11 bathroom trends designers want you to know about – get them on your radar if you're updating your space in 2025
Introducing the key bathroom trends set to define spaces in 2025, where luxury, warm colours, layered textures and smart tech all unite to provide next-level indulgence
Get excited, these bathroom trends for 2025 are nothing short of stunning and there are plenty of great options to suit all property styles. For 2025, our experts are predicting an even bolder embrace of natural textures and dramatic patterns that will make bathrooms feel like an extension of your living room. Bathtime can be just as relaxing as lazing on the sofa with your favourite box set.
Expect to witness the return of avocado, in a good way, and discover the decorative stone that’s competing with marble for pole position in our hearts. Plus, balanced colour is firmly on the cards for bathroom design, while touchless taps and personalised showering will bring new levels of convenience to everyday routines.
Imagine stepping into a bathroom that’s dedicated to restoring calmness and brings joy to your soul – 2025 is poised to bring that vision to life!
Key themes for bathroom trends in 2025
Bathroom trends in 2025 concentrate on serene, nature-inspired retreats with luxurious moments and discreet tech. Fashion-forward shades are firmly on the warm side of the colour wheel, with earthy tones, warm cashmere whites and deliciously rich burgundy leading the way.
By contrast, brassware finishes are getting cooler – chrome is back, while brushed nickel and steel are providing a softer aesthetic with timeless appeal.
Finally, anyone tempted by the trend for artisanal details should put bobbins on their radar. "Traditionally seen in vintage furniture, bobbin spindles are making their way into bathroom vanity units, mirrors, and shelving, lending a handcrafted feel that balances well with sleek, modern fixtures," reports bathroom designer, Kalli Karella, from Ripples. ‘This detail works beautifully in modern bathrooms as it brings a touch of craftsmanship, creating an inviting, tactile quality."
Whether you're looking for some new family bathroom ideas or want some up-to-date ensuite bathroom ideas, there's plenty to inspire in our selection of top bathroom trends.
1. Avocado is back for bathrooms in 2025
If you’re renovating a bathroom that hasn’t been touched since the 1970s, you may still have an avocado suite in place. Guard it with your life because avocado is exploding back into bathrooms for 2025, so you’re already ahead of the curve.
Those still having nightmares from the murky green’s first bathroom takeover, relax. This time around the avocado approach is set to be more cautious and considered, says BC Designs’ design director Barrie Cutchie. It’s not necessarily about the full-on in-your-face avocado suite; now there’s more freedom to dip into avocado without going full matchy-matchy.
“Splashes of avocado green create a modern bathroom idea without going the whole hog – after all, the saturated shades of the 1970s were pretty overwhelming,” explains Barrie. ‘For example, avocado pairs perfectly with wood and natural stone, for a look that’s soft and relaxing. Or you can team your colourful avocado bath and/or basin with white tiles for a room that’s cool and contemporary.”
Barrie founded British bathroom brand BC Designs in 1999. An award-winning designer, he has been at the forefront of bathroom design for more than 30 years and his company is known for its high-quality, timeless, and authentic designs.
2. Open up spaces for a modern bathroom look
Bathroom trends aren’t just focused on looks, often there’s a new layout direction worth exploring. This year it’s all about the open-plan master suite, and how choosing one can boost your bathroom’s status upstairs.
"Open-plan bedroom suites have gained traction over the last couple of years, and this looks likely to accelerate as we dedicate more room to dream sleeping spaces," explains Barrie Cutchie, of BC Designs. Originating in luxury hotels, open-plan suites are being echoed in our homes and generally involve the bedroom, bathroom and dressing rooms merging, with open access between each area.
"For most of us, ensuites tend to be quite small, with spaces carved off the main bedroom," says Barrie. "However, the idea behind opening up the bedroom suite is that it creates more space and allows investment pieces, such as freestanding baths, to really shine," says Barrie. "Creating an open-plan space can be done in several ways, but using archways instead of doors still provides a level of privacy while also connecting the two spaces and achieving that free flow between the two." Carrying your colour scheme from one space to the next will also help the spaces to flow, as shown in the beautiful green bathroom idea pictured above.
