Is your bathroom in need of a new look? While some bathroom decor ideas are almost perpetually Pinterest-worthy – it’s hard to argue against the so-fresh-so-clean appeal of an airy, white bathroom, after all – there are plenty of new trends adding interest, functionality and modern style to the bathroom. From practical updates to maximize space to the latest colour and hardware styles, these bathroom design trends are the ones to watch in 2020.
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The Marble Effect
Marble countertops are ever-popular for the kitchen and now the classic, upscale feel of the material is moving into the bathroom. From marble vanities to full-on marble walls, this versatile material brings a luxe feel to the bathroom.
Concrete Cool
The ultimate in utilitarian chic, concrete – from uber-dramatic concrete walls to more subtle concrete countertops – is a next-level emerging bathroom trend. At once minimialist and statement making, concrete bathrooms in 2020 will mix in organic elements like wood and greenery for a thoroughly modern and spa-like aesthetic.
Related: We Want to Relax in the Bath in These Celebrity Bathrooms
Welcome to the Dark Side
It’s not always about bright and light when it comes to bathrooms. Many modern designs are turning to the moody, bold trend of ultra-dark and even all-black colour palettes for a luxe look.
Related: Modern Shower Ideas That Will Turn Your Bathroom Into a Masterpiece
Mirror, Mirror
All shapes and sizes are beautiful: from bold geometrical shapes to mid-century-inspired asymmetrical designs, unusual and non-traditional mirrors are elevating bathroom designs this year.
A Better View
Another twist to traditional vanity-mirror? Try incorporating the fresh (and flattering) natural light of a window above the sink. Whether you forgo the classic mirror-over-the-sink look for a new view when washing up or incorporate windows directly beside your vanity for a more subtle spin, window placement is taking centre stage in 2020 bathroom designs.
A Touch of Colour
While crisp, white subway tiles are timelessly clean in a bathroom, opting for some pigment totally modernizes its look. New options for coloured subways tiles showcase both sides of the spectrum, from rich, deep jewel tones to soft pastels.
Related: 10 Unusual Tile and Grout Combos We Love in Kitchens and Bathrooms
Texture, Meet Tiles
Take bathroom tiles to the next level by playing with texture for a thoroughly modern effect. From ruggedly cut tiles to a mix of unconventional shapes and geometric patterns, modern tiles are a beautiful way to add a wow-factor to the bathroom.
Minimal is More
When it comes to lighting in the bathroom, one of the coolest trends we’ve illuminated is non-conventional, ultra-modern and minimalist light fixtures. From sleek, hanging single bulbs serving as fixtures to modern geometric shapes, bathroom lighting is one of the freshest ways to add contemporary design this year.
Related: Are Modular Kitchens and Bathrooms the Future of Housing?
Put It on a Pedestal
can be beautiful, especially with the use of smart design. Pedestal sinks free up floor space, creating the look and feel of more space – especially in compact powder rooms.
Related: 12 Expert Tips for Adding Value to an Extra-Small Bathroom
Back to Nature
Using plants to add a touch of natural beauty and fresh air to the home is nothing new, but more and more bathrooms are incorporating a biophilic – a.k.a. nature-loving design in the bathroom. Whether as simple as placing a few potted plants on a windowsill or as complex as incorporating an indoor garden into the room’s design, natural touches are totally trending.
A Stylish Secret
The latest way to make your shower extra sleek? Hidden shower drains. From showers that gently slope to a linear drain to showers that simply minimalize the look of the drain, the look is trending to clean-lined, minimalist options.
Related: 12 Homes With Secret Rooms, Nooks and Crannies Hidden Inside
A Tankless Trend
Why flush away precious space in the bathroom? Tankless designs are the latest trend in toilets, taking up significantly less space than standard tanked versions. More than just offering a sleek, modern look, tankless toilets can also help conserve water.
Related: Scott McGillivray Reveals How to Get the Best ROI From a Bathroom Reno
Darker Hardware
Changing up your hardware is a quick, no-demo way to make a major change to the look and feel of your bathroom, with sleek pewter-tone and matte black hardware creating contrast in the latest bathroom designs.
Greater Exposure
If you’ve got it, flaunt it. One of the boldest emerging bathroom design trends is all about exposure – exposed shower pipes, that is. These stylish showers add a modern, industrial-inspired look to the shower, putting the pipes of your shower on display as the works of art they are.
Related: Sarah Baeumler’s Ways to Make Your Shower Feel New Without a Renovation
A Tub of One’s Own
There’s almost nothing more luxurious than a soothing bubble bath at the end of the day and there’s almost no better way to do that than in a gorgeous freestanding tub. As freestanding tubs are enjoying an upswing in popularity, modern options tend to favour curvy, spacious shapes for a contemporary feel.
Zen Appeal
With more and more people powering through super-stressful, hectic days, this next bathroom design trend makes total sense. Mixing and matching spa-inspired elements like calming neutral colour palettes, natural materials and minimal aesthetics, spa-like, zen bathrooms are on trend as retreats for weary homeowners.
Related: 18 Rejuvenating Zen Bedrooms That’ll Help You De-Stress
An Artistic Splash
Who says your favourite art has to hang in the hallway? Adding bold pieces of fine or pop art to the bathroom – think paintings, sculptures and frames sketches – creates a statement-making focal point in this high-traffic room.
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