunity when working with challenging bathrooms that have no clear walls for a feature wall,” she says.
“In smaller bathrooms, a feature floor tile adds style without overwhelming the space, and when used in a larger bathroom the effect is elegant,” McClelland explains. “I love the space when the freestanding bath hits the feature tile … beautiful!”
2. Natural beauty
Desire a bathing area that’s welcoming and serene? Then drawing design inspiration from nature – one of the key bathroom trends of 2015, according to designers Simona Castagna and Darren Genner of Minosa – is a great way to “warm what is a very hard room of the house” and infuse the space with a calming vibe.
An easy way to incorporate this trend into a bathroom design, as Castagna and Genner explain, is to introduce earthy materials like natural stone (the luxe bath zone above features marble floors and an onyx benchtop, as well as a walnut-plank feature wall) or timber-look tiles to your space.
Desire a bathing area that’s welcoming and serene? Then drawing design inspiration from nature – one of the key bathroom trends of 2015, according to designers Simona Castagna and Darren Genner of Minosa – is a great way to “warm what is a very hard room of the house” and infuse the space with a calming vibe.
An easy way to incorporate this trend into a bathroom design, as Castagna and Genner explain, is to introduce earthy materials like natural stone (the luxe bath zone above features marble floors and an onyx benchtop, as well as a walnut-plank feature wall) or timber-look tiles to your space.
3. Plant life
“Plants in bathrooms are in!” exclaims McClelland. “I know some of us have been scared off indoor plants by our childhood experiences (big palms in wooden chocolate drown boxes with water stains on the carpet, or suspended from macramé hangers), but it’s time to reclaim the idea of indoor plants with cascading creepers that can dress any bathroom,” the Melbourne designer says.
If you’re keen to try this trend in your bathroom but desire a more sophisticated and design-savvy alternative to pot plants or hanging planters, a vertical garden may be the way to go, advises McClelland.
“I love them for the interest and feel they bring to a bathroom and can’t wait to use them more in my designs for 2015,” she says. Another benefit of green or living walls is that they are good for the environment (as well as your health and wellbeing), the designer adds.
“Plants in bathrooms are in!” exclaims McClelland. “I know some of us have been scared off indoor plants by our childhood experiences (big palms in wooden chocolate drown boxes with water stains on the carpet, or suspended from macramé hangers), but it’s time to reclaim the idea of indoor plants with cascading creepers that can dress any bathroom,” the Melbourne designer says.
If you’re keen to try this trend in your bathroom but desire a more sophisticated and design-savvy alternative to pot plants or hanging planters, a vertical garden may be the way to go, advises McClelland.
“I love them for the interest and feel they bring to a bathroom and can’t wait to use them more in my designs for 2015,” she says. Another benefit of green or living walls is that they are good for the environment (as well as your health and wellbeing), the designer adds.
4. The parent’s retreat
Is your en suite poky, not particularly inviting and tucked away out of sight? Then we bet you’d be more than happy to try this design trend when renovating your home.
“The en suite has always been a bathroom that’s been tacked onto the main bedroom of the house, and is generally very small and tight in size, but now people want bigger bathrooms that are connected to the bedroom or wardrobe, or even more open to the bedroom,” Castagna and Genner say when explaining why they think the parent’s retreat will become a prominent trend in the coming year.
“It’s not strange to see a freestanding bath from the bed,” add the Sydney designers, who were the team behind the luxe, open-plan bedroom and en suite pictured here. “We’re also using bigger sliding doors so you can open up or close down a space; people want to see their basins – they’re beautiful – and they want to see their bespoke vanities and freestanding baths.”
Is your en suite poky, not particularly inviting and tucked away out of sight? Then we bet you’d be more than happy to try this design trend when renovating your home.
“The en suite has always been a bathroom that’s been tacked onto the main bedroom of the house, and is generally very small and tight in size, but now people want bigger bathrooms that are connected to the bedroom or wardrobe, or even more open to the bedroom,” Castagna and Genner say when explaining why they think the parent’s retreat will become a prominent trend in the coming year.
