15 inspiring bathroom trends

Bathroom trends tend to be more subtle than living room or bedroom trends. Like kitchens, this is a space that requires some investment, so you need to find a style with longevity. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create something trend-led. These are the finishes, colours, concepts and materials shaping bathroom design in 2022.

1. Brass fittings

Natural or unlacquered brass fittings have an antique look that further develops a unique patina over time. They are an ideal complement for a rustic or industrial-style scheme. Pictured below: Bespoke Landmark Pure bath filler in Urban Brass, from samuel-heath.com.

2. Reclaimed materials

Choose to reuse by restoring original features, such as floorboards, and including reclaimed materials or salvaged finds. If you can’t track down the kind of salvaged bathtub you want, try upcycling your own with aged brass panels from quirkyinteriors.co.uk (pictured below).

3. Pastel shades

Muted pastel shades are a dominant bathroom trend for walls, floors and fixtures in 2022. Look out for tiles and sanitaryware in shades of sage, rose, pale ochre and lilac. Pictured below: Artis surface-mounted oval washbasin in Sage Green, Finion freestanding bath, both from villeroy-boch.co.uk.

4. Coloured glass panels

Every element of a new bathroom can be decorative, even a glass shower panel. This collection is inspired by early 20th-century Art Deco design. Pictured below: Nouveau shower box with pale pink 8mm glass, also available in pale green or clear; Nouveau LivingTec basin, shelf and cabinet, all from ex-t.com.

5. Rustic finishes

Alongside the shift towards soft-sheen and matt surfaces, there’s a bathroom trends movement towards rustic tiles that are, or look, handmade. The texture and colour tones of these brick-shaped tiles result in a handcrafted effect. Pictured below: Riad Terracotta matt porcelain wall tiles, from mandarinstone.com.

6. Natural patterns

Stone-effect tiles with rich colours and bold veining bring a sense of opulence to a scheme. They offer a luxurious look without the high cost of real stone. Precision-cut porcelain allows for finer grout lines so that there’s a minimal break in the overall design. Pictured below: Onyx Nouveau gloss porcelain rectified tiles, from mandarinstone.com.

7. 1980s style

Patterns are getting bolder with graphics taking the lead. Look for versatile tile designs created to provide multiple options for geometric arrangements from symmetrical stripes and blocks to random forms. Pictured below: Bert & May at Fired Earth porcelain tiles in Alalpardo Green and Versailles large console, both from firedearth.com.

8. Japanese-style baths

Designed to be enjoyed sitting upright for a deep and relaxing soak, Japanese-style baths are compact and great for a small space. Traditionally made from timber, they can also be found in solid surface composites. Pictured below: True Ofuro Mini freestanding Aquatex Japanese soaking bathtub in matt white, from aquaticabath.co.uk.

9. Matt finish

High shine surfaces are making way for a subtle sheen. Manufacturers continue to launch new brassware, whether contemporary or classic in style, with brushed, matt, or unlacquered finishes. Pictured below: Milano Ashurst brushed nickel thermostatic shower and freestanding bath shower mixer, both from bigbathroomshop.co.uk; Ovali bath, available in two sizes, from bcdesigns.co.uk.

10. Dual-purpose furniture

Designs offering more than one function are a versatile solution for multi-use rooms. There’s a wealth of new space-saving, dual-purpose furniture to choose from, such as this vanity unit that doubles as a dressing table. Pictured below: Cielo Narciso floorstanding vanity unit with ceiling-mounted Argo mirror, both from cphart.co.uk.

15 inspiring bathroom trends for 2022 continues below…