Here’s a hot take: trend posts are simultaneously super fun and a very unnerving. It’s tough, especially after the year we just had, to predict anything but it’s also fun to get excited about the possibilities of what’s to come in this new year.
Traditionally, bathroom trends can be tricky because a lot of them deal with tiles, bathtubs, and vanities–things that can’t easily be swapped out (and things that cost $$$). For someone like me who isn’t renovating and doesn’t own a home, these posts are typically aspirational. It’s still fun to pull together and discuss, but I wouldn’t be making any mood boards or real design plans based on them. But this year is different my friends. Yes, there are trends that are strictly for the renovators and homeowners BUT there are, dare I say, quite a few on this list that can be renter-friendly and DIY-able. I KNOW. It’s so exciting. So, without further ado, allow me to introduce you to our 2021 bathroom trends:
Dramatic Veined Marble
Marble in a bathroom? Groundbreaking, I know. But before you write this one off just take a long look at those veins. We aren’t talking about a soft, subtle marble countertops or showers. In 2021, we predict marble is going to be dramatic and show-stopping and it’s going to be everywhere. There’s no denying the affect this material has, especially when it’s wall to wall as it is in this gorgeous bathroom designed by Humbert & Poyet.
Again, you’ve seen marble before but not quite like this. The marble bathrooms of 2021 are far from subtle and are even more exciting when accentuated with exceptionally bold fixtures (like those luxe wall lights for example).
See what I mean by dramatic? This marble wall surrounding the bathtub is whimsical and fierce but doesn’t dominate the whole space (because who could ignore the impact of that bubble table and incredible chandelier?).
Abstract Triangle Tile
It’s becoming clear that in 2021 we want visual interest in our homes where ever we can get it. Because bathrooms have fewer elements than other rooms, tile is one we see shift the most year by year, likely because there are so many types and combinations to be made. This year, we expect more abstract triangle tile patterns–making floors and walls into artistic moments.
We bet tiled bathroom walls will reign this year and we think more people will be going for an abstract pattern as Noé Prades executed in this midcentury Barcelona home.
Try recreating this trend with paint and painters tape for a renter-friendly hack!
I am admittedly a fan of black and white bathrooms and am sucker for checkered tile, so I love the look of this triangle tile flooring. It does so much so the rest of the decor can remain minimal–although I wouldn’t mind a pop of color here. What do you think?
Tile Pattern Mixing (Side by Side!)
This is the first photo that convinced me contrasting tiles will be in my future someday (or at least I hope). The Zellige tile paired with a checkered pattern tile is SO interesting and creates a sophisticated modern European feel.
This bathroom designed by Ginny Macdonald (you know the famous EHD alum), took the trend even further by contrasting tiles of different sizes, shapes, and colors on adjacent walls. I love the multi-colored tiles on one wall that feel extra earthy next to the high gloss green tiles. I could stare at this bathroom all day (and basically have).
If you thought it’d be impossible to maintain a minimal aesthetic with this trend, think again! This bathroom designed by Brave New Eco proves multiple tile shapes and similar colors can work flawlessly together and add intrigue without being too loud, especially when paired with light wood tones and minimal finishes.
The Return of The ’80s Square Tile
It’s a little too soon to tell how we feel about the resurgence of the ’80s square tiles. One of our favorite up and coming design studios and and and studio posted this photo on their Instagram and we were admittedly not expecting the return of this tile trend reminiscent of 1980s bathrooms (Caitlin had THOUGHTS) but we are excited about seeing tiles other than Zellige come around (though we do still love Zellige of course). I think every apartment I’ve had in LA has had this square tile bathroom and kitchen so it’s definitely nostalgic and classic–and perhaps is a good thing for us renters who are trying to make existing tile work. How do you feel???
Check prints in home decor are definitely thriving right now, which makes me wonder if that’s part of the inspiration for this trend. The soft color of the tile pattern here mixed with the sleek black finishes is a superb example of modern meets retro so perhaps the square tile (similar to the return of the large scale checkered flooring we are seeing in kitchens) is a way to bring a retro flair into a bathroom. Hey, I love a retro nod in design so count me in.
