15 Bathroom Trends Splashing Down in 2016
Four designers break down the looks, finishes and features they believe will reign supreme in bathroom design next year
Renovating your bathroom is a big investment in terms of both time and money, so it’s important to do your homework before you start. While creating a budget and searching for the right designer are important pre-renovation tasks, so too is writing a bathroom wish list. Doing this will ensure you have a clear vision of how you want your revamped space to look, work and feel.
If you desperately need a spark of inspiration, reading up on the latest bathroom trends can help you get on track and pinpoint what you want and need. And there’s no better place to start than with the 2016 trend predictions we’ve rounded up for you below from four Houzz experts.
Expert tips from:
Andrew Crawshaw, director of design at Smarter Bathrooms & Kitchens
Carmel Dee, senior interior designer at GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens
Alexandra Donohoe, director of Decus Interiors
Sophie Seeger of Seeger by Design
Find a bathroom designer in your area
If you desperately need a spark of inspiration, reading up on the latest bathroom trends can help you get on track and pinpoint what you want and need. And there’s no better place to start than with the 2016 trend predictions we’ve rounded up for you below from four Houzz experts.
Expert tips from:
Andrew Crawshaw, director of design at Smarter Bathrooms & Kitchens
Carmel Dee, senior interior designer at GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens
Alexandra Donohoe, director of Decus Interiors
Sophie Seeger of Seeger by Design
Find a bathroom designer in your area
2. Keeping your cool
Cool tones that create a tranquil environment will be big in the bathroom in 2016, says Carmel Dee, senior interior designer at GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens. Her top two cool colour picks are blues and emerald greens. Pair these hues with crisp white and touches of timber for a fresh, uplifting feel; or team them with metallic accents and rustic materials for a scheme that’s edgier and more sophisticated.
Cool tones that create a tranquil environment will be big in the bathroom in 2016, says Carmel Dee, senior interior designer at GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens. Her top two cool colour picks are blues and emerald greens. Pair these hues with crisp white and touches of timber for a fresh, uplifting feel; or team them with metallic accents and rustic materials for a scheme that’s edgier and more sophisticated.
3. Creative tile patterns
Patterned and geometric tiles may have been hugely popular over past few years, but prepare to see tile tastes change in 2016, says Crawshaw. The Melbourne designer predicts plain, basic tiles will return to the spotlight next year, but with a creative twist. “With the desire to combat fast-dying trends, simple timeless tiles will be laid in unusual patterns in order to create enduring appeal,” he reveals.
Not sure what tile pattern to pick? A classic herringbone design (as seen here) will lend a hearty dose of visual drama and chic appeal to any scheme. Basket weave and windmill patterns are two other striking designs you might like to consider.
More ways to lay your tiles
Patterned and geometric tiles may have been hugely popular over past few years, but prepare to see tile tastes change in 2016, says Crawshaw. The Melbourne designer predicts plain, basic tiles will return to the spotlight next year, but with a creative twist. “With the desire to combat fast-dying trends, simple timeless tiles will be laid in unusual patterns in order to create enduring appeal,” he reveals.
Not sure what tile pattern to pick? A classic herringbone design (as seen here) will lend a hearty dose of visual drama and chic appeal to any scheme. Basket weave and windmill patterns are two other striking designs you might like to consider.
More ways to lay your tiles
If you’re a lover of colour and desire a bathroom with extra oomph, nix the idea of having an all-white or neutral scheme and add some punchy hues to the mix. Here, rainbow-toned rectangular tiles lift this herringbone feature wall to the next level and give the space serious design cred.
4. Nature lovers
Timber isn’t the only natural material that will be trending in the year ahead, says Sophie Seeger of Seeger by Design. Expect to see more earthy materials like natural stone and river rock pop up in bathrooms next year, “not merely on your floor and walls, but also on your vanity tops, sinks and baths, feature walls and bathroom furniture,” Seeger says.
“As designers, we’re embracing the majesty of natural materials and minerals that contrast with each other; materials and minerals that offer us visual and tactile texture in a room that has become our sanctuary,” she explains.
According to Seeger, one way to bring the natural look to your new bath zone is to opt for a kiln-fired ceramic or polished stone basin, instead of a standard porcelain sink.
