Bathroom trends for 2022 – everything you need to know
Having a beautifully designed, stylish bathroom can make all the difference in your life – after all, it’s one of the first and last places you go to each day. Discovering bathroom trends can make choosing which style of room is right for your and your home.
Bathroom ideas – from materials and finishes to colours and patterns, are ever-evolving, and 2022 is no exception with its wonderful array of of the moment trends.
‘Last year became a year of reflection – a year of understanding what means most to us and our lives,’ says Hege Lundh, Marketing Director, Lundhs Real Stone. ‘This notion extended into homes, making homeowners rethink everything from material choices to style decisions. As we look ahead to 2022, we will start to see the outcome of the re-evaluations of the years.’
Bathroom trends
‘Following a year of unrest and uncertainty, people have started to gain back confidence and positivity, in everyday life and in our homes,’ Oliver Webb, Director at Cullifords. ‘This shift towards a more optimistic mindset has started to be echoed in our design choices. Brave, individual style statements are being made and a desire for warm tones and comforting shapes is prevailing.’
Read on to discover which trends will be taking over your bathroom…
1. Rounded shapes
Image credit: Lundhs
‘Harsh, sharp lines will start to be replaced by smoother curves and silhouettes as we seek a more organic and less stark appeal in interiors,’ says Hege Lundh, Marketing Director, Lundhs Real Stone. ‘We embrace nature in the form of raw, organic surfaces and products.’
‘This will be demonstrated through the increased use of 100% natural materials, from natural stone worktops to sustainable flooring and even cabinetry,’ continues Hege. ‘As our attention is progressively turned towards our planet and the environment, our buying
habits are continuing to become more eco-conscious, and this shows no sign of waning.’
Cullifords’ Oliver Webb, agrees. ‘Overall, everything is becoming less angular,’ he says. ‘Linked, I think, to the desire to create more welcoming interiors, we are noticing softer flowing lines.’
Even your bathroom storage ideas can integrate into this trend, by choosing cabinetry with smooth, rounded edges and softly curved baskets.
2. Marble surfaces
Image credit: Heritage Brass
‘Achieve a subtle statement in 2022 with the trend for marble in the bathroom with white and grey shades used to create more luxurious schemes,’ says Narendra Karnani, Managing Director, Heritage Brass by M.Marcus.
‘Create a feeling of opulence with door hardware and electrical accessories that contrast against the marble tones, or opt for a coordinated look with cabinet hardware that matches with the marble veining.’
3. Natural colours
Image credit: Villeroy & Boch
‘A trend on the increase is introducing soft shades of green into the bathroom area, whether this being in the form of plants, feature tiles, botanical wallpaper or even artificial moss walls,’ says David Garner, Retail and E-Commerce Manager for the UK Bathroom & Wellness Division at Villeroy and Boch. ‘Green evokes a natural sense of harmony and peace so no wonder it is beginning to grow within designs as the bathroom is that one room of escape for many family members.’
It’s not only earthy greens taking over – any of the main colourways inspired by nature will be seen in bathrooms this year. ‘Calming and optimistic colours are set to take the interior industry by storm,’ says Emma Joyce, Brand Manager at House of Rohl. ‘With off whites, gentle sages and warm blues, 2022 seems to be continuing the theme of making our homes cosy and comforting.’
‘Furthermore, we anticipate that natural hues with brown tones and warm greens will also take the spotlight as the desire to maintain our newfound love affair with the outdoors remains.’
4. Aged brass
Image credit: Matki
When working out how to plan a bathroom, finishes can often get left until the, well, finish. In fact, they have such an impact on the overall look and feel of the space that they should be a major consideration from the beginning.
In terms of bathroom trends, there is one major stand out. ‘Aged Brass is one of the biggest home design material trends to emerge in recent years,’ says Nicholas Cunild, Managing Director at Matki and Swadling Brassware. ‘Aged Brass adds instant warmth to a minimal scheme. Offering the perfect contrast for tiled bathrooms and an elegant edge to classic marble bathrooms, aged brass works in almost any bathroom scheme.’
‘The finish is achieved by chemically advancing the ageing process of brass to give a bronze look. It is unlacquered and will develop over time, wearing and lightening in some areas, darkening in others, dependent on the environment it’s in and it’s cleaning and maintenance.’
5. Sustainability
Image credit: Industville
As with so many areas of our lives and homes, sustainability is a natural trend leaning into the year ahead.
‘These days, people think more about how much we waste, bringing thoughts for the environment to the forefront of our minds,’ says Marketa Rypacek, Managing Director, Industville Ltd. ‘Customers are keen to use sustainable and eco-friendly materials wherever possible including bathroom flooring, sanitaryware and lighting.’
