1. Classic white — and a spa-like feeling
A top design trend to look forward to is a spa-like aesthetic. And what's lighter, airier and more serene than a classic white bathroom — complete with the white dressing gown, too? There's a reason why simple white bathroom furniture is very much in style. People want their bathrooms to feel like retreats or sanctuaries they can visit in their own homes. So, if you need a bit of an escape, then you might consider swapping a more colourful space for one that's all white.
Related article: Our 5 favourite bathroom colours for 2024
2. Create a focal wall
If you prefer your space to be a bit more colourful, there are some trends that will suit you, too. For starters, 2025 will be the year of the bathroom mural. Whether you opt for a graphic wallpaper or an original hand-drawn art piece, you will be completely on-trend by sprucing up one of the walls in your bathroom with a unique pattern or scene. Many homeowners find this type of focal point to be something that they can appreciate daily while they peer through their shower doors or soak in a freestanding bath. If you're feeling bold, this could be the perfect change in your space, although we do suggest consulting with a professional bathroom designer to help you choose the right sized and scaled mural for your bathroom.
Related article: When it comes to interiors, it’s often best to leave it to the professionals
3. Start an indoor garden
As you seek out tips for designing your bathroom, consider this easy upgrade that won't require much by way of renovation. You can make your bathroom feel fresher and more alive — quite literally — by investing in some leafy houseplants. Research has shown us already that filling your home with houseplants can do wonders for your state of mind. A plant can reduce your anxiety and help you feel calmer. So, if you can't afford to re-fit your bathroom with classic white tiles and spa-like fixtures, you can still create an atmosphere that's just as serene. Fill your bathroom with plants and pampas grass, and see for yourself how much a bit of green can enhance your space.
4. Add a bit of vintage
Cookie-cutter cabinetry has been on the way out for a while now with people instead looking to honour the art of fine furniture-making. And, yes, that even applies to how they will decorate their bathrooms. Rather than selecting a pre-fabricated set of cabinets for, say, a bathroom counter or vanity, many homeowners will seek out a bespoke piece of vintage furniture to do the job. For instance, an old sideboard might make the perfect bathroom vanity, while an antique wardrobe can hold all of the bathroom linens. Whatever you can fit in your bathroom will make a statement. It will make your space feel equal parts expensive and unique, too.
Related article: The best bathroom furniture pieces to consider for stylish homes in Australia
5. Swap out hardware for matte black
Here's another idea for a cheap and simple project that will modernise your bathroom. Spend a few hours swapping out your bathroom hardware, from cabinet and drawer pulls to faucets to shower heads. Your best bet is to choose new hardware that will fit the holes already in your cabinets and countertops. That way, you only have to unscrew the hardware and screw in your new handles. Most importantly, though, you need to choose hardware in what will be the finish of 2025: matte black. This finish stands out against the serene shades that go in most bathrooms. It also looks great in a more modern space with clean lines.
Related article: Are black taps a good or bad idea in the modern bathroom?
6. Go bold with linens
Perhaps the idea of a bathroom mural piqued your interest, but you're not ready to make such a bold statement. You might be more comfortable with this, one of the latest trends for bathrooms: patterned bathroom towels. We're not talking about subtle dots or chevrons, either. Think bathroom towels with stark, bold checkerboard patterns. Expect these graphic prints to be all over 2025's batch of towels and flannels. You can take it down a notch whilst remaining on trend by opting for a brighter towel colour, too. This idea is a great one if you're hoping to reinvigorate your bathroom decor on a budget. Swapping out linens is much cheaper than, say, removing and replacing the tilework.
Related article: 10 Top Tips on How to Choose Bath Towels for Your Home
7. Brighten your bathroom with backlit mirrors
Installing a backlit mirror in your bathroom is a practical way to improve lighting and add a modern touch. These mirrors illuminate evenly, making grooming tasks easier, and their sleek design can make your bathroom look more spacious and contemporary. They're especially useful in small or dimly lit bathrooms, providing necessary lighting without taking up extra space. Choose a style that fits your bathroom's décor for an instant upgrade.
Related article: 15 stunning bathroom mirror ideas for Australian homes
8. Steam showers - the perfect way to live up your showering experience
If you want to liven up your showering experience in 2025, consider upgrading to a steam shower. A steam shower works through a generator boiling water and then releases the resulting steam into the enclosed area of the shower. Steam has plenty of benefits; first, the warm humidity creates a relaxing environment, reducing stress and tension; second, steam can also open up pores, cleanse your skin, helping to improve skin health and appearance and help relax stiff joints and muscles. Academic research backs up these findings, a 2012 study found that moist heat, such as that provided by a steam shower or steam room can improve circulation by dilating small blood vessels or capillaries, allowing more blood to flow more easily and transport oxygen around the body.
Related article: Bathroom shower ideas: Modern upgrades for a spa-like experience
9. Add some extra joy to your bathroom with playful wallpaper
Move away from standard bathroom wall finishes and make your bathroom stand out with bright, extravagant, bold wallpaper. There are plenty of different wallpaper designs out there that you can try, from geometric patterns to floral designs. To keep your bathroom fresh, consider incorporating elements such as plants and shrubs to keep the air quality high and create a nice contrast with your wallpaper.