Does it get more ’80s than this? I know a pink bathroom isn’t for everyone but if you are going to go ’80s you might as well go all the way right? I love the baby blue and pink and those curved edges are too good. Also, the fact that this is a render blows my freaking mind.
Traditional Vanities With A Twist
Last year we talked about unconventional double vanities having their moment and while we don’t think that’s over and done with, it is nice to see a return of the more traditional vanity. But traditional does not equal boring as you can see in the above bathroom designed by Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors. She used reeded cabinetry that is subtle but still interesting, creating texture and warmth but remaining classic.
When I saw this bathroom vanity by Chris Loves Julia yesterday, I knew I had to talk about it. The fluted texture of the cabinets along with the dark wood stained double vanity makes this bathroom feel traditional with a contemporary twist.
Wood or Natural Fiber Tub Exteriors
I officially want more colorful paneled tubs in 2021. This is a great example of a simple but bold upgrade and in fact when I saw this photo, I wondered how easy it would be to DIY. After a quick google search and watching about 10 seconds of a video, I think it’s doable. Thoughts??
Have you ever seen a wicker tub? No? Well don’t worry this is a first for me too but I must say it’s really good. It’s an unexpected texture and material to use in a bathroom but it’s really impactful and emphasizes the rustic farmhouse vibe going on here.
In this home tour, the tub was paneled with the same reclaimed wood that was used for the flooring throughout the rest of apartment, so I think it could also be a doable renter-friendly hack (depending on your landlord situation of course–although I am a believer in asking for forgiveness, not permission:)). It immediately adds a rustic element to the space but still feels modern and new.
Large Scale Botanical Wallpaper
If you aren’t spicing up your bathroom walls with tile, wallpaper is always a fun option (and renter-friendly!). Of course, wallpaper in the bathroom is no new discovery but what is new and different is this emphasis on bringing the outdoors in. Perhaps it’s a side effect of 2020 (aka the year we spent indoors) that makes a foliage forward wallpaper so enticing and comforting this year. It can be moody and dramatic while still creating a calm oasis.
Talk about BOLD. I love seeing a dramatic mix of patterns and textures (it’s the budding maximalist in me, I suppose) and I am impressed with the flow of everything going on here. The veined marble (what did I tell ya–it’s happening) and large scale palm wallpaper work surprisingly well together and make this powder bathroom POP.
Heidi Cailleir Design does it again. This wallpaper is definitely a little more subtle than the previous examples but still packs a dramatic punch and succeeds in bringing nature indoors and creating a calm beautiful space.
Return Of Wet Rooms
Who doesn’t love a bathroom that feels like a spa? Like I mentioned before, the events of 2020 surely influenced a lot of the trends we are seeing emerge this year, and I think this is one of them. For renovators, going for a wet room is a no-brainer if you want to create a place to fully relax and escape.
Wet rooms are luxurious of course but they have a practical application too. They are great for elderly folks and people with disabilities and they are more “small space friendly” way to install a shower and a tub in a single bathroom. Function and beauty is a 2021 trend we think we are going to see more and more of due to us being home more than ever.
Patterned Roman Shades
I love roman shades but what I love more is yet another trend that is renter-friendly. Installing dramatic roman shades is another way to play around with style, color, and pattern without making a permanent decision. It’s unexpected and exciting plus it goes well with the eclectic granny style that we personally hope sticks around this year.
This bathroom designed by Heidi Caillier Design just goes to show that we should never skimp on window treatments. A colorful or patterned shade is always going to pop, and roman shades are a great option for small bathrooms because they can often be customized.
Floor To Ceiling Colorful Penny Tile
This floor to ceiling penny tile when contrasted with a soft, large scale floor tile, creates an unexpected texture and warmth. I love that every inch of the wall is covered with a light pink tile and how it lightens up the earthy tones and textures–making it more playful and modern.