‘We are seeing big increases in customers opting for custom-made lighting pieces made from sustainable materials and I believe this is something we are likely to see more of. These pieces have a quality, handmade feel which will stand the test of time, further adding to feelings of longevity and sustainability.’
6. Industrial elements
Image credit: Kinedo
As popular as natural colours, materials and textures will be in bathroom trends for 2022, industrial detailing is predicted to go strong.
Crittal shower doors and exposed pipework are two of the ways this is most commonly used in the home. ‘A black frame can coordinate with a matt black shower valve, overhead rain shower head and elegant handset,’ says Ann Boardman, Head of Marketing and Product Management at Saniflo and Kinedo.
‘Internal glass panels and a low threshold tray make this a stunning combination. Alternatively, a Smart Design bi-fold door or single pivot door can give the industrial look but also create the perfect illusion of space in a compact bathroom.’
7. Monochrome
Image credit: BC Designs
When considering how to design the space, monochrome never makes the list of things you should never do when choosing a bathroom.
‘There’s a good reason why this trend comes around year after year,’ says Phil Etherden, MD, The Albion Bath Co Ltd. ‘A classic black or white freestanding bath will never go out of style, while a simple monochrome colour palette is sleek and sophisticated. It also doesn’t date as quickly than many of the latest colour trends. Black and white one of the easiest looks to pull off effectively, as well as being easy to live with and to adapt to your taste.’
‘Striking, strong, sleek, matt black is a modern classic and is fast becoming a real alternative to chrome within interior design,’ adds Katie Fitzpatrick at Merlyn Showers. ‘If you want a more striking finish with a bold focal point, then matt black shower frames and fixtures can achieve this with warmer tones of grey against the crisp white of the ceramics.’
8. Wet rooms and walk-in showers
Image credit: Mermaid Panels
‘Wet rooms and large walk in showers were once reserved for plush hotels and ultra-modern homes, however, they’re growing in demand as we become more confident with our design choices,’ says Helen Dennett, UK Marketing Communications Manager at Mermaid Panels. ‘Homeowners are reclaiming the bathroom as another living space in the home as opposed to being a purely practical room, and instead dedicating more space to a luxury shower area that puts the focus on wellness and relaxation.’
‘Led by the trend for minimalism and clean lines, walk-in showers and wet rooms lend themselves to this trend through creating more of an open feel to a room. Removing the bathtub opens up the room and can add a real wow factor.’
‘As more people want to maximise their bathroom space, it looks like many will prioritise the practicality of wet rooms and showers over baths,’ agrees Paul at Sanctuary Bathrooms. ‘More people are choosing to go for walk-in showers and wetrooms over baths, while also moving away from smaller cubicles to much bigger and larger enclosures.’
Bathroom trends from 2021 still going strong
1. The stand-alone tub
Image credit: Clearwater
After the stresses of last year, creating spa-like serenity at home has never been more important. Statement baths are key with the focus on clean lines, sculptural shapes and aesthetically-pleasing design.
‘A freestanding bath creates an opulent atmosphere, reminiscent of boutique hotels, and makes bathing a luxury,’ says interior designer Carla Chases.
‘But when choosing a freestanding bath, you really need to consider both the size of your bathroom and the look you’re aiming to achieve. Back-to-wall baths can still give that luxe look, but in a compact space.’
2. Clean lines
Image credit: Britton
‘Thanks to recent advances in manufacturing, we’re seeing a rise in longer, straight edges and harder corners which work really well in a contemporary bathroom,’ says Lauren Foulds, project manager at Heritage Bathrooms. ‘Although in a more traditional space, curved edges on statement pieces offer a softer look.’
3. Subtle pops of colour
Image credit: Lusso Stone
Coloured sanitary-ware has made a firm comeback and is great for injecting personality into what can be a clinical space, but bathroom designers recommend caution if considering a colour.
‘I wouldn’t advise a complete colour overload, as bold colours tend to date quite quickly,’ says Carla Chases, ‘but a coloured feature sink in a soft shade can look lovely. My advice would be to opt for white sanitary-ware, then have fun with tiling and painting.’
4. Supersized marble
Image credit: Cosentino
Marble is enjoy a moment in the spotlight with it being used in abundance in bathrooms and in bolder slab-style applications. For a timeless look, go for large-format tiles, so there will be fewer grout lines and you’ll achieve a cleaner, more luxurious look.
5. Colour-happy tiles
Image credit: Real Stone & Tile
While basins and baths have steered away from bold colour this season, this certainly isn’t the case when it comes to bathroom tiles.
