There has been a major shift in bathroom trends in the last year and heading into 2027. While once relaxation was closely associated with a pared-back bathroom scheme, we're now trying to create designs that look more similar to the cosy rooms in the rest of our home.
It's not just about how a bathroom looks, but more so how we intend to use it. 'For years, the starting point for most people planning a bathroom was the plumbing, fixtures and fittings, and the cost”, says James Roberts, director at Sanctuary Bathrooms.
'These days, younger buyers are starting with what they actually want to do in the bathroom – whether that’s to unwind, catch up on a show, or grab ten minutes to themselves - and working backwards from there. They're treating it as a room in its own right; a space for really living in, not an afterthought.'
A living room-inspired design is where your personality can be brought into the bathroom. Whether you enjoy watching a series or reading a book, you can create a dedicated area to enjoy your hobby, Here's how to set the scene for a cosy, inviting bathroom environment.
1. Layer lighting
Lighting is one of the crucial components to make a bathroom feel more like a living space. An overhead light will make a space look stark, so layering different forms of lighting is key.
'Layered lighting gives your bathroom more flexibility and allows the space to transition effectively from bright and airy in the morning to calm and cosy at night. The best way to achieve this is by using cool white (4000k) lights for task lighting around basins, vanity units, and mirrors, and warm white (2700-3000k) lights in wall lights, ceiling downlights, and overhead pendant lights,' explains Paul Wells, bathroom designer at Sanctuary Bathrooms.
I love the way the light comes out of the back of this wall light - it's unexpected and makes your bathroom feel intentionally designed.
These chrome wall lights hit the balance between timeless and trendy so easily.
These would look so chic sat either side of a mirror. You could keep the scheme pared-back or add on top of bathroom wallpaper for a dramatic look.
2. Don't be afraid of soft furnishings
Now we're not saying a full sofa set or carpet should be in your bathroom, but embracing softer materials will instantly add warmth back into the room.
Bathroom sink skirts are the ultimate way to embrace pattern and colour through fabric, while also creating a practical storage space around a pedestal sink.
'A skink skirt - in other words, curtains that replace cabinet doors on vanity units or potentially just to hide pipework and a pedestal - are often a quick and cost-effective way to add a layer of warmth, style and texture to an otherwise sometimes cold and practical space,' says Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs.
It's easy to make your own if you are handy with a sewing machine too, for a budget-friendly bathroom makeover.
3. More is more
Think about the way colours, textures and patterns are layered in a living room or bedroom - the same should, and can, be achieved in a bathroom.
As evidenced in this bathroom designed by Hutley & Humm, a warm environment has been curated by combining the pink and green colour scheme with different marble and tiled textures.
In terms of colour trends, Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca' Pietra, says, 'Curious colour combinations will continue, although I think they will become easier and more instinctive. Buttery yellow with sky blue has a cheerful familiarity, while a dusky pink can feel richer beside an earthy red than it ever would against plain white. You do not need to cover every wall to make colour count.'
4. Add a place to pause
The best homely bathrooms allow space for you to relax, rather than being purely practical zones where there's no space to linger.
'Even in a smaller space, you can create a zone for stillness and relaxation by being strategic with your placement of furniture in relation to existing fixtures and fittings,' Paul from Sanctuary Bathrooms adds.
'This might be as simple as introducing a compact stool beside the bath, a slim bench beneath a window, or a cushioned vanity stool to one side of your vanity unit or basin. Easy options to enhance this space include adding a floating shelf as a place to store a candle, book, or speaker, a large plant to visually divide the space from other parts of the room, a wall light or concealed lighting strips placed along the underside of a vanity unit.'
No room for an armchair? Don't worry - this small stool will prove super handy.
This bench is perfect for sitting, leaving folded towels on or slotting your slippers in on the shelf below.
Pelmets are back in vogue, indulge in a traditional look with this pleated striped style.
Looking for a bathroom update that is kind on your wallet? These budget bathroom ideas will provide plenty of inspiration without needing to break the bank.
If you enjoyed reading this, sign up for the Ideal Home newsletter for all the latest home decor trends and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox
