Sophie Weston of Geberit explores some of the current interior styling trends – and how they can be recreated in your bathroom
People across the UK have adopted an ‘improve not move’ mindset this year as they make more savvy and sustainable choices when it comes to home improvements. The rise of Pinterest and home decor accounts on Instagram have inspired consumers to get more involved with the design of their homes and take bigger risks when it comes to the creative process.
TikTok videos are having a huge influence on inspiring DIY projects, especially among the nation’s Gen Z and millennials. Seven in ten (71%) of Gen Z adults who will do DIY this year use social media as their go-to for DIY inspiration, along with 67% of millennials.
These factors have influenced our interior themes in putting together Geberit’s annual Inspirational Trend Guide. The bespoke annual report offers consumers insight, advice and inspiration bringing together real-world surveys, studies and research to deliver four key trends matched with products, styling tips and colour suggestions, all driven by market insights. Here are the four trends and more information on how to recreate them in your bathroom.
BOTANICAL RETREAT
The opening look, Botanical Retreat, speaks to the rise in ‘maximalism,’ biophilic colour choices and new rituals. It’s all about plant-filled environments, lush greens and rich florals to create an environment perfect for relaxation.
Styling tips for this trend include using an abundance of leafy houseplants; Calathea’s Boston Fern, Spider Plant, Ivy, Cheeseplants within the bathroom. Include a tray or set up on the vanity with scented candles, bath salts, flower petals and botanical greens. Warm metallic accents are also important, think brushed brass and gold for accessories like mirrors, cosmetic trays, toilet roll holders and towel racks.
NORDIC CLEANSE
‘Nordic Cleanse’ is driven by the self-care movement, Ice Man Wim Hof and the healing benefits of frosty greens and icy blues. This look is therapeutic and restorative, using subtle tonal combinations to create a calm and understated mood. The idea is to boost calm feelings and lower stress, making this trend the perfect bathroom environment to relax and unwind in after a long day.
To achieve the Nordic Cleanse look, incorporate rounded and curved forms into your decor. Layering textures, like placing towels over tiles, can look great. Plants are key to bringing the benefits of green spaces indoors, such as trailing ivy and eucalyptus.
RECONNECT
Reconnect is a reaction to slow living, harnessing natural materials such as clay and terracotta to inspire a warm Moroccan style bathroom. Breezy and summery, Reconnect offers self-builders ideas and inspiration for an earthy at-home retreat. The trend has a traditional artisan feel, with carefully crafted ornaments and eco alternatives being central to accessorising the look.
With environmental concerns front of mind, consumers are seeking to buy less, so good quality sustainable products that provide longevity are important here. Think beautiful amber glass or travertine refill bottles, woven jute, ratten or sisal for storage bags and baskets.
When it comes to embracing this trend, there are some essential styling tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, incorporating dried flowers, leaves, and grasses into your decor can effortlessly capture the essence of dry summer heat, infusing warmth and natural beauty into your living spaces. Also, consider using techniques like limewash effects, micro cement, or chalk paint to create a tactile backdrop for styling.
URBAN SANCTUARY
Finally, we have Urban Sanctuary, a look that embraces the Brutalist movement, mid-century modern style, and urbanisation. Bathrooms in this style are functional, and minimalistic and celebrate the use of industrial materials, powder coated steel and concrete composites. The colour palette is inspired by the urban environment; a blend of cool matt greys is combined with a deep and soft mint green, bringing a fresh contemporary feel to the bathroom. Grids and lines are important for surface patterns here, which can come through in accessories, towels or tiling.
Some of the tips to achieve this style include using functional accessories. Architecturally inspired fixtures and fittings such as thin metal framework that is slick, refined, and sculptural in form. Materials that can stand the test of time are important, such as concrete, speckled stone or terrazzo for a more contemporary look.
Sophie Weston is marketing manager at Geberit