Natural inspiration: The bathroom trends you'll be seeing everywhere

It may be your most useful room, but thanks to the popular wellness movement, the bathroom is also considered a haven. “People know how they want to feel in the bathroom,” says designer Camilla Molders, “It’s not just another room in the house. It’s a sanctuary.”

It is also the perfect space to incorporate new design trends. With some on-point styling, a nod to nature and a spare colour scheme, your most utilitarian room can now also be your most beautiful.

Dial-down colour

“A bathroom’s colour palette should be dictated by the room and the natural light that pours in,” says Molders. “Most have good natural light, which when combined with a darker palette, creates great visual drama.”

So with nature calling the shots this season, it is no surprise that the monochromatic palette is on-trend. “The mood is calmly glamorous,” says interior stylist Rebecca Johnson. “Think black, white and grey, like a smooth grey concrete bench top and marble splash back. Add some natural timber detailing and you have a contemporary but sumptuous space.”

Still craving colour? “Pantone named Greenery the colour of 2017, so green is the go,” says Johnson. “It is also a great addition to a monochrome scheme.”

On the tiles

The classic subway tile is here to stay. “It is strong for its practical design, low maintenance and fresh shape,” says Sara Chamberlain from The Real Estate Stylist. “We also love the return of black and white floor tiles. So French and elegant.”

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Johnson agrees and says that due to our renewed respect for artisans, black and white tiles have taken on a more bespoke feel. “Patterned tiles inspired by Mediterranean and Moorish motifs, parquetry, and black and white tiles in all shapes are beautiful on-trend options,” she says.

Create your own patterns using mosaic tiles, or repeat a strong shape like glamorous fish scale, hexagon, square or basketweave. “It adds opulence and real dimension, especially to a small room,” she says.

Quiet light

Achieving the right combination of lighting makes all the difference to your bathroom’s functionality. “Selecting vanity lights for the best light possible is essential,” says Sarah Elshaug of Maitland Street Interiors. “Be sure to balance their practicality with flair, like a contemporary wall mounted light on either side of the mirror.”

Chamberlain agrees. “I like a touch lamp on my sink to provide day-spa darkness, and to avoid unflattering overhead lights. Under cupboard lighting is perfect for a soft-lit feel also.”

Keep it classic

The right fixtures can have significant impact on a space. “It’s an easy way to add a sense of luxury,” Elshaug says. “I love the classic look of matte black which never goes out of style and complements most palettes.”

Retro tapware and glitzy metals take a back seat to more discreet bathroom fixtures. “Look for classic shapes in brushed nickel, burnished bronze, aged brass and iron bronze,” says Johnson.

“The look is timeless,” Molders agrees. “Suddenly tapware and fixtures have receded into the space, and aren’t as ‘look at me’ as they have been.”

Prepare to soak and languish in a decorative freestanding tub, or if showers are more your speed, be ready to install an outdoor-style shower inside. “Without barriers, curtains or glass shield, an open shower makes the entire space feel like one large bathing area,” says Johnson. “It does mean having a mop on stand-by, but it is a lavish way to shower and great option for a limited floor space.”

Organic opulence

This season will see owners experimenting with nature-inspired decor. “Natural textures are popular,” says Molders. “Handmade items, like Turkish towels and hand woven baskets, with their imperfections in-tact add to the ambience of a space.”

Chamberlain agrees. “We love wooden stumps for texture and warmth. They are an excellent option for adding storage, prop space or as a seating option.”

Luxury-meets-nature in the form of texture, print and pattern. “I love the combination of rattan, gorgeous French beauty products and indoor greenery,” says Johnson. “A round or antique mirror paired with a rectangular vanity is striking. So is oversized artwork in a small bathroom. Add good quality towels, whiffy soaps and enjoy.”