The top four bathroom trends for 2018

While the finer details may change, the trend for luxurious, hotel style bathrooms at home is still going strong, and this year looks to be no exception. We caught up with Victoria + Albert Baths’ marketing director Jonathan Carter recently for his take on the bathroom trends we will see lighting up our social media feeds this year.

Industrial is out
This is a big call but Jonathan believes the industrial-style lighting, fixtures and finishes that have dominated interiors for the past few years will make way for softer styles. “Everyone’s beginning to move away from the feel of a utilitarian space and gravitate towards a relaxing bathing haven, favouring a softer interior with plants, accessories and warm decor,” says Jonathan.

“We’re also seeing a trend towards larger format tiles working well in both larger and more compact spaces, with layered lighting key in accenting spaces,” says Jonathan.

Victoria + Albert Barcelona bath. Image: Shayleyn Woodberry

Spa-style tubs are here to stay
Given Pinterest recently reported a 269 per cent increase in saved pins relating to spa bathrooms, this is an enduring trend that will take on even more of an eco inspired aesthetic this year.

“The organic shapes, calming colour palettes and natural materials that make up a spa interior are budding in popularity. More people are growing aware of the importance of mind, body and soul health and that correlates with this spa theme. We are seeing this adopted into the design of many peoples’ homes,” says Jonathan.

Victoria + Albert Barcelona bath. Image: Rabaut Designs

The bathroom as living space
No longer viewed in purely utilitarian terms, modern bathrooms are considered worthy of spending prolonged periods of time in – largely due to their sumptuous features

“Bathrooms are no longer a space to simply wash and go. Therefore, people have been shifting their decor to soft fabrics and including luxurious vanities, while incorporating seating or specific areas to relax,” says Jonathan.

Victoria + Albert Toulouse bath. Image: Susan Glick

Old meets new
Perhaps a backlash to the strict minimalism that has ruled bathroom design for some time, the new aesthetic sees modern elements combined with more traditional ones. Think curved edges mingled with straight ones and shaker style vanity doors paired with slick, simple tiles.

“The demand for a transitional bathroom design, which adopts both traditional and modern interior perspectives, continues to soar this year. The use of softly contoured products can look as similarly elegant and ‘at home’ in a new build or historical property,” says Jonathan.