Are you planning your new bathroom but not sure which look to go for? We reveal five key aesthetics and the secret to achieving them…

From calming Scandi and edgy industrial to classic contemporary, we know deciding on a new bathroom style is far from easy. So, KBB journo Charlotte Luxford breaks down five of the most popular looks to help you effortlessly find yours…

Modern neutrals

When it comes to recreating this bathroom style, less is definitely more. “This minimalist, Scandi look is defined by its simplicity,” says Emma Mottram, brand marketing manager at Laufen.

Simplicity, however, doesn’t mean absence of style. Think subtle elegance, clean lines, organic shapes and using natural materials to promote a sense of tranquillity akin to being in a spa. While the decor is pared back, the focus is on creating textural intrigue through a mix of surfaces: fluffy towels, slatted wood panelling, tactile stone surfaces and matt sanitaryware.

Curvaceous forms, from mirrors to basins, soften harder linear details, and most furniture will be sleek, wall-hung and handleless, for a clean look. Access to natural light is key, to make the bathroom feel open and enhance the sense of wellbeing and connection with nature. Large openings in the form of picture windows or roof lights above showers, for example, will help to flood the space with daylight, and plants will enhance the indoor-outdoor connection.

Soaking tubs and oversized rainfall showers will recreate the spa-like feel, while a neutral colour palette will provide a calming backdrop for a moment of rest and recuperation. In addition, layered lighting is vital to allow for a relaxing atmosphere.

Industrial bathrooms

With their origins in converted urban lofts and factories, industrial-style bathrooms embrace a utilitarian vibe inspired by the industrial revolution and Victorian era, ideally revealing something of the building’s architecture and history.

Raw materials such as brick walls, concrete floors and exposed metal such as steel beams, pipes and ducts echo the unfinished look of industrial spaces. “An industrial-style bathroom can sometimes be too cold and clinical so the trick is to add warmer, softer features to create a more inviting space,” reveals Alex Main, director at The Main Company.

To get a more rough-luxe feel, Alex suggests opting for contrasting textures to balance the raw industrial finishes with details such as reclaimed wood, burnished brass, polished marble or traditional subway tiles.

In terms of sanitaryware, mix decorative Victorian-era styles, such as a Thomas Crapper cistern, with more utilitarian designs such as an Alape enamel basin or a reclaimed Belfast sink. Complete the look with cog-inspired taps in a modern bronze or black finish, and accessorise with pieces such as wirework storage baskets, reeded glass cabinets, tall metal lockers and industrial-style lights.

The bathing-room

“I love bathrooms that seamlessly blend with living areas, eschewing the impersonal, cold designs of the past,” says interior designer Sean Symington. “I prefer spaces that incorporate plush furnishings, unexpected artwork and comfy seating, including armchairs or upholstered stools, as well as soft, ambient lighting from table lamps and wall lights, which is vital for cultivating that warm and inviting feel.”

Real timber or wood-look flooring as well as terracotta-style designs are popular for achieving an earthy yet homely vibe, paired with soft rugs for added warmth underfoot. Look to integrated vintage and antique freestanding furniture to create that authentic, eclectic feel – a linen cupboard can house toiletries and towels, a mirrored cabinet can sit above a traditional pedestal sink, or an old washstand can be upcycled into a vanity unit.

Painted roll tops or baths surrounded by panelling rather than tiles are ideal for completing the look, alongside antique or living brass fixtures, to recreate that age-worn patina.

Decorative elements are also key to this look. Wallpaper is commonplace in the ‘non-bathroom’ to achieve that homely feel, as well as wall lights with fabric shades, and decorative blinds and shower curtains in waterproof fabrics, to add pops of colour and pattern.

Classic contemporary bathrooms

Sitting somewhere between traditional and the ‘non-bathroom’ style, this is a modern mish-mash of the two. Anything goes with this versatile look, which is more on the contemporary side but with a good dose of personality and bold splashes of colour. With the classic-contemporary vibe, you don’t need to focus on one era or finish – here, vintage lights might sit above a fluted sink with cool statement tiles and a classic roll top bath in an eye-popping hue.

“There’s a growing trend for the classic-contemporary look, as homeowners are more informed in what they love and want and are also willing to take more risks when it comes to their bathroom design – the result is something truly unique to them,” says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. “The secret to making this trend work is in the mix. Just remember, opposites attract! So, a traditional bath should be styled with a sleek, contemporary faucet, or period faucets with a modern-shaped sink.”

To ensure the look remains cohesive, it’s about balance – stick to a strong yet limited colour palette if you’re playing with plenty of textures and period styles elsewhere. You can also be more restrained and choose either a predominantly classic or contemporary look and opt for the odd hero product to create contrast, such as a traditional tub painted in a hot pink hue for a 21st-century nod, or exposed brassware in an otherwise-modern setting, to capture the elegance of heritage style.

Traditional

This is the kind of bathroom where you have that ‘wow’ moment when you step into a luxury hotel room and you can’t help but admire the grandiose nature of the ensuite. Often generous in both proportion and style, recreating this look is all about classic furniture, polished stone surfaces, metallic finishes and opulent lights for that added touch of glamour.

“Traditional designs have always been popular as they offer a sense of familiarity and refinement,” explains James Lentaigne, creative director at Drummonds. “Look for simple lines and subtle ornamentation – Shaker cabinets are a good example – and lean into the past with clawfoot bathtubs and period-style washstands to create a feeling of authenticity and nostalgia.”

The devil is in the detail when it comes to nailing the traditional look, which means investing in fixtures. There should be a focus on highlighting the craftsmanship of those finer details, whether it’s an exposed shower valve or the basin waste pipe – it should all be beautiful and on show.

In terms of colour schemes, the most successful palettes are usually warm neutrals, earthy tones or soft pastels, but they can easily incorporate more luxurious materials such as marble and fine woodwork to add a sense of opulence to the space.

Enjoyed this post? Click here for our complete guide to designing your dream shower

About Post Author