Starting a design project in your home is so exciting. When it comes to designing a whole room, there are lots of elements to bring together. From lighting concepts and accessories to how you want the room to function and flow.
We help our customers personalise every aspect of their new homes, so we know how important it is to make your home feel like a haven that you love to return to every day.
In this feature, we’re talking about bathroom design ideas. And wow – there’s a lot to choose from out there when it comes to bathroom design! To simplify matters, we explore current bathroom trends, different room shapes, bathroom colours, and how to bring your ideas together cohesively.
Bathroom trends for your vision board
We bet you already know the types of interior design styles you like, even if you don’t know the names for those styles. Think about what you’re naturally drawn to when it comes to interiors: there will likely be a theme. It might be that you love the clean lines of minimalist interior design, or conversely, lots of detail and intentional colour clashing. And this will also likely apply to your choice of bathroom.
The world of bathroom design is filled with diverse trends and we’d love to explore all of them with you here, but that could take days! Instead, we’ve rounded up some of the most accessible and useful ideas for you to pin to your vision boards.
Zen Japandi style bathroom ideas
Exactly as it sounds, Japandi interior design is a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian styles. A Japandi bathroom is built around balance, intentionality, and warmth. The aim is to create simplicity without feeling stark. This translates to an uncluttered yet comforting bathroom, where every element is chosen for purpose and beauty.
Japandi bathroom designs are characterised by an appreciation for imperfections, creating interiors that feel both grounded and refined. Light, space, and texture play key roles in the Japandi style, bringing calm and intention to everyday routines.
How to achieve Japandi style in your bathroom:
- Opt for a soft, neutral palette – soft whites, stone greys, and muted earth tones.
- Incorporate natural materials – wood, stone, and bamboo for warmth and texture.
- Choose sleek, minimalist fixtures – matte black bathroom accessories or brushed brass are ideal.
- Keep lines clean and surfaces clear – focus on functionality with an intentional space for all your belongings.
- Add touches of wabi-sabi, like asymmetrical ceramics or imperfect tiles.
- Use greenery sparingly for a sense of calm energy.
Soothing spa bathroom ideas
The spa bathroom aesthetic has been a trend for some time now, and it is likely to remain popular due to its timeless, comforting appeal. With a focus on relaxation and well-being, a spa-inspired bathroom should feature soft, muted colours, organic shapes, and natural elements. Think deep oval bath, storage to keep surfaces uncluttered and a harmonious colour palette throughout.
White is an ideal colour for a spa bathroom, but if the idea of a white bathroom with white tiles seems too monochromatic, consider white bathroom panelling with a soft, natural-toned pattern, like in the image above.
There’s no shortage of bathroom lighting ideas available out there, but creating the atmosphere in a spa-inspired bathroom requires a luxurious, calming lighting concept. If natural light isn’t abundant in your bathroom, this should be a careful consideration.
How to achieve a spa bathroom aesthetic:
- Choose a calming, neutral palette with soft whites, warm beiges, and muted stone tones.
- Incorporate natural materials such as wood, bamboo, stone, or textured ceramics.
- Keep lighting soft and layered – think dimmable sconces, warm bulbs, or candlelight.
- Add sensory elements like plush towels, essential oils, and gentle greenery.
- Reduce clutter with hidden storage and minimal décor for a clean, restorative feel.
Calming biophilic design bathrooms
“What is biophilic design?” you ask. This modern interior design aesthetic aims to connect indoor spaces with nature. The use of natural materials like wood, plus organic textures and colours, evokes the outdoors.
The goal of biophilic design is to enhance well-being by creating a calming, restorative atmosphere by bringing the outdoors in. A wooden panelled bathroom, like in the image above, is a great example of how to do this. If you’ve been looking for windowless bathroom ideas, wooden panelling helps create a cosy, cabin-like feel that you can retreat to.
How to achieve a biophilic design bathroom:
- Incorporate natural materials such as wood, bamboo or stone.
- Use warm, earthy colour accents inspired by nature. Green bathroom accessories are a nice touch.
- Introduce greenery – real plants where possible, or high-quality faux varieties in low-light spaces.
- Choose organic shapes and forms. A round bathroom mirror and basin, along with curved bathroom taps are perfect for this biophilic design.
- Add natural textures through woven baskets, linen towels, or handcrafted ceramics.
- Use soft, warm and bathroom concealed lighting to mimic dappled daylight and create a soothing, nature-inspired atmosphere.
Accessible wet room bathroom ideas
A wet room-style bathroom is incredibly versatile and particularly helpful for awkward shapes, such as an L shaped bathroom, since you can utilise the corner for the shower. See how great a small L shaped shower room can look in The Whillan, a stylish new build home by Genesis Homes.
If you’ve been exploring small bathroom designs, stop your search – a small shower room could be your perfect solution due to its sleek, spacious feel. Inspired in part by scandi bathroom designs, small shower room ideas focus on simplicity, functionality, and easy cleaning. This streamlined, minimal bathroom design works beautifully in small homes or for additional bathrooms in large homes, offering a contemporary, intentional feel.
Wet rooms are also ideal for those with mobility issues who find it challenging to get in and out of a bathtub. A beautifully designed walk in shower is the perfect bathing solution for elderly individuals who value style and substance in their home.
How to achieve a stylish wet room bathroom:
- Use continuous floor-to-ceiling colours throughout the room to create an immersive shower experience. We advise keeping it neutral if you have a small space, but many people love mixing it up with brighter tones and exciting bathroom tile ideas.
- Match your bathroom fixtures to keep things cohesive and calm. A rainfall shower head is a luxurious addition to your wet room.
- Install a walk-in, frosted glass shower screen for privacy, or opt for no screen at all to keep the space open.
- Choose sleek, wall-mounted fixtures and storage to maximise floor area and visual flow.
- Incorporate smart shower drainage, such as a linear shower drain, to ensure the water disperses efficiently and discreetly.
How to decide on your bathroom design
When it’s time to decide on a bathroom style and design, it’s great to have all your style inspiration to hand. But there are undoubtedly other factors to consider alongside aesthetics. Here are some tips to help you on your way.
- Consider your budget. Knowing your limits helps prioritise materials, fittings, and finishes. This might mean you need to shop around so that you don’t have to compromise on quality.
- Think carefully about function. How will you use the bathroom space? (Is it for a family, single person, elderly couple, etc). Whether you need a shower-only layout, a bath, or extra storage.
- Reflect on your personal style preferences. If you’re drawn to a certain style of bathroom, but the rest of your house is quite different to this, your home won’t feel unified, so stay realistic.
- Plan with your future self in mind. Choose timeless materials and layouts that will age gracefully and provide long-term satisfaction. While our inspiration above is trend-led, we have selected these carefully with a timeless quality in mind, rather than anything that may quickly date.
Bespoke bathroom design with Genesis Homes
At Genesis Homes, our priority lies in providing the highest quality homes to our customers. This includes working with you to create your perfect interiors. From helping you select the big stuff, like flooring and kitchens, to the small stuff like bathroom accessories and light fittings, we are dedicated to creating an abode you love to come home to.
If you’ve been inspired by our bathroom design ideas and want to chat to us about any of our developments, contact our friendly team. We’d love to help.