If you are into the floor to ceiling tile, I’d love to introduce you to this bathroom by Black Lacquer Design that is covered in penny tile. What’s so special about this execution is it makes a small space feel larger but not overwhelming. It’s exciting and bold but not cluttered or visually jarring.
That’s all from me but now I want to hear from you! Have you been thinking of implementing any of these trends in your bathroom?? Which one is your favorite and are there any you disagree with? Tell me everything. xx
Opener Image Credit: Design by Heidi Caillier Design | Photo by Harris Kenjar
Inspirational post!
So I’m currently renovating my condo that was a 70s time capsule when I bought it a couple of years ago. Hmmm … seems I can let the huge foliage wallpaper be. Wait 50 years and everything’s trending again, lol! (Nope. Off it will come!)
What’s interesting: I’m from Austria and wet rooms are practically the norm here in recently updated bathrooms (just as in Germany and many other Continental countries), if I understand the term correctly. When modernising a bathroom one will put in a walk-in shower per default (and an additional bathtub if space allows). Shower trays are not practical to clean.
Also, you’ll find tiles all way up to the ceiling in most Continental bathrooms. Compared to US ones ours always look more streamlined and modern, but also clinical. US American bathrooms give off such a cosy, a bit old-fashioned vibe that I find very charming.
I agree. I personally prefer a room like feeling with less tile, a room that stays open (except for a powder room) all day long. Tile everywhere makes it look cold and sterilized. I understand that’s the norm due to having a rather small, and usually not ventilated space.
SHOWER. TRAYS. ARE. NOT. PRACTICAL. TO. CLEAN. thank you! Talking sense this fine mornin!
Surprised about the hate for square tiles. I get maybe people don’t want a specific 80’s look, but isn’t the square tile a classic on its own? It can give a vintage look, or cottage, or Scandinavian or….a contemporary serene kitchen…. Poor 4 x 4s!
The difference between the separate tub and shower that is common here (I live in Bavaria, at the foot of the Alps, which are made of calcium, which means I get to decalcify my kettle every three days) and the wetroom trend under discussion is that the tub is basically IN the shower in the latter. The glass wall separates all bathing options from the rest of the room. It looks sexy but I find it really impractical.
Why is it impractical?? Cleaning the floor?
Hands down my fav trend is wet rooms…i’m v. into the sarah samuel sherman design above! Many of the other trends don’t resonate for me as I prefer my bathrooms to be a calm oasis (and some of these tiles seem like a NIGHTMARE to clean/upkeep with all the grime that will accumulate with use)
Looking at the pictures above, looks like there is a lot of cottage-like bathrooms with modern touches on trend as well.
1. love the look of the heavily veined marble so much. hoping it isn’t one of those things though that people are ripping out and trashing in a 10 years though. that’s what i think when i see this. all that beautiful marble ripped out of the ground. sorry. that was a downer. 2. that floor in the first abstract triangle tile picture is my absolute FAVORITE! 3. tile pattern mixing. hmmm. i think it depends on the tile. i do like the ginny mcdonald one though. 4. traditional vanities with a twist. both are nice. my question though. why is one (the amber one) referred to as a reeded vanity, and the other (the chrislovesjulia one) referred to as a fluted vanity? they look the exact same. 5. the wood/natural exterior for the tubs, i hate say this, but i hate it. just looks like it would get ruined by water. 6. love the big botanical wallpaper look! the mirror, light, vanity combo in that second picture is so good! 7. i love wet rooms and would love to have one. it reminds me of my trips to india and staying with family. wet rooms are more common there.… Read more »
Ha! Snap!
As I read through the post, I was thinking much the same! Except the part about India.
The veined marble is beautiful, but I get the heebis when I think about “trends” and how very wasteful trends are. Hot one day, in landfill the next.
I am not into trends. Full stop.
I think as I mature, I’m into doing my home, my way, with things I love, cherish or am simply attached to (like the odd whacko family heirloom).
I hear ya, Lovely, I hear ya!
yep, i say skip the trends and do what you will love!