14 tranquil bathrooms inspired by Mother Nature
Timber isn’t the only natural material that will be trending in the year ahead, says Sophie Seeger of Seeger by Design. Expect to see more earthy materials like natural stone and river rock pop up in bathrooms next year, “not merely on your floor and walls, but also on your vanity tops, sinks and baths, feature walls and bathroom furniture,” Seeger says.
“As designers, we’re embracing the majesty of natural materials and minerals that contrast with each other; materials and minerals that offer us visual and tactile texture in a room that has become our sanctuary,” she explains.
According to Seeger, one way to bring the natural look to your new bath zone is to opt for a kiln-fired ceramic or polished stone basin, instead of a standard porcelain sink.
14 tranquil bathrooms inspired by Mother Nature
5. Duckboard flooring
“Timber duckboard flooring has been used in boat building for years, and I think it’s making a comeback in bathrooms,” says interior designer Alexandra Donohoe, director of Decus Interiors. “I think clients are moving towards more tactile finishes in bathroom spaces and generally seeking more warmth.” Another drawcard of timber duckboard is that it’s “lovely to stand on barefoot, and feels very natural,” Donohoe adds.
The Sydney designer recommends incorporating “duckboard into a shower floor to balance out the hardness of tiles.”
“Timber duckboard flooring has been used in boat building for years, and I think it’s making a comeback in bathrooms,” says interior designer Alexandra Donohoe, director of Decus Interiors. “I think clients are moving towards more tactile finishes in bathroom spaces and generally seeking more warmth.” Another drawcard of timber duckboard is that it’s “lovely to stand on barefoot, and feels very natural,” Donohoe adds.
The Sydney designer recommends incorporating “duckboard into a shower floor to balance out the hardness of tiles.”
6. Double header
According to Dee, double showers are set to rise in popularity next year, more specifically set-ups that consist of an oversized rain shower and separate handset (as seen here), rather than dual showerheads mounted on the same rail or bar. Not only does this nifty configuration offer a more luxurious, invigorating and customisable shower, but it also delivers a chic, seamless look that won’t add visual bulk to your scheme.
What’s your showerhead style?
According to Dee, double showers are set to rise in popularity next year, more specifically set-ups that consist of an oversized rain shower and separate handset (as seen here), rather than dual showerheads mounted on the same rail or bar. Not only does this nifty configuration offer a more luxurious, invigorating and customisable shower, but it also delivers a chic, seamless look that won’t add visual bulk to your scheme.
What’s your showerhead style?
7. Functionality first
Spatial planning will be a key focus for bathroom designers in 2016, predicts Seeger, who says this approach is “like a return to Modernism” and the idea that form follows function. This is sure to be welcome news for renovators who loathe clutter and overdone schemes, and prefer clean, practical and streamlined design.
“Ensure there is adequate storage to hide your hairdryers, and excess lotions and potions away,” stresses Seeger when explaining how to adopt this approach for your own bathroom makeover project. “Items that are not functional are tucked away, allowing for a room of quiet contemplation.”
Spatial planning will be a key focus for bathroom designers in 2016, predicts Seeger, who says this approach is “like a return to Modernism” and the idea that form follows function. This is sure to be welcome news for renovators who loathe clutter and overdone schemes, and prefer clean, practical and streamlined design.
“Ensure there is adequate storage to hide your hairdryers, and excess lotions and potions away,” stresses Seeger when explaining how to adopt this approach for your own bathroom makeover project. “Items that are not functional are tucked away, allowing for a room of quiet contemplation.”
8. Mesmerising metallics
Metallics have been a major interior trend for the past few years, and it looks like these luxe finishes won’t be falling out of favour anytime soon. “Metals offer glamour and contrast beautifully with natural materials,” says Seeger. “They reflect light and inject style into a bathroom, whether with an industrial twist or a hint of glamour.”
Metals that are matt or satin-finish will prove particularly popular next year, according to Dee. “Brushed stainless steel tapware and brass will take over. People are getting over the bright, polished look.”
Metallics have been a major interior trend for the past few years, and it looks like these luxe finishes won’t be falling out of favour anytime soon. “Metals offer glamour and contrast beautifully with natural materials,” says Seeger. “They reflect light and inject style into a bathroom, whether with an industrial twist or a hint of glamour.”