Just like having a bath in a bedroom, this layout trend isn’t for shy sharers but if privacy concerns you, pop a lock on the external bedroom door!
3. All eyes on onyx bathroom tiles
While we’ll probably never tire of marble’s gorgeous veining and luxe looks, this year it is onyx’s turn to impress. Specifically, onyx-effect tiles, which are pitched as the new stress-free way to enjoy the look of exotic natural stone in 2025 – and the realism is unreal.
"Large onyx-look tiles offer a unique twist for bathroom tiling ideas, bringing the luxury of natural stone with a fresh, alternative look to classic marble. The rich, translucent veining and alluring colours add warmth and a sense of drama," says Carly Allison, head of product design, Fired Earth. "Onyx-look tiles are an ideal choice for those who want a bold design that feels unique and sophisticated, perfect for transforming a shower area into a true focal point."
Like the real deal, faux onyx has a delicate cloudy appearance and comes in pretty shades like jade, pink and pearl. Made from porcelain, they’re super easy to clean and maintain, not to mention a fraction of the cost of real stone, making them a great choice for family spaces and wet room ideas alike. We’re sold.
4. Soothing minimalist bathrooms take centre stage
Minimalists take note; it’s time to step away from austere architecture and reductive decorating. You can still keep things calm and simple but there's a whole world of warmth and character waiting to be explored on the contemporary bathroom scene this year.
"The Soothing Minimalism bathroom trend will see layered, calming tones and visual texture creating restful bathrooms that are far from cluttered but have a lot more soul than previous uber-modern schemes," predicts Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca'Pietra.
A subtle approach to layering is essential for those who take minimalism seriously. "Let matte and satin finishes live side by side and watch what their textural interplay does to your bathroom," suggests Grazzie. And don’t be afraid to mix things up if you're planning on tiling a bathroom – soft white matchstick tiles and velvety limestone-look tiles can shake things up without disrupting the senses.
Grazzie has worked in the interiors industry for more than a decade. At Ca’ Pietra, one of the UK’s leading stone and tile brands, she heads up creative, overseeing product collections as well as the company’s distinctive brand, look and feel. Her stylist's eye and passion for the technical side of tiling is unparalleled.
5. Celebrate craftsmanship with unique bathroom pieces
An emphasis on artisan craftsmanship is another hot bathroom trend to watch for 2025, and taps into soaring demand for considered design, slow consumerism and investing in traditional skills.
"There’s a growing appreciation of artisanship as we become more mindful about the longevity and durability of trends," says Grazzie Wilson of Ca’ Pietra. "We can’t imagine ever tiring of bathroom fittings and tiles that have been lovingly created and beautifully crafted." For that reason, the company is plotting to invest heavily in its Artist in Residence collabs in the next 12 months.
If you're keen to incorporate this trend into your bathroom design ideas, go for hand-painted and handmade tiles, while artisanal touches can be introduced via uniquely crafted sanitaryware (like this handcrafted crackle-glazed basin), stone carved baths, woven storage and prints and accessories by individual artists, ceramicists and makers.
6. Tap into bucolic influences for a nature-inspired bathroom trend
Style your bathroom on a rural retreat and bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. Bucolic bathrooms are trending big time, and the bucolic buzzword is all about capturing rustic, countryside feels with an emphasis on cosiness, simplicity and comfort.
This rustic bathroom idea draws heavily from rural aesthetics and features natural materials like timber, stone, and unbleached linens. Patterns inspired by nature, such as wallpaper featuring foliage and floral prints, are also common, lending an organic feel to your bathing environment. If you're hoping to use wallpaper in a bathroom, make sure it's a waterproof design or add a layer of decorator's varnish to your chosen design to protect it from moisture.
