We identify five bathroom trends to watch out for in home interior design in 2024

With home interiors more of an evolution than a revolution, this year will see a further step forward in the bathroom becoming part of the overall living space.

While nature, colour, softer shapes and personalisation remain key, these trends have been joined by a focus on texture and lighting.

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Lauren Goodbrand of Kitchens International on winning the Kbsa Concept Designer Award 2024

All of which means an informed choice in interior design to create luxurious space dedicated to self-care – the spathroom.

Director of Sanctuary Bathrooms James Roberts points out: “Trend predictions for 2024 show a recurring focus on some of the most popular themes, including natural materials, coloured brassware, and a move towards more personality in bathrooms.”

All of which is supported by wider macro economic trends, such as urbanisation seeing a continuing drive towards smaller bathroom spaces, ageing population driving inclusive design and sustainability reducing resource use.

In fact, experts highlight sustainability could make a breakthrough this year as it becomes a bigger part of manufacturers’ portfolios.

With consumers increasingly conscious of the rising cost of utility bills, it could ultimately see it becoming part of the design brief.

Remaining cautiously optimistic about the market, awareness of overarching trend could help entice consumers to consider home renovations and convert those at the start of the sales process to commit.

So, here we highlight five key bathroom trends which will bring value to consumers in 202.4

1. Spathroom

As the design boundaries continue to break down between living space and bathroom, the spathroom continues to influence design with warmer colours, tactility and introduction of technology which aids relaxation.

Designed in collaboration with Andreas Dimitris is the Laufen Smart Shower, a modular system where consumers can personalise the showering experience using light and sound.

Head of marketing at Proofvision Rajesh Parmar states: “The trend of creating luxurious, spa-inspired bathrooms is growing significantly, with a report by Pinterest finding that searches for home spa bathrooms have increased 190% making this a top trend in 2023.

“The popularity of designing bathrooms in a spa-like style is expected to continue in 2024.”

And product manager at Showerwall Steph Harris agrees: “The desire for bathrooms to become a private sanctuary has increased considerably, and the spathroom trends is set to continue into 2024.”

2. Nature effects

Creating a cocooning environment, natural-inspired colours and materials are continuing to inspire affordable luxury bathrooms. Expect more marble-effects, rich woods and warmer brassware.

The Showerwall Breccia Marble effect wall panel is made from gloss laminate and is guaranteed for 30 years

Furniture product manager for Bathrooms to Love by PJH Jule Lockwood explains: “The ‘natural’ trend is a theme which will continue to evolve over the course of 2024, influencing bathroom design and general interior trends.

“Designs will continue to develop blending beautiful combinations of organic-inspired material.”

3. Fluting and ribbing

Supporting the use of natural inspired materials has been a demand for greater tactility in the bathroom.

Reflexion Ionix Fluted Glass Wetroom with chrome profile and support arms, featuring ultra clear glass, is available from PJH’s Bathrooms to Love collection

It has seen the development of texture from graining or matt effect furniture through to a strong use of slatted wood and fluted surfaces.

Head of product design at Utopia Richard Shore states: “Textures are becoming deeper and edgier, adding realism and encouraging people to touch and feel.

“Contrastingly, geometric patterning, like ridged surfaces, is very popular creating a retro vibe.”

Fluting also provides a softer environment, especially when paired with curved sanitaryware and rounded furniture.

Showering product manager of Bathrooms to Love by PJH Tanna Molyneux says fluting can elevate a space: “Fluted glass adds a touch of elegance and visual interest in the showering zone, diffusing the light to create interesting silhouttes and patterns. It adds depth to a space and offers a timeless decorative element.”

4. Lighting

With such a focus on creating a living space dedicated to self-care, technology has grown in importance for the bathroom and at the heart is lighting.

Roper Rhodes offers lighting from classic wall fittings through to pendants, subtle downlights and strip lighting.

A spokesperson from Roper Rhodes elucidates: “In 2024, bathroom lighting is now just functional but a focal point of design.

“This trend sees a shift towards innovative lighting solutions that blend aesthetics with technology. Imagine lights that adapt to the time of day enhancing the mood and energy of the space.

“Hidden lighting in shower alcoves or under vanity units creates an ambient atmosphere, while statement lights become centrepieces.

“This approach to lighting transforms the bathroom into an artful play of light and shadow, adding depth and drama to the space.”

5. Sustainability

As a part of the bathroom design conversation, sustainability of resources is growing in importance – particularly with water labelling set to become law in the UK.

The Grohe Eversteam recycling shower is set to hit the market in Spring 2024 and uses a quarter of the water and a third of the energy typically required by traditional showers.

Richard Shore of Utopia comments: “Sustainability is now embedded into society as expected, not just as a ‘nice to have’ feature.

And leader of product management at Lixil EMENA & Grohe Ronke Ugbaja agrees: “As societal awareness grows, sustainability emerger as a key player across all sectors, with a particular focus on water conservation in the bathroom.

“Significant strides are being made within water saving and circularity technology.

“The industry will not only strive to deliver resource saving solutions but also emphasise optimal value for money and performance.”

Go further and read the Kitchen trends to watch for 2024.