Interior design evolves almost as quickly as AI, and nowhere is that more prominent than in bathroom design. Aussie bathrooms have come a long way since the avocado and pink bath suites of the sixties and seventies and although certain elements of bathroom design remain timeless - such as our preference for neutral tones - with the latest innovations in technology, our priorities are changing. It appears that we are embracing the latest inventions in smart technology and sustainable design as fervently as the rest of the world.

Smart technology is a new priority in Aussie bathrooms 

Most designers agree that the main influence of current bathroom trends is personalisation. The pandemic shook us up and gave us pause to reflect on how we want to live our lives in the future, and many of us are now more focused on creature comforts. We want to create a safe, relaxing space for our families, that, in the words of Marie Kondo "sparks joy".

Wellness and sustainability are the foundations of modern bathroom trends

Better Homes & Gardens confers with this idea. “Personalisation is driving a lot of design choices, encouraging homeowners to create comfortable rooms with custom bathing experiences.”

However, the success of any functional design relies on achieving a fine balance between innovation and comfort. 

So how are property owners achieving that balance in their bathrooms?

Below are the top 5 bathroom trends we are seeing in Australia in 2023, some of which are as old as time, many of which reflect our changing view of the world:

1. Neutral tones – These have been around for a while and will continue to do so thanks to the cocoon of comfort and security they create. In terms of design benefits, they also maximise space and are the perfect complement to Hamptons and minimalist schemes. Combine natural stone such as marble or travertine with a timber vanity, fluffy white towels and a few pot plants, and you've created your own day spa.
2. Natural and repurposed materials – Several times we’ve mentioned the popularity of natural and repurposed materials in modern bathroom trends and fortunately, we have an abundance of them in Australia to choose from. Use stone for your walls and flooring, antique or repurposed pots and troughs for your sink and a repurposed Victorian washstand for your vanity and you are well on the way to a sustainable bathroom. The beauty of timber in a neutral bathroom is that it provides contrast and purpose-built vanities can be jazzed up with cane or wood-pattern inserts. Natural and repurposed materials can be used in any scheme, but they lend themselves particularly well to Industrial, Sustainable, Vintage and Day Spa interior design.
3. All hail the shower! – Most designers agree that 2023 is the year of the shower. For some time, we’ve seen frameless glass shower screens or no screen at all – although, we're yet to try one that doesn’t leak - but many of us are now forgoing baths completely to maximise our shower space. Furthermore, we’re making them multi-functional, with shower seats, multiple showerheads and jets. Again, this celebration of the shower works well in Day Spa and Modern Australian designs. 
4. Sustainable design – Using sustainable materials isn’t the only way to protect our environment. Other ways to reduce our footprint in modern bathroom trends include electric radiant heat flooring, energy-efficient water heaters, LED lighting, and low-VOC paints.
5. Smart bathroom technology – For those of you who are not super tech-savvy, “A smart bathroom connects with your smart home devices (including smartphones and voice control devices) to provide you with complete control and customisation of your bathroom experience,” according to Hippo. The main benefits of fitting this type of technology include savings on space and utilities, but it also offers more convenience in the long-term and some designers believe it contributes towards better mental health. Features include personalised temperature control and bath-fill control options, speakers for your music and night lights. 

Finally, back to those avocado and pink bathroom suites. Though calming, neutral tones and white bath suites are still the most popular choices, colour and pattern are also making a comeback. Vintage and Maximalist styling, for example, are still having a moment and this year we've seen the return of the avocado suite, wood panelling, and floral wallpaper. Designers are also predicting new pattern trends will include Indigenous and African-inspired design.

You must remain ahead of the competition

Bathroom trends are all well and good but functional interior design is about personal choices and, in general, that is what property owners are prioritising in their bathroom design. 

To find your ultimate bathroom in your dream home, sign up to Listing Loop for free today and you'll gain direct access to off-market properties that aren't advertised anywhere else. We also give you VIP access to pre-market properties before they hit the major real estate websites and before For Sale signboards go up. 

One thing we have learnt from our extensive experience in real estate is that to succeed, you must stay ahead of other buyers. As experts in off-market property, we believe we are the best people to help you do that.