With a new year on the horizon, we thought now would be the perfect time to look at the latest bathroom trends of 2021 and beyond. In particular, those lasting bathroom trends that are likely to continue to proliferate across homes and commercial properties in 2022 and onwards.
We’ve got four clear trends that have emerged from the last 12 months to demonstrate what property owners are searching for from architects and interior designers in the latest bathroom designs.
“Cocooning” spa-like environments that harness sustainable materials
One of the biggest bathroom trends so far this year has been the demand for cocoon-style bathrooms. Bathrooms that create a haven — a much-needed opportunity to relax and switch off from the rigours of work and play. In fact, these cocoon furnishings are akin to creating a home spa, with plush fittings, scented candles, massaging showers and even integrated steam rooms or saunas that are ideal for transforming your client’s bathroom from a functional space to an oasis of wellbeing.
Scandinavian style bathroom designs are therefore becoming incredibly popular, as they embody the ambiance of a modern spa. They typically feature plenty of sustainable materials such as wood which, although not always practical, is certainly full of character to the eye. When identifying what colours are trending for bathrooms nowadays, the simplistic, clean-but-earthy tones of Scandi-style design are often at the top of the list. Given the increasing importance of sustainable construction and design to limit the carbon footprints of our respective properties, a cocoon-like bathroom makes ecological sense as well as lifestyle sense.
House plants to connect exteriors with interiors
Improving the connection between exteriors and interiors is proving increasingly important in bathroom design. Architects and designers that incorporate green life can help to generate a sense of calm as well as harmony with the outside world. Botanical-themed architecture and designs can make one of the biggest impacts to a space, with foliage and blooms capable of bringing life to even the smallest of rooms.
Clients don’t have to live in the rainforest to enjoy this kind of climate. You can get creative with wallpaper designs to bring a tropical, vibrant feel to bathrooms – so much so that people look forward to washing and unwinding in there. The inclusion of houseplants can also be a clever solution in smaller bathroom spaces where damp and humidity are rife. These plants can detract attention from less polished fittings and surfaces, so that even if your client’s interior isn’t quite perfect, their eyes are rarely drawn to any dirt or limescale.
Of course, if you have the space and the budget, you could always go further and look to develop an exterior bathroom that still offers practicality while keeping clients in harmony with their natural surroundings. Outdoor bathrooms are all the rage in the Far East – largely due to their suitable climate – but the latest 3D modelling technology can make it possible to design and build bespoke indoor-outdoor units tailored to the available floor space.
Off-site modular pods that deliver direct cost savings
For clients thinking of redesigning their bathroom space altogether, it might be wise to consider an emerging trend that offers faster construction, minimised waste and off-site installations, ready and waiting to transform homes and commercial environments from day one. Prefabricated bathrooms are an innovative concept whereby modular bathrooms are designed and manufactured off-site and pre-fitted with all the plumbing and fittings your client desires, ready for a straightforward on-site delivery.
These are proving particularly popular with those looking to build new bathrooms as part of extension or for new-build residential projects. However, they are equally as effective in commercial environments as well. In the last decade, you may have seen student accommodation bathroom pods, which were some of the earliest examples of prefabricated, modular bathrooms. Today, established accommodation providers are starting to consider prefabricated bathrooms for hotels, hospitals, and care homes, due to the ability for manufacturers to work to fixed budgets without compromising on quality control.
Smart bathroom technology features
Smart technology is by no means a new trend throughout the home, but it is certainly a new addition to the archetypal bathroom. For the hectic family household, there are plenty of innovative smart bathroom features that designers and architects can specify to make their clients’ everyday life that little bit easier.
First and foremost, you can recommend de-misting mirrors that end the problem of clients never being able to see themselves in the mirror when stepping out of the shower (or when entering the bathroom after somebody else has showered). These mirrors are fitted with demister pads which are activated when the mirror steams up, eliminating large swathes of steam from the glass and allowing your clients to continue with their cleansing routine without unwanted interruption. There are also plenty of opportunities to integrate your clients’ favourite entertainment devices in today’s bathroom designs, thanks to integrated USB and charging ports that add a new layer of functionality to domestic bathrooms, as well as those in commercial environments.
These trends highlight the overarching themes of wellbeing and convenience. Your clients’ bathrooms don’t have to be a place you visit only when necessary, but with these designs, they have the potential to be their favourite room in the house.