So, I have a wood surround in my principal bathroom. It has been there for 20 years and has lived through many long baths and showers. I’ve painted it twice and it still looks perfect. We do have heated floors that keeps the room dry. If your not into the look I get it but if it’s something you love I’d say go for it if you have good ventilation. That wicker tub seems ridiculous though.
that’s good to know. i don’t dislike the way it looks. i just worry about moisture and mold, which is why that doesn’t appeal to me. i think i’d be staring at it wondering about what it looks like underneath it. that’s just my personal anxieties though.
That heavily veined marble is very expensive. I can’t see it being ripped out in 10 years unless one is a multi-millionaire at the very least.
Thanks Margot, was thinking the same thing. I think if you choose an expensive marble like this, you will most likely choose it because you are absolutely in love with it. Otherwise that would be a big waste of money (completely seperate kind of waste apart from the environmental factor), if you’re only putting it in because everyone is doing it. And at the end of the day we only live so long and houses and plumbing will only survive so long until it is time to change things out again or for a house to be torn down and a new one to take its place. That’s part of life. Our sole purpose on earth is not to conserve every piece of building material, come what may and no matter at what cost. This planet and its resources has also been given to us to enjoy. There is a line between mindfulness and obsessiveness for any and all matters in life. Just my opinion on this.
And then … there’s the fact that we ALL make choices that affect everyone else, whether we’re aware of that fact or not, whether we think what we fo doesn’t affect others, it still does.
Remember that saying about the butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon???
But … maybe you’re not aware of that cliche?
I take personal responsibility for the personal choices I make because they DO afect others and my and your environment.
I find the head-in-the-sand excuse simply exasperating. 🙄
Lovely, I respect the fact that you are raising awareness with your comment and I don’t deny that people that have the financial resources will by default have the means to create more waste. Not saying all higher income earners do this, but they actually get the chance to more often than say the average home owner who will have to make do with a lot of original features in their house, mostly for a lack of resources to rip out and replace. Rusty, as far as I can tell you spend a fair amount of time sticking up for our planet in the comment section of this blog and that is for sure an admirable thing. We need more people speaking up about these matters. I just think we can help people in more ways than the environmental warrior way. Apart from the fact wether one day there won’t be any more marble for people to make countertops from and the islands that are slowly being swallowed by rising sea levels, thus affecting the lives of many people, and so on, there are actual human beings suffering from unfair treatment by others. And this is a direct suffering, something… Read more »
The “head in the sand excuse” applies here more than anywhere else. It is a privilige and a luxury to be able to worry about your own and other people’s plastic waste when so many people have to worry about how to feed their kids tomorrow or wether their lives will be spared or if they will wake up to an american drone strike or not.
well, obsessiveness is relative. what i consider mindfulness, someone else could consider obsessive. i know myself to be very environmentally conscious. the things that i take into consideration in my daily life are things i would assume everyone does, but i realize most people don’t because they don’t care.
marble/granite/stone is not a renewable resource, and is finite, so i’m mindful of this fact, which is why i commented what i did. if it is used and kept for extremely long periods of time, like in old european buildings, i understand and have zero issues with it. but when they are used because of trends in residential design, i worry about whether people will one day decide it’s not trendy and want to rip it out. it depends on the owner i guess. i didn’t state that nobody should use a finite resource.
well, i figured that it would just be rich people that can afford to use it, but i find it’s rich people that have no problem just ripping stuff out and replacing it because they have the money to do that. over the years of looking at befores and afters on design sites, i have seen a lot of ripping out perfectly good materials just because it’s “dated” and replacing it with trendy stuff that will just be considered dated soon anyway. that’s why this is my first thought.
On the paneled tub – Wood can be problematic near water, especially if you have kids splashing in your wood surround tub (like I do!). Because of water damage over the last decade to our wood-surround tub we recently replaced the wood with Azek – that plastic manufactured wood. We were even able to do a tongue and groove look with it. Much more resilient but once painted you can’t tell that it isn’t wood. Recommend.
Call me southern, but chinoiserie is always a good idea. (Well except when it’s not). There were some beautiful bathrooms in here, but I have to say they’re all amazing Bc not one was just “rust, beige and boucle”. Also, question for wet rooms, do the shower heads turn away from the tub into the floor? And is there a drain?
