According to Homes & Gardens magazine, the 2023 bathroom is a “space to linger” as well as a multi-functional area of the house, so property owners must translate this newfound desire to “cocoon” into their design. Style, layout, and the colour palette you choose are all important elements, but the mood you create in your bathroom should remain the priority. 

Bathrooms in Australia have some very specific requirements

The average female spends at least twenty-nine minutes in the bathroom each day which is why a balance of practical and aesthetic decisions is key. Bathrooms in Australia have some very specific requirements: good airflow to keep mould out; an effective heat source for the cooler winter months, and adequate lighting. If you are concerned about the longevity of your design or selling your property anytime soon, you may also want to consider a neutral colour scheme.

In line with our changing needs, bathroom design evolves each year 

The bathroom may be the smallest room in the house but ignore it at your peril, especially if you are selling. Other cultures place more importance on this space than Aussies. The Japanese love to soak in a bath, for example, which they see as somewhere to wash away the fatigue of the day as well as the grime, and Americans expect a double sink. Interior design evolves each year, and kitchen design and bathroom design are shaped by the world we live in. 

After the shock of COVID, our desire is to live more healthily and sustainably, and designers are constantly incorporating new elements into bathroom design to adapt to those evolving needs. Wet rooms, shower seats, and de-misting mirrors are all examples of recent, innovative elements in bathroom design.

Interior design is shaped by the world we live in

To understand how to design a bathroom in 2023, it helps to understand what the latest trends are, so we’ve listed them for you below:

1. Colour Palettes – The jury is out on colour. Some designers insist that statement bathrooms with patterned tiles, wallpaper, and coloured cabinetry are in, while others recommend sticking to earthy tones and warm, neutral palettes. Soothing colours like green and peachy pink (or clay) as seen in the Blake/Foster household in that Vogue spread, meet our need for comfort and style. 
2. Lighting – “Layering” is the key to lighting a bathroom and you need a mixture of all three types - ambient, accent, and task. Many sellers underestimate the power of good lighting, but the devil is in the detail in good bathroom design and decorative lighting (and Luxe, in particular) introduces a focal point into neutral schemes. Pendant lights that feature natural materials are popular and people are getting more creative with under-cabinet lighting to give the illusion of more space.
3. Tiling – “Statement tiling” is textured, patterned and geometric and although it is still on trend, I would resist the temptation to go too bold when selling. Patterns and strong colours also date more quickly, so using a bold-coloured tile in the shower area may be one way of adding colour without overpowering the space and it won’t be as costly to replace. Stone and subway tiles are still popular and Zellige tiles are having a moment.
4. Styles – Good Housekeeping has noticed the infiltration of Japandi design into our homes. This style “Blends the smooth, modern lines of Scandinavian design with the sleek, functional, elegance of the Japanese aesthetic. It is minimalist yet welcoming, and is all about using neutral tones, lots of textures and natural materials.” (Graham and Green). Vintage styling is also here to stay, giving wallpaper enthusiasts permission to cover their bathroom walls in colourful botanical designs, with cabinets to match. Nature-inspired schemes, using light timbers, soft edges, and an abundance of plants also remain in vogue. This style ties in well with the spa-style bathroom which uses stone and other natural, luxurious finishes to create a haven for relaxation.
5. Finishes – The trends for this year are all about adding texture and depth to your design. Fluting (or ribbed surfaces) and natural wood finishes are back, as are Terrazzo, marble, stone and terracotta. “Give your feet a tactile treat with reclaimed terracotta, the older the better. Repurposed from salvaged bricks…terracotta flooring…is a rustic, eco-friendly option that’s lifted by vibrant jewel-green walls and light-boosting glass,” suggests House & Garden.
6. Cabinetry – Repurposing furniture for vanities is a sustainable approach that continues to appeal. Bespoke timber vanities make a statement and free-standing basins are also a popular choice for smaller bathrooms.
7. Bathtubs – “The increased popularity of grander bathtubs is also a reflection of how society has put a greater emphasis on self-care in recent years”, explains Forbes. Freestanding baths complement most schemes, contemporary or traditional.
8. Fixtures, fittings, and accessories – Black hardware will disappear, and we will see softer metallics like brass and rose gold in their place. Rainshower heads are non-negotiable and backlit mirrors are on trend. Tall, potted plants breathe a breath of fresh air into a space, and colourful artwork and rugs create a Bohemian vibe. To avoid the shorter lifespan of bold tones, infuse colour with towels and accessories.

These days, buyers expect more than a cheap white bathroom suite from Bunnings. Though small, this multi-functional space deserves the planning, innovation, execution and attention-to-detail that goes into the rest of the home. We know that not everyone has the budget to renovate a dated bathroom. Some fresh towels, a healthy pot plant and a few luxury beauty products may suffice to transform your bathroom into the oasis you desire.

Check out the bathrooms we have in the 'Loop'

Whether you're buying or selling, there's no denying that an appealing bathroom plays a key role in your home's overall value. Get inspired by looking at some of the bathrooms within properties for sale on Listing Loop.

To view off-market and pre-market properties and more, sign up to become a Listing Loop member for free. Members also receive access to a range of exclusive property services. Just sign up at Listing Loop or download our app. 

Thinking about selling off-market? Learn more about the biggest benefit of our Seller Assist service, which is your direct line to our team of experts, including the most trusted and highest-performing agents in your area.

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