“It’s not strange to see a freestanding bath from the bed,” add the Sydney designers, who were the team behind the luxe, open-plan bedroom and en suite pictured here. “We’re also using bigger sliding doors so you can open up or close down a space; people want to see their basins – they’re beautiful – and they want to see their bespoke vanities and freestanding baths.”
5. Clever water control
Say goodbye to basic shower and basin tapware and mixers, and hello to smart, user-friendly fixtures (such as thermostatic mixers; mixers that control multiple water sources, like the one used in this shower; and touchscreen-operated showers) that give users more control over the flow, mix and temperature of water, says Adelaide interior designer Jordan Smith of Brilliant SA.
“Double showers would be a good place to use this as multiple people can use the shower at the same time, with individual settings for their own shower,” Smith suggests when explaining how she’d incorporate this trend into one of her designs. “One mixer can control both multiple showers or a combination shower/bath.”
Say goodbye to basic shower and basin tapware and mixers, and hello to smart, user-friendly fixtures (such as thermostatic mixers; mixers that control multiple water sources, like the one used in this shower; and touchscreen-operated showers) that give users more control over the flow, mix and temperature of water, says Adelaide interior designer Jordan Smith of Brilliant SA.
“Double showers would be a good place to use this as multiple people can use the shower at the same time, with individual settings for their own shower,” Smith suggests when explaining how she’d incorporate this trend into one of her designs. “One mixer can control both multiple showers or a combination shower/bath.”
6. Freestanding bathtubs
According to McClelland, our love affair with freestanding baths isn’t over just yet, and not just because they make striking, sculptural design features, but as they help set the mood for rest and relaxation, too. “The freestanding bath is more than aesthetic – it is emotive,” the designer explains. “Clients connect with the possibility of a bathroom that symbolises their own space or downtime, and a freestanding bath inspires this feeling of self-indulgence in the midst of a busy life.”
When choosing a freestanding bath for your bathroom, consider how the design of the tub will shape the look of your space. “The curve of a bath can bring softness to an angular bathroom, or an angular bath can offset soft colours or add to a highly structured bathroom,” advises McClelland, who designed the Asian-inspired bathing area above.
Haven bathtub without base: Apaiser
According to McClelland, our love affair with freestanding baths isn’t over just yet, and not just because they make striking, sculptural design features, but as they help set the mood for rest and relaxation, too. “The freestanding bath is more than aesthetic – it is emotive,” the designer explains. “Clients connect with the possibility of a bathroom that symbolises their own space or downtime, and a freestanding bath inspires this feeling of self-indulgence in the midst of a busy life.”
When choosing a freestanding bath for your bathroom, consider how the design of the tub will shape the look of your space. “The curve of a bath can bring softness to an angular bathroom, or an angular bath can offset soft colours or add to a highly structured bathroom,” advises McClelland, who designed the Asian-inspired bathing area above.
Haven bathtub without base: Apaiser
If you desire the look of a freestanding bath but the benefits of an in-built tub (such as having a ledge to stow bath essentials like soap and shampoo; plus they’re generally easier to clean, compared to freestanding designs), consider incorporating a semi-inset standalone bath into your space, says designer Owen Barnes of Bubbles Bathrooms, who predicts this set-up will prove popular with homeowners in the year ahead.
According to Barnes, this crafty configuration also allows freestanding tubs to be used in compact bathing areas (as you can see above), which may otherwise be too small to fit a standalone bath, and paired with a wider range of tapware, too.
Astonian Luxor cast iron traditional double-ended roll top freestanding bathtub with ball and claw feet in ‘Periwinkle’: Ashton Matthews
According to Barnes, this crafty configuration also allows freestanding tubs to be used in compact bathing areas (as you can see above), which may otherwise be too small to fit a standalone bath, and paired with a wider range of tapware, too.
Astonian Luxor cast iron traditional double-ended roll top freestanding bathtub with ball and claw feet in ‘Periwinkle’: Ashton Matthews
7. Bespoke vanities
“People are now wanting vanities that are bespoke – one that has been made for them and their needs, rather than something that’s been mass produced,” explain Castagna and Genner, who designed this parent’s bathing zone. The glam space features a floating vanity custom made to suit the aesthetics of the sleek, contemporary scheme, provide plenty of storage and enhance the illusion of spaciousness.
