The bathroom is the true sanctuary of the home. It’s a place to get peace, privacy, and hopefully relax. So, design is of the utmost importance in these spaces. 2022 was an interesting year for bathroom design because many people were finally finishing up projects they began in previous years but were stalled due to the challenge of supply chain issues that occurred during the pandemic. So older trends and styles that perhaps would have started to wane by now are currently having a longer stretch as homeowners are finally getting to enjoy them.
In 2023, bathroom design will be more important than ever. Whether you are currently in the process of designing a new bathroom or just trying to refresh an old one, here are ten bathroom design trends that interior designers predict we will see in 2023.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo has been a major resurrection in recent years because it has a fun, retro vibe. “We love using terrazzo in the bathroom. It is such a unique way to elevate the space and add a chic pattern,” explain Hollis LaPlante and Jordyn Grohl of Hollis Jordyn Design. “In one of our recent projects we incorporated fluted terrazzo tiles on the walls and a large flat square terrazzo tile, which create depth and add texture.”
If you’re looking to enhance a bathroom with a neutral palette, the designers tell me installing terrazzo is the perfect way to make a statement being too overpowering.
Bold Tile
Every bathroom needs tile, so why not go bold? According to Laplante and Grohl, “Gone are the days of the boring all-white bathroom. The bathroom is the perfect place to go bold with tile and let your personality shine.”
They also tell me that bold tile in the shower creates a focal point in the room and instantly elevates it. “We love using bold patterned tile in the bathroom. It adds an element of playfulness and allows you to incorporate fun textures into your space.”
Colorful Sinks
Colorful sinks will make a major comeback in 2023. “A big trend we are seeing in bathrooms are non-traditional, colorful sinks. Using a bright color for a powder room sink is one of the best ways to maximize the design and truly elevate a small space,” LaPlante and Grohl tell me.
Colorful sinks are an especially good choice for powder rooms because they pop in a smaller space, creating a focal point. “We love to pair a colorful sink with a bold paint for the walls, which adds even more drama and creates a jewel box in the bathroom.”
High-Design Powder Rooms
In recent years, there has been more importance placed on the design of powder rooms. These smaller spaces are a great outlet for otherwise more reserved homeowners to take design risks and perhaps even deviate slightly from the overall concept of the home. “Let your tiny powder room have a high impact by making it an unexpected jewel in your home. It’s a lovely surprise and experience for your guests who need to powder their noses. The feeling you’ll get when you see the smile on your guests’ faces will last a lifetime,” says Tamarra of Younis of Union of Art Interiors.
Bespoke Vanity Designs
Every bathroom needs a vanity so why not make it interesting and allow this essential piece to contribute to the overall mood of the space? Repurposing cabinets and other pieces of furniture are something that designers have been doing for a while now, but it’s becoming a repeat request. “Bespoke vanities that look like beautiful pieces of furniture are here to stay. For designs that will stand the test of time, we love to mix classic and elegant materials with subtle textures, such as natural marble stones and rich walnut woods,” says Younis.
Danny Spears of Captex Construction also sees this as a more sustainable choice for the environment. “Vintage or repurposed vanities warm up the space, giving it an elegant and stylish look, while also preserving the piece so it doesn’t end up in a landfill. They can also make a primary bath feel inviting, curated, and not so precious. Eco-conscious design is timeless and will always be on-trend.”
Natural Materials
Say goodbye to synthetic sinks and vanities in 2023. Bathrooms will be incorporating more natural and imperfect materials, reveal Alice Arterberry and Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke. “Warm, inviting bathrooms are a must-have for 2023. That means using natural materials like tumbled, brush, or honed stone, wood, and handmade tiles like zellige.”
Interior designer Francesca Grace of Francesca Grace Home sees stone and travertine sinks as a major part of this. “The sink is such a big opportunity to do something special in the bathroom and installing a stone bathroom sink can really define the space and make a beautiful statement.”
Statement And Freestanding Bathtubs
Custom and freestanding bathtubs have been on-trend for years now and many designers predict this look is here to stay. “It is a great way to create a focal point in the room and can add tremendous value to your home. Add gold fixtures to the bathtub to create a dramatic and high-end look in your primary bathroom that has a spa-like quality,” says Spears.
The increased popularity of grander bathtubs also a reflection of how society has put a greater emphasis on self-care in recent years. “There’s no better feeling than treating yourself to a much-deserved bath at the end of a long day or using your beautifully styled tub as a commute bath to transition from work from home life to home life,” explains Sapna Aggarwal of Bungalowe.
Unlacquered Brass Hardware
While Spears sees silver and matte black hardware as fleeting fads, he believes unlacquered brass hardware will be used more frequently in the years to come. “Unlacquered brass is timeless and makes a statement in a neutral bathroom. We like using unlacquered brass as the finish is not as shiny as lacquer and can be better integrated into spaces for a timeless look.”
Zellige Tile
Zellige tile has a warmer texture and a more classic look than other types of tile. It just pops against a wall. “I don’t see the trend going anywhere in 2023! It is a tile that has been used a lot in the last three years but due to its organic nature it has the ability to look great in everything from a character home to a new build,” says Kirsten Blazek, of A1000xBetter. “It is also a relatively budget-friendly option that is readily accessible in an era of longer than normal lead-times, and with so many available color options it is still a great choice in bathroom design.”
Attention To Detail
Renata Vasconez and Samantha Gallacher, co-founders IG Workshop tell me attention to detail will become an essential part of the design process in 2023 “As for bathrooms, we see a lot more details in the selection of materials and fixtures. Toilets and Bathtubs are becoming the center of attention,” explain the designers. “The use of interesting colored ceramic toilets matching both recessed and bowl sinks is in high demand. You will see this trending. Plumbing fixtures are incorporating marble handles and using bronze and gunmetal instead of nickel tones.”
