5 Big Bathroom Trends For 2023

Bathrooms and kitchens were the most popular spaces to renovate in 2021 and this shows no sign of changing as we progress into 2022. Bathrooms can be tricky to navigate and your clients have to make big decisions when planning their new bathroom. Knowing what other designers are doing on their bathroom projects can help you guide your clients in making the best choices. Here are 5 big bathroom trends for 2022.

Common Bathroom Complaints

The most common complaint from homeowners is that their bathroom is old and outdated. They might not be able to tell you what they want, but they can emphatically tell you that they can't stand what they have! While this might sound dauntingly broad, it's actually a great springboard for you. If they don't have specific ideas, you can bring your own personal experiences, knowledge of trends and individual style to the table. Other common issues are lack of storage, small showers and poor lighting.

Top 5 Bathroom Trends

Here are 5 bathroom trends our designers have identified that will continue to show up in 2022.

White is still alright

Bathrooms may have moved past the small white square tiles of the 80s, but white is still the most popular colour for most bathroom fittings including showers, cabinets, counters and walls. All-white schemes create a sense of cleanliness and give the bathroom that light, airy feeling. This is especially helpful if your client has a small bathroom where extending the space isn't possible. White is also the default colour - or at least part of the default colour scheme - of many health spas, so it creates a sense of tranquillity that homeowners want.

Hot tip: combine white with splashes of gentle grey to break up the dazzle - white and grey shades of marble will create a feeling of opulence using contrasts and build visual texture in the bathroom. Touches of warm wood are also in vogue and blue cabinets are currently on the rise - we expect to see more of these this year.

Swipe right on freestanding bathtubs

Freestanding bathtubs are easily the most popular style, with acrylic leading the way in materials. The big advantage here is the flexibility You can choose the size of tub that best fits your client's bathroom and position it in a way that maximises the space. You can really flex your design muscles here and show off your individual flair.

Blink and you'll miss it: freestanding tubs lead the pack, but alcove tubs - as in the type found in shower-tub combos - are on the rise. This is due in part to space issues as new buyers are purchasing properties that are smaller in size than 5 or 10 years ago.

All about that space

Most people will want to work within their existing space rather than expanding the footprint of their bathroom. Extending the bathroom into another area might not be possible and even if it is, it significantly increases the cost of a project. While overall square meterage remains the same, many homeowners want to make their showers larger, so this is something to consider when you start planning your projects.

Plants aplenty

Drawing on the continuing interior design trend of biophilia, you'll get plenty of requests to style bathrooms with a range of natural elements like houseplants and skylights to create a calming spa-like sanctuary. Not only do these provide a focal point to emphasise space, they also have the added benefit of improving air quality.

Statement murals

Modern bathrooms feel more contemporary throughout and there's nothing that says modern art/functional room like a statement mural. Intricate drawings and painted murals are on the rise, adding delightful focal points that draw the eye. You don't need to go over the top either. If your client isn't keen on an entire wall mural, see what you can do in small alcoves or one corner of the room.

FCI London's Trade Services

We've designed and built many from-scratch bathrooms and we're here to help you with any part of your project that's causing you stress. From product sourcing and material samples to technical drawings or installation, we've got a team on standby waiting to help. Sign up for a trade account here or whatsapp us to get started.