Thanks!
Yes, in we rooms, the shower heads are not aligned for people to be showering in the tub, and there is a drain in the floor. You can see an example of this in the triangle tile photo, and in the first photo under “Return of Wet Rooms”, you can see the linear drain on the right.
I’m renovating my 1963 SoCal ranch house currently and put 4×4 blue tile in one bathroom and 6×6 mint tile in the other, having been inspired by And And And Studio and countless designs from Aus as well as pics from the 60’s! We’re pairing it with modern black fixtures, blond wood floating vanities, and hopefully it works 😅.
I am terrified of most of these. . . feels like the 80s style is creeping back in to drown us in patterns, curtains and ugliness
Some are truly nightmarish! But has they say “good for others, but not for me”
That yellow bathtub paneling makes me think maybe I can somehow make my mustard colored (aka old!) bathtub work?? Any ideas on designing around a mustard colored tub/surround? I someday plan to do a full reno, but don’t have the money at the moment to replace the tub or surround (partly because I want a deeper soaking tub and it has to be a drop-in model due to plumbing access, which is incredibly hard to find and more expensive), and the tub functions just fine. At least the matching mustard toilet and sink are long gone (I don’t actually know if they were ever there lol)!
What I loved about the photo whith the yellow tub was the fact that the colour was repeated in a few statement places. Maybe you can do it too to make the mustard more intentional?
I think you can totally make it work! And like Siel said, adding pieces to accent the color throughout would be a great start! Maybe a vase or even art would work to make it feel cohesive xx
I will personally never have tiled countertops EVER again. They are horrible to keep clean. I love the aspirational post but many of these look like they will be out of style in about two minutes and that makes me sad for the waste that will occur.
Give me all the wallpaper!! Also, that dramatic veined marble had me at hello.
SAME.
We’re currently planning the design for a remodel of our master bathroom and the kids’ bathroom. I love the penny tile idea for the kids! A way to add some color and texture while also being scrubbable. Funny though, the current floor tile in the kids’ bathroom is 80s square tile! I also really love the high contrast marble for the master but am terrified of doing something so expensive and permanent. What if I get tired of it?
I think the great thing about marble is it never really goes out of style (at least I don’t think so) and the dramatic deep veins are so beautiful I think they will look great no matter what!
It doesn’t go out of style but it can be a nightmare to upkeep. I lived in a rental with an old marble bathroom bench and it didn’t look like a beautiful patina it just looked constantly dirty and gross. But I guess if someone can afford that marble they can afford upkeep!
I think that maaaaaaany people who bought a housewith that marble would remove it.
It’s a very specific bibeand taste.
It has seasons … comesxand goes on and off trend.
It’s a shame, but true. There was quire a bit around in the 80s.
I have a top to bottom marble bathroom, and trust me when I say it looks dated. It is early 90s and gives the impression one should be doing lines of coke on the side of the tub.
It gives me pause for all of these, admittedly very pretty, all marble / tile updates to think they are ‘timeless’.
I’m really interested in what’s going on in the shower in the “triangle tile” example. Is that tadelakt?
I love the patterned Roman shades. With the abundance of peel and stick removable wallpaper, the wallpaper trend is a great temporary upgrade. I think the paneling around the tub could totally be done as a diy that is temporary.
As for the pink tiled bathroom, it feels more like the 50s or 60s to me based on many homes I’ve seen in Northern California. A slightly more modern version, of course. 80s tile to me was pretty neutral, a lot of beige, even if that cotton candy pink was a very in color. But maybe I was seeing leftover trends from the 70s. It’s hard to remember. I sometimes wish I had saved all my design magazines from then (from the late 80s and later). Oh, it would be fun if you did a post showing archive designs from different eras with current designs, side-by-side.
Love the bathroom eye candy! However, I bet Heidi C-A-I-L-L-I-E-R (two I’s) would appreciate it if you could correct the spelling of her name. Not a diss — I do this kind of thing all the time, too. Keep the pretty pictures coming!
fixed!
