Bathroom Design 2023: A Waterhouse Year in Review
Bathroom Design 2023: A Year in Review
As Waterhouse bids farewell to 2023, it's time to take a stroll through bathrooms of the past year and explore the trends that made a splash (and a few that fizzled out, too.)
From shower doors to tile choices, wall colors to vanity styles, the world of bathroom design saw some exciting shifts. Let’s check out the highs and lows of bathroom trends we saw in 2023.
In with the New: Shower Door Elegance
Goodbye, textured glass: Hello, clear!
While textured glass options remain a top choice for homeowners who are looking for an elegant, yet private, shower space, the trend has certainly been going toward Clear glass. Textured glass options took a backseat, making room for the sleek look of clear glass shower doors. Homeowners embraced the minimalist aesthetic, creating a sense of openness and spaciousness in their bathrooms. It's all about letting the light in and making a statement with the simplicity of design!
Black is the new Oil Rubbed Bronze
Move over, traditional Oil Rubbed Bronze finishes! 2023 saw the rise of Matte Black hardware and accessories, adding a touch of modern luxury to bathroom spaces. The bold contrast against light tiles or white walls became the go-to choice for those seeking a contemporary and edgy look. Matte Black complements many design styles and colors and is a great choice for a modern and sleek bathroom.
Tile Tales: Patterns and Textures
Terrazzo takes center stage.
Terrazzo, the composite material consisting of chips of marble, quartz, granite, and glass, emerged as the darling of tile choices in 2023. From floors to shower walls, the playful and eclectic patterns of terrazzo injected personality and a touch of nostalgia into bathroom designs. It's the perfect blend of classic and contemporary. With the variety of color and pattern options, Terrazzo can virtually fit in any bathroom and can blend with nearly any design style, making it a delightfully versatile choice! Many Terrazzo tiles and surfaces are not just beautiful, but also sustainable, as they can be created with upcycled materials. Even more so a reason to keep this trend going!
Hexagons, hexagons…as far as the eye can see!
Say goodbye to traditional square tiles, and hello to hexagons! Hexagonal tiles stole the spotlight, creating visually stunning patterns and adding a dynamic element to bathroom floors and walls. The versatility of hexagons allowed for endless design possibilities, making them a favorite among those looking to make a bold statement.
Color Chronicles: Bold Choices and Serene Retreats
Back to Nature: Earthy Tones Reign
2023 embraced nature-inspired color palettes, with earthy tones like warm greens, soothing browns, and deep blues, as well as the popular “millennial beige” dominating bathroom walls. These colors not only create a calming atmosphere but also seamlessly connect the indoor space with the outside world. A trend that is truly “Down to Earth”!
Matte is Marvelous
Glossy finishes took a step back as matte surfaces took the lead. Matte tiles, matte paint, matte vanities – the lack of shine added a touch of sophistication and muted elegance to bathroom designs.
Maximalism Redefined
In the dynamic landscape of bathroom design, 2023 ushered in a new era of modern maximalism, which stands in complete contrast to the also trending earthy tones and natural designs. Modern maximalism is bold and wild, but also balanced. Statement walls, unique designs, colorful artwork, and mixed textures and patterns are turning bathrooms into vibrant works of art without overwhelming the senses. Strategic color blocking became the artful technique of the year, allowing for harmonious contrasts and intentional design choices. The luxurious metallic accents in gold and brass fixtures added opulence, while bold geometric patterns injected visual interest without compromising the overall sense of a retreat. Modern maximalism in the bathroom is all about making a purposeful statement with finesse, proving that bold choices can coexist seamlessly with tranquility.
Going, going…. GONE: Paint colors to say Adios to in 2024
Say goodbye to all those neutral shades of gray. They’ve been the go-to neutrals for so long that they’re becoming tired. Clients are ready for a change. More color, more texture, just MORE EVERYTHING!
Also on their way out? Red, orange, pink, and stark white.
Some good swaps?
Red becomes a burgundy accent.
Orange becomes a creamy peach (like Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2024: Peach Fuzz.)
Pink might work in a small powder room as an accent but should probably be left to more youthful spaces (like your kid’s bedroom!)
Stark white morphs into more natural tones and warm earthy hues.
New for 2024?
Deep earth tones like terracotta and moody forest core-inspired picks that include rich, deep greens. We’re also looking forward to an influx of coastal-inspired blues, from light pastels to bold teals.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall: Unique Reflections
Custom shapes and sizes
The era of cookie-cutter rectangular mirrors and bulky medicine cabinet mirrors is officially over. Homeowners in 2023 opted for custom-shaped mirrors, embracing circles, ovals, arches, and asymmetrical designs to add a touch of individuality and artistic flair to their bathrooms.
Smart Mirrors reflect the Future.
Say hello to mirrors with a brain! Smart mirrors featuring built-in LED lighting, temperature displays, and even integrated music systems became the ultimate bathroom accessory for those who wanted a touch of tech in their daily routines.
Vanity Visions: Styles and Storage Solutions
Floating Vanities elevate the space.
The floor is no longer the limit for vanities. Floating vanities not only provide a contemporary aesthetic but also create a sense of openness, making even the smallest bathrooms feel more spacious. Depending on the interior design style, this trend is often paired with beautiful and elaborate woven baskets, wire baskets or other open storage solutions below the vanity. It adds texture and personality to the bathroom, making it a top choice for homeowners in 2023!
Open Shelving Takes Over
Closed cabinets are so last year. If you have the space, open shelves with minimal clutter are the new go-to. Open shelving gained popularity by offering a stylish solution for displaying towels, decorative items, and even a touch of greenery. It's the perfect way to combine form and function in your bathroom.
In the ever-evolving world of bathroom design, 2023 was a year of embracing individuality, exploring unique textures, and breaking free from traditional norms. As we step into the future, let's carry forward the lessons of the past year and continue to transform our bathrooms into personal sanctuaries that reflect our style and personality.
Here's to a year of innovation and endless possibilities in bathroom design!
The Waterhouse team will be here whenever you are ready to create your new spaces for the New Year!