With 2023 now well underway, we are starting to see some clear trends emerge in bathroom design. From modern materials to retro styling, certain looks are rising to the top as the most popular so far this year. After careful analysis of recent remodels, model homes, and design shows, we’ve identified the 10 bathroom styles making the biggest splash in 2023.
Spa-Inspired Bathrooms
Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re at a luxury spa every time they step into their bathroom? Spa-inspired designs are all about creating a relaxing oasis right at home. Some key features of this trend include:
- Heated stone floors – Warms feet and creates spa ambiance
- High-end tiles – Marble, travertine, and granite tiles lend a luxurious feel
- Soaking tubs – Room for relaxing in a bubble bath
- Steam showers – A steam generator allows for detoxing steam sessions
- Sophisticated storage – Elegant cabinets and drawers keep clutter concealed
- Neutral colors – Serene whites, beiges, and grays help set a zen mood
- Plush towels – Thick, soft towels pamper the skin after bathing
- Scent – Candles or essential oils scent the air
- Soft lighting – Gentle lighting sets off the space beautifully
Who wouldn’t feel pampered in a bathroom with these spa-worthy elements? No wonder this look is increasingly popular for those wanting to unwind and de-stress in the bath.
Vintage Charm
For those looking to bring some old-world charm into their homes, a vintage-style bathroom hits all the right notes. Timeless details from previous eras blend seamlessly into contemporary homes for a classic and elegant look. Design choices for achieving vintage styling include:
- Clawfoot tubs – Iconic tub style featured in early 1900s bathrooms
- Subway tiles – Classic 3×6 subway tiles are a vintage go-to
- Hexagon floor tiles – Add intriguing geometric appeal popular in the 1920s
- Pedestal sinks – Sleek and stylish sinks fitting smaller spaces
- Brass accents – Warm metal tones lend an old-fashioned vibe
- Black and white – Crisp color pairing with timeless appeal
- Freestanding fixtures – Evoke stand-alone bathtubs and sinks of yesteryear
- Chandeliers – For glamorous lighting to set the mood
- Distressed woods – Weathered finishes on vanities and floors
- Mercury glass – Antique glassware makes great decor
With all these nostalgic details, it’s easy to create a bathroom with yesteryear’s charm and modern functionality. The vintage trend allows you to honor the past while enjoying all the perks of up-to-date bathroom design.
Glamorous Gold
For those seeking serious glamour, gold is the trending color of choice for high-end bathroom design in 2023. Metallic gold instantly elevates even the simplest bathroom into a sophisticated space. Ideas for incorporating this glitzy shade include:
- Gold fixtures – Faucets, showerheads, towel racks, etc.
- Gilded mirrors – Frameless or ornately framed
- Gold cabinet hardware – Knobs, pulls, and handles
- Gold-veined stone – Marble, granite, or quartz with shimmering gold
- Metallic wallpaper – Adds glamorous shimmer to walls
- Glass tile accents – Tile with gold leaf or metallic gold tones
- Period lighting – Elegant sconces, chandeliers, and pendants
- Gilded artwork – Framed prints featuring gold embellishments
- Jewel-toned accents – Ruby, sapphire, emerald hues to complement
- Black contrasts – Black stone, tile, or vanities anchor the gold
Gold adds serious luxury and flair, allowing you to feel like royalty in your own bathroom sanctuary. By balancing gold with neutrals like white and black, the space stays polished rather than gaudy.
Spacious Showers
With open showers becoming ever more prevalent, the spacious shower trend is still going strong in 2023. Removing the shower enclosure creates a luxurious spa feel and an airy, open vibe. Key features of this popular look include:
- Frameless glass – Crystal clear panels allow light to permeate
- Built-in seating – Handy place to sit while shaving legs or feet
- Recessed shelving – Keep toiletries at arm’s reach but out of water’s way
- Rainfall showerheads – Invigorating feeling of a water spout overhead
- Multiple showerheads – Customizable sprays for a full-coverage drenching
- Pebble floors – Natural stone surfaces with drainage slope
- Open layout – No shower enclosure maximizes spaciousness
- Room for two – Couples can enjoy ample bathing space together
- Plants and greenery – Lush, tropical plants enhance the ambiance
For those seeking a bathing area flooded with light and room to stretch out, a sprawling shower space hits the mark. The open design minimalizes clutter too, supporting a calming, spa-like shower experience.
Modern Materials
Innovative new materials are providing fresh and modern options for bath surfaces in 2023. These modern materials introduce appealing texture, durability, and easy maintenance. Top options include:
- Concrete – Cool and edgy for vanities, sinks, tile and floors
- corten steel – Rust-like metal finish adds industrial edge
- Recycled glass tile – Tile containing eco-friendly crushed glass
- Paperstone – Paper-based stone alternative is sustainable
- Timberstone – Tile replicating natural wood but impervious to moisture
- Resin – Glossy, plastic-like material used for vanities and tubs
- Quartz – Harder and less prone to stains/damage than natural stone
- Laminate – Realistic wood look without moisture concerns
- Plexiglass – Sleek alternative to glass for dividers and enclosures
The newest generation of surfaces allow you to achieve the bathroom of your dreams while keeping up with the latest eco-conscious and technology-enhanced materials.
Retro Touches
Vintage design elements from the 1950s, 60s and 70s are also making a stylish resurgence in 2023 bathrooms. These playful retro touches add personality and nostalgia to the space. Fun retro-inspired accents to try out include:
-Checkerboard tile
-Pop art wallpaper
-Bold retro patterns and colors
-Formica vanity tops
-Vinyl upholstered stools
-Wall-mounted sinks
-Bathroom “gadgets” and canisters
-Light-up Hollywood mirrors
-Stainless steel or colorful metal cabinetry
By selectively incorporating pieces of retro decor, hardware, and surfaces you can achieve a cool, kitschy vibe without going over-the-top vintage. A blend of retro and modern often achieves the perfect balance.
Simplicity and Minimalism
For those favoring a stripped-down, minimalist aesthetic, this bath trend delivers simple and functional spaces devoid of clutter and distraction. The goal is maximum peace and relaxation through minimalism. Design strategies include:
- Clean lines – Avoid ornate styles and over-embellishments
- Lots of glass – See-through dividers and enclosures
- Hidden storage – Keep products concealed behind cabinet doors
- Neutral palette – Stick with whites and natural wood tones
- Only essentials – Limit accessories and decorative objects
- Multifunctional – Items serve more than one purpose
- Exposed pipes or structure – Highlight root functionality
- Open shelving – Only display necessities
- Seamless design – Monochromatic palette and cohesive finishes
With less visual noise, these soothing sanctuaries allow you to focus on self-care and renewal. The minimalism movement shows no signs of slowing in 2023.
Bold Black
Black finishes are having a major moment in 2023 bathrooms. Once limited to accent walls or fixtures, we’re now seeing black used liberally on vanities, floors, tile and more. The dramatic hue serves as a sexy and sophisticated neutral. Ideas for embracing the black trend include:
- Black vanity – Make it a statement piece, especially in glossy lacquer
- Black floors – Sleek black porcelain or slate tile underfoot
- Black walls – Use black subway tile, shiplap or paint for drama
- Black accents – Towels, shower curtain, art, mirrors, etc.
- Mix black finishes – Try matte, glossy and satin
- Black metal fixtures – Faucets, drains, and hardware
- Spotlight lighting – Illuminate black surfaces and details
- Creative patterns – Herringbone floors, geometric tile designs
- Warm metals – Brass, copper, and gold to complement
Deeper and richer than charcoal gray, black makes for a moody and glamorous color scheme when used skillfully. Black bathrooms are ideal for design aficionados.
Spa Showers
As showers continue to expand, specialized shower systems are being incorporated to create an even more spa-like experience. Key upgrades include:
- Steam showers – Steamy vapor soothes muscles and skin
- Chromatherapy – Colored lights for ambiance and mood
- Body sprays – Jets targeting sore spots and muscle tension
- Temp-controlled water – Digital controls to set perfect temp
- Handheld showerheads – Adjustable wand convenience
- Rainfall showerheads – Relax under water simulating rain
- Dual showerheads – Balance hard sprays and gentle mists
- Waterfall fixtures – Dramatic shower feature
- Built-in audio – Surround sound built into the walls
- Programmable experiences – Set lighting, music, and water all at once
With these advanced systems, daily showers become truly therapeutic. The ability to customize everything from sounds to sights makes spending more time in the shower too tempting to resist.
Organic Elements
Nature-inspired design is as appealing as ever, showing up in bathrooms through the addition of natural materials, textures, colors and shapes. Key ways to work organic elements into the space include:
- Wood vanities – Rich woodgrain patterns in finish
- Stone surfaces – Natural granite, travertine and marble
- Natural textures – River rock walls, concrete finishes, etc.
- Fogged glass – Obscures views like steam or morning dew
- Plant life – Potted plants, dried botanicals and flowers
- Water features – Small indoor fountains or rock waterfalls
- Organic shapes – Wavy edges, oval mirrors, round sinks
- Green and blue hues – Colors drawn from nature
- Printed patterns – Leaves, branches or botanical designs
- Woven accents – Natural fiber baskets, curtains and rugs
Surrounded by natural sights, textures and sounds, the room feels like a restorative escape from urbanity right at home.