"Bathrooms are more than utility spaces. We learned how to embrace the connection to nature and the environment post-pandemic, and it’s even more relevant now than ever," says Sarah Jefferys, founder of Sarah Jefferys Architecture + Interiors. "One simple way to connect bathrooms with the world beyond when designing a new build is via large windows that blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor. With this strategy, nature, light, smells, and fresh air seamlessly become part of our most frequented spaces."
7. Bathroom technology is on the up
"One bathroom trend homeowners are really getting into for 2025 is bringing technology into the bathroom," reports Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Ideal Standard. "Many are looking to create a personalised space that feels like a modern sanctuary and technology can really help achieve this."
Bathroom innovations such as smart showers, touch-free taps, self-cleaning toilets, App-controlled lighting and media systems are becoming popular for their ability to enhance comfort, streamline routines, and reduce water consumption. "This bathroom trend reflects a desire for both luxury and functionality, turning the bathroom into a space that caters to individual needs and lifestyles," adds Yiota.
In our screen-dominated lifestyles, it’s important to note that technology in the bathroom should be discreetly integrated and work quietly in the background to avoid disrupting the sense of sanctuary. Concealed controls, voice-activated systems, and programmable, personalised shower settings allow for a hands-free, intuitive experience that reduces visible tech and maintains serenity.
8. Luxe neutrals take a new direction
We’ve all got the memo that neutral finishes are in for 2025, but this year our favourite soothing palettes are taking a more sophisticated turn when it comes to bathroom colour ideas.
To get in on the action, channel the delicate cashmeres and soft greige rarified moodboards associated with Chelsea townhouse elegance, rather than windswept coastal shades of previous years.
"This luxe neutral trend offers a foundation that's versatile yet sophisticated, moving away from the more rustic, rugged neutrals we’ve seen previously and creating a look that feels serene and refined," explains bathroom expert Charlotte Tilby, from Woodstock Trading Co.
The beauty of a luxurious neutral scheme is its ability to serve as a backdrop for rich textures and high-quality finishes. "By incorporating accents such as delicately veined marble, brushed brass fixtures, and textured bathroom wallpaper ideas, the look becomes sophisticated without feeling overly ornate or loud. It’s about embracing elegance in an understated way," adds Charlotte.
9. Chrome bathroom fittings are back in favour
Just as metallic silver and chrome dominated the fashion catwalks in A/W 2024, this year chrome’s cool sheen is winging its way into our bathrooms. "We saw the popularity of chrome fade in the last few years thanks to the rise of copper, gold, brass and matte black, however, we’re starting to see chrome have a resurgence," reports Harriet Goodacre, style consultant at Topps Tiles.
Chrome’s versatility and reflective qualities may have been forgotten in our obsession with warm metallics but there’s a lot to love about taking a cool route with bathroom brassware and hardware. For one, good-quality chrome fittings do not tarnish, patina or otherwise age, so perfectionists can relax with the Brasso! "Chrome is great for amplifying colour, if colourful is the way you want to go, but it can also provide a calmness to sit alongside this season’s warm neutrals," says Harriet.
One final advantage of chrome is its colour uniformity, making it easier to coordinate across taps, shower enclosures, towel rails for your bathroom heating and the like from different brands. After years of ordering metallic swatch samples before daring to purchase, chrome’s comeback feels like a breath of fresh air.
Harriet Goodacre has been a style consultant at Topps Tiles for 10 years. With expertise in interiors and bathroom tiling, she can provide advice on the latest trends alongside practical know-how for tiling any area of the home.
10. Burgundy is the 2025 colour of choice
Those who relish darker hues can drink in the cosy warmth of burgundy – widely touted as the new way to go dramatically dark this season. "Burgundy is becoming a standout colour choice in bathroom design as it brings warmth, depth and sophistication," enthuses bathroom designer Kalli Karella, from Ripples Towcester. "This rich, wine-inspired hue pairs exceptionally well with a variety of materials such as marble, brass, wood and even concrete, creating a striking contrast that feels both luxurious and inviting."