“The good old shaving cupboard is also making a resurgence,” the designers add. “We’re also using a lot of drawers and smart technology, such as doors that lift up and move out of way, which make good use of storage.” As you can see here, these design elements have also been incorporated into the design of this elegant en suite.
Corian double washbasin: Minosa; Swarovski crystal/glass mosaic tile in White: Bisazza
Read more: Vanity Flair: 13 Gorgeous Looks for Bathroom Vanities
“People are now wanting vanities that are bespoke – one that has been made for them and their needs, rather than something that’s been mass produced,” explain Castagna and Genner, who designed this parent’s bathing zone. The glam space features a floating vanity custom made to suit the aesthetics of the sleek, contemporary scheme, provide plenty of storage and enhance the illusion of spaciousness.
“The good old shaving cupboard is also making a resurgence,” the designers add. “We’re also using a lot of drawers and smart technology, such as doors that lift up and move out of way, which make good use of storage.” As you can see here, these design elements have also been incorporated into the design of this elegant en suite.
Corian double washbasin: Minosa; Swarovski crystal/glass mosaic tile in White: Bisazza
Read more: Vanity Flair: 13 Gorgeous Looks for Bathroom Vanities
8. Geometric tiles
Another major design trend for the bathroom is geometric tiles, according to McClelland. While the designer has already used geometric tiles in a few projects she’s worked on this year, McClelland predicts the eye-catching look will become even more popular in 2015.
According to the designer, geometric tiles are a great design solution for those who wish to add depth and visual interest to a plain, neutral space, but without the use of bright, arresting tones. And for those who aren’t colour shy?
“For clients who are prepared to venture out, there are no limits to colour combinations or random colour placement to really showcase and lift a bathroom,” says McClelland, who designed this attention-grabbing powder room. Take note of how the bold red geometric tiles infuse this room with a hearty dose of high-impact drama, energy and tactile appeal.
Another major design trend for the bathroom is geometric tiles, according to McClelland. While the designer has already used geometric tiles in a few projects she’s worked on this year, McClelland predicts the eye-catching look will become even more popular in 2015.
According to the designer, geometric tiles are a great design solution for those who wish to add depth and visual interest to a plain, neutral space, but without the use of bright, arresting tones. And for those who aren’t colour shy?
“For clients who are prepared to venture out, there are no limits to colour combinations or random colour placement to really showcase and lift a bathroom,” says McClelland, who designed this attention-grabbing powder room. Take note of how the bold red geometric tiles infuse this room with a hearty dose of high-impact drama, energy and tactile appeal.
9. Bigger showers
Is bigger better? According to Castagna and Genner, that’s certainly the current school of thought when it comes to the shower and a trend they believe will become even more prominent in 2015. “We’re seeing more walk-in showers with big, oversized blades of glass or solid walls that are completely closing the space in, rather than bathrooms with tiny, little cubicles,” the design duo says.
Why do they think there’s a move away from more compact showering areas to ones that are more generous in size? “Larger showers help create spaces for rejuvenation and wellness – areas where we feel better about ourselves,” they say.
Check out these swoon-worthy showers you’ll never want to get out of
Is bigger better? According to Castagna and Genner, that’s certainly the current school of thought when it comes to the shower and a trend they believe will become even more prominent in 2015. “We’re seeing more walk-in showers with big, oversized blades of glass or solid walls that are completely closing the space in, rather than bathrooms with tiny, little cubicles,” the design duo says.
Why do they think there’s a move away from more compact showering areas to ones that are more generous in size? “Larger showers help create spaces for rejuvenation and wellness – areas where we feel better about ourselves,” they say.
Check out these swoon-worthy showers you’ll never want to get out of
If you’d prefer a shower that’s large in size but offers more privacy than a fully open walk-in shower or one with a partial glass screen, look to the fresh, fun bathroom above for design inspiration. Take note of how the lowered walls help create a private, intimate pocket where the homeowners can shower in peace, but don’t make the bath zone feel too closed in or take away from the room’s airy, spacious vibe.
