Without a doubt, the most significant trend we will be seeing in 2021 in all aspects of our home is a move toward nature. We are all searching for close contact with nature and natural surroundings. This is leading designers to start blurring or even completely erasing borders between the exterior and interior, and between architecture and nature. This blog post is going to help you get inspired with the top bathroom trends we can expect to see in 2021.

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Wood

Bringing nature into our homes has been a trend for many years but it’s never been more important than it is now. Grounding ourselves in nature and the earth brings a sense of calm and serenity. We’re seeing wood used primarily in floor and wall coverings in bathrooms, but wood vanities are also becoming more popular. Many of the popular natural wood vanities will be combined with stainless steel for a classy and contemporary look.

Be careful when using wood in a bathroom. Talk to your flooring rep or contractor to ensure you’re purchasing a product that will stand up to the heat and moisture in your bathroom.

Marble / Stone

2021 will be the year seeing the return of marble in a big way. We’re seeing it in all aspects of interior design and bathrooms are no exceptions. We’re going to see marble in whites, greys and even reds! Marble will create seamless, fluid lines for a very practical and simple look.

Natural stone will continue to be popular and we’ll be seeing a lot of it on the floors, walls, countertops and sinks. Bringing nature into our bathrooms, we’ll even be seeing a combination of natural stone/marble and wood. Picture wood floors, and stone or marble countertops. And for a seamless look…carry that stone or marble onto the walls as well!

Gold

Gold is coming back in a big way. We’ve seen the return of metals being used in bathrooms in recent years but gold is going to be the star of 2021! It offers a touch of glamour and provides a gorgeous contrast to the natural stones and woods we’re going to be seeing more of in 2021.

We’ll be seeing gold in light fixtures, faucets and accessories. Although popular in a glossy finish as well, we’ll mainly be seeing gold in a matte or satin finish.

Rose gold is also gaining in popularity. Rose gold, also known a pink gold, is a combination of classic gold, silver and copper metals. This delicate mix creates a beautifully warm pink hue that goes well with everything, especially in the bathroom. This gorgeous colour will offer warmth in the winter while providing a sun-kissed glow in the summer. This is also the perfect colour to create a classic, vintage or retro look.

Rose gold can easily find a place in your bathroom with faucets, frames around your favourite art or photos, light fixtures or bathroom accessories such as soap dispensers. It pairs well with pinks, blues and greys.

Small Tiles

For years now, we’ve been using large format tiles that were usually 12”x24” or larger. The year 2021 will start to see the return of smaller tiles in bathrooms. Mosaic type tiles, small strips, subway tiles and handmade tiles will all become popular. We’ll be seeing them on bathroom floors, around tubs and inside of showers but you don’t have to use them everywhere in your bathroom. Create a feature piece with mosaics by framing your mirror with small tiles. Tile a feature wall in a small or large mosaic pattern. Consider a feature wall behind your vanity or stand alone tub.

Hexagon tiles are also going to make a big comeback! These are available in solid colours or a variety of patterns, and are a great option to create a classic design.

Luxury in the Bathroom

More and more, bathrooms have become a place to relax and release tensions. This is true more than ever with the global pandemic causing a lot of stress for everyone. We’re starting to put more luxurious items into our bathrooms to make them places of solitude and give them a spa like feel. Towel warmers, hot tubs, TVs, soap dispensers in showers, and shower heads on the walls and ceilings, are just a few of the items that are starting to become more popular.

Although showers with body jets and massagers have been around for many years they haven’t been that popular. With our move toward creating a luxurious, relaxing space, we’re seeing these rise in popularity.

Plants

With our need to bring nature indoors and bond with the earth, we’re going to see a lot more plants in our bathrooms. Plants were on trend last year and are gaining in popularity. Indoor plants bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. They aren’t just a design element though. They have become an integral part of the bathroom this year and if you pick the right ones, it can even help clean the air.

Plants can easily be changed each season and for special occasions such as Christmas or Easter. Always remember that your bathroom creates a lot of heat and humidity so be sure to select plants that can withstand the heat. Some suggestions for the best plants for your bathroom include spider plants, snake plants, Aloe Vera and Calathea.

Function

I’m not sure if this is a trend or just something we all strive for when designing and renovating a bathroom: function and lots of storage. You can’t go wrong here. There’s always something that needs to be put away, tucked into a drawer or cabinet in a bathroom. Linen towers, large vanities with drawers will all help to create ample storage within your bathroom.

If you have a small bathroom then it’s time to be creative. One of our clients was desperate for more storage space in her very small bathroom. We created a recessed storage cubby in an unused wall. We framed the space to be 4” deep and put a shallow door on it to hide everything. She was able to store all of her make up, medicines, creams etc. tucked away in an otherwise unused spot. Essentially it was like a second, much larger medicine cabinet!

Details in Dark Colours

We have been seeing the use of matte black fixtures in the past couple of years but we’ll be seeing a lot more if it in 2021. We’ll also be seeing darker colours in other fixtures as well. Black is going to be a hugely popular colour as we’ll be seeing it in bathtubs, floors and even walls.

Dark colours don’t have to be boring or subdued. They pair exceptionally well with all metals, particularly gold which is also on trend this year. Black and white bathrooms are stunning and a classic look that will stand the test of time. Pair dark colours with earthy or neutral colours to create interest and pop in the bathroom.

2021 Colours for the Bathroom

Blacks and dark colours are definitely on point for 2021 but we’re also going to see many other colours make their way into our bathrooms.

Red

For those that want a more expressive bathroom, we’ll be seeing red on the walls in paint and tiles. Expect to see everything from a very soft red right up to some rich burgundies.

Green

Grounded in nature, we’ll be seeing lots of different shades of green from pastels right up to slate greens. Greens will make their way into our bathrooms in matte finishes on the walls through paint and tiles. Particularly the darker shades of green will pair well with light wood vanities.

Blue

Bringing in the colours of the sea into your bathroom reunites us with nature in a different way. We will mostly see blues in paint on the walls and accessories such as towels. It pairs beautifully with almost any shade of white and with wood accents.

Gray

Gray is still on point in 2021 and we’ll be seeing a lot of it in modern bathrooms. It works great in a rich variety of shades. If you’ve got a small bathroom, pairing white with pale grey can make the space look larger.

Beige

Yes you heard that right! Beige is making a comeback. Matte, nude and neutral colours are booming. Beige, brown, and white, create a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Consider mainly beige with some pops of black for a classic, elegant look.

After 2020 guided us to spend more time at home, many of us are looking to renovate and make our homes our sanctuaries. With a strong emphasis on returning to nature, the 2021 bathroom trends are no exception. What trend do you think you might incorporate into your bathroom?

If you live in Durham Region or Clarington and are thinking of doing a bathroom renovation, click here to set up a free quotation. We’ll talk over your ideas and provide some suggestions of our own. Let us help you learn to love your home.