Burgundy’s versatility is unsurpassed; it’s being heralded as the new neutral in fact, making it a great choice for your 2025 bathroom remodel ideas. "When used on walls, vanities, or accent features, burgundy adds an elegant pop of colour without overwhelming the space. When used on furniture, bathroom storage ideas and sanitaryware, it offers an opportunity to express your personality in a timeless way," says Kalli.
Burgundy is also one of the key paint trends for 2025 and there are plenty of ways you can use this on-trend colour to great effect throughout your home.
With a degree in Interior Architecture and Design, and several years’ experience as an interior designer and bathroom designer, Kalli has her finger on the pulse of all the latest bathroom trends and executes them with flair for her clients at Ripples.
11. Try the pattern drenching trend
If colour really is your thing, get in on the pattern drenching action! The potential for dialling up the drama is off the charts. The pattern drenching trend is all about enveloping a space in a flood of bold prints to create an immersive experience. While it is not for the timid, pattern drenching can suit more styles of homes than you might imagine.
The trick is to seek out patterns that play nicely together, as Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May, explains. "Layering bold patterns and a rich colour palette across walls and floors, and even ceilings, can create a cohesive bathroom scheme full of personality," he says. "Mix complementary patterns, such as florals and chequerboard, to add depth and visual interest without overwhelming the room. The chequerboard tiles in this project by Sarah Southwell provide a grounding role, while the colour-coordinated wallpaper draws the eye upward and creates a dynamic, playful effect." Adding bathroom panelling to the lower half of the wall and only papering the top part is a practical choice to protect it from water splashes.
If you are nervous about trying this in your main bathroom, it can be a playful look for a small bathroom or even a small downstairs bathroom or cloakroom.
What is the trend in tapware in 2025?
The main touchpoints in any bathroom, tapware needs to feel comfortable in the hand, be easy to clean and complement the décor style. While designs are varied, and can usually be categorised as contemporary, traditional or transitional, the trend-led element of tapware tends to be focused on the finish.
So, what’s in store? "For the past several years, brass and brushed brass has dominated bathroom brassware but as we enter 2025, there will be a shift to new finishes which I’m excited about, especially the resurgence of brushed nickel," says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.
"While most silver-ish metals have a grey shade to them, brushed nickel emanates a slightly golden hue that glows with subtlety, gently reflecting back light sources in the room to create a spa-style atmosphere," explains Louise.
Whether it's for a family bathroom, a modern scheme or more traditional bathroom ideas, it's the perfect choice for those embracing the 2025 trends for warm-toned bathrooms with colour palettes of beige, cream, chocolate, yellow, or even deep burgundy. "Because brushed nickel isn’t overtly shiny, it also resists fingerprints – a godsend in busy family bathrooms or sharing households," she adds.
New bathroom costs will vary depending on the size of your room, how much work is involved in updating the space and the spec of fittings you go for. The good news, however, is that whatever your bathroom budget, there's a way to incorporate key elements of these bathroom trends without having to splash the cash. For example, you could opt to tile a small area rather than the entire space, or perhaps pick out a key feature in this season's statement shade as the focal point of your scheme.
One of the most common bathroom design mistakes is to rush the planning stage of the project, so it's essential that you spend plenty of time working out your chosen layout and design scheme so that everything fits perfectly in the space.
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Linda Clayton is an experienced journalist, specialising in homes and interiors for more than two decades, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism. She’s a fastidious product reviewer, design obsessive, serial renovator, and amateur runner. Now on her fourth renovation project (a Victorian redbrick in Devon), when not busy at her keyboard, she can usually be found stripping wallpaper, grouting tiles or cleaning up after the builders. Again.