2021 Bathroom trends: modern design ideas and styles

hackrea / October 18, 2020

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If the hall is considered the front of the house or apartment, then the bathroom is a real hidden place of power. This is the place where we can relax, enjoy our favorite water treatments and self-care. Today it is not customary to treat bathrooms in a purely practical way: designers and even psychotherapists recommend considering them as an ideal corner for visual and physical relaxation.

It may come as a surprise to some, but bathroom design trends change almost more often than the living room and kitchen design trends. The variety of materials and imaginations of interior designers allow finding the most unique and unexpected solutions for such seemingly not too large rooms. Those who closely follow the interior design changes should learn a little more about what design and decoration techniques will be fashionable for the bathroom in 2021.

Top 5 bathroom design trends of 2021

2021 is a time of simplicity and naturalness. Gradually receding into the past and luxurious bathrooms, comparable in decoration almost to palaces, and tiles of bright colors and something downright psychedelic like a total black bathroom with floor lighting. According to the designers, now we do not have enough peace and tranquility, and it is vital to subordinate the interior to create harmony inside and out. This is what characterizes the five most requested bathroom trends for 2021.

Back to nature

Soothing naturalness and serenity are today at the heart of a key concept for bathroom design – and it has already been called Back to Nature, or, as young British designers called it, A La Fresca! Today, the desire for unity with nature is becoming more and more in demand both for residents of megalopolises, where we so often lack air and light and for residents of spacious country houses. Those who want to let lightness, serenity, and natural freshness into their interior are advised to pay attention to the following techniques:

A calm, almost neutral palette that allows your vision to be completely relaxed. Classic shades of beige, brown, gray, soft greens, and muted whites still reign supreme in trendy interiors, and the bathroom is no exception.
The most natural textures. The tile’s emaciated gloss gave way to the subtle yet tangible beauty of natural stone, marble, polished terracotta, onyx, and majolica based on natural clay. The charm of such textures reveals itself gradually – however, it makes you fall in love very strongly.
Even more light and transparency. Designers tend to deny any bulky structures within the bathroom. They are being replaced by stylish shower areas and those who can afford it install glass partitions and walls and even glass ceilings.
Relax in green. A modern bathroom cannot be considered as such without plants. The more there are in the room, the more your interior matches the current trends. Most importantly, choose shade-loving and hygrophilous plants that will feel exceptionally comfortable in such an environment.

Geometry

Designers sent the whimsical patterns of the classics and the baroque to the reserve in 2021. Intricate figures and asymmetry went there too. Extremely clear geometric shapes come to the fore, setting a tangible rhythm for the interior and enchanting with absolute harmony. A similar effect is achieved using the following design solutions:

a strict and laconic ornament on the tile – most often abstract;
the correct and angular shape of the tile itself – and the rectangle has become the undisputed favorite;
small patterns repeating in a precise sequence.

Simple lines

Rounded sinks, exclusive curved side tables, and quirky shelves are also worth postponing until better times. Although the designers do not openly proclaim this, the fact remains: laconicism has finally settled in modern bathrooms, subduing not only small but also impressive spaces. You can follow this trend in the following aspects:

Rectangular inset and overhead bathtubs, techno-style taps, bathtubs without unnecessary roundness – today, this is an absolute must-have.
Shower area design. Today you can easily do without pretentiousness and excessive exclusivity: a rectangular tray, a straight sliding partition, and a ventilation grill of the same shape is enough to achieve the balance so important today.
Furniture and accessories. Laconic consoles, tall rectangular wardrobes and cabinets, mirrors without elaborate frames provide a harmonious organization of space with minimal effort.

