As people spend more time than ever at home, renovations are at the top of the list. Of course, it’s natural to want to choose the best designs, and that requires knowing what they are. In this guide, we’ll cover all of the latest trends and designs that are changing the way people look at the bathroom, from floating vanities and modern flooring to clean spaces and materials that promote a healthy home.
The bathroom is a space that requires unique considerations. It has to function, but you also want it to be stylish. Fortunately, modern designs and decor make it easy to get the best of both worlds. Make sure that you take the time to consider your goals in redesigning a bathroom because all of the different trends out there have a purpose.
For example, if you want to create a more open space with more floor area, you could choose a floating vanity and a seamless shower entry to make the room flow. If you seek better lighting, you’ll want to check out the upgraded vanity lighting options available today. Here’s what you need to know while planning and brainstorming your bathroom renovation.
What’s Trending Now in Bathroom Remodels?
Right now, the spa style is hot. Everyone is looking to create relaxing spaces so that they can enjoy a little getaway right at home. The pandemic has changed the way people get out and enjoy the world, causing more of us to try to find comfort in new ways at home. A little bit of an investment in your master bathroom will not only give you a new space to enjoy, but it can also add value to your home for the future.
Right now, the biggest remodel trends are in flooring, floating vanities, and fashionable layered lighting that changes how you can use your bathroom space.
Related: 8 Top Bathroom Remodeling Trends of 2020-2021
Bathroom Flooring
The floors of bathrooms are changing, with more people seeking out large, oversized tiles that give the appearance of more floor space. Some people also choose laminate or wood tiles, creating a wood look instead of a standard tile finish. Still more will go the extra mile and upgrade to a marble or granite tile for ultimate luxury when pulling out all the stops.
Focal tiles are also popular—creating a flowing space and using small tiles to create a pop of color and design. This might not fit every space, but it’s fun to draw attention to the floor and create a unique touch.
Floating Bath Vanities
Another really big trend right now is the floating vanity. People who search for functional ways to increase their space enjoy finding premium design choices like this. Floating vanities come in all sizes and styles, feature single and double sinks, and can be installed in just about any space. They also have a wide selection of finishes and counter options, including marble, granite, and others.
These vanities come in every shape and size you could imagine and will sit off the floor to create an illusion of more space. They also hide the plumbing fixtures, which makes them better than wall-mounted sinks or pedestal sinks that may expose plumbing.
Related: Bathroom Design and Inspiration
73 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Latte Oak
Spa Inspired Showers and Tubs
With the spa theme, impressive showers with multiple shower heads and other features are trending as more people seek that luxury experience at home. From walk-in showers that are almost their own rooms to luxurious soaking tubs that are roomy enough for two, the focus is creating a getaway right at home.
The modern bathroom is no longer just about getting clean; people are taking that to new levels. Plus, the selection of tub and shower styles available gives people more options than ever for decorating their perfect new space without spending a fortune.
Hygienic Bathroom Surfaces
As people become more concerned with cleanliness in the home, choosing non-porous and easy-to-clean surfaces is a big trend. Fortunately, in the bathroom, most available finishes already offer this feature, so it won’t be hard to find.
Many popular trends include smooth tiles, larger pieces, fewer seams, and less wood. People are looking for the best features and fixtures with easy cleaning. You don’t have to make this a focal point of your own design, but it’s something to consider. Keeping cleaning to a minimum in the bathroom can also add to the space’s enjoyment.
Bold Bath Designs
Graphics and design are hot right now. The modern, minimalist bathroom is still a popular choice. Still, more people are also going out on a limb to try bold prints, bright colors, and unique designs that create a different finish than anything you’ve seen before. Patterns like dots, dashes, and even animal prints are becoming popular.
People are also choosing brighter and bolder paint colors. Did you know the right dark, saturated color and lighting combination can open up your bathroom and create the illusion of more space? You have to work to find the balance and not turn the space into a cave, but it can be done. White or light colors are no longer the only choices.
Related: 12 Designer Tips Make a Small Bathroom Bigger
Interior Design Details
Another hot area of focus that didn’t always get much attention is the detail work in your bathroom—what kind of accents and hardware are you using? Everything from the difference between chrome and bronze finishes to the style of the hardware will make a difference in your space. Choose decorative handles and pulls that match your design and help tie the room together.
People going for the spa feel will choose soft lighting, candles, greenery, and other details to continue the relaxing feel of the space and add to the comfort. You can even choose hardware, finishes, and other details based on the type of space you want to create, the theme of your design, or just what you like. It’s about paying attention to the details, no matter what that means to you.
Lighting Trends
The bathroom lighting is changing, too. More people are looking for layered effects that offer style and function without the same old bathroom light fixtures. You’ll find plenty of vanity mirrors and overhead bathroom lighting that can revolutionize your space.
Sconces, multi-light fixtures, fan/light combos, and more exist. Some people are even choosing to add ceiling fans to their bathroom space to have more airflow and create the right overhead lighting at the same time. It’s best to use upward lighting for ambient light, while many people are choosing more deliberate, stylish task lighting than ever before.
4 Light Vanity Strip Lighting Oil Rubbed Bronze
The biggest bathroom lighting trends include:
- Better vanity lighting
- Layered lighting for tasks and ambiance
- More accent lighting
- Statement pendant lighting
- Alternative exhausting options (to avoid using the standard light/fan combo)
- Eco-friendly fixtures
- Non-traditional sconces and vanity lighting
These are just a few things people do in their lighting. Of course, remember to purchase eco-friendly LEDs for all of your fixtures to start the sustainability trend. Speaking of which, that’s the next big thing in bathrooms for 2021.
Related: 7 Ways To Brighten Your Dark Bathroom
Sustainability
One area of focus that has little to do with design is the growing trend of creating sustainable spaces. People are looking for ways to reduce their impact and create a better space for their families, from the materials used to the type of appliances and installed fixtures. You can find sustainable building materials like recycled flooring, light fixtures that provide long-term LED lighting that won’t use much energy, and more.
Eco-conscious fixtures, including low-flow toilets and faucets, are easy to find, and vanities are made from recycled materials and designed to be eco-friendly. You can search for sustainable bathroom fixtures, including low-wattage lighting, eco-friendly exhaust fans, etc.
Choose as many natural materials as you can. If you’ve got the budget, go with the man-made tile instead of the manufactured product. Stick with natural linens and materials, and find pieces that are made to be eco-friendly if you want the best outcome here.
You can even find aerators and other add-ons that you can use to enhance your new sustainable space and get the look that you want without compromise.
What Inspires You?
Now that you’ve seen what’s trending for 2021, which designs, ideas, and styles do you like best? You might be looking for something specific or just wanted a little inspiration for your unique design. Take the time to consider all of the highlights on this list and how you can incorporate them into your own space.
In no time, you’ll have a bathroom that stands out and shows off your style, giving you the space that you’ve always wanted. If we’ve learned anything in the past year, it’s that we may as well be comfortable at home, so why not start in the bathroom and see how you can take advantage of these design trends to upgrade your space? Get started now.
Related: How to Remodel a Bathroom on a Budget
Resources
https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/bathroom-trends-203661
https://www.renoassistance.ca/en/bathrooms/bathroom-trends/
https://victoriaplum.com/blog/posts/bathroom-trends-2021
https://www.interiorzine.com/2020/04/25/bathroom-trends-2021-2022-designs-colors-tiles-ideas/