Metals that are matt or satin-finish will prove particularly popular next year, according to Dee. “Brushed stainless steel tapware and brass will take over. People are getting over the bright, polished look.”
Want to work some metallic magic into your bathroom? “Introduce rich metals in fixtures,” suggests Seeger. “Have you seen copper baths? Simply stunning!” Alternatively, if you want to dial the dazzle down a notch, opt for smaller splashes instead with metal taps, towel rails, shower rails and accessories.
Add shimmer and sparkle with metallics
Add shimmer and sparkle with metallics
9. White out
According to Crawshaw, white is the new black … when it comes to bathroom fittings, that is. Unlike sleek, moody black fixtures, white tapware, accessories and other fittings will add a fresh, contemporary vibe to any bath zone. Use them in an all-white scheme to complete the clean, pared-back look, or set them against a bold coloured splashback or tiled backdrop to create a striking space that’s fun and oozes flair.
PuraVida single hole faucet with lever handle in white: Hansgrohe
According to Crawshaw, white is the new black … when it comes to bathroom fittings, that is. Unlike sleek, moody black fixtures, white tapware, accessories and other fittings will add a fresh, contemporary vibe to any bath zone. Use them in an all-white scheme to complete the clean, pared-back look, or set them against a bold coloured splashback or tiled backdrop to create a striking space that’s fun and oozes flair.
PuraVida single hole faucet with lever handle in white: Hansgrohe
10. Adding ambience
“In 2016, there will be less focus on utility and more on creating ambience,” reveals Crawshaw. “The bathroom is no longer purely functional; it is a place to escape to, and this will be seen in the move towards bespoke furniture-like cabinetry, mood lighting, feature tapware and the seamless integration of key functional elements.”
“In 2016, there will be less focus on utility and more on creating ambience,” reveals Crawshaw. “The bathroom is no longer purely functional; it is a place to escape to, and this will be seen in the move towards bespoke furniture-like cabinetry, mood lighting, feature tapware and the seamless integration of key functional elements.”
Donohoe agrees that furniture-like joinery will become a more prominent feature in bathrooms next year. “I think really special detailed bathroom furniture is quite a luxury,” she says. “Having a beautiful dressing table with a stool to put on makeup in your bathroom will make you feel as though you’re waking up in a hotel every day.”
Expect to see more homewares and small furniture pieces making their way into the bathroom, too, says Dee. Think stools, armchairs, coat racks, pouffes, rug-style bath mats and pendant lights.
Give your bathroom a living room vibe
Give your bathroom a living room vibe
11. Industrial chic
If you’re an industrial enthusiast, then 2016 is your year. According to Dee, edgy industrial-inspired bathroom designs will be on the up next year, which means that so too will the use of concrete in bathing areas. Expect to see this cool, gritty material (or silky smooth if you opt for a polished finish) used not just on bathroom floors but as a wall surface, too. Dee predicts that concrete-look tiles will also cement themselves as a firm wall covering and flooring favourite next year.
Concrete can make a space look cold and harsh. Introducing contrasting textures, such as timber, natural fibres and a plush bath mat and towels will help soften the look and add warmth and a welcoming vibe to the scheme.
View more industrial-style bathrooms
If you’re an industrial enthusiast, then 2016 is your year. According to Dee, edgy industrial-inspired bathroom designs will be on the up next year, which means that so too will the use of concrete in bathing areas. Expect to see this cool, gritty material (or silky smooth if you opt for a polished finish) used not just on bathroom floors but as a wall surface, too. Dee predicts that concrete-look tiles will also cement themselves as a firm wall covering and flooring favourite next year.
Concrete can make a space look cold and harsh. Introducing contrasting textures, such as timber, natural fibres and a plush bath mat and towels will help soften the look and add warmth and a welcoming vibe to the scheme.
View more industrial-style bathrooms
12. Lush and leafy
This trend was one that many people embraced this year and, according to Crawshaw, it will continue to thrive in 2016. “The indoor plant will bring the outside in and form part of the bathroom design,” he explains. “They will no longer be a simple accessory but an integral, changeable element that can move with the seasons.” Crawshaw’s top plant pick for summer is jasmine, while he recommends swapping the delicately scented climber for Mother-in-law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata), pictured here beside the vanity, in winter.
