We try to be really good at keeping our promises. We told you in our 2020 kitchen trends post that we would be back with more trends this week, and I am pleased to give you our 2020 bathroom trends report (since it was the other favorite last year:)). Last week we talked about the dream of the “fantasy kitchen” but if you ask me, the “fantasy bathroom” is right up there. I mean it’s really too close to call because who doesn’t ALSO want a beautiful bathroom to leisurely bathe and pamper themselves silly in? So to help plan your fantasy bathroom mood board, or maybe a real mood board if you’re lucky, we have compiled nine trends that we’re banking on seeing all over the interwebs this year. Some are unexpected and some (in our opinion) are a long time coming (in a great way). Let’s put on our shower caps and see what 2020 is going to look like…
1. Color Saturated High Gloss Tiles
Yep, 2020 is new, colorful, AND shiny. Now, most bathroom tiles have at least a subtle sheen to them because, well, they need to be water-resistant (duh) and easy to clean (which a gloss provides). But what has not been in vogue is the super shiny gloss. Matte has been ruling for far too long and 2020 is here to stage a coup.
What is also VERY EXCITING is that bold colors are finally taking a tile stand. To be clear, we will never not love a clean white/neutral bathroom but we are also, more than ever, ready to see bold and even jewel-toned tiles. This royal blue below is so much more eye-catching than if it were a simple white and we are here for it.
2. Unexpected Tub Shapes
It can seem as though there is not a lot of wiggle room when it comes to tubs shapes. Oval and pill-shaped guys are basically it, right? To that we say not quite (rhyme not intended). This beauty above nearly stopped both Julie and I in our tracks. The footed detail somehow makes that big tub look visually light. All I want to do is jump in, relax, and enjoy what looks like an incredible view. It’s such a beautiful and modern alternative to the classic clawfoot tub.
Now, these next two bathrooms were designed by our favorite trendsetting designer, Sarah Sherman Samuel. Both of these tubs are somehow simple yet unique at the same time. The unexpected shapes really take these bathrooms to the next level without screaming, “Hey, look how cool I am.”
We will say though, that a round tub may not be the ultimate lounging tub due to its shape. However, it could be great for little kids since lounging isn’t their bath goal? Regardless it looks extremely cool.
3. Unconventional Double Vanities
Since we were just talking about unexpected tub shapes let’s keep the good times rollin’ with two new big ways double vanities are changing it up. The first is the double “single” vanity. In the Portland Project master bathroom, Emily and the design team chose to install two single vanities on either side of a door. While that looked amazing, this is not that. This is a deliberate design choice to place two single vanities next to each other instead of one vanity with two sinks.
It seems like an interesting choice since you would likely lose counter and maybe some storage space. But it does look pretty cool if done right (which these two designers absolutely did). The one perk, however, is that it’s an easy way to avoid the ever sweet, “your stuff is on my side!” dispute that typically happens in bathrooms shared by siblings… or was that just me and my brother??
The other double vanity trend we feel is on the rise and that we LOVE (if you have the space), is the double vanity island. Look how amazing this one is, designed by Liz Hoekzema of KLH Homes. It’s innovative, smart and SO beautiful. Sign me up, please!
4. Natural Stone Sinks
Behold the beauty of the natural, raw stone sink. Does your heart skip a beat too?? I started seeing these pop up more and more at the tail end of last year and my little eyeballs could not get enough. While these guys are total stunners, they are likely best suited for a beautiful powder bathroom since they are such a statement and likely hard to clean with everyday use.
The design genius of Amber Interiors has been using these beauties in her recent projects as shown in these two beautiful bathrooms. They truly add so much texture to a space that you don’t need much in the way of accessories or art. They are just that visually interesting.
If this is what bathrooms in 2020 are going to be like, I am extremely happy. But to be fair, I am sure they have a hefty price tag so they will remain in my personal fantasy bathroom.
5. Wide Grout Lines
Ok, full transparency, we did talk about this trend last October in this new grout ideas post. BUT I am bringing it up again because it’s too good and important not to. This is a trend that we are betting will find a big voice in 2020 and I for one can’t wait to hear it (well, see it – sinks don’t talk).
6. The Tub Nook
Let’s talk a little more about tubs, shall we? I think that if a freestanding tub isn’t your thing or you don’t have the space for one then you should highly consider a tub nook. This trend is taking the traditional tub layout and making it cozier (aka better).