‘Following a year where people were forced to spend so much time at home, more and more of us are going for bold, says Lauren Foulds. ‘Forgetting the neutral “show home” look and making our homes our own. Colourful bathroom tiles can really help achieve this.’
‘Don’t worry about trends, just have fun with bold colour and playful patterns,’ says Carla Chases. ‘Hexagon or metro tiles laid in a herringbone pattern are a great way of adding personality with plainer tiles.’
6. Streamlined storage
Image credit: Scavolini
With clean lines and sleek shapes a big trend for bathrooms, storage follows the same lead with built-in vanity units, floating shelving and bespoke cabinetry a key look this season.
Avoid placing lots of small pieces of freestanding storage around a bathroom. It always ends up looking messy and cluttered. If you’re looking to update sanitary-ware, swap a pedestal basin for a vanity unit. floor-hung fittings looks neater and with the extra storage, surfaces stay clutter-free.
7. Low-level lighting
Image credit: Ripples
‘Dimmers are a hugely popular bathroom trend right now,’ says Carla Chases, ‘as are some form of PIR sensor lights. These are generally low-level lighting that turn on automatically when you enter the bathroom – fantastic for night-time visits as you don’t fumble for the switch.’
‘Bathroom lighting ideas are all about creating an experience,’ says Lauren Foulds, ‘but something as simple as an illuminated mirror can have a big impact. It casts a subtler glow than a harsh overhead light and can help to create a tranquil atmosphere.’
8. A shower AND a bath
Image credit: Mermaid
Walk-in showers are ever-popular and remain a great solution for compact bathrooms and en-suites, maximising the floor space available while adding a touch of luxury.
However, always consider how much value does a bathroom add before ditching your bath completely. Most future buyers, particularly those with young families, will want (and need) a property with at least one bath.
‘Following the pandemic, customers are looking at self-care and wellness in a new light, and with the variety of fitted and freestanding bath sizes available, a small tub shouldn’t be ruled out if you are partial to a relaxing soak,’ adds Lauren Foulds.
9. Biophilic design
Image credit: Dekton
Biophilic design – the notion of creating a connection between the natural world and our interiors – remains a popular concept and particularly in the bathroom as a space for wellness.
Give some thought to making best use of natural light in a bathroom. For those taking on an extension or loft conversion project, consider adding a rooflight directly above a shower or bath for a glimpse of the sky, without (hopefully) compromising privacy.
10. Sumptuous dark colours
Image credit: Drummonds
Rich dark walls have long been the norm in bedrooms and living rooms, but now it’s the bathroom’s turn to take a walk on the dark side. Dip your toe into the trend with a shower outfitted in sumptuous navy tiles, or be bold and fill the entire bathroom with rich greens and blues.
‘Bathrooms are one of the few places in the house where you can get away with strong, vivid tones which might be over-the-top in other rooms,’ explains James Lentaigne, Creative Director for Drummonds. ‘Maximalism is very much on-trend with more and more people experimenting with bold patterns and bright colours.’
The rich colours go perfectly with this seasons other trend for brass and metallic finishings creating a luxurious look.
11. Supersized tiles
Image credit: Topps Tiles
We’re going big on the bathroom tiles this year. ‘Large format tiles offer a striking appearance that’s guarantee to turn your head you enter the room,’ says Harriet Goodacre, brand communications manager and tile consultant at Topps Tiles. ‘Their considerable size proves a spacious feel to the space thanks to minimal grout lines.’
Embracing large tiles doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style or colour, however marble is particularly striking when creating a minimalist look.
‘There’s plenty of variety in large format porcelain tiles as they are available in multiple effects, such as iconic types of marble,’ says Harriet. ‘Coloured marble can provide greater variety such s emerald trees or an indulgent black.’
12. Wooden finishes
Image credit: Ashton and Bentley
If you aren’t a fan of dark moody rooms, the trend for natural textures is continuing to grow. ‘The establishment of stripped-back, sawn and treated grains is set to expand from the wider home into bathrooms in a big ways,’ explains Edward Carey, managing director at Ashton & Bentley.
‘Bringing the outdoors in, hand-crafted woods create a peaceful, tranquil surrounding, which perfectly suits the proposed of a bathroom space.’
Complete the look by pairing the natural wood with a freestanding bath for a spa-like feel.
13. Calm sanctuary
Image credit: Dunelm
Our bathrooms are not just for washing your hair anymore. It’s time to embrace spa bathroom trends and everything that goes with it. Building on the mindfulness trend, kit your bathroom out with all the accessories to create a soothing environment that you will want to linger in.
Embrace a neutral colour scheme with pops of green house plants. Accessorise with candles, crystals and a wooden stool for lounging around on. But no spa-throom would be complete without the must-have bathroom accessory trend the bath tray, perfect for balancing a cup of tea and all your bath time essentials.
