Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 14 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.

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Current trends in bathroom design continue to highlight luxury, sustainability, and wellness. Achieving a cohesive look depends on the compatibility of each component, with sanitaryware needing to be both practical and visually pleasing. Today’s consumers are looking for products that combine hygiene, durability and style with a dash of personality. As these trends gain momentum, the demand for harmonised yet customisable bathroom solutions continues to rise.

Juan Luna, design manager at Acquabella, agrees, “Consumers are seeking baths and basins that offer both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Materials like natural, high-quality resins are trending thanks to their durability, antibacterial treatment, easy maintenance and eco-friendliness. Customisable options and unique finishes are also in high demand, allowing homeowners to create personalised spaces that reflect their style and personality”.

Colour me happy

The design landscape has shifted from a one-size-fits-all solution to bespoke schemes that reflect individual preferences. The focus on personalisation enhances the visual magnetism of the bathroom, making these spaces more than just functional areas – they become individual retreats catering to style and comfort.

As consumers continue to explore new possibilities, the potential to structure a bathroom that truly mirrors the user’s personality has become a hallmark of contemporary design. This personalisation trend leverages an expressive use of colour and materials, resulting in customisation.

Ashley Sinclair, specification and design manager at Sanipex Group, comments: ‘Current trends in bath, basin, and WC design emphasise personalised design, blending bold colours, unique finishes, and new materials. These trends offer designers creative freedom to craft spaces that reflect users’ styles and personalities, enhancing both comfort and style.’

In response to the demand for design freedom, Aquabella’s Noon bathtub can be designed in more than 2000 colours. It features a slate texture that gives it a sophisticated and natural look. The tubs are perfectly matched with the sleek Acquasolid collection (pictured above), which comprises basins and worktops (Tai, Kivu, and Tana series).

Life’s a beach

The continued fusion of natural elements into the bathroom results in organic, serene spaces that evoke a sense of tranquillity. This trend blends materials like wood, stone, teak, and bamboo with earthy colour palettes and textures. By integrating features such as natural light, plants, or stone, designers can easily create a restful, calming environment. This approach enhances the aesthetic appeal of bathrooms and promotes a soothing and restorative experience.

Michael Marriott, CEO of Waterline, advises, ‘Bathroom trends are all about creating a calming, wellness-focused space. Soft, soothing colours like sage green, gentle blues, and warm neutrals are in vogue, making the bathroom feel like a retreat. Think about incorporating features that enhance user well-being, like rainfall showerheads, natural elements and wooden accents.’

One example of this is Beach House by BAGNODESIGN. The collection features light, gentle hues that mimic the outdoor bathrooms of private Maldivian villas. The complete range includes shower columns and furniture that coordinate with the stylish BAGNOQUARTZ basins and bathtubs pictured above.

Flushed with love

Whilst we ask our baths and basins to toe the line regarding wellness, we have lower expectations of the humble WC, yet a noisy loo can undo all the good work. According to Weber, research shows that when exposed to noise, our stress levels are raised, which can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Children also find the sound battleground overwhelming, especially in public bathrooms. With this in mind, VitrA has launched one of the quietest loos in the world. It also tops the charts regarding cleaning power, operating 120% more effectively than standard rimless toilets.

“Ruth Davies, VitrA’s marketing director, explains, ‘In today’s increasingly home-centred lifestyle, the bathroom has evolved into a space for relaxation. Factors such as hygiene and well-being are crucial considerations when making the bathroom feel like a living space. Choose products that prioritise both hygiene and tranquillity, such as basins and toilets with anti-bacterial glazes that minimise the spread of germs and silent flushing systems that maintain a peaceful atmosphere. These choices not only enhance the bathroom’s functionality but also create a serene environment.“

VitrA ‘s new QuantumFlush boasts superior toilet flushing technology that is seven times quieter than a traditional toilet. It delivers twice the cleaning power and is also specifically designed to enhance water efficiency, using the same 3 or 6 litres of water as a standard dual flush.