Keeping indoor plants alive and thriving
This trend was one that many people embraced this year and, according to Crawshaw, it will continue to thrive in 2016. “The indoor plant will bring the outside in and form part of the bathroom design,” he explains. “They will no longer be a simple accessory but an integral, changeable element that can move with the seasons.” Crawshaw’s top plant pick for summer is jasmine, while he recommends swapping the delicately scented climber for Mother-in-law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata), pictured here beside the vanity, in winter.
Keeping indoor plants alive and thriving
13. The love of handmade
Forget about mass-produced, cookie-cutter tiles that all look the same. According to Donohoe, 2016 is all about bespoke bathroom tiles that are crafted by hand. Artisanal tiles, which are considered beautiful because of their imperfections, will not only infuse your bathing space with rich texture but visual appeal, too.
She recommends pairing handmade tiles with a featured stone, as “the contrasting texture of the handmade tile and natural veining in the stone is beautifully complementary.”
Forget about mass-produced, cookie-cutter tiles that all look the same. According to Donohoe, 2016 is all about bespoke bathroom tiles that are crafted by hand. Artisanal tiles, which are considered beautiful because of their imperfections, will not only infuse your bathing space with rich texture but visual appeal, too.
She recommends pairing handmade tiles with a featured stone, as “the contrasting texture of the handmade tile and natural veining in the stone is beautifully complementary.”
14. Play on pink
Are you fond of loud, lively hues? Then you’ll be happy, because 2016 is all about having fun with colour, says Seeger. According to the designer, there’s one colour in particular that she predicts many home decorators will experiment with this year.
“If you’re a lover of pink in all its glorious shades, from dusty pink to peach and coral, then you’re in for a treat,” Seeger reveals. She suggests applying the colour – whether you choose a sweet, playful or dramatic rendition of the rosy hue – to your walls or introducing it in the form of bath towels or bathroom accessories.
Are you fond of loud, lively hues? Then you’ll be happy, because 2016 is all about having fun with colour, says Seeger. According to the designer, there’s one colour in particular that she predicts many home decorators will experiment with this year.
“If you’re a lover of pink in all its glorious shades, from dusty pink to peach and coral, then you’re in for a treat,” Seeger reveals. She suggests applying the colour – whether you choose a sweet, playful or dramatic rendition of the rosy hue – to your walls or introducing it in the form of bath towels or bathroom accessories.
Not a fan of pink? Try a palette of purple and black instead, advises Seeger. It’s the perfect colour combo for “those of you who love a little drama and opulence”.
10 bold bathrooms for the colour shy
10 bold bathrooms for the colour shy
15. (Tile) size matters
Move over mosaics and slender subways, and make way for oversized tiles, which Crawshaw predicts will be a key trend next year. “Large format tiles are huge in Europe and will shine through the Australian bathroom in 2016,” he says. “They have the benefit of creating a seamless spatial illusion, and they make cleaning a breeze with few or no grout lines.”
Stylish, space-enhancing and a cinch to clean? This trend gets two big thumbs up!
See more of this master ensuite
TELL US
Which of the above trends will you be adopting next year? And which will you not? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Move over mosaics and slender subways, and make way for oversized tiles, which Crawshaw predicts will be a key trend next year. “Large format tiles are huge in Europe and will shine through the Australian bathroom in 2016,” he says. “They have the benefit of creating a seamless spatial illusion, and they make cleaning a breeze with few or no grout lines.”
Stylish, space-enhancing and a cinch to clean? This trend gets two big thumbs up!
See more of this master ensuite
TELL US
Which of the above trends will you be adopting next year? And which will you not? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
“Timber will continue to flourish in the bathroom,” according to Andrew Crawshaw, director of design at Smarter Bathrooms & Kitchens. “The release of new purpose-designed timber products enables us to bring its natural warmth into a previously timber-tabooed space.”
If you’re interested in working timber into your bathroom, take cues from this striking scheme and consider using the material in unexpected ways, for example as a wall covering or in the form of a wooden basin.
Wall covered in ‘Graupa Eterno’ European oak engineered wood floorboards: Tongue n Groove
How to make timber work in the bathroom