14. Black ceramics
Image credit: Burlington
It isn’t just our bathroom walls that are turning to the dark side this year, so are our sinks and bathtubs. If you are a fan of a period bathroom, this is the perfect update.
‘Period-style bathrooms remain as popular as ever with consumers as a timeless, classic choice for some many different homes,’ explains Faye Froy, marketing manager at Burlington.
‘The new trend for black bathroom ceramics allows customers to add a contemporary twist on a traditional bathroom aesthetic. Bold and dramatic, this daring shade is guaranteed to add opulence to any bathroom interior.’
15. Blue sanitaryware
Image credit: CP Hart
Don’t be bland – be bold! Give your bathroom a bit of character by adding a splash of bright colour. Coloured baths and basins are coming back for bathroom trends, but in bolder shades than 1970s avocado, adding a sense of drama and luxury.
‘What’s set to turn our heads is the emergence of blue sanitaryware as a cool alternative to white,’ says CP Hart‘s Rachel Martin. ‘Look out for powdery blue baths, basins and WCs teamed with polished chrome or gold taps.’
‘Clean white furniture anchors the trend and is particularly striking when finished with marble door fronts or textured stone surfaces.’
16. Bathroom wallpaper
Image credit: David Giles
Cheaper than tiling, our bathroom wallpaper ideas can add stunning colour and take plain white tiles to a whole new level. To make sure you’re on the bathroom trends mark, avoid papering directly behind a bath or basin and try sealing the paper with a matt decorator’s varnish.
17. Metallic glamour
Chrome has been the king of the bathroom for some time but, as with kitchens, this is changing. Though we’re not advocating the return of gaudy swan-shaped brassware or wall-to-wall copper tiles, there is definitely a new bathroom trend emerging for modern metallic finished, and it’s worth tapping into for your new bathroom design.
As the name suggests, brassware has the metal at its heart, as it’s a durable material. Usually the brass core is treated with chrome or nickel to produce the shiny steel look we’ve been in love with for so long.
Now, inspired by the return of copper and brass elsewhere in the home, taps are shrugging off their silver coating for a new, more luxurious look.
For traditional schemes, go for taps and pipework in brushed copper or antique gold, as these will give a softer finish. Buy the best you can afford, too, as poorly plated taps will tarnish easily. Go for high-density, high carat gold plate on a nickel base for optimum longevity and durability.
What are the 2022 bathroom trends?
There are a number of new and exciting bathroom trends hitting the scene for 2022. One of the biggest has to be a return to nature, which can be seen in a natural materials, finishes and colours.
“Perhaps as a consequence of spending more time in the home and wanting to create more inviting aesthetics, colour trends have become warmer – inspired by nature and natural textures,’ says Oliver Webb of Cullifords. ‘Surface materials are smoother, more matte in texture and less sleek, working with design schemes to deliver spaces that feel warm and comforting where they may have previously felt more stark.’
‘Our interest in organic materials and shapes has led to an uplift in smoother textures,’ adds Hege Lundh of Lundhs Real Stone. ‘More structured, matte finishes are becoming the preferred choice for designers and homeowners. We are noticing a shift towards more tactile and smoother textures, from hard surfaces like worktops and splashbacks to homeware and accessories.
The other notable trend has to be the gentle move away from baths in the realm of showers. ‘We’re expecting to see an increase in level access and wet room sales in 2022,’ says Nick Graville, Sales & Marketing Director at Kudos Showers. ‘Wet floors or wet rooms are a great way of maximising the space that you have available and enable you to completely change the look and feel of your bathroom.’
What are the bathroom colours for 2022?
Bathroom trends for 2022 definitely impact colour choices, and the natural touch is seen here, too. ‘I think that we will see neutral palettes coupled with natural finishes and bold accessories continue well into 2022 – marble, slate and wood are going to continue to feature heavily,’ says Nick at Kudos Showers.
Hege Lundh agrees. ‘Emerging from our ongoing desire to bring the outdoors inside, natural colourways and earthy shades will continue to dominate in kitchens next year. From deep olive and sage green painted walls paired with dark cabinetry to warmer surfaces like natural stone, earthy colours show no sign of wavering in popularity. Teamed with wooden accents and warm metallic touches, homeowners and designers are increasingly favouring natural palettes and finishes for the heart of the home.’
In fact, colour in general is itself a bathroom trend for the year ahead. ‘There’s been a definite rise in homeowners wishing to bring colour into their bathroom,’ says Emma Joyce from House of Rohl. There has been a shift away from utilitarian white bathrooms into those with a little more colour and personality to them, and we anticipate that this trend will continue well into 2022.’
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