Functionality

Achievements of scientific and technological progress today are so firmly integrated into the design field that one can hardly do without them when creating topical interior solutions. Today, there are many technical innovations on the market that will make your bathroom even more comfortable and functional. Among them:

Smart faucets. Models with touch buttons and spouts with LED backlighting that change color depending on the water temperature have become top-rated solutions, especially for families with children. Now you can perform water procedures without fear of getting burned or getting hypothermia.
Backlight with motion sensors. It is an excellent solution for owners of a combined bathroom and those who want to feel confident when they need to visit the bathroom at night. Additional energy-saving lamps create soft, diffused light that is comfortable for the eyes and sufficient for safe movement.
Electrochromatic glass. Wide floor-to-ceiling windows and glass partitions allow more natural light into the bathroom. However, this coin also has a second side related to privacy. The way out of the situation is the so-called magic glass, which becomes matt and hides from prying eyes everything with one click of the switch.
Heated cabinets. An innovative solution to keep your room tidy. Now, there is no need to break the harmony with bath accessories hung on the heated towel rail: the towels folded in such a cabinet will dry themselves.
Electronic shower control systems. They are panels with buttons that allow you to control the temperature and force of water pressure, change the type of jet, and even adjust the shower area’s lighting.

However, these are far from all the technical innovations offered for the bathroom. Those who are crazy about gadgets should also pay attention to mobile apps for controlling bathroom equipment, touch-sensitive soap dispensers, mirrors with built-in TVs, and toilets with automatic flushing, built-in air freshener, and heated seats.

Ergonomy

Ahead of 2021, designers have declared a decisive battle against disorder and clutter in bathrooms. No negligence, no mess, and unnecessary items “for beauty”. A flawless bathroom today shines with cleanliness and a carefully thought-out arrangement of each item, which is achieved with the following furniture and accessories:

closed cabinets and storage systems;
special stands and rails;
correctly selected containers for care supplies and cosmetics.

However, this does not mean at all that your bathroom should be faceless. Decorating a room still allows you to bring exclusivity to the interior, and therefore should not be neglected in any case. However, it is essential to observe a sense of proportion. Of course, it’s not worth covering all free spaces with figurines, candles, vases, and posters. Still, two or three stylish and correctly selected accessories will allow the bathroom to look like on the cover of a glossy magazine.

2021 Bathroom colors

The current bathroom palette for 2021 is not so diverse – however, the most harmonious combinations are possible within its limits. So, take a look at the following colors and shades:

blue and green – pastel or rich, creating a feeling of cleanliness, freshness, and a pleasant sea breeze;
earthy and coffee-like for undeniably elegant interiors;
beige and peach – tones that combine warmth, light, and visual space;
gray – cool, soothing and neutral;
white – clean, fresh, and always relevant.

An interesting detail is the matte black elements in the bathroom interior. These can be pieces of furniture, faucets, or accessories. In any case, thanks to them, the room will look even more enjoyable.

New trends in bathroom lighting in 2021

In 2021, chandeliers and large ceiling lights will finally go into the shadows, giving priority to zone and spot lighting. In modern bathrooms, lighting scenarios can be created by:

spotlights located in specific areas;
LED illumination of mirrors or the space above the bath, as well as the ceiling and floor;
minimalistic interior lamps on the walls.

Bathroom flooring trends 2021

Porcelain stoneware and tiles continue to dominate the list of bathroom flooring materials. However, today there are new solutions added to them that are worth trying. Among them:

Terrazzo. The tiles with the famous Venetian design have become the hallmark of the most stylish interiors.
Cork. A natural and effective eco-style bathroom flooring.
Pebbles. Quite a unique solution that will appeal to those who love everything unusual. It is unwise to use pebbles for the entire floor area, so it is most often recommended for finishing shower areas.
Natural wood. Rare exclusive bathroom option. For such a floor, particular elements are required – with a moisture-resistant impregnation or coating.

Bathroom tile trends 2021

Even with an impressive variety of materials, tiles and porcelain stoneware remain top solutions for bathroom floors and walls. Today, factories produce hundreds and even thousands of collections of tiles of various textures, patterns, and colors. Still, the trends of 2021 are ruthless – and strictly filter out what will be really fashionable. When considering a flooring solution, you should take a closer look at the following tile options:

black marble effect – an elegant and luxurious material, austere, respectable, refined, and easy to maintain at the same time;
tiles with a 3D effect – creating three-dimensional geometric patterns with a sense of movement without bright accents;
wood-textured tiles and porcelain stoneware – primarily in vintage style, with scuffs, cracks, and the effect of brushed or rough processing;
with a floral pattern – preferably large, tropical, in deep or neutral colors;
polished and oxidized metal imitation – ideal for high-tech, minimalist, urban and industrial bathrooms;
mosaics are still an excellent way to give the interior the right rhythm and geometric clarity.

