Renovations 2020: Bathroom Design Trends

Bathrooms remain one of the most popular rooms in an Auckland home to renovate. We spend so much time in them, so it’s important to make sure the design and layout works for everyone in the family. Before you breathe new life into your bathroom, here are my top tips and trends to consider:

Plan, plan and plan!

Often when you make the decision to renovate, you want to see results quickly but it’s important to invest time in planning as the more you plan the better your end result will be.

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all bathroom solution, but if the design of your bathroom is carefully considered, there’s nothing stopping you from having the bathroom of your dreams.

As a base, consider the size of the bathroom, the number of people using the space and what inclusions you want.

Storage

Eye level storage in particular, is a wise inclusion because it makes reaching for day-to-day items easily accessible. Consider either a mirror cabinet or storage either side of your mirror.

Be smart with storage in your bathroom renovation plan. Having more concealed bathroom storage solutions and clearer bench spaces is more desirable not only for everyone using it, but also when it comes to resale.

A custom-built vanity is a great way to not only maximise storage, but also make the most of your bench space. Also consider if two basins on your vanity is necessary or if one large basin will suffice.

When it comes to your shower or bath, including a feature recess is also a stylish way to store your products.

Walk-In Showers

A walk-in shower provides a contemporary finish and with no door or minimal glass – it ticks all the boxes for me.

Enjoy the opulence and seamless transition from your bathroom to shower – it really is a showstopper when it comes to a bathroom renovation.

Not only is a walk-in shower safer for children and the elderly, it’s also much easier to clean. With fewer nooks and crannies, that means less dirt and mould that can accumulate.

It also allows for a shower with a floor-to-ceiling design which gives you more options for where you place the shower heads and tapware.

Dressing Room

There’s nothing more luxurious than entering your bathroom from a dressing room, flowing from one space to the next.

Or if you still like the idea of a dressing room, but prefer separation between the bedroom and bathroom, a dressing room is a stylish way to create a buffer between the two spaces.

New trends gaining momentum in 2020:

Pop of colour

Don’t be afraid to inject a little colour and fun into your bathroom. The perfect addition to a neutral bathroom is an unexpected pop of colour which will create a focal point, either with your tiles, basins or hardware – the choice is yours!

Tapware

Brushed tapware seems to be increasing popular. Wall mixers and wall mounted tapware in this finish really stands out against the splashback. One trend we’re seeing no signs of slowing down is the use of black tapware, which continues to gain momentum when it comes to bathroom renovations.

Freestanding baths

Freestanding baths instantly turn your bathroom into a resort-style sanctuary and are very popular amongst those renovating when adequate space is available. With many different styles and sizes; oval, rectangle, D-shape and round, there’s plenty of options to choose from.

Things to avoid when you are building/renovating a new bathroom:

Cutting corners: My biggest tip is to not DIY a bathroom if you have no previous experience. When it comes to a bathroom renovation, tasks such as waterproofing, connecting fixtures and fittings and tiling need to be left to the experts. If it’s not done correctly in the first place, it can cost you a lot more in the long run.

Poor Lighting: There’s nothing worse than poor lighting in a bathroom. If you aren’t able to renovate the space with the inclusion of natural light, ensure you have sufficient downlights in the correct position.

Off the shelf products: Off the shelf products – designing your bathroom around off the shelf products can result in a poor quality bathroom and potential water proofing issue.

Layout: Don’t be scared to consider a new layout – don’t be fixated on the design you already have by replacing the shower, bath and vanity only.

The most popular textures/materials in bathrooms:

Use quality, natural materials for surfaces such as stone benchtops which remain a popular choice in the bathroom due its durability.

Textured wall tiles a popular choice – not only do add personality and life to a bathroom but they also prevent condensation forming on your walls.

Move on from chrome tapware and opt for brushed tapware in metals such as –bronze, gold or brass which is a sure way to add elegance. Again, the love for black tapware is going nowhere and is a style we’ll continue to see for some time.

When it comes to your bathroom vanity, a great way to add texture and warmth is by adding feature timber laminate. This continues to be a popular material due to its variation in colours and tones and it offers a timeless look.