Free & easy

Freestanding baths are popular since they deliver drama and elegance, which elevates the bathroom aesthetic. Beyond looks, freestanding baths can be more flexible in placement, allowing for creative layouts that maximise space. These baths often come in various shapes and sizes, catering to all tastes and preferences. They are also typically easier to install than built-in options, reducing time and increasing build efficiency. Overall, freestanding baths combine sophistication, versatility, and practicality, making them a desirable choice for traditional and modern bathrooms.

Tanna Molyneux, product manager of Bathrooms to Love by PJH, agrees, “A freestanding bath undeniably adds luxury and glamour to any bathroom, serving as an impressive focal point and making a bold design statement. With many styles now available, covering all price points, the choice of designs is wider than ever.”

PJH’s Bathrooms to Love bath collection includes a comprehensive choice of styles and specifications for all bathroom projects. The freestanding bath range is a popular choice for consumers looking to add a touch of luxury to a bathroom space, and designs include classic and contemporary models. 

A complete collection

Creating a cohesive design is simpler when selecting from a single supplier. Numerous benefits include consistency in looks and quality, which helps create a put-together feel throughout the space. Working with one supplier also simplifies the purchasing process, streamlining communication and coordination and saving time and effort.

The new Waterline Bathroom Collection features a wide range of products that cater to contemporary and traditional tastes. The sanitaryware features square and round themes, while the furniture pieces are available in contemporary and traditional styles. Developed in close collaboration with industry experts, the range includes everything from furniture, WCs, and flushing systems to brassware, basins, shower trays and enclosures, baths, heating solutions, flooring, and mirrors.

Picture at the very top – Bathrooms to Love

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You can see more on our site if you enjoyed this Bathroom Review feature. Alternatively, if Kitchens are your thing, please visit our sister site, Kitchens Review

Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.

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Shower rooms are rapidly gaining popularity over traditional bathrooms thanks to their sleek design, efficiency, and versatility. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, consumers prioritise functionality and convenience; a shower room provides this. According to a Houzz UK Bathroom Trends Study, almost three-quarters of homeowners upgraded their showers (74%), with more than two-thirds increasing their shower size during renovations (68%). These increases were not insubstantial; almost a third enlarged the shower by more than half its original size (32%).

For those with limited space, fitting a bathtub requires more floor space, whereas shower rooms work well with a compact footprint, rendering them ideal for smaller homes or urban dwellings where space is at a premium. Additionally, shower rooms can be customised to suit individual preferences, with options ranging from minimalist walk-in showers to luxurious spa-like enclosures. In our April round-up, Diane Larner explores the latest products to hit the market.

Expand your horizons

Shower trays

Despite the prevalence of smaller bathroom spaces in new construction, the demand for luxurious yet practical bathroom solutions continues to rise; spacious bathroom areas deliver on this preference, but how do you cater to a generous aesthetic whilst transcending limitations imposed by square footage? Larger, flatter shower trays that emulate the feel of a wetroom are emerging as a crafty solution. Balancing form and function whilst offering a more expansive option, larger formats help designers redefine the boundaries of bathroom design whilst embracing a seamless fusion of utility and aesthetics.

Sven Rensinghoff, head of marketing at Bette, agrees, “There’s a growing demand for larger, flatter and flush-to-floor shower trays that give the look of a wet room, without any worries about water leakage, and with a shower floor that is easy to clean. There’s also a growing demand for shower trays that coordinate with flooring to help make the room appear larger. We are seeing more customers adding colour into the bathroom to increase the feeling of cosiness and to aid relaxation. While white is still the most popular choice, the use of darker colours is increasing in popularity to create a cosy and relaxing interior space in which to switch off from the stresses of the outside world.”

Bette shower trays come in 70 sizes, so there is no need to compromise on the perfect size. They are strong and stable, even in the largest 2000 x 900mm and 1800 x 1000mm dimensions, and come in floor level and above floor options, with central or side wastes.

Sleek & chic

Shower enclosures

If preferences lean toward a shower enclosure, selecting a design that optimises room space whilst delivering accessibility is key. Various options are available to the market, from bi-fold doors to quadrant enclosures, each delivering unique benefits tailored to diverse needs.

Shower enclosure manufacturers often cite easy installation as a benefit and suggest enclosures can be more cost-effective than traditional custom-built designs. With an array of design options, from sleek minimalist styles to bold statement pieces, shower enclosures align with today’s design trends, helping elevate style while maximising functionality.

The new Divera collection from Kudos Showers offers a comprehensive and design-led modular showering solution where many of the components can be used to create a number of different enclosures. Its side panels and fixing kits are universally designed for use with any of the door types in the range. Easy to install, the comprehensive collection includes sliding, bi-fold, hinged and quadrant enclosure door options, along with wet room panels, side panels and accessories.

The company also offers a reassuring check-list of support and customer service; as Nick Granville, Kudos’s sales & marketing director, explains, “Choosing a local, reliable shower enclosure supplier that offers quality, deliverable product guarantees, and a speedy backup service instils confidence in both the retailer and the consumer. As a result of recent market challenges, such as Brexit, COVID-19, and continual economic uncertainty, service levels in the showering market have been inconsistent. The importance of supporting local manufacturers like Kudos has, therefore, been elevated.  

“British manufacturers that offer a comprehensive range of products, all at price points and with flexible design options, and hold in-depth stock in the UK, have become leading contenders in the showering supply chain.”

Style icon

Thermostatic showers

Thermostatic showers offer a raft of benefits for designers, including safety features, built-in water conservation and customisable options such as adjustable spray settings. Exposed mixers are also easy to integrate into various project styles thanks to a sleek and modern aesthetic that complements most bathrooms. Beyond their visual appeal, thermostatic showers enhance user satisfaction by maintaining consistent water temperatures, minimising the risk of scalding. These showers also feature ergonomic handles and intuitive controls, enhancing usability and accessibility for all ages and abilities.

A perfect example is the PLAN blue series of fittings from KEUCO; the range now incorporates an exposed thermostatic shower mixer. The two new on-wall shower fittings have been created to complement the extensive PLAN blue range with either a thermostat shower mixer or a combination with an integrated head and hand shower.

A thoughtfully designed shower can also ensure the new space is multi-generational, adding value and longevity to the property. James Sketch, country manager at Keuco UK, agrees: “By considering who will be using the shower in years to come, designers can include elements that ensure the shower is adaptable and can be adjusted to cater for different heights, from small children to those who need to sit whilst showering. It is also important to ensure there is room for a grab rail within the showering space. These small details can lead to significant savings in the long term, as the shower can continue to be used with minor adjustments for years to come.”

Big style for small spaces

Shower doors

Designing for small or awkward spaces such as an attic or en-suite presents a unique challenge for designers and architects, but also offers an opportunity for innovation and creativity. The latest trends in compact bathroom design include clever solutions such as utilising a recessed space or integrating space-saving corner showers.

Amongst a raft of brand-new design-led products, Flair has recently unveiled a new range of shower doors; BABY ILI is a specially designed solution for attic bathrooms and spaces with height restrictions. Standing at 1800 mm high, BABY ILI ensures that even in tight spaces, retailers can offer their customers a stunning shower enclosure, enhancing their daily showering experience.

Panel power

Decorative wall panels

Wood panelling in bathrooms has emerged as a notable trend this year, bringing warmth, texture, and a touch of natural beauty to the bathroom space. Departing from traditional tiled walls, modern bathrooms embrace the versatility and charm of wood panelling to create inviting and spa-like sanctuaries. Whether used to accentuate a feature wall or to cover an entire surface, wood panelling adds depth and character. Furthermore, advancements in material technology have made wood panelling in bathrooms more practical than ever, with moisture-resistant options that are durable and easy to maintain.

Pictured above and below, Kinewall by Kinedo is a new range of decorative bathroom wall panels that can transform not just a shower space but a whole bathroom, cloakroom or utility room. Said to offer a revolution in materials, a revelation in designs and a remarkably simple installation process, Kinewall offers an abundance of choices to create the perfect bathroom with over 70 unique patterns, styles, and colours.

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You can see more on our site if you enjoyed this Bathroom Review feature. Alternatively, if Kitchens are your thing, please visit our sister site, Kitchens Review