We identify five bathroom trends to watch for home interior design in 2023

With the economy providing a challenging background for retail, it’s more important than ever to consider the bathroom trends encouraging consumers to part with their cash in 2023.

Overarching global mega trends including urbanisation, the demographic shift towards an ageing population and climate change will continue to shape home interiors.

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And it will see water efficiency, accessibility and the increased use of technology, playing an ever-greater role in bathroom design.

With expectation for the bathroom to remain as a cocoon from the outside world and other rooms in the house, with more people working from home, it continues to drive interest in special design.

Lockdown propelled the interest for style-led homes and encouraged a greater reliance on social media for inspiration and bathorom trends, showcasing high-end residential and boutique hotels as go-to looks.

However, with the cost-of-living crisis, there has been a shift in consumer perception towards quality, providing substance as well as style.

So we highlight five key bathroom trends which will bring value to consumers in 2023.

1. SOFT CURVES

Linear shapes have long been the go-to look for contemporary bathrooms, however, there is set to be a swing towards styling with soft curves.

RAK Ceramics has extended its RAK-Cloud collection of sanitaryware, which boasts soft curves, is a matt black finish

Rounded shapes will be reflected in sanitaryware, baths and brassware.

Sales and marketing director at RAK Ceramics Ben Bryden says: “Look out for a resurgence in curves – we’re moving away from the strong, geometrical lines that have been such a big part of the minimal bathroom, towards something a little softer.”

And Emma Joyce, brand manager of House of Rohl,which includes Victoria+Albert, says curves can benefit the user experience, adding: “Curves are perfect for creating a soothing atmosphere where we can take care of ourselves, mentally and physically.

Adding curves to the bathroom elevates it from a cold, clinical feeling space to a comfortable living area.”

2. COLOUR

Forget soft, neutral tones of natural – bold drenches of colour and pattern splashes will be making news in 2023.

The premium-priced Statement furniture range, part of PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand, now comes in a Matt Deep Blue finish and a choice of handles in Brushed Brass, Matt Black or Polished Chrome.

Furniture product manager of Bathrooms to Love by PJH, Julie Lockwood points out: “Colour will continue to be a big trend in bathroom design during 2023, particularly within the bathroom furniture category.

Shades of blues and greens are likely to dominate in the furniture sector, for example Indigo Blues and Greys, Sea Greens and Sage Greens.

Colour co-ordination with other product categories will also be popular, for example linking the same shade with wash basin and freestanding baths.”

And Ben Bryden of RAK Ceramics agrees colour will grow in significance for the bathroom space: “I think we can see a shift towards more bold choices, certainly in terms of materials and colouring.”

However, he believes soft, pastel shares, matt black and grey will be go-to shades and adds: “From a design perspective, this trend is ideal for creativity with colourful accents scaled up or down for a tailored approach depending on the setting and the style tastes of the consumer.”

3. TECHNOLOGY

The increased use of technology to create inclusive bathrooms, meeting a broad church of users and abilities, will continue to be a focus with a growing elderly population.

The Grohe Sensia Arena shower toilet has two showering jets at the front and rear of the bowel, nightlight and can absorb odours.

Together with a focus on more luxurious bathroom design, it will see a growth in interest of the shower toilet.

Leader of product management UK for Lixil EMENA and Grohe Ronke Ugbaja states: “We predict consumer focus to be multi-functional products.

“High convenience and multi-use items, such as luxurious shower toilets, will be highly sought after, being used for both functionality and aesthetic design.”

4. PERSONALISATION

A trend that has been steadily developing in the bathroom market has been a demand for personalisation in the home.

Part of the Showerwall panel offer, Vintage China reflects the trend for nostalgia in bathroom design.

It has seen a wider choice of metal finishes for brassware, wide variety of decorative wall panels and The Radiator Centre even offers the Frame radiator with the choice of art pieces or customisable with own photography.

Product manager of Showerwall Steph Harris “With cost-of-living pressures impacting many homeowners, 2023 could be a big year for wall panelling.

“The Showerwall collection includes marble, tile and wallpaper-inspired designs that achieve a stunning end-result, minus the cost and upkeep of tiling.

“Some of the top trends we’re forecasting include 1920s inspired art deco designs, destination and animal prints for a global feel, golden tones that evoke comfort and warmth, and vintage prints for a dash of period nostalgia.”

5. SUSTAINABILITY

From efficient use of energy through to water, sustainability will play an ever greater role in bathroom design and specification.

New to the UK market, the I-Ching radiator from The Radiator Centre can be hung individually or in groups, positioned vertically or horizontally.

Managing director of The Radiator Centre Nick Duggan explains his company has seen a “big” increase in customer interest in energy efficient radiators.

While operations manager at MHS Radiators Alex Bradley points out how the Government’s Green Industrial Revolution, with the end of fossil fuel heating in houses by 2025, will impact choice.

He says: “The impending change is set to change the way hating systems are approached for new builds and a greater understanding is needed of how to choose appropriate heat emitters that will work with low temperature heating systems associated with heat pumps.

“Underfloor heating is often through of as the only option when selecting heat emitters for this type of system.

“However, the use of aluminium radiators alongside heat pumps is proven to be a beneficial and flexible option.”

Go further and read about the kitchen trends to watch in 2023.