Geometric Tiles
Last but certainly not least among popular bathroom trends is the use of geometric tile designs. From retro honeycomb to modern hexagons, tiles with graphic shapes pack visual impact. Creative ways to implement geometric tiles include:
- Hexagonal floor tile – For honeycomb pattern underfoot
- Bold multicolor designs – Make a vibrant checkerboard floor
- 3D cube, pyramid and rectangle tiles – Add depth
- Overscaled graphic prints – Enlarge polka dot, plaid, or triangle motifs
- Moroccan-inspired tiles – Intricate mosaic look
- Herringbone pattern – Angled rectangular tiles in coordinating hues
- Geometric borders – Use as framing detail
- Geometric niches – Tile niche storage in fun shapes
- Shiny metallics – Tile containing shiny metal, chrome or copper
With limitless ways to combine eye-catching shapes and colors, geometric tiles let you create focal points that dynamically transform the space.
Designing Your Dream Bathroom
There you have it – the 10 biggest bathroom trends for 2023 so far. From serene spa spaces to retro pop designs, this year’s most popular looks run the gamut. Ultimately the right style comes down to your personal taste and lifestyle needs. Evaluate which trends best suit your vision for a sanctuary that both relaxes and rejuvenates you. Be sure to work with experienced bathroom designers who can help translate your desired style into a functional reality. With some thoughtful planning and expert help, you can finally achieve the trendy bathroom of your dreams this year. Which of these popular looks resonates most with you for your own home?
Frequently Asked Questions about Popular 2023 Bathroom Trends
Bathroom trends are changing constantly. Here are answers to some common questions about what’s new and popular in bathroom design for 2023:
What are the biggest bathroom trends right now?
Some major bathroom trends for 2023 include spa-inspired designs, black finishes, vintage elements, open showers, modern materials like concrete and quartz, gold accents, geometric tile, and organic natural textures. Minimalism and retro styling also remain popular this year.
What new bathroom materials are trending in 2023?
Some buzzed-about new materials to watch include paperstone, timberstone, recycled glass tile, corten steel, plexiglass, and innovative stone alternatives like Dekton. There is a big emphasis on sustainability, so recycled, renewable and durable materials are in.
Are black bathrooms still popular in 2023?
Yes, black finishes remain a top trend this year. Black is being featured on vanities, tile, walls, floors and fixtures for a dramatic, glamorous look. When balanced well with other colors, black works equally well in modern and traditional bathrooms.
What vintage elements are in style for bathrooms?
Vintage trends borrow details like clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, hexagon tile, brass finishes, chandeliers, subway tile, black and white color schemes, freestanding fixtures and distressed woods. Vintage is hugely popular this year for a classic, timeless look.
What makes a bathroom look like a spa?
Designer touches like heated stone floors, marble tile, storage for clutter, neutral colors, plush towels, candles or essential oils, soft lighting, and a soaking tub help a bathroom emulate a relaxing spa vibe. Advanced shower systems also contribute a home spa experience.
How can I add gold accents to my bathroom?
Easy ways to incorporate glamorous gold accents include choosing gold faucets and shower fixtures, gilded framing on mirrors and art, gold cabinet hardware like knobs and pulls, and stone surfaces with gold veining. Also try metallic gold wallpaper, tile with gold detailing, or gold glass vases and decor items.
What tile shapes and designs are trendy?
Graphic geometric tiles are hugely popular, including honeycomb, hexagon, moroccan, herringbone and retro patterns. Combining shaped tile in different colors and finishes creates serious visual impact in bathrooms. Metallic tile adds glamour too.
How do I create a minimalist bathroom?
Focus on clean lines, lots of glass, and neutral tones for a simple, minimalist look. Only include essentials, maximize built-ins to hide clutter, and opt for multifunctional pieces. Keep accessories minimal and highlight functional elements like exposed pipes.
What are the most popular choices for bathroom vanities right now?
Floating vanities are still widely popular for their clean, contemporary look. Black and white finishes are trending strong, along with rich wood tones. Concrete and stone vanities also align with 2023’s emphasis on natural textures. Sleek resin vanities in glossy colors add a punch of drama too.
What size shower is in style?
Open, frameless showers are hugely popular this year for their spa-like vibe. Removing the shower enclosure creates an airy, spacious feel. Showers are expanding to allow room for built-ins, rainfall showerheads, and even multifunctional space to use as a steam room.
Conclusion
With so many options for achieving a trendy yet timeless bathroom this year, you’re sure to find a style that excites you. Focus on the looks that appeal specifically to your taste, lifestyle and vision rather than just following temporary fads. Hire professional designers to help make your dream bathroom a reality. Invest wisely in finishes and features built to last beyond short-term trends. Then relax and enjoy a beautiful new bathroom oasis tailored exactly to you.
