Bathroom Design
10 Bathroom Design Trends at Salone del Mobile in Milan
Elegance and comfort were showcased in products seen at the Salone del Bagno 2022 international bathroom design show
Customization, coherence and elegance were the keywords at Salone del Bagno 2022, the international bathroom design exhibition held in June concurrently with the Milan Furniture Fair. There was increased attention to detail in bathrooms large and small. No longer simply a functional space, the bathroom has become a place to admire, almost like a living room, and boundaries are blurring as these spaces become more elegant and comfortable.
For smaller bathrooms, multifunctional solutions were as simple and pared back as they were attractive, as in the example of a towel rack that doubles as a shelf and clothes hanger. As for materials, marble and faux marble popped up as accents on bathtubs or faucets, while pairings of wood and tile made for unexpected finishes. Shapes were soft, embracing and inviting, especially in the case of bathtubs. In color palettes, sinks and toilets showed up in the same tones as countertops. Fixtures and furnishings picked up the color and pattern of wallpapers for a coherent look. There also was plenty of opportunity for mixing and matching with bold and personalized contrasting elements.
Below are 10 trends the Houzz international editorial team saw at the Milan bathroom show.
For smaller bathrooms, multifunctional solutions were as simple and pared back as they were attractive, as in the example of a towel rack that doubles as a shelf and clothes hanger. As for materials, marble and faux marble popped up as accents on bathtubs or faucets, while pairings of wood and tile made for unexpected finishes. Shapes were soft, embracing and inviting, especially in the case of bathtubs. In color palettes, sinks and toilets showed up in the same tones as countertops. Fixtures and furnishings picked up the color and pattern of wallpapers for a coherent look. There also was plenty of opportunity for mixing and matching with bold and personalized contrasting elements.
Below are 10 trends the Houzz international editorial team saw at the Milan bathroom show.
2. Wallpaper That Wows
Wallpaper adds a new layer to bathrooms as style and attention to detail become more of a factor. Exhibitors showcased coherent designs with wallpaper patterns reappearing on other bathroom features for a refined look. A wallpaper color found in the sink and toilet makes a strong chromatic statement. Patterned wallpapers also coordinate. For example, the Secret Gardens collection by Marcel Wanders Studio for Devon & Devon, pictured, includes wallpaper, ceramics, a vanity table and a mirror that pick up the same pattern.
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Wallpaper adds a new layer to bathrooms as style and attention to detail become more of a factor. Exhibitors showcased coherent designs with wallpaper patterns reappearing on other bathroom features for a refined look. A wallpaper color found in the sink and toilet makes a strong chromatic statement. Patterned wallpapers also coordinate. For example, the Secret Gardens collection by Marcel Wanders Studio for Devon & Devon, pictured, includes wallpaper, ceramics, a vanity table and a mirror that pick up the same pattern.
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Textile Grove wallpaper by Tecnografica
Azzurra Ceramica stand at Milan Design Week 2022
3. Coordinated and Contrasting Color
We saw coordinating colors in several bathrooms, from the largest and most stylish to the smallest of spaces, where color has a strong impact. Exhibits featured colors coordinated in both delicate tones and loud statements among the sink, toilet and bidet. Those who prefer a classic white sink might still choose to personalize the look with counters matched to the toilet or bidet.
How to Remodel a Bathroom
3. Coordinated and Contrasting Color
We saw coordinating colors in several bathrooms, from the largest and most stylish to the smallest of spaces, where color has a strong impact. Exhibits featured colors coordinated in both delicate tones and loud statements among the sink, toilet and bidet. Those who prefer a classic white sink might still choose to personalize the look with counters matched to the toilet or bidet.
How to Remodel a Bathroom
The Astra sink by Carlo Donati in collaboration with Cemento Line features colored concrete.
Lalita line from Ceramica Globo
OPI collection from Ceramica Globo
Febe bathtub from Ceramica Cielo
4. Inviting Bathtubs
Tubs with soft, round and inviting silhouettes are in this season. When space allows it, freestanding models are the clear choice to create a spa-like environment at home. For those who love relaxing in the tub, models with higher rims offer better back support. For smaller bathrooms, there is a wide variety of personalization options: One idea we saw was a semi-circular tub that makes it possible to play around with geometry even in tight spaces.
4. Inviting Bathtubs
Tubs with soft, round and inviting silhouettes are in this season. When space allows it, freestanding models are the clear choice to create a spa-like environment at home. For those who love relaxing in the tub, models with higher rims offer better back support. For smaller bathrooms, there is a wide variety of personalization options: One idea we saw was a semi-circular tub that makes it possible to play around with geometry even in tight spaces.
Regina freestanding cast-iron bathtub by Devon & Devon
5. Pared-Back, High-Tech Showers
Dark shower fixtures radiated elegant style. If this season’s tubs are soft and round, showers adhere to a cleaner, more pared-back aesthetic. For example, in the CRIXT486 shower, designed by Naomi Hasuike of Makio Hasuike & Co. for Cristina Rubinetterie, pictured, “the shower head is aligned with the small shelf below for harmonious proportions,” says designer Naomi Hasuike. Faucets on display both regulated water temperature and helped reduce consumption.
Dark shower fixtures radiated elegant style. If this season’s tubs are soft and round, showers adhere to a cleaner, more pared-back aesthetic. For example, in the CRIXT486 shower, designed by Naomi Hasuike of Makio Hasuike & Co. for Cristina Rubinetterie, pictured, “the shower head is aligned with the small shelf below for harmonious proportions,” says designer Naomi Hasuike. Faucets on display both regulated water temperature and helped reduce consumption.
Dornbracht rain shower head
Simplicity was seen in ceiling-mounted shower heads with no visible screws. The at-home spa look comes through here too, with walk-in showers with thin and pared-back glass walls, invisible support systems and curbless entrances. Integrated lights were another popular touch: The style pictured, for example, is available with two light sources.
Simplicity was seen in ceiling-mounted shower heads with no visible screws. The at-home spa look comes through here too, with walk-in showers with thin and pