Want to know what’ll be hot in 2021? Join me, as I reveal 21 big bathroom trends for the year ahead.
For those of you who love keeping up with the latest fashions, you’re in for a real treat! One of my favourite things is keeping an eye out for new and upcoming trends in interior design, especially where they have a direct influence on bathrooms. Many of these trends flow and overlap into others, which is great news if you're new to interior design.
So, sit back and read on, as I share 21 big bathroom trends for 2021.
1. Graphically Creative
Dots, dashes and bold colours
Dots and dashes? No, it's not an SOS call from uninspired homeowners—this is set to be one of the biggest bathroom trends in 2021 and, probably, the easiest to achieve!
Bold graphic designs which incorporate tessellated (or repeated) patterns, like dots, dashes and even animal prints, are set to take UK homes by storm.
Like with many trends, its popularity lies with its simplicity. You can quickly and easily add a genuine designer touch to a plain bathroom space using a single pot of paint, a stencil kit or even simple hand-drawn markings. For even the most reluctant DIY-er, it can be completed in a matter of hours. A real quick fix for tired interiors.
2. Colour Combos
Be bold when picking your palette and try an on-trend colour combo. Fresh duos for 2021 include pink & blue, pink & grey and orange & green.
3. New Metallics
Still sticking with chrome? It's time to tap into this latest trend and move away from the mainstream. Why not freshen up with different metallic finishes like gold, nickel and antique bronze (like these gorgeous bath taps pictured below).
Find out more about the new metallics bathroom trend.
4. The Value of Little Details
The devil really is in the detail when it comes to contemporary bathrooms. This year, more and more of us are paying closer attention to those little things, like drawer handles, light pulls, bath feet and hinges, to bring the bigger picture into focus.
5. Full Wall Graphics
With modern printing techniques, full wall graphics are now both possible and popular. I think they're set to be big in bathrooms in 2021, like these gorgeous wall panels from our Louise Dear art collection.
6. Subtle Tile Graphics
Less is more when it comes to tile trends in 2021, with subtle graphics adding a touch of detail to your floors and walls.
7. Modern Vintage Mix
Going to prove that you needn’t stick with one single style, the Modern Vintage Mix is a growing interior trend, combining traditional statement pieces, like roll top baths, with contemporary elements.
8. Fully Accessorised Bathrooms
From the soap dish to the toilet brush holder, bathrooms which are fully accessorised from top to toe are a growing trend for 2021.
9. Block Bold Colours
Single shades or a complementary combination of colours, from skirting boards to ceilings
If there are 1 or 2 colours you really love, why not just go for it with block bold colours? Homeowners are now being bolder with their colour choices, cranking the volume right up to maximum with a single, all-over colour, which includes matching furniture and other products like basins or taps. Slight tonal changes will help to add definition, like a blush basin against a hot pink wall.
By painting your cladding, walls and skirting boards in one single colour, it'll feel like all your surfaces are merging. However, slight textural changes allow for differentiation.
Popular contemporary colour combinations for this bathroom trend include pink & blue, green & orange and blue & white.
10. Popping Elements
If you're looking to create an instant impression with your bathroom, you'll want to include some elements which really pop! Whether this takes the form of a colourful freestanding tub in the middle of the room, a striking set of metallic taps or something else entirely, that's up to you to decide.
11. Tropical Spa
The focus on mindfulness and relaxation has led to the rise of the tropical spa, with plenty of luscious greenery and luxurious cleansing in the form of walk in showers and freestanding baths.
Discover more about the Tropical bathroom trend.
12. Sustainability
Whilst it may mean different things to different people, sustainability is something we should all be striving to achieve with our bathroom projects in 2021. Whether this means seeking eco-conscious bathroom products which save water and energy or using environmentally-friendly materials, going green is a growing bathroom trend.
13. Authentic Softy
Soft, blush or greyed colours combine with artisan designs and simple patterns.
With an eye to the organic, this big bathroom trend is another which can be easily achieved through the careful curation of wall and floor coverings. By picking out tiles and wall cladding in blush colours, and combining with handcrafted art and accessories, you can create a simple yet stylish space in which to relax.
With a slight rustic feel, accessorise your bathroom with wall prints in simple patterns and shapes, and consider the natural environment with plants and organic items like wicker baskets.
Find out more about using soft neutral tones in your bathroom.
14. Less Confined, Less Secretive
The bathroom has always been a private and secretive space, however, with the latest trends, we're seeing them becoming more open and less confined, like any other room in your home. Cloakrooms with full length double doors and part-partitioned ensuites are just the start...
15. Black Accents
Like a well-oiled machine, the soft industrial theme rumbles on. In 2021, the trend for thin, black metal frames, especially when used to frame glass, plus black taps and accessories, help deliver genuine urban appeal.
Find out more about this trend in our in-depth article on black bathroom accents.
16. Warm, Natural Neutrals
Sandy tones are set to bring a cheerful and welcome antidote to what has been a pretty depressing year in global history, lighting the way towards a more optimistic future.
17. Bedrooms and Bathrooms Becoming One
We've already seen the traditional boundaries between indoors and outdoors blurred, and now the same thing is set to happen to bedrooms and bathrooms. Rather than separate rooms, you may begin to find elements of the bathroom in the bedroom, like a basin or even a freestanding bath.
18. Subtle Naval Style
An elegant yet bold boho look with black accents, heavy colours and tones
The nautical style has been popular for a while but, in the latest twist, this now translates into a more subtle look.
The dark blue base tone remains, with black tones and more traditional products, bringing a more rustic feel. Black taps and accessories give this style of bathroom a bold, boho appearance, with more than a mere hint of elegance.
Floors can be painted in heavy colours and tones, with washed out shades for accent, like musky blue walls or a vintage worn red rug.
19. Tantalising Tapware and Textures
Bathrooms are becoming more stylised than ever before, and items like taps, mats and storage are no longer an afterthought. Get on-board with this trend by choosing accessories brimming with style and personality.
20. Busy Metro Tiles
As Fun Boy Three and Bananarama once sang "It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it". Whilst Metro tiles remain incredibly popular, it's the way that you use them which will make all the difference in 2021. Fitting them in unusual and intriguing patterns will help add character to bland bathroom spaces.
21. Fully Fitted Furniture
Once solely confined to the kitchen, bathrooms are getting in on the act. Fully fitted furniture is a big bathroom trend for 2021, offering seamless and sophisticated storage in modern homes, which are decreasing in size.
More bathroom ideas for 2021
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these big bathroom trends for 2021 as much as I enjoyed researching and writing about them! For more beautiful bathroom inspiration, keep an eye out for my latest blog posts here at Victoria Plum. Better still, why not follow us on social media, by clicking on any of the buttons below and be the first to know!