Find out more: Bathroom tile trends for 2021

Bathroom faucet trends 2021

Modern bathroom faucets successfully combine elegance and hi-tech. The most popular solutions for 2021 promise to be:

matte faucets with elegant long handles;
single-lever faucets with open spout – both chrome plated and colored;
touchscreen models with backlight;
faucets with vintage handles and copper, brass, or bronze finishes;
futuristic faucets with a striking wide spout.

Bathroom cabinet trends 2021

Storage systems for bathrooms in 2021 are entirely subordinated to the concept of ergonomics and functionality, especially when it comes to a small room. The best solution for a modern interior in the coming year will be:

narrow, vertically elongated cabinets;
built-in cabinets with sliding doors;
small wall cabinets with mirrored facades;
cabinets with smooth fronts without handles;
furniture with lighting.

2021 bathroom mirror trends

The mirror provides the bathroom with the necessary functionality and remains one of the key elements in interior design. Designers suggest paying maximum attention to the choice of this accessory and focusing on the following options:

Mirrors with built-in lighting. Today they are at the peak of popularity, as they make the treatment procedures more accurate and can even act as a source of additional lighting.
Frameless. Rimless mirrors have been announced as almost the only possible solution for a modern bathroom in 2021. The maximum that designers allow is an unobtrusive thin chrome frame or a frame made of black gloss.
Anti-fog mirrors. A must-have for those who like to take a bath often and for a long time and take care of themselves. Now you don’t have to worry about the glass’s transparency and do not waste time wiping and removing streaks.
Twin mirrors. A practical solution for large bathrooms. Thanks to such accessories, everyone can have their own little personal space.
Mirrors with built-in TV. A great option for those who prefer to stay up to date or enjoy watching their favorite programs in the most comfortable environment.

Small bathroom trends 2021

Not all current trends are reasonable for bathrooms with limited area. Some of the tendencies propose to act on a scale that is physically impossible in a small space. However, the designers have prepared on all fronts and offer many solutions for decorating a stylish small bathroom in 2021:

suspended and built-in storage systems;
vertically lined cabinets;
combining a bath and a washbasin into a single shower area;
laconic lamps, lighting for zoning;
the use of glossy and mirror surfaces to increase the space visually;
large tiles of light shades without any ornament;
minimalistic sanitary ware with a laconic design.

Bathroom trends to avoid in 2021

When new trends appear in the interior, the old ones assimilate with them – or turn into trends to avoid that can tell the sophisticated eye that your bathroom is already “démodée”. To avoid this risk, you should abandon the following solutions:

Plastic. It’s not environmentally friendly, impractical, and looks incredibly cheap. That is why designers suggest removing plastic hooks, shelves, cabinets, and accessories somewhere far away.
Shower cabins. Once upon a time, these volumetric designs slightly pressed the classic baths, and now they themselves are declared out of fashion. Now the hit parade of modern solutions is headed by shower zones – with or without bords, light glass partitions, and the most modern plumbing fixtures.
Bright colors. As mentioned earlier, the bathroom is the very room where you can relax and forget about the day’s stress. When the color of the walls and furniture dazzles in the eyes, this is impossible to do. Even if you are a fan of a rich palette, give up the idea of using even bright accents in the bathroom – stylish experiments should be left for the kitchen or living room.
Open storage systems. Shelves of various sizes and shapes contradict the key trend of 2021 – ergonomics. When everything in your bathroom is on view, it creates a sense of clutter. Wall cabinets and built-in storage systems with sliding doors will help change the situation – and small shelves can be useful for putting live plants.
Hexagon tiles. Complex shapes and lines are less and less prevalent in the design of bathrooms today. That is why you should be extremely wary of such material, preferring a rectangle and a square.

Conclusions

Finally, it is worth mentioning another key trend for bathrooms in 2021 – individuality and harmony. When you enter the room and immediately feel peace and relaxation, when the interior as a whole and every little thing pleases the eye, and everything you need is at hand, you can congratulate yourself on the fact that your bathroom is the top of perfection, first of all for yourself. Even if you haven’t followed the hottest trends of the season.