10. Sustainable style
Barnes is also seeing more recycled, reclaimed and upcycled materials and products being used in the bathroom, a design idea that he predicts will become even more popular in 2015. Why? “It follows the general trend in building globally, and it looks really good when done properly,” the Melbourne designer says, adding that the growing awareness surrounding sustainable living is another reason why this trend will continue to rise.
Interested in incorporating this trend into your new bathroom? Consider using reclaimed timber in your design (for example, this eclectic-meets-rustic bathing zone features a reclaimed wood feature wall); recycling materials from your existing bathroom that still hold up in functionality and style; or upcycling an antique dresser or cabinet and transforming it into a vanity.
Barnes is also seeing more recycled, reclaimed and upcycled materials and products being used in the bathroom, a design idea that he predicts will become even more popular in 2015. Why? “It follows the general trend in building globally, and it looks really good when done properly,” the Melbourne designer says, adding that the growing awareness surrounding sustainable living is another reason why this trend will continue to rise.
Interested in incorporating this trend into your new bathroom? Consider using reclaimed timber in your design (for example, this eclectic-meets-rustic bathing zone features a reclaimed wood feature wall); recycling materials from your existing bathroom that still hold up in functionality and style; or upcycling an antique dresser or cabinet and transforming it into a vanity.
11. Bathrooms that reflect the rest of the home
A key design trend that Smith predicts will be big over the coming year and beyond is a move toward bathing zones that are designed in a way that makes them look and feel like an extension of the living room, rather than a traditional bathroom.
“The bathroom seems like it’s becoming more of a feature of the house,” explains Smith. Integrating freestanding baths, unconventional sanitaryware and vanities that resemble furniture (such as a dresser, like the leggy, custom-designed vanity seen in this elegant bathroom) are just a few ways to work this trend into your bathroom scheme, according to the designer.
A key design trend that Smith predicts will be big over the coming year and beyond is a move toward bathing zones that are designed in a way that makes them look and feel like an extension of the living room, rather than a traditional bathroom.
“The bathroom seems like it’s becoming more of a feature of the house,” explains Smith. Integrating freestanding baths, unconventional sanitaryware and vanities that resemble furniture (such as a dresser, like the leggy, custom-designed vanity seen in this elegant bathroom) are just a few ways to work this trend into your bathroom scheme, according to the designer.
Adding living room furniture and decor to your bathroom will also allow you to achieve this look and personalise your space. The welcoming bath area here shows how it’s done – the addition of a patterned floor runner, well-loved leather lounge, wall art, side table and elegant light fittings (including a chandelier and wall sconces) are key to this bathroom’s warm, calm and inviting living room-like vibe.
12. Shades of grey
Grey has been a popular colour choice for the bathroom in 2014, and it’s a trend that isn’t going anywhere in a hurry, according to Barnes. If you’re worried a grey palette will make your bathroom feel flat and lifeless, introduce slicks of white to cut through the moody hue and create a sophisticated look. Or take design cues from this shower area and energise the scheme by adding a splash of bold, eye-popping colour, which takes shape here in the form of an earthy orange-bronze mosaic tile feature wall.
Grey has been a popular colour choice for the bathroom in 2014, and it’s a trend that isn’t going anywhere in a hurry, according to Barnes. If you’re worried a grey palette will make your bathroom feel flat and lifeless, introduce slicks of white to cut through the moody hue and create a sophisticated look. Or take design cues from this shower area and energise the scheme by adding a splash of bold, eye-popping colour, which takes shape here in the form of an earthy orange-bronze mosaic tile feature wall.
13. Engaging lighting
Castagna and Genner predict that the use of smart, intuitive and engaging lights in the bathroom will become a key trend for 2015. “Bathrooms and kitchens are fixed and fitted – once you screw something to a wall or tile a floor, they’ll be there for a very long time, so it’s important to be not too trendy,” the designers explain. “Be smart about your decisions and layer things well – for example, with good lighting.”
What smart lighting solutions do Castagna and Genner recommend for the bathroom? “People want bathrooms that engage them, so they may want an accent light, a feature light, or a sensor light that lights up their vanity or shaving cabinet once someone walks in,” they say.