Aside from its initial purpose of being a place to clean yourself, a tub or bath should be a place of escape. A tub nook is exactly that, a cozy escape that looks beautiful. I now want nothing more than to feel like I am in a stylish bath cocoon.
7. Raw, Earthy Tile
I know that colorful, shiny tiles are in for 2020 but so are really natural textured tiles (with zero sheen). There is just no in-between. Just like in the kitchen trends post, these tiles are incredibly beautiful but also a bit rough to the skin if you install them on the floor. We don’t want to discourage you if it’s your dream but maybe just invest in some pretty bathroom rugs or really good, thick socks.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand the appeal because my eyes are in love with this look. We think it may be best in a powder room where you and your guests are likely to be barefoot less.
8. Asymmetrical Mirror & Sink Combos
We really love this trend even if it’s not the most practical because almost anything asymmetrical in design is good by us. It keeps things interesting for the eye. So if you are looking to create a cool moment in your bathroom why not try an asymmetrical mirror?
So when you are thinking about asymmetrical mirrors in a bathroom, there are two ways to do it. You can chose a mirror that is asymmetrical in its actual shape like the two photos above. Or you can install a regular mirror asymmetrical to the sink like in the two photos below.
We really love this particular look because if you think about it you don’t really need to look at yourself when you are washing your hands or brushing your teeth. So placing a sink to one side and then installing a large mirror to the center of the vanity (instead of a sink) looks extremely cool and a purposeful design choice.
9. Swap Out your White Seat Cover (Rental-Friendly!)
Now, changing out your toilet seat cover is not a new idea but it is absolutely having a comeback in 2020. Plus it’s a great, easy, and affordable way to upgrade your bathroom (and toilet).
This is actually something that I have been planning to do in my own bathroom because it is going to instantly change the look and feel of the space and it’s SO rental-friendly. Ideal, right?!
If this wood seat doesn’t convince you I don’t know what will. It just brings so much depth and texture. I can’t believe I just said that about a toilet accessory. O boy, I can’t wait to see what other insane 2020 design-related things I will end up saying this year. Only time will tell.
This is where I leave you (for today, of course). These nine trends are pretty darn dreamy and once again we hope that your design imagination has been sparked because at least to us, there is nothing better. BUT what do you think? Are any of these now on your dream renovation list? Are any of them too crazy to even consider? Tell us because we love hearing your thoughts.
Love you, mean it.
I love the glossy tile and the natural tile! The toilet seat covers crack me up – I lived through the wooden and puffy seat phases from the 80s. But at least that’s an easy and inexpensive fix. I appreciate this post because I will probably be in for a bathroom refresh in the next year or so.
I’m so on board with everything in this post…except the toilet seat cover! I’ve seen great designers do it and I just can’t get on board. Guess that trend is not for me!
I love that shiny tile and asymmetrical design. But the bath nook is a horrendous idea – let’s take a small room and make it visually even smaller. Similarly tubs are often rectangular-ish because it is the most efficient use of space. Unusual shapes might work in a massive bathroom, but for most of us it is a hugely impractical idea.
Plus, those nooks look so difficult to keep clean!
Audibly gasped at the double sided vanity island…so unique!
I remember Leann Ford doing on in the first season of Restored by the Fords. It worked soooo well in that space. Such a fun idea for the right space.
Shiny bathroom floor tile, NO way. Do you have any idea how dangerous that is ?
We have shiny bathroom floor tile and have not slipped once–haven’t even come close to slipping. I love the look and feel of it and would definitely recommend it!
Young House Love has been posting a lot of insta-stories about that over the last couple of days – they installed a shiny floor tile in their master bath remodel and people were freaking out, but they said they tested it by setting 10 tiles on the floor outside their shower and living with them for a few weeks before permanently installing. As long as it’s rated for floors, even if it’s shiny, it means that it has been tested and will not be super slick and dangerous. Just don’t install a shiny tile that isn’t rated for floors on your floors – the manufacturer’s put those ratings on the box for a reason!
Hate to be a Negative Nellie, but many of these are impractical because of safety, cost, or the size of a typical home’s bathroom. Hard pass.
Agreed. The natural stone sinks look dirty to me even in the inspiration pictures – how do you keep those clean? I love the look of the double vanity island, but it is such a waste of space. In a kitchen an island gives you extra counter space, in a bathroom I don’t see how it does anything positive for function. I really hope that vibrant color does come back, but I’m eh on the high gloss because I think that would be a water spot nightmare. I like the look of the tub nooks and I think being a little encased would keep them warmer, but agree with others that they’d make an already hard to clean spot harder.
The round bathtub is a Japanese soaking tub. Definitely not just for kids. You can’t lay down, but you should be fully submerged.
A wooden toilet seat might seem like a good idea until you have to sit on one in someone else’s house. It doesn’t matter how much I trust the owner of said toilet seat, but I really want to be able to see that it’s clean and I’ll aways be a bit uncomfortable sitting on one that isn’t white. At least the puffy/shag seat covers aren’t back (yet)?
These mostly look cold and uncomfortable. Difficult to clean. The first all green bath looks like a giant slipping hazard. Nooks for the tub, no no. Where are the pretty bathrooms that are warm and inviting and cozy?
I know it’s annoying for someone to point this out but you may want to fix it so I will! The quote says ‘you’re stuff is on my side’ instead of ‘your’. Sorry and thanks!
All fixed! Thank you Mary 🙂
I remodeled my master bathroom 12 years ago and I have a pair of pedestal sinks for the double vanity. It’s nice to know I’m on trend over a decade later. The lack of storage can be difficult and ended up putting a small cart with cute baskets between the pedestals for storage. Plus, I have storage elsewhere. Some people thought I was crazy not to put a cabinet vanity, but I love the openness of pedestal sinks.
Ha – as someone who experienced wooden toilet seats when they had a comeback in the 80’s, I wouldn’t recommend. Those that were cleaned a lot looked old and worn; those that weren’t were pretty gross. Love the stone sinks but my ever practical self imagines trying to keep them clean. Hair would definitely stick and cleaning would be a bigger chore than just wiping things down. The open baths are so beautiful but also cold. It looks like I’ve become so much more practical in my middle years 🙂
Amen. So many of these looks scream 80’s to me. I guess it’s true that everything is copy…
Although Sarah Sherman Samuel somehow nails it (original/fresh/delightful) every time.
Function & form always for me in bathrooms which rules out a lot of these trends. No hard to clean textured stone, wide grout, rough stone please.
I love the large, off-center circular mirror, the non-white toilet seat covers, and the deeply colored tile.
Stunning! Just quick question, are you guys still doing the afternoon snacks??
I imagine that after the departure of so many folks it would be hard to keep up for a little while but I wondered the same thing about the afternoon snacks.
Ok, I am obsessed with so many things on this list. High gloss, high saturation tile? YAAAS! Keyhole tub nook? I’M HERE FOR IT. Round tub? LOVE! If I could use clap emojiis between syllables for emphasis, I would have about 40 in this comment. SO GOOD. And that dual sided island vanity? HEAVEN!
On the flip side, two thumbs down for the natural stone sinks. I’m cringing at the thought of what could end up growing in the nooks and crannies, and the sink in the first natural stone sink section looks like a literal barnacle.
…but I’m not particularly opinionated…OBVI.
I’m of two minds about those niche tubs. On one hand, they reduce the draftiness one experiences when bathing in a large room with no enclosing curtain or glass enclosure. On the other hand, I looked at the second one and thought it looked very difficult to clean.
Oh, good! My off-centered vanity mirror is now en vogue! Oh, the joys of renting…
That navy and blue tile is making my hear sing!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
I am here for ALL OF THIS.
For years I’ve loved old stone sinks, but only for a powder room. Can’t imagine cleaning toothpaste out of one. I basically love anything that looks old European, but don’t live in a house with those kind of bones. I’m currently researching for an aging-in-place bathroom (yes, I’m old enough to be your mother, so maybe not your intended audience) and have been studying materials like mad. I also have to think about issues other than prettiness, and high on my list is practicality and easy to clean. The idea of wider grout lines in a shower horrified me (okay for a bathroom wall). I don’t want any grout, but can’t afford stone slabs either and hate the idea of fake acrylic or whatever units. I’ve been vacillating between matte and shiny tile – stone look or glazed – on the shower wall, and more and more I’m leaning toward shiny, but a bigger format and less grout! Love Zellige, but not in my budget, and, again, going for something larger than a 4×4 or small subway tile.
The ’80s have called and want their bathrooms back. Oh well, these will make great befores some day!
