From feature tubs to brass taps and lush greenery, combining the latest trends and timeless styling tips will transform your bathroom into a bathing sanctuary worthy of a day spa.

Feature tubs

The freestanding bathtub has gained popularity in recent years, epitomising the changing nature of bathrooms as a space for relaxation and escape from our daily routines. Free-standing tubs work not only as a luxurious space to relax but are a sculptural design feature that brings a striking look to your bath­room. In terms of materials, there’s a movement away from acrylic material to natural products such as volcanic limestone or fine pressed steel. Technol­ogy wise, leading European manufactur­ers including Bette, Kaldewei, Duravit and Villeroy & Boch, have developed sophisticated air and champagne bubble systems, taking the ‘wellness at home’ experience to a whole new level.

Showers

Dual shower-heads, shower rooms, cas­cading waterfalls and jets of water from the walls – nothing says luxe more than a shower with special water features. Rain shower heads will continue to be popular due to their luxurious aesthetic appeal and the soft cascading waterfall sensation. If you have some extra space to play with you can make your shower space a room in itself, or add a small sauna.

Tiles and Bathroom Finishes

Driven by the throwback to mid-century design which continues to influence interior design in Australia, retro, geo­metric and herringbone tiles are surging in popularity. Concrete feature walls in bathrooms are excellent for adding an industrial edge to any room in the home. Paired with a patterned floor or natural timber elements, a concrete wall finish­ing will add interest to the space.

Another definitive emerging preference is for large format tiling. Ranging from 600mm x 600mm to enormous slabs as a big as 3m x 1.5m, the extreme­ly large format tile creates a sense of spaciousness and the seamless finish achieves minimal grout lines giving added benefits of less grout cleaning and maintenance.

Taps and Fixtures

Brass tapware has been celebrated by interior designers as it produces beautiful results with much versatility in styling. Closely following behind brass is rose gold and now even brightly coloured tapware. Previously known for its shiny finish, the new rose gold or copper finish is available brushed or burnished which offers a lovely matte finish that looks just as beautiful as brass. Copper offers a bold look that brings a sense of warmth to a bathroom.

Greenery

Inviting nature inside extends to the bathroom as well – from mini-succulent families, orchids, terrariums and plants under glass cloches, to showy palms and figs. Matched to your decor, natural greenery is a contrast to cool tiles and ceramic fixtures, working exceptionally well against a darker background to lift the space and bringing an exotic spa ambience.