Gessi Goccia tapware: Retreat Design; Wall cladding and Antonio Lupi shower base system: Corian; Engineered oak floor: Salvage
Castagna and Genner predict that the use of smart, intuitive and engaging lights in the bathroom will become a key trend for 2015. “Bathrooms and kitchens are fixed and fitted – once you screw something to a wall or tile a floor, they’ll be there for a very long time, so it’s important to be not too trendy,” the designers explain. “Be smart about your decisions and layer things well – for example, with good lighting.”
What smart lighting solutions do Castagna and Genner recommend for the bathroom? “People want bathrooms that engage them, so they may want an accent light, a feature light, or a sensor light that lights up their vanity or shaving cabinet once someone walks in,” they say.
Gessi Goccia tapware: Retreat Design; Wall cladding and Antonio Lupi shower base system: Corian; Engineered oak floor: Salvage
For a more dynamic look, consider introducing coloured LED lighting to your space. This contemporary bathroom features a colour-changing back-lit vanity that instantly lifts the look and mood of this space, as well as a LED rainfall shower head.
Concetto surface in ‘Gray Agate’: Caesarstone
Concetto surface in ‘Gray Agate’: Caesarstone
14. Grout used as a design feature
“Grout is no longer purely a mundane (if essential) element of pulling a bathroom together,” says McClellend. “People are seeing the possibility of using grout creatively in their bathrooms to show off the pattern of how a tile is laid, highlight specific tile types, and use contrasting grout as a great modern spin on the traditional subway tile.”
While McClelland loves the striking pairing of black grout and white tiles (as seen in this space), she predicts coloured grout alongside geometric shapes is a must-try look that is set to become popular in 2015.
TELL US
What are your thoughts on the latest bathroom trends? Would you incorporate any of these design ideas in your bathing space?
MORE
How to Update Your Bathroom Without a Sledgehammer
Go Shopping for Bathroom Fittings … Without the Stress
Think Like a Designer: 5 Steps to a Well-Planned New Bathroom
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“Grout is no longer purely a mundane (if essential) element of pulling a bathroom together,” says McClellend. “People are seeing the possibility of using grout creatively in their bathrooms to show off the pattern of how a tile is laid, highlight specific tile types, and use contrasting grout as a great modern spin on the traditional subway tile.”
While McClelland loves the striking pairing of black grout and white tiles (as seen in this space), she predicts coloured grout alongside geometric shapes is a must-try look that is set to become popular in 2015.
TELL US
What are your thoughts on the latest bathroom trends? Would you incorporate any of these design ideas in your bathing space?
MORE
How to Update Your Bathroom Without a Sledgehammer
Go Shopping for Bathroom Fittings … Without the Stress
Think Like a Designer: 5 Steps to a Well-Planned New Bathroom
Toilet Humour: Funny Bathroom Design Ideas
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Here I am again with my passion for unique and beautiful bathrooms. I get really inspired by some of the great designs on Houzz. Although a practical walk in shower or a lovely serene Asian -inspired Wet Room looking out to a garden that imitates a decorative pond/spa-like area is still on my wish list...I get a really creepy feeling when confronted by some of the sleek, architecturally designed, spartan, all same tiled, (including ceiling) long and narrow walk in showers...with the plumbing at the end and no windows to the outside. The only distractions from the otherwise stark, sleek minimalism being really neat and appropriately placed niches in the tiled walls for body wash, loofah etc..
Must be just me with some unpleasant, subconscious memories from a distant past, but I've asked myself, if I won a Lottery luxury home having such a walk in shower..."tunnel" as an ensuite, would I be able to live with it? Anybody with the same reaction to minimalism extreme and absolute... even if the concept designed to appeal to the mod generation is to incorporate the latest technology for regulating water temperature at the snap of one's fingers and a magic rainboiw light display with the choice of music whilst showering? I am curious. How many would prefer this to...an" ordinary bathroom"..(meaning shower cubicle, wet room, bath and shower combined..etc?) Would there be anybody out there who finds some of the extreme minimalism designs a bit too...'edgy'?
Her, here. I find the extreme minimal aesthetic to be a bit clinical, and not at all luxourious.
Different wall and floor tiles can achieve different effects