I know that this is what manufacturers are really pushing. But is it really catching? How about a trend post with some comments by retailers? They get to advertise their stuff and their services, and we get a fuller picture without moving away from our screens:)
YES. So many of these pictures seem like something that looks great in a magazine or on a blog, but if you bought a house with these finishes in the bathroom you would instantly start thinking about a remodel budget because you’d assume it was dated. Shiny, colored, square tile? Check. Pedestal sinks with no storage? Check. Wooden toilet seat cover? Check (and ew). Tumbled stone? Check. What saves these are custom configurations, lots of space, and very expensive base materials – the tumbled stone is real, not a cheaper manufactured version, the shiny tiles are handmade and imperfect, adding character, the toilet seat covers look brand new. Paired with brand new/high end faucets, light fixtures, rugs, etc. a lot of these dated finishes look more intentional and new, but I just don’t think I would want to spend the time and money installing a finish that already feels out of style to me, even if the end result is “wow I can’t believe you managed to make that look fresh.”
I do love the idea of bringing a bit of color back into the bathroom, the natural, rough stone sinks in a powder room (I think we’re going to see this a lot in commercial and restaurant bathrooms!) and the vanity island, though that seems like it would only work for a really large bathroom. Maybe a vanity peninsula, where it touches a wall on one side but you still have the face-to-face double sinks with the mirror hung in between? That feels a bit more realistic for most of us, and might now be my dream bathroom configuration.
I’d bet right now that the vanity island ends up on the most pinned images of 2020 list.
A nice wood slow close toilet seat cover is incredibly hard to find — unless the market has changed in the last year or two, I’ve spent forever searching and I’ve been tricked by many unsuitable options.
I love that glossy green tile. Reminds me of that totally gorgeous bathroom Jed Johnson did with the green Pewabic tiles.
I also liked that leafy wallpaper.
Most of the others were a bit blah for me. And I hate those sinks that are carved from what looks like an old boulder. Too Flinstone-y. And they look like they perfect for breeding bacteria, and be the devil to clean to boot.
I liked the shower with the glossy blue tile until I saw that solid block of marble as the shampoo ledge. All I could see was slipping and bashing my head on it. Just me?
I cannot support the not white toilet seat trend!
I swear – Such Fun!!!! So, tell me, what’s up with the princess feet? A no to texture under your feet is a loss of experience, much like being barefoot on the beach, which Nobody complains about, your feet want to feel alive!!!!! Give ’em some fun, bumpy rough tiles!!! And the comments are as fun as the post….but i am unclear about a wooden toilet seat being “good for rentals”? Oh goodness….you don’t mean… not to worry if they are not clean???
Good for rentals as in people who live in rentals have very few options of things they can change in a bathroom, but a toilet seat is one of them – you can put the old one back when you move out 🙂
I thought the tub inside the shower would make the list!
Some great trends!
May I request a little less Sarah Sherman Samuel…. I love her and her design – I follow her. I come here for something different? Of course she is a total trend setter and deserves to be shouted out – but many of these posts feature her HEAVILY. You posted 25 or so pics, four were hers. I’d read a full feature on her sure, but I’ve come here for more Emily, less Sarah
That bathroom with the big window facing the woods is so pretty — but who would take a bath in front of huge open windows like that? Exhibitionists, perhaps? I guess if the shades were down it’d be different, but then that negates the point of having a lovely view while you soak. If I were going to have large windows in a room, the bathroom would not be the one chosen. Some of the other bathrooms shown are pretty!
I really enjoy these posts, particularly as it helps me (as a non designer), appreciate trends, patterns and simply exposure to really interesting spaces! 🙂
For me, I really appreciate the stone sink *look*, but once we stayed at an Airbnb in Europe, and they had these beautiful trough stone sinks in all the bathrooms. Gorgeous yes, but I also couldn’t help thinking I was glad I didn’t have to clean it! Every nook cranny texture (aka character), collected spit, toothpaste, mouth wash etc. 😉 Perhaps to make it more practical-completely natural exterior, and more finished interior? 🙂
Where did the ducks and car come from in the third pic?? They are adorable!
can we talk about window treatments in bathrooms? I notice many of these designs incorporate textile curtains or fun roman shades. Thoughts? Round-up?
My best buy is the pivot windows from https://glawindows.com/. Installed in every room of the house.
Love the color saturated tile. But please please never do a wide grout joint in a shower. They are collectors of yuck (mold, mildew, etc.) and are ridiculous to try and keep clean in a humid environment. I am living this nightmare now. Curious as to your thoughts on Moroccan plaster…. the no tile look. Beautiful, but practical?