According to the top forecasted 2022 bathroom trends, anything goes. Whether it’s monochrome, outdoors in, or pops of pastels that floats your proverbial boat (or that of your clients), there truly is a trend to suit.
After the past two years it’s perhaps unsurprising this is the case. The bathroom has globally become something much more profound than a humble washroom. It’s become an escape. A sanctuary. The ultimate signifier of five-minutes’ peace between home-schooling, home-working and everything in between.
With such heavy prominence placed upon these spaces, it’s only right that proper attention be paid to their renovation potential for all. So, with that in mind, we’ve sifted through the ample online inspiration to share our top bathroom trends for 2022.
From clashing wall colour combinations, to contrasting tile and grout selections, bathroom schemes won’t be shying away from confident configurations come 2022. In what is perhaps an antidote to the relaxing spa-like spaces favoured for many residential and hospitality interiors this year, a braver stance will be adopted in the impending annum. Primary colours such as canary yellow and Memphis movement blue act as elevation devices for their monochrome counterparts. The result is fun and forward; a full-on dose of playfulness.
Statement vanity units
Just like any other space, the bathroom needs a focal point. Previously, this might have been a bath or perhaps a walk-in shower unit. But in 2022, it’s vanity units that will be stealing the spotlight. With endless hours spent in our homes, we’ve become more aware of practicality and storage. So, as well as being an aesthetic highlight, this trend is also born from a craving for functionality by way of subtle storage solutions. Opting for a material with a rich textural effect or patterning, alongside matt metalwork, will transform a vanity unit - the age-old furniture staple - into the cutting-edge centre of the room.
Continuing the trend for creating statement that offers form and function in equal measure is the growing popularity for moulded sinks. And, matching splashbacks. Not only does using one piece of continuous material look slick, but it allows for the meeting of optimum hygiene standards through easy cleaning and maintenance – a key priority for homeowners, and consumers, alike, in a post-Covid world. Aesthetically, slanted drainage systems are also gaining momentum for both their style and substance. And this is something we believe is sure to become a staple design trend come 2022.
Earthy tones and textural interest
On the flipside of the playful maximalist trend is a more pared back, natural look. Rather than using naturally occurring materials, though, designers are increasingly seeking alternatives that are just as beautiful as those we’d find in nature, while being much kinder to it. Grounded earthy tones, ranging from terracotta to grassy greens and stoney greys are being applied in more visually interesting ways. This could be through flecked texture, or perhaps solid matt colour – both completely different approaches with the same eye-catching result.
Dark and decadent
Sparkling white may still be the most popular colour for adorning bathroom interiors, but for those seeking a sightlier moodier ambience, black is fast becoming the go-to. Not so much Victorian gothic as cool and calming, lush greenery, cleverly placed colour accents and texture all work together to use their dark foundations as a springboard for a contemporary, cutting-edge finish. While it’s not for everyone, we think it’s a trend with mileage. Especially when combined with some of the brighter elements on our list. Black tiles, yellow grout anyone?
Sustainable longevity
Although included in our trend round-up, sustainable longevity isn’t a flash-in-the-pan theme. It’s here to stay. When we refer to sustainability in this instance, we’re covering two things. Firstly, the use of sustainable materials that will both last the test of time, without needing to be regularly replaced, and have a more positive impact on the environment. And, secondly, the fact that with many of us confined to just a handful of rooms for the best part of two-years, a collective awareness of designing for life has been emphasised. Something also mirrored in the commercial world. So, as well as your standard bathroom accessories, accessibility measures such as grab bars and shower benches are providing inclusivity and durability for 2022, and way beyond.
Have you used Smile Plastics in your bathroom project? We’d love to see! Tag us on Instagram or LinkedIn. Want advice on how our material could enhance your 2022 bathroom scheme? Get in touch.
All inspiration gathered from our fellow Material Source Studio partners. Visit their PODs at 1 Federation Street, Manchester, or check out here.
