Interior Designers Share the Bathroom Trends in and Out This Season

Jul 03, 2023

Luxury and comfort never go out of style, and Janet Corona, architectural designer at COGA Design, LLC predicts that spa-style baths will remain trendy.

"In 2023, we are seeing increased interest in spa-like bathrooms featuring luxurious amenities such as soaking tubs, heated floors, and rainfall showerheads to create a relaxing, at-home spa experience," the designer said.

According to Denise Jadd, interior designer at Domaine Luxe, bathrooms are warming up with more natural wood.

"We are incorporating warm woods like oak or walnut in vanities which gives a modern, Japanese, or Scandinavian look," Jadd said. "The slat- and reeded-wood fronts have a wonderful tactile appeal with their organic texture and curvilinear shape."

Jadd particularly likes the versatility of today's warmer tones because the natural wood can be used in a minimal or maximalist design.

According to Amala Raj Swenson, principal interior designer at Amala Raj Interiors, hidden in-drawer outlets ensure a clutter-free bathroom, clear countertops, and a place for everything.

The designer says homeowners can expect to view hidden in-drawer outlets as "almost necessities" because they're perfect for storing hair dryers, hot tools, electric toothbrushes, razors, and more.

The bathroom is supposed to be a soothing sanctuary, and interior designer April Waltrip says the soft curve of scalloped edges can create a restful vibe.

"We're using scalloped edges on custom vanities to bring a bit of whimsy and softness to a room full of hard corners," she said.

The designer predicts that more homeowners will bring scalloped edges to custom vanities, rugs, Roman shades, lampshades, and even petal-shaped elements in sconces and chandeliers.

Corona and Jadd said homeowners would gravitate toward artisan-style products as people increasingly look to make their bathrooms their own.

"Generic, popular, and mass-produced bathroom fixtures and finish details are being replaced with unique, handcrafted pieces that add character and individuality to the space," Corona said.

Jadd also said colorful, patterned, and unique tile is on the rise "as we appreciate the aesthetic of the handmade, seeking color, warmth, and comfort."

As an outgrowth of the wellness trend, Jadd said she's increasingly incorporating biophilic design, which involves living things, in the bathrooms she works on.

"We always add fresh plants or flowers, and a spray of eucalyptus for its scent," she said.

She also sees a steam shower as the perfect place to use eucalyptus because the "aroma is great in a steam shower, just like in a spa."

Though grays and whites have trended for years, 2023 has seen a return to color, and Swenson, Jadd, and Waltrip predict the trend is finally fading out.

"Plain white subway tile for baths is out, and sterile, white vanities are also losing their luster, as we see the white-lacquer vanity trend fading away," Jadd told Insider.

According to Waltrip, "clients are embracing color and pattern, particularly in powder bathrooms to make them a wow space that both guests and household members can enjoy."

Though black is timeless, the matte version has proven to have less staying power in the bathroom.

"Black matte hardware and fixtures are off of our list," Waltrip said. "They proved hard to clean, created too much contrast, and didn't blend well with more traditional marble tile choices."

Instead, she sees a move toward more classic finishes, like polished nickel or unlacquered brass that "will stand the test of time."

Though ornate bathroom fittings and fixtures were once a luxury status symbol, Corona believes that excessive details are no longer on trend.

The designer says ornate details can be difficult to clean and distracting to the eye.

"Intricately detailed faucets and handles are being replaced with sleek and modern designs for a more streamlined look," she said.

The right tile can transform a bathroom but Waltrip and Swenson agree that cheap knockoffs can be boring, too common, or just tacky.

"Encaustic tiles on bathroom floors are overdone since big-box stores have made inexpensive knock-offs," Waltrip said. Though traditional handmade tiles will always be timeless, she told Insider "the cheap alternatives are definitely out."

Swenson also said "the 12-by-24-sized tiles that seemed to have swept the nation are going away" as people opt for "extra-large tiles, full porcelain slabs, or more hand-crafted mosaics or Zellige tiles."