Bathroom Designs for 2018

These exciting new bathroom design ideas will make sure your home is ahead of the curve in the new year.

From taps in bold finishes and mosaic tiles to wood veneer, designers are moving away from hard, angular lines towards creating furniture and fittings in flowing shapes.

If you’re planning a bathroom renovation for the new year, make sure you take heed of these luxury bathroom design ideas for 2018.

Add colour to bathroom decor

Image: Clearwater Baths

Subtle hues are making a comeback.

‘The past few years have seen more tone-on-tone effects, with pale wood and earth shades or contrasts using anthracite and grey or pale blues and greens, while vintage styles are still a key trend.’

Colour and texture can be introduced in a number of ways, from geometric tiles to coloured shower panels, vanity tops and basins.

Luxury standalone baths

Image: Waters Baths of Ashbourne

The star of many contemporary schemes is the freestanding tub, and innovative designers have created options that work in small spaces.

Sleek wood effects

Image: Craven Dunnill

New design influences to the trend for natural materials has driven the popularity of wood veneers and wood furniture. Timber’s versatility has been another driving force, with pale planks creating a light, airy look, knotted and gnarled woods bringing a rustic feel and darker tones being used to add a shot of drama.

Install a wet room

Image: C.R Laurence 

Opting for a wet room in place of a shower enclosure continues to be a big trend, but there’s a move to add more features and make it less of a plain space.

‘There’s also an emphasis on unique glass effects that provide extra character and style.’

Incorporate mosaic tiling

Image: Majestic Showers 

Mosaics have had a style renaissance. Rather than simple squares, glass formed into new shapes, such as chevrons and geometric styles, brings a shot of high-end luxury to a scheme.

Choose black and white

Image: Gemini Tiles 

It’s time to fall back in love with monochrome. Edgy black and dark grey, used for accents, surfaces and focal-point pieces, are the perfect way to introduce moody tones without sacrificing light from a space.

Lifestyle bathrooms

Image: Laura Ashley Bathroom collection

Design experts agree there has been a shift in the role of the bathroom from practical room to additional living area. As it has become a place to spend more time relaxing, its decor has changed, too. Soft furnishings, storage that resembles furniture and chic lighting fixtures are now the norm alongside indulgent rainfall showers, recessed mirrors and open shelving.

Mix materials

Image: Fired Earth

Bathrooms are the perfect space to explore the use of mixed materials because they offer a wide opportunity for decoration, from flooring and cladding to furniture and lighting.

One fitting where this trend has been especially prevalent is taps, with handles made from crystal, etched glass, marble and even timber, as well as variations on gold and brass.

His & Hers Bathrooms

Image: Roper Rhodes

Twin features, such as his and her basins, double-ended baths and pairs of cabinets are a nod to the styling seen in boutique hotels, as well as being practical.