Bathroom renovations: The hottest new bathroom trends of 2021

Whether you’re looking for ideas, inspiration or just looking, these are 2021’s hottest bathroom trends.

The past 18 months has seen us spend more time tucked up indoors and accordingly, we’ve begun to view our homes differently.

We’ve collectively decided we need to live in spaces that provide us with peace and soothe the soul and current interior trends reflect this, particularly when it comes to bathrooms, an area where we can retreat from the world, rejuvenate our spirits and perhaps even gain a little perspective.

According to tradie Rebecca Senyard, of website theplumbette.com.au, many of us are turning towards hotel-inspired spaces which provide a luxury look and feel.

“Hotel luxury is what most renovators are aiming for,” says Rebecca.

“Hotel luxury bathrooms are designed with space in mind. They are visually impressive with the use of bold tapware and lavish fixtures, pared back with a neutral colour scheme.”

Simplify your bathroom look.

Australians are also yearning to simplify their lives during these uncertain times with many of us turning towards monochrome colour palettes for a striking yet calming effect. Globally, black and white is the most popular combination when it comes to this particular trend, say the folk at Plumbnation.co.uk.

The site reports an annual search volume of 94,600 which equates to an 116.97 per cent increase in searches during the past 12 months. When it comes to Instagram, black and white bathrooms clocked 17,519 hashtags meaning many of us are turning to social media for inspiration.

Black and white – on trend.

Black and white is clearly a trend. Read on to discover the other bathroom styles we’re hankering for this year.

Terrazzo

Interiors experts at the renovation site Houzz unanimously agree that terrazzo and porcelain terrazzo-look tiles are rocketing in popularity this year.

The search term ‘terrazzo bathroom’ has experienced one of the highest-volume surges on the site in 2021 compared to the same period last year. Experts there say that terrazzo is used as a playful touch, a way to instil a sense of movement and personality in a space.

Pretty in pink – Terrazzo.

And we have to agree.

In case you weren’t aware, terrazzo derives from the Latin word ‘terra’, meaning ground. It’s a composite material of marble chippings set into cement and originated in 16th-century Italy as a way to use stone offcuts from larger projects.

Most popular: pink.

Round mirrors and black bathrooms

Bathroom mirrors are important and not just so that you can see yourself when shaving, brushing your teeth or applying makeup.

A bathroom mirror is also a vital accent piece and as such can set the tone for the entire room.

A mirror needs to be functional of course, but it should also provide style.

Round mirrors are back in fashion.

Shape and size will need to be taken into account and your budget too, but if you want to be on top of, or even ahead, of the trends then a circular mirror is the only way to go.

These provide a lovely, soft effect to a bathroom, especially those on the smaller side, says interior designer Emily MacAlpine, of MARG. Studios. She likes a gold finish, but there are countless circular mirrors to choose from including traditional white, brass, black metal and even rose gold.

Astonishing as it may seem, given that for years we’ve been relaxing in white or lightly coloured bathrooms, black is here and in a very big way.

Back in black.

“Black baths, basins and even toilets are going to be bold additions to the bathroom,” says Rebecca.

“Look out for these making their mark in Aussie bathrooms,” she adds. If you don’t fancy a black tub or sink, you might like to consider black tiled walls or floors, or even both. If that’s a little too much for you, consider black fixtures.

Luxury wallpaper

Taking out top spot for the most popular bathroom trend in 2021 worldwide is bathroom wallpaper, shows research from Plumbnation.co.uk.

With the highest search volume of all terms during the past year, bathroom wallpaper has seen an incredible 33.8 per cent increase in popularity.

It might seem impractical to have wallpaper applied to a wash room, but the same rules apply in wallpapering a bathroom as in any other room.

Wallpaper can transform a bathroom on its own.

You can opt for a single feature wall for dramatic impact or wallpaper the entire room.

Of course, moisture and humidity can be an issue.

If you do opt to embrace this hot new trend, you might like to consider ‘splashproof’ wallpaper, which is specifically designed for high humidity spaces and is even wipeable.

That said, if your bathroom is well-ventilated and doesn’t get particularly humid regular wallpaper will do just fine.

Originally published as Bathroom renovations: The hottest new bathroom trends of 2021