modern bathroom renovation trends

These are the modern bathroom renovation trends throughout the years

Let’s look into the upcoming bathroom trends while looking back at previous year’s trends.

We’re less than a hundred days away from 2022. If you are planning to renovate your bathroom this quarter or next year, now is the best time to read about the upcoming bathroom trends. Here, we present modern bathroom renovation trends… and some of the greatest bathroom design trends in the past that you might like.

2022 bathroom design trends

People grappled with the on and off lockdowns and restrictions set during the pandemic. They spent a lot of time in their houses and realised how important their home design is to their wellbeing. Hence, designers are focusing on three things for 2022: cleanliness, livability, and luxury. These three themes are the core of many renovation projects set in this quarter and early next year. 

modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Esrawe Studio

Zooming in bathroom renovations, many homeowners are seeking a spa or a resort vibe in the bathroom. Are you thinking of renovating to get the same aesthetic? Here’s how to bring this look into your humble bathroom at home:

Trending colours

When choosing your bathroom’s new colour, remember these 2022 paint colour trends and suggestions from Australia’s biggest paint brands and manufacturers:

  • neutrals: whites and greys with warm undertones, beiges, olive taupe, greige, and charcoal (softened black)
  • warm pastels: playful, fresh, and summery hues
  • greens: shades and hues that are lush and leafy ⸺ the colours with strong roots in nature, with warm and subtle yellow undertones and are easy on the eyes
  • blues: coastal colours and summery blues like aqua and denim
  • browns: delectable colours such as caramel, toasted nuts, toffee, chocolate, and coffee
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Caroma

Trending materials and finishes

Incorporating nature in your bathroom design is possible when you use building materials with organic looks and finishes:

  • textured natural stone ideally marble, soapstone, granite, quartz 
  • faux timber surfaces 
  • brushed metal such as brass, gold, nickel, gunmetal silver, and copper
  • stainless steel 
  • clay 
  • concrete

Always opt for building materials with earthy, organic colours, and natural finishes. These materials will help you create a relaxing spa and resort-like feel inside your bath.

modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Design Platform

Trending design and layout

Bathrooms with skylights are now all the rage. A window above establishes the bath’s connection with nature and ensures the abundance of natural lighting in this everyday space. If you’re eyeing the same design, have your skylight open right over the shower stall or the bath.

modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Branch Studio Architects

Homeowners are liking bathrooms with direct access or a view of their backyard or their outdoor space too. If you are eyeing the same design, use electric privacy glass on the bathroom windows and doors. With a flick of a switch, the boundary between the bathroom and the outdoor space disappears. 

home improvement
Image credit: Bayview Design Group
home improvement
Image credit: Bayview Design Group

Similarly, homeowners are liking master bedrooms with a hotel room floor plan where the boundary between the bath and bed is almost gone. Many five-star hotels have suites featuring this layout and renovating to get a master bedroom ensuite like those hotel rooms is a luxury one wouldn’t regret having.

modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Maynard Architects
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Maynard Architects
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Maynard Architects

The interiors of the bathroom are evolving as well. Homeowners are veering towards designs with larger shower areas and are removing shower screens to create an open, cohesive space. The shower sits next to a freestanding tub, creating a ‘wet area.’

modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Caroma

Sustainable bathroom features to include

Sustainability is the biggest modern bathroom renovation trend among Australian homeowners. More and more people are making use of sustainable and environmentally-friendly building materials. They are also veering towards using more water-efficient tapware and bathroom fixtures. To save energy, they are choosing to illuminate their bathrooms naturally during the day.

Those renovating their forever home are making wiser and more ergonomic choices, so they can enjoy their luxury spa and hotel bathrooms for a longer period. 

modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Ex.t

Broaden your design choices. Look back at the previous years’ modern bathroom renovation trends. You might find one or two features that you still want to have in your new bathroom.

2021 bathroom design trends

  • Floor-to-ceiling panoramic bathroom picture windows
  • Heated bathroom floors
  • Self-cleaning toilets
  • Hands-free, motion sensor taps
  • Ribbed glass shower dividers
  • Twin showers
  • His and her vanity
  • Backlit mirrors
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Glass Co. Western Australia
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Jason Windows Australia
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: West One Bathrooms ltd.
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Ki Design Studio

2020 bathroom design trends

  • Matching tapware and shower fixtures
  • Full-size freestanding tub
  • Open shower area
  • Built-in shower seat
  • Slim vanities
  • Moisture-loving indoor plants
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Moloney Architects

2019 bathroom design trends

  • Statement wall tile design
  • Matching wall and floor tiles
  • Slim, space-efficient bathtubs
  • Matte black surfaces
  • Dark colour palette
  • Cool pastels
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Corben Architects
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Two Lovely Gays blog

2018 bathroom design trends

  • Vanities with statement mirrors and basin
  • Eye-catching, over-the-top bathroom lighting
  • Motion sensor lighting
  • Freestanding tub in the center of the bathroom
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: The Pearl and the Oyster
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: The Block Australia
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Journey to Croatia
modern bathroom renovation trends
Image credit: Farah Gallery

Use the Dreamspace project coordination dashboard

Bathroom renovations are easier when you can plan and coordinate everything through one platform. Sign up to Dreamspace and use the project coordination dashboard and all its features! From one simple dashboard, we make it super easy to:  

  • Plan your bathroom renovation project
  • Find and explore modern bathroom renovation trends
  • Monitor the progress of your project
  • Coordinate with the professionals who specialise in home extensions and additions onboard
  • Get quotes for your project
  • Manage your project from design through to build

Sign up here to get started.

Start planning now for free

Find more articles, guides and inspiration in the planning dashboard. Save them to your dream board, and start planning your dream space today.