How to perfect the black bathroom trend

If you’re one of the many Australians undertaking a bathroom renovation, there are some key things to know before you settle on your tiles and tapware, and punt your old vanity to the nature strip. 

The first, and perhaps most important, is that all-white bathrooms – traditionally, a sure crowd pleaser – are now old news, say design experts. 

The second is that black is well and truly in, and that’s not about to change any time soon.

“The black bathroom trend came onto the scene a few years ago now and though some fads come and go just as quickly, this one has been shown to have staying power,” says Jessica Ciantar, interior designer and course co-ordinator for Design School.

Borne of the contemporary shift towards moody, darker tones that foster cosiness and calm, black has the power to make an elegant statement or create a feeling of sanctuary at home, depending on how and where it is used, says interior decorator and stylist Lauren Egan. 

The colour first appeared in household furnishings and quickly spread to other corners of the home, including kitchens and bathrooms, according to Melbourne interior designer Meredith Lee. 

“Black taps and detailing such as window frames, mirror frames, shower frames have been seen in bathrooms since,” she says.

With its collection of matt black tapware, showerheads and stylish above-counter basins, Mondella is one brand that has embraced the trend.

So, how can go-it-alone renovators tackle the black bathroom craze without getting it “oh-so wrong”? We asked the design experts to share their tips on perfecting the tricky trend.

Do your research

Australian home owners are becoming more daring, thanks largely to inspiration drawn from social media, according to Adrianna Doueihy, creative director at A Designer’s Life. 

“Instagram has made visualising much easier, and high-end, vibrant design more accessible,” she says. 

Doueihy suggests all home renovators create mood boards, whether at home on a pinboard, by screenshotting interiors that resonate on social media, or by way of an app or computer program. 

“Once you have [the images] together on a page, there will be common factors that stand out such as a black basin in three of the images you selected,” she explains. 

Looking at the bathroom as a whole and having a clear vision from the start will help you achieve a cohesive and lasting design.

If you are struggling to know where to begin, Bunnings is a great place to start. Whether online or for in-person browsing, they offer a varied snapshot of the current market and have staff on hand to point you in the right direction.   

Consider the entire home

Meredith Lee says a black bathroom’s success hinges on whether or not it fits with the rest of the home. 

“Think about your overall home scheme and whether black fits into that,” she cautions. “Black detailing in bathrooms works best when that detailing is carried throughout the house, so there is a cohesive look to the styling of the home.” 

Less is more

The experts agree that the simplest way to modernise your bathroom or jump on board a new trend is to update the old tapware. 

“Most recently, black has been introduced as more of a feature or to provide a point of contrast, with tapware or a stand-alone vanity,” says Ciantar. 

“This is great for people who love the trend but don’t want to commit fully to a moody black-on-black bathroom and prefer to use the black elements to provide a beautiful statement,” she adds.

For a slick finish that won’t break the bank, try Mondella’s basin mixer, semi-frameless shower screens or array of bathroom accessories, all finished in a stylish matt black and covered by a 10-year warranty. 

Try before you buy

When shopping for your bathroom, consider taking samples home with you before you commit, to ensure each element fits with your overall design, says Doueihy. 

This is particularly important when it comes to tile selection, says Egan, as tiles can often be the dominating design element in a wet space. 

Use complementary textures and tones

“If using elements like black tapware or a black vanity, think about softening the contrast with some textured tiles rather than gloss finishes,” says Ciantar. 

“Like any good design, balance will be your best friend when introducing a feature, so consider all the various finishes with care to bring the look together.”

Lauren Egan agrees, believing it’s ideal to pair black accents with brushed metals, rustic timber or stone, matt surfaces and warm lighting. 

“Too much bling is going to push it more towards a glam 1980s feel, whereas the more modern take is moody and tactile,” she explains.