When you picture a bathroom, what do you see? I envision a fairly standard space—lots of white tile and a vanity with a few drawers and a cabinet. If it’s clean, modern, and functional, I’m largely satisfied. But according to the pros, the bathrooms of the future have much more to offer. Here, the biggest, most surprising bathroom trends you’ll see in 2019.
Bold color
“Color, color, color,” says Nancy Epstein, founder and CEO of Artistic Tile. “You’re going to see color coming into cabinetry, details, and definitely into backsplashes. People are tired of only white and gray.” Look for pops of emerald green, deep blues, or even bold blacks.
Wallpaper
“Wallpaper is back and making a statement in bathrooms again, especially powder rooms where steam is not an issue,” says Janet Lorusso, owner and principal designer at JRL Interiors . But don’t be surprised if you see playful paper popping up in more and more full baths as well, she adds.
Terrazzo
“In years past, terrazzo was seen as an outdated trend that needed to be covered with another surface to update older homes,” says Charlotte Russell, COO at TREND Transformations . But terrazzo is making a major comeback, thanks to its durability and longevity. As an added bonus, it’s available in a wide variety of color options and is rich in textures, says Russell.
Industrial elements
“It’s the industrial look that’s going to be sweeping bathroom trends in 2019,” says Cristina Miguelez, content manager for Fixr.com . “Look for exposed pipe-style legs for consoles, as well as industrial, pipe-style faucets and shower valves.” You may even spot concrete countertops, adds Shawn Breyer, owner of Breyer Home Buyers in Atlanta, Georgia. “Whether your bathroom is contemporary or traditional, concrete countertop surfaces are complementary to most styles with hues ranging from earthy to vivid.”
Open shelving
“The open shelving trend that started in the kitchen has made its way to the bathroom for 2019,” says interior designer Emi Young . “We will see more open shelving underneath sinks and open linen shelving as well.”
A beautiful view
It turns out a bathroom simply hasn’t reached its full potential if it doesn’t have a great view. “It’s not that far-fetched that a sink be in front of a window—isn’t this the norm for kitchens?” says Young. Whether your vanity or tub is positioned in front of the window, “the bathroom is the new ‘room with a view'”
Floating vanities
“In addition to achieving a more contemporary look, these suspended vanities offer other, more practical benefits, including the ability to store items underneath,” says Jane Kelly, lead designer at Chicago-based Bristol Design Group . “And, in some cases, they’re cheaper than traditional cabinetry solutions, because they require fewer materials.”