I can see there are a lot of people designing bathrooms who have never scrubbed tile grout. >.>
Or washed down a vanity front (reeded/fluted textures = nope).
That’s the first thing I noticed. TONS of grout! No thanks.
As someone who designs bathrooms, I totally agree regarding the tiles shown here. There are some tiles with very minimal grout joints that I would find more palatable (again, not shown here!) Most of the time clients are either 100% in for small tiles or 100% out – there’s not a lot of in between. Small tiles also tend to be more expensive because they take more time/labor to install (unless it’s netted as a mosaic of course) and grout. I don’t think it’s worth it for a countertop when there are so many beautiful solid surface options!
Regarding fluted wood, it’s actually very easy to clean with a sponge or soft brush! I think those vanities are absolutely beautiful.
I’m in the process of planning a bathroom reno and have been shopping for MONTHS to find a reeded/fluted/tamboured/slatted (whatEVER you want to call it) vanity and fear my only option is custom. I realize these examples are both custom, I’ve already ogled over them. Please give us a roundup if they’re out there!
OH I am on it!
I feel like I’m officially old because some of those look hard to clean. Wicker tile, rattan or fluted cabinets, and wood on a tub seem like a breeding ground for mold and mildew and like they will all be panned as gross and ripped out in a decade. I also like the idea of a wet room, but having used them in hotels they’re cold and seem hard to clean (you’re now not only having to clean the shower area, but also around the nooks and crannies of a tub you haven’t even used). I’m thinking about remodeling a bathroom and not sure I’m on board with any of these emerging trends except the wallpaper and granny prints!
I must be old, too, because I had the exact same train of thought!
Yes.
I have one thing to say about the resurgence of square tiles and that thing is NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO.
Haha I hear you! I think that is the most controversial one..
Ugh! These trends are terrible, and I will avoid them. Marble is not a good surface in a bathroom or a kitchen. I had to live with marble bathroom countertops, and they stained immediately and I hated them until I moved out of that house. Marble is definitely NOT for me. Give me quartz any day. I don’t have time for persnickety surfaces and difficult maintenance.
Yes to the bold marble. Holy cow am I here for that! but absolutely NO to the square 80s tile. Nope, nah, no way can I get into it.
HA I get it 🙂
I love this blog, but is anyone else finding that with the new layout, these large vertical photos aren’t very reader-friendly? I have to way minimize my browser magnification to see the entire photo at once and can’t read the copy while browsing photos anymore.
Really enjoyed this post! I have to say that I don’t get calling the square tile 80’s tile. Where I live, I have seen it most commonly used in homes built in the 50’s and 60’s, (think classic pink, blue, mint bathrooms). I think the square tile, whether pastel, or bold, or eventually tumbled and “Tuscanized”, had been the standard since the late 40’s until we saw a resurgence of the subway tile (which we now consider to be standard).
I think coz Ryann is a young ‘un, it might feel more recent for her?
I think it’s more 50s and 60s.
I think the size (2×2) and the finish (matte) are what say ’80s to me. Older square tiles were usually 4×4 and glossy.
I love trend posts but anything that isn’t durable and easy to clean is a bad idea for a bath, so wrapping a tub in wicker or wood – ehhh, you are going to regret it.
Giant slabs of unique marble have to be perfectly installed into a space that can handle it but when done right it is spectacular.
I’m here for square ceramic tiles used in new ways. Matte finish, tight grout, unexpected color ways! Just not on countertops please.
Wet rooms, walls of penny tile and Roman shades are classics.
Pink bathrooms were a thing in the 50s. 80s was more peachy/salmon I think? Everything comes back around eventually!
Any chance you can find out the paint color in the Heidi Caillier Design bathroom? I have been searching for that very shade of purple for my primary bath and neeeeeeeed it. I could eat it. 😀
I love these but don’t see any that are renter-friendly!
I’ve noticed the wetroom thing and just think, how would I get hard water stains off the BACK of the tub?