Mesmerising murals, cool concrete, and tactile tiles – the latest bathroom design trends and ideas feel fresh and exciting. Ready to get inspired to create a space that’s packed with personality?
Whether you are thinking about completely transforming your bathroom and need an abundance of inspiration, or simply want to be up to date on all things interior design, you’re in the right place. There’s plenty to see, so let’s start exploring the bathroom ideas for 2023…
The lived-in look
In 2023, the bathroom is no longer just a dedicated space for washing but an area where you can rest and recharge, get your creativity going, and enjoy a few moments of peace – be it with a hot cuppa, a good book or the latest issue of *wink*.
So, it’s time to go all-out when decorating your bathroom. Molly Mahon, founder of her namesake design studio, likes treating her bathroom like the other rooms in the house, “with layers, textures, and plenty of soft details”.
Start by adding a tactile rug for an extra level of comfort when stepping out of the bath, then install open shelves for memorabilia. Upgrade plain corners with wall art, cosy armchairs, footstools, and side tables to create a zone for indulging in your morning and evening routines.
“I don’t want the bathroom to feel like a practical room and decorating helps me to achieve this look.If you have the space, soft furnishings are ideal for the ultimate peace and luxury. In my own bathroom, I covered a vintage chair in our joyful Berry print for an extra touch of freshness and modernity,” says Molly.
For the perfect finishing touches, include your favourite house plants that thrive in humid environments, pretty cushions, bathroom decor, and relaxing aromatherapy.
Whimsical walls
Dare to go bold? One of my favourite bathroom trends for 2023 is going grand with striking wallcoverings. From oversized palm leaves to dreamy pastel landscapes, don’t be afraid to play with colours and patterns – they are great tools for elevating your scheme.
If you are colour confident, then pair your ornate wallpaper with matching sanitaryware and vibrant tiles. Or why not achieve a spa-like bathroom, complete with the perfect backdrop for a relaxing soak, with help from an exotic mural?
Paula Taylor, head stylist at luxury paint and wallpaper specialists Graham & Brown, recommends opting for a themed wallpaper to inject a dash of maximalism into your bathroom. “Botanical and tropical prints work particularly well for transforming the room into a place of complete escapism,” she says.
Cool concrete
Raw materials continue to be a popular feature in modern bathroom designs this year. And what’s not to love? Exposed concrete is easy to clean and ideal for that authentic industrial aesthetic.
Whether you choose a waxed or polished finish for your walls and floors, there is no doubt this material enhances the tactile experience in any bathroom. For a sleek look, pair concrete with matt black – be it for your basin mixer or shower solutions. Paul Illingworth, design manager at Abode, says that twinning black alongside raw materials such as stone and concrete will influence bathroom design this year.
To go one step further, match your concrete surfaces with a bold basin made from the same material. However, it’s important to be conscious of the weight of this material –great alternatives include microcement or concrete-effect surfaces.
Grand arches
Curves and arches became popular last year but continue to be a trendy choice in 2023 – however, this time bigger than ever.
Picture placing your bath in a cosy alcove for a cosy feeling or positioning your vanity unit in a curved recess for a statement feature. Sounds dreamy, right? But play with paint, tiles, or wallpaper to take your design to the next level.
Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs, explains that there are plenty of ways to embrace curves in a bathroom – from the shape of your walls to functional items that feature organic forms.
“Adding curves can introduce a visual rhythm that infuses a more relaxed, softer feel to the space, removing harsh lines and angular corners,” says Barrie.
Another modern bathroom idea for 2023 is to remove the classic shower enclosure and opt for a curved entryway to your wetroom. And if you really love this architectural feature, then complete the scheme with perfectly round baths and basins, curved brassware, and organically shaped mirrors.
A gold touch
Warm, metallic and oh-so-stylish – gold wallpaper, paint and brassware are great solutions for elevating your bathroom. The best bit? This glamorous finish pairs well with almost any colour palette or material.
If you want to subtly embrace this modern bathroom design idea, Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design, suggests matching the smaller details such as taps or handles with larger pieces like mirrors or wallpaper. “These are great ways to use gold and create a cohesive space – without it being too overpowering,” she says.
But if you really want to make a statement, then don’t hold back. Scroll down to get inspired by the glamorous project designed by Hotel Creative, which includes luxury pieces from Drummonds, such as the Usk bath clad in brass, and intricate gold wallpaper by de Gournay – wow!
Statement marble
Hands up – who doesn’t love the beauty of natural stone? I, for one, am a big fan of the look and feel of marble. And I’m not alone because recently, there has been an increased interest in this veiny material.
Marble can instantly inject a dash of opulence into any bathroom. Plus, there are plenty of ways to introduce it into your scheme – from grand baths to striking surfaces. Wayne Spriggs, chief executive officer and founder of luxury bathroom brand Lusso, says that you can achieve endless looks with help from this versatile material – from a classic scheme with the muted Italian Carrara to bolder designs with the Asian Panda marble.
“Marble goes beyond other materials, such as acrylic and cast iron, meaning it makes a huge statement and due to its natural origins, marble is completely unique, so no block is the same as the next,” he explains.
This veiny stone pairs well with other natural materials such as wood and is complemented by gold finishes.
However, it’s worth keeping in mind that marble is a porous material. So, it needs extra care and attention to ensure it lasts. But don’t worry, there are alternatives. For example, if you have little ones and are concerned about the maintenance aspect, then try marble-effect surfaces.
Ben Bryden, sales and marketing director at RAK Ceramics, explains that with porcelain tiles, you can still enjoy the elegant look of marble, but with peace of mind that the material won’t chip or stain as easily.
Textured tiles
Fluted finishes have taken over our bathrooms – from reeded furniture and wall panelling to enclosures and, of course, tiles.
Why are they so popular, I hear you ask? Well, fluted tiles help enhance the tactile experience of your scheme while adding dimension and plenty of interest.
Abbas Youssefi, director of independent tile specialists Porcelain Superstore, says that these textured tiles are the next big trend in bathrooms, taking inspiration from the revival of fluted glass and ribbed accessories.
“By their nature, fluted tiles are elegant rather than overtly eye-catching, so they naturally work well with popular bathroom styles and colours,” he suggests.
To achieve a modern design, dress your walls in slim, ribbed tiles in creamy shades and complete the look with flooring in complementing shades, greige sanitaryware, and matt black brassware.
What’s more, this style of tiles is a go-to for nailing the Japandi aesthetic, which is also trending at the moment. Pair fluted tiles with light wood furniture, pared-back taps and mixers, and natural materials like rattan, bamboo and jute.
Spa bathrooms
The biophilic design is one of the most popular concepts for 2023. It helps connect you with the nature and oozes that much-needed sanctuary feeling – and who doesn’t want that, right?
The wellness trend in bathrooms is set to continue to grow, explains Tom King, managing director of Majestic, as there is a high demand for steam enclosures and saunas, which are great for detoxifying both the body and the mind.
To get the look, follow a neutral colour palette with calming shades of green, grey and taupe, warm woods and natural, tactile materials. When it comes to sanitaryware, choose round, freestanding baths for a comfortable soak.
But if you are team shower, then indulge in a relaxing experience with help from an overhead solution enhanced with chromotherapy. Finish your design with plenty of house plants and aromatherapy.
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