Are you thinking about a bathroom makeover in the year ahead? If you're keen to see what decor styles are set to be on-trend in 2022, you've come to the right place!
Many of us dream about a bathroom upgrade - not only can the final result transform a tired bathroom into a stylish sanctuary, but from a practical standpoint, it can add thousands to the value of your home.
Although a bathroom renovation usually works out cheaper than remodelling a kitchen, it's still a hefty investment. So you want to be sure you're choosing a decor scheme that's not falling out of fashion any time soon - that's why we've put together this handy guide to the emerging trends in bathroom design. Read on to discover them!
And even if a full renovation isn't on the cards for you this year, read on for tips on how to incorporate elements of these on-trend styles in a mini-makeover.
Plus, check out these interior design trends for 2023 for a head-start on styles we'll be loving in the year to come.
Bathroom trends to watch in 2022
Victorian-style bathrooms
Although its roots may lie in the 19th century, a traditional Victorian bathroom is timeless - and this classic, elegant style is more popular than ever, dominating Pinterest boards throughout 2021 and showing no sign of slowing down.
'Getting the Victorian style right is about choosing statement traditional features and putting details into the décor,' says Rikki Fothergill, bathroom style specialist at Big Bathroom Shop.
'A free-standing roll top bath is probably the most popular feature of a Victorian style bathroom. Choosing one with brass, silver or gold feet and then matching with handles, mirrors and lighting fixtures can really tie the whole thing together.'
In fact, according to an analysis by PlumbNation, freestanding baths are the number one bathroom trend on social media, with a combined 3.2m hashtags across Instagram and TikTok.
While the claw-footed rolltop tub is an icon of Victorian bathroom furniture, not all freestanding baths are vintage-look. If you prefer a sleeker line, you'll find plenty of contemporary styles to suit your space.
Back to nature
The biophilia trend - that is, filling your home with greenery - is still a firm favourite for every room in the house, including the bathroom. While it might initially seem an unusual location to display your plants, the bathroom can often seem like a sterile environment compared to other rooms, and a splash of nature can really warm up your scheme.
Opt for plants that can thrive in the warm and humid conditions, like monstera, aloe, peace lily and bamboo. Or if you're not blessed with green fingers, you can always cheat with some of the ultra-realistic faux plants on the market these days - take a look at our 1o favourite artificial plants to get some inspiration.
However, the earthy vibes don't have to stop at a couple of your favourite houseplants. 'Look to introduce natural materials into your new bathroom design,' says Graeme Borchard, MD of UK Bathrooms. 'Wood, stone, cork and bamboo can all be used on floors and furniture. Or just add wooden accessories to add a pure, simple and natural aesthetic.'
Fluted glass
In recent years, the sought-after look in bathrooms has leaned towards the clean and minimalist, meaning clear glass and angular lines - as exemplified by the craze for Crittall-style shower screens. But that's set to change, according to Claire O’Brien, head of design at Splashback.
'Taking inspiration from the 1920s, fluted interior glass has become a popular choice for doors in bathrooms and wet rooms,' she says.
Art Deco revival is definitely having a moment right now, and the bathroom is the perfect room to try it out. We've already seen 1920s-inspired metallic bathroom fixtures and geometric tiles soar in popularity, so it makes sense that another Jazz Age decor trend, fluted glass, is set to join them.
This shift towards undulating forms has expanded beyond shower screens to include 'ribbed bathroom basins and tiles', O'Brien says, and is also showing signs of moving beyond bathroom suites in the form of fluted lamps, light fittings and even furniture and wall panelling. We chosen curved lines as one of our home decor trends for 2022, so expect to see plenty of them around over the next year!
Black bathroom suites
Deep and dramatic colours have been everywhere on social media in living rooms, bedrooms and increasingly kitchens (for more on that, check out our guide to 2022 kitchen trends!). Many homeowners are understandably more nervous about using very dark colours inside what is usually the smallest room in the house - but the good news is that black bathrooms can look absolutely stunning, and more and more of us are
UK Bathrooms told us they've seen a 'huge trend' for black bathroom suites and accessories, and they predict it will 'dominate' in 2022. There couldn't be a better time to be considering a turn to the dark side, with leading names in bathroom design like Imperial and Burlington recently launching black collections which include basins, WCs and bathroom furniture.
Black is such a versatile colour and can complement any decor style. For instance, we've seen some gorgeous black schemes with a colourful wallpaper feature wall. Or, for a truly luxurious finish, pair with high-impact metallic fixtures and accessories - we love brass or gold.
Looking for more on-trend makeover ideas? Check out our guide to the 2022’s interior design trends, plus the top colours of 2022 and our favourite 2022 kitchen styles.