10. Implement ambient lighting for atmosphere
Mood lighting is essential for creating the desired atmosphere in your bathroom. To achieve this you need to look beyond lighting that emits a particularly harsh light, such as fluorescent lighting and look at strategically placing light sources to create a soothing and relaxing environment. Instead of harsh, direct lights, consider installing recessed LED lights or wall sconces that emit a gentle glow. Layering light sources, such as combining overhead lights with vanity lights, can also contribute to a more nuanced and adaptable lighting scheme.
Related article: 13 bathroom lighting ideas for a quick refresh
11. Add some visual interest into you bathroom with a floating vanity
If you need to replace or install a new bathroom vanity, then make sure you check out floating models. This type of bathroom vanity is connected to the wall, leaving plenty of space between the unit and the floor. Floating vanities give a bathroom a contemporary, modern look and are particularly useful in bathrooms that need to maximise space. There are plenty of ways you can customise a vanity as well; for example, if you need extra lighting, consider installing LED spotlights underneath the vanity, or if you need extra storage, you could install some shelving units above or below the vanity, depending on what's more functional and looks the part.
Related article: 8 popular bathroom vanity materials: pros and cons
12. Let natural materials and the natural world in
Designing an intimate, personal space like a bathroom with natural materials is both soothing and transformative, effortlessly bringing a sense of serenity and freshness that only nature can provide. Incorporating natural elements into your bathroom's interior design can be achieved in many ways, but here are three to consider: use natural stone, such as marble, granite, or slate, for countertops, floors, or shower walls to create an earthy yet luxurious feel with minimal maintenance; and maximise natural light by prioritising window space, installing large windows, skylights, or sun tunnels to flood the space with daylight and enhance its natural ambience.
13. Help your bathroom stand the test of time with bold marble interiors
One of the many contemporary bathroom design trends popular at the moment is the incorporation of marble into many classic elements and bathroom design features, including baths, shower, floor and wall tiling, vanity worktops. In many modern bathrooms you'll also often see accessories made of marble such as soap dishes, trays or toothbrush holders, all of which add a refined touch to a bathroom.
14. The rise of zellige tiles
One of the hottest bathroom trends for 2025 will be the growing popularity of Zellige tiles. Zellige is an Arabic word meaning 'little polished stone', and Zellige tiles typically come in a single colour but have variations in tone, shine, and depth, giving a unique, textural and characterful look. It's these little variations and the raw character that adds to the charm of the tiles. The tiles are typically handmade, have a low ecological impact, add a layer of visual texture and help create a healthy interior bathroom space.
Related article: How to choose bathroom tiles - 7 top tips
15. Build a bigger bathroom
Bathroom decor trends won't laud you for having the tiniest bathroom on the block. This year, people are moving towards larger bathrooms — think bathroom suites. If you have a big budget for your bathroom re-do, then you may consider increasing the area that your bathroom covers in your home's floor plan. A lot of this has to do with the fact that so many of us are still working from home and will continue doing so. A large, luxurious bathroom feels like a getaway from our day-to-day lives. So, if you have the chance to increase the dimensions of your space, spring for it.
Related article: How long does a bathroom renovation take in Australia?
16. Statement bathtubs take centre stage
The spotlight is firmly on statement bathtubs that elevate bathrooms into luxurious havens. Freestanding tubs with bold silhouettes—think sculptural designs in matte black, glossy white, or even coloured finishes—are gaining popularity. Materials like cast stone, copper, and acrylic make these tubs not only functional but also focal points in bathroom design. Whether placed near a large window or in the middle of the room, a statement bathtub creates an opulent, spa-like atmosphere perfect for relaxation. The trend also embraces textured or patterned exteriors, adding an extra layer of visual interest to these striking centrepieces. Paired with complementary fixtures and finishes, statement bathtubs can transform even the simplest bathrooms into sophisticated retreats.
Related article: 7 trending bathtub styles for 2024
17. High-tech bathrooms for modern living
Smart technology will continue to revolutionise bathroom design in 2025. From app-controlled showers that let you adjust temperature and water pressure to voice-activated lighting and mirrors with built-in displays, bathrooms are becoming smarter and more user-friendly. Toilets with self-cleaning features, heated seats, and motion-activated lids are also in demand, offering unparalleled convenience and hygiene. These innovations not only enhance functionality but also add a futuristic edge to any bathroom. Energy-efficient smart systems, such as water-saving showers and taps that track usage, are also gaining traction, appealing to eco-conscious homeowners. Additionally, integrated sound systems and smart speakers are turning bathrooms into multi-sensory spaces, perfect for unwinding with music or podcasts.
Related article: The future of living: Insights into smart home design
Which latest trends for bathrooms are you going to try?
You asked us, what are the latest trends for bathrooms? So, now that we've answered your question, we want to know, which one(s) will you incorporate into your space. An indoor garden, a focal wall or a completely new master bathroom? Whatever your choice, we’re sure you’ll have no regrets with any of these trending ideas that will easily stand the test of time.
This article was updated on 5th December 2024
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