Top trends in bathroom design

Find inspiration in what’s “in.”

By Cathy Hobbs

Tribune News Service
September 10, 2024 at 4:35PM
Black and near black elements help to add instant glam to this bathroom. Glass elements such as drawers and a dividing wall are paired with neutral tiles and a freestanding tub. (Handout/Tribune News Service)

Bathrooms are ideal locations of the home for relaxation and tranquility. They can also be an opportunity to infuse high design and luxurious elements to enhance not only your home’s value but also your experience within the environment.

Gone are the days of traditional design or a push toward a single trend; these days there are numerous ways to create a modern bathroom space, refresh and enhance without undergoing an expensive or expansive renovation.

Looking for ideas and inspiration?

Tile in various shapes and styles helps to create a timeless element in this bathroom. (Scott Gabriel Morris/Tribune News Service)

Tile trends

Large-scale tile on large areas such as walls and floors.

Blending various tiles within a large bathroom.

Incorporating classic color palettes such as all white or various neutrals such as white, taupe, brown and black.

Overall trends

Using glass.

Brass fixtures.

Modern lines.

Handle-less cabinetry.

Interesting lighting, such as sconces.

Free-standing tubs.

Wood cabinetry in two tones helps to create a rich sense of luxury. (Scott Gabriel Morris/Tribune News Service)

Look at any magazine or walk a showroom space, and one is likely to find a competing message relating to what is popular in bathroom décor. Here is a basic guide to what’s “in” and what’s “out.”

In

Artwork in bathrooms.

Comfort height toilets.

Brass fixtures.

Wood cabinetry.

Classic colors.

Out

Heavy use of wall tile and/or mirrors.

Low toilets.

White fixtures.

Metal cabinetry.

Wallpaper.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design home staging expert and short-term rental/vacation home designer with offices in New York City and The Hudson Valley. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.

about the writer

Cathy Hobbs

Tribune News Service

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