The interiors world is set to focus on the bathroom in 2024, as research reveals that interest in ‘stylish bathroom ideas’ has rocketed.
According to data from Pinterest, searches for the term ‘Stylish Bathroom Ideas’ have increased 1,000% in the last 12 months.
Tara Rodrigues, Interior Designer and founder of Tara Rodrigues Interiors, said: “The bathroom might once have been a purely functional space. Now, homeowners are unleashing their creativity to create their own personal sanctuaries.”
Here, the people behind some of the UK’s leading independent interior brands share their ideas on how to ramp up the style in the bathroom with solutions for all budgets.
ADD IMPACT AND TEXTURE
Wood panelling is one of the biggest interior trends and homeowners’ love affair with textured walls shows no signs of abating. Which is why, SlatWall specialists Naturewall have created a waterproof version of their quick installation wood panelling suitable for bathrooms.
Naturewall’s SlatWall Waterproof panels not only add depth and drama, but are moisture resistant and have a wipeable surface, making them the ideal choice for busy family bathrooms. The wood-effect finish means homeowners can enjoy the aesthetic appeal of wood, without worrying about damage caused by humidity.
Olivia Crosher, Designer and Visual Stylist for Naturewall, said: “When it comes to styling a bathroom, homeowners often want to echo the décor throughout the rest of the home. For so long, wood panelling has been off-limits in the bathroom but our waterproof panels now open up a whole new world of styling options.
“Add depth and drama without compromising on build quality.”
IMAGE: SlatWall Waterproof Natural Oak and Black – £74.99 from naturewall.com
EMBRACE PATTERN
Wallpaper can make your maximalist dreams a reality, even in the bathroom.
Tim Dixon, Director of independent, family-run wallpaper retailer Beautiful Walls, said: “Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to inject character and style in any space, even a bathroom.
“And as homeowners are increasingly looking to carve out their own private sanctuaries, wallpaper can cement a relaxing ambience.”
Tim believes green is the perfect choice for creating a stylish relaxing bathroom with thanks to its calming and healing properties. Combine with a nature-inspired print for extra biophilic points.
Tim added: “In terms of practicalities, avoid hanging wallpaper in splash areas around the bath and sink, use an extra strong adhesive and finish with a coat of clear matt varnish to protect from the humidity.”
Pictured: Chromatic Palm Leaves in Green – £60 per roll from beautifulwalls.co.uk
NEW COLOUR SCHEME
One of the quickest and most effective ways of revamping your bathroom is embracing a new colour scheme.
Victoria Yardley is the founder of eco paint brand Victory Colours. She said: “Forget cold white and embrace the colour. A carefully considered lick of paint can elevate your bathroom from dated and drab into a beautiful suite that exudes style.
“And don’t forget the all-important fifth wall – the ceiling, perfect when you’re gazing up from a soak in the tub.”
Victoria added: “Just remember to use specialist bathroom paint. Ours has water resistant properties which makes it perfect for high traffic areas as well as those which are prone to more moistness. It’s also durable and wipeable.”
Picture: Alpine Forget Me Not No.122 Kitchen/Bathroom Emulsion – £45.95 for 2.5-litres from victorycolours.co.uk
ADORABLE FLOORS
Superheroes of the tiling world Porcelain Superstore are on a mission to banish the boredom of bathrooms with a new floor tile that fuses the contemporary and the classic.
Ashford Patterned Tiles is a stunner of a tile that manages to channel the period feel of Victoriana with modern geometrics – with the finished product landing somewhere in the evergreen era.
Abbas Youssefi, Founder of Porcelain Superstore, said: “Why choose between classic and contemporary when you can have both. The real beauty of this tile is it will outlive any passing trend giving the bathroom an ever-stylish flooring around which to build the rest of the décor.”
Picture: Ashford Patterned Tiles – £72.45 per m2 from porcelainsuperstore.co.uk
BRING ON THE BIOPHILIA
Wood flooring is a timeless classic when it comes to interiors. But in the bathroom? Not so much.
Until now. Woodpecker Flooring’s Brecon wood design boards not only give the same stunning aesthetic but have been manufactured to withstand humid conditions and splashes from the bath or shower.
Darwyn Ker, Managing Director of Woodpecker Flooring, said: “Wood flooring is an evergreen when it comes to creating stylish interiors, but it’s always been a no-go in bathrooms. Wood and humidity just don’t mix. However, the Brecon collection is perfect for those who want to inject the effortless chic of wood flooring with none of the worry.”
Picture: Brecon Blanche Oak Wood Design – £50 per m2 from woodpeckerflooring.co.uk
STATEMENT CENTREPIECE
Want to instantly elevate your bathroom from functional to fabulous?
A freestanding bath not only commands attention, but it changes the entire mood of the room – transforming the bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary where homeowners have little choice but to relax.
Brian Athey from Renaissance at Home said: “A freestanding bath is a statement in any bathroom. Homeowners are looking for more out of their bathrooms and whether it’s a roll top, mounted on a plinth, or finished in on-trend metallics, a freestanding bath will instantly draw a bathroom out of the purely functional arena and into the aspirational sphere.”
Picture: Santi Cast Iron Bath with Steel Skirt – £1,335 from renaissanceathome.co.uk
MURAL MURAL ON THE WALL
Want your bathroom walls to tell a story? Grain Leaves is a wall mural from The Baked Tile Company featuring a stunning floral motif in fresh peaches and soft green and exudes tranquillity. The mural pairs perfectly with the increasingly popular terracotta.
Lesley Taylor, Interior Designer and Founder of The Baked Tile Company, said: “Tiled wall murals are the next step in maximalism. These are expansive, huge patterns that will truly take your space to the next level.”
Crafted from durable porcelain, they can stand everything a busy bathroom can throw at them.
Picture: Grain Leaves Mural – £264 from bakedtiles.co.uk
ATTRACTIVE ESSENTIALS
Essentials can exude style, and no where is this more apparent than UK Radiators‘ aesthetically endearing radiators.
The Thetford Electric Towel Rail in Anthracite perfectly unites form and function, with its sleek good looks perfectly complementing its heating output.
Rob Nezard, Managing Director of UK Radiators, said: “The allure of anthracite lies in its ability to effortlessly blend into any space while adding a touch of genuine sophistication to the surroundings.”
Picture: Thetford – Anthracite Electric Towel Rail H850mm x W500mm 600w Thermostatic – from £131 from ukradiators.com
