The biggest 2020 bathroom design trends have been revealed. But the good news is that most of them will be popular – and essential – for years to come.
I love delving into trends. Nothing gets me more excited by incoming design moments we’ve not experienced at home before. At a recent Metricon event, hosted by yours truly, I spoke to their design manager Ricky D’Alesio and Reece’s brand manager Kelly Huglin. Attendees were treated to a full 2020 bathroom trends masterclass, where we talked through all of the exciting ways you can jazz up your bathroom this year and in the ones to come.
For those of you who couldn’t make the booked-out event, I thought it best I cover off the top trends we discussed below. I’d love to know which ones you’re on-board with. Drop me a comment at the end of the post and dish of your fave design moment. I have a few!
1. The Back to Wall Bath
Freestanding baths have become an undeniable feature in larger bathrooms. But for smaller spaces they often prove trickier to work in. Along comes the back to wall bath, which gives you the best of both worlds. Because they don’t need to be fixed into a recess, this style of bath takes up less space. You still get the look and feel of a show-stopping freestander, and there’s no issue with cleaning behind it. This one’s the ultimate problem solver.
2. Designer Vanities
First vanities came off the floor, then they got even better with the introduction of dual basins. Now, they’re getting even more designer. The ISSY Halo vanity above (a collaboration between Zuster and Reece) is a perfect example of this 2020 bathroom design trend in action. Gone are the days of vanities fading into the background. This corian-meets-timber sensation puts itself front and centre.
3. Exposed Plumbing
Powder rooms are becoming the new design destination in homes. The secluded nature of these spaces allows you to be more adventurous with your style choices. Roll out the wallpaper, install some high-drama lighting. And of course, don’t be afraid to embrace the concept of exposed plumbing. Pairing plumbing with a piece like the ISSY Ballerina Vanity (as seen above) brings industrial vibes to your bathroom. And who doesn’t love that?
4. New Tapware Colours
The days of chrome tapware being the only choice are over. There are a tonne of new tapware tones and materials on the market now. And they give you the ability to craft out a tailor-made bathroom that speaks to the style you’ve got going on in the rest of your home. From Boho Luxe to Modern Hamptons, there’s a new tap colour for almost every scheme on the market.
Click here for my guide to the newest tapware tones on the market right now.
5. Walk-In Showers
The bathroom is becoming more of an experience. I’m not sure you can class it as a second living room just yet, but it’s safe to say that it’s getting larger and more immersive. Of all the 2020 bathroom design trends in this post, I say this one is here to stay. Larger wet zones (where the shower and bath sit in one connected area, like the space above via Beaumont Tiles) are now very sought-after. Double showerheads are a must. And frameless, walk-in showers are in demand too.
6. Rimless Toilets
There’s going to be a time in our lives that we look back and wonder how we ever lived without a rimless toilet. This new technology means there are no hard-to-reach places, and with every flush you’re getting a full toilet clean. There’s no splashing to be seen, and there’s minimum water usage too. This is going to be a big 2020 bathroom design trend, for sure, but it will become the norm in years to come. Watch the video below to see it in action. Sadly there’s no more need for toilet duck!
7. Backlit Mirrors
Not only are mirror shapes in bathrooms evolving (we love an oval or circular mirror, don’t we?) but lighting has become the hot new trend. Backlit mirrors are perfect for windowless bathrooms that require more light, but they’re also stunning for makeup application. A backlit mirror in a bathroom also makes it the hero piece in your room. So if you’re wanting a standout design moment around your vanity, this is the way to achieve it.
8. Thermostat Mixers
Technology is moving at a pace I can hardly keep up with. But a thermostat mixer is definitely a 2020 bathroom trend I can get used to. At the touch of a button the mixer can supply your ideal water temperature every time, so you essentially set and forget. No scolding water (ideal for those of you with young kids) and no waiting forever for the water to heat up in the middle of winter. Shut up and take my money!
Which of these 2020 bathroom design trends is your fave? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Are you loving the idea of a rimless toilet? I need one in my life.
This post includes images and/or videos of Metricon display homes and events, reproduced with permission. © Metricon Homes Pty Ltd 2016.
Lovely bathrooms, but where are the ‘bum guns’? Can’t understand why we haven’t adopted the Asian practice and done away with the need for so much toilet paper yet…
I’m ahead. I’ve got a walk in shower that was built in the 1970s. I could almost hold a party in there. Everything old is new again.
haha so funny Glenda. It always happens like that doesn’t it: the trends are always rotating. The question is though, have you held a part in there lol? 😉
Love the look of the black framed glass in the bathroom.
Same here. Makes me swoon bigtime!
Loving them all except the exposed plumbing, but really glad to see more back to wall baths. When we were renovating I came across one and I loved the idea of freestanding look but not having to clean behind it
I agree Melissa – I reckon the back to wall baths will be around a while. Too many people getting annoyed by trying to get around the back of a freestanding tub to clean it!
Chris, I love the look of the wet room – but what’s it like practically?
I’m imagining you have to wipe down the bath every time you have a shower.
Hey Rebecca. I hear you! And yes, it is definitely a wet zone that’d get quite wet. It’s all about functionality and daily use too when it comes to these sorts of design decisions. Some people don’t mind the water going everywhere, others (like me) would find it annoying. Probably not great for young kids either. But for some it’s a dream. I love the look of it.
That’s what I thought. Not for me either but agree, love the look.