Bathroom Trends in 2021 You Need to Know

If you're looking for ideas, we've compiled a list of the most recent 2021 interior decor trends for modern bathrooms to help you figure out exactly what you want and need.

Ideal Bathroom Centre is the best bathroom supply store in Hornsby and there is nothing related to the bathroom you couldn't find at our showroom.

1. Floating Vanities

Although floating vanities are known for their clean looks, the space-saving storage solution now offers more customization possibilities than ever, with sinks, faucets, and hardware to suit any style. Wall-mounted bathroom vanities are available in a variety of configurations, ranging from a complete unit with a countertop, sink, and storage base (similar to a freestanding vanity without the legs) to partial sets and entirely separate pieces.

The latter option allows you to choose the optimum arrangement—for example, the width and length of the countertop or the kind and position of storage—without being constrained by the space available around the plumbing. Storage cabinets can be hung vertically or horizontally, open or closed, and higher or lower on the wall. A vanity that is mounted on the wall is light and airy, and it does not appear to be a large, heavy box on the floor. And floating vanities make it easier to clean bathroom floors, too.

2. Large-Format Wall Tiles

In 2021, you can say goodbye to tiny mosaic tiles, at least when it comes to bathroom walls. In the coming year, the trend for larger format tiles will gain traction, since this style may have a huge influence on a room while displaying less grout lines. Large-format tiles exude elegance, especially when used in conjunction with natural stone and stone-look materials. Fewer grout lines also mean less to clean, making slabs an especially hot choice for shower surrounds.

Nontraditional subway tiles in a variety of sizes, colours, textures, and finishes will be a prominent bathroom design trend in 2021, in addition to enormous tiles and slab wall coverings. For their stylish minimalist appearance, expect to see vertically and horizontally stacked linear tiles.

These simple installations also complement the tile colours we expect to see this year. “Warm, inviting neutrals and earthy hues such as beige, tan, brown and mushroom shades will gain popularity as they provide an ideal setting for authentic materials,” says Zurfluh, director of design and trend at Emser Tile.

3. Back-Lit Mirrors and Medicine Cabinets

According to Houzz, three out of every four homeowners (77%) replace their master bathroom mirrors, with the majority opting for lit models. Linda Yang, the senior staff designer at Robern, thinks that backlit mirrors and medicine cabinets are excellent choices for modern bathroom design. This built-in function provides ambient lighting without adding glare or reflections on the mirror and can double as a nightlight when dimmed.

These simple shapes with eye-catching lighting can be decorative as well as functional, too. A backlit mirror creates a glowing effect on the wall giving the illusion of a floating mirror. This effect can be used to create a focal point or highlight textured wall surfaces behind the fixture.

5. Warm Colors and Durable Paint

A fresh coat of paint in a new hue goes a long way to freshening up and starting anew after a long year, especially in a bathroom. The top colours for 2021 are vibrant and warm, an ideal mix for the room that both starts and ends your day.

Regardless of the colour you choose, look for new durable paints to help your bathroom stay cleaner for longer. 2020 saw many advancements in making paints more hygienic, stain-resistant, and able to withstand pandemic-motivated cleaning. “PPG UltraLast paint + primer is specifically formulated to resist mildew on the paint film, so it can be used in moist interior environments like bathrooms and kitchens with confidence,” says Joanne Currie, Senior Portfolio Manager for PPG Paints. These advancements have also made it possible for hard-wearing paints like UltraLast to come in multiple finishes, “So that customers no longer need to compromise on the look they want to get more washability,” Currie says.

6. Quartz Countertops

“As one of the hardest natural materials, quartz is resistant to scratching and staining, and is also easy to maintain,” says Massimo Ballucchi, executive director of marketing for Cosentino Americas. So it's no surprise that quartz dominated all other materials in the NKBA 2021 bathroom trends report, in which 74% of designers picked it as the top countertop material for baths.

Ballucchi says quartz countertops like Silestone easily keep up with the frequent cleaning that’s part of the new normal. Plus, because quartz surfacing is non-porous, it is inherently less susceptible to fostering bacteria—an important trait in a damp environment. In line with today's contemporary-leaning bath designs, these countertops have sleek profiles with few seams, which also adds to their low-maintenance appeal.

Quartz countertops are strongly trending toward lighter finishes, reflecting the warmth anticipated in popular 2021 colours and the aesthetics gaining a foothold in bathrooms. “As we move into organic trends, we will soon see more mixing of elements, such as Silestone that imitates the look of marble or cement paired with natural wood,” says Ballucchi.

7. tapware

Natural finishes are becoming increasingly popular as Australians become more acclimated to non-traditional bathroom colours. More people will take a personal approach to their tapware this year, according to an emerging trend in 2020.

Aged finishes such living rustic bronze or tumbled brass tarnishes naturally over time, providing the look of a well-loved tap without sacrificing quality or functionality. Gunmetal and brushed nickel are also strong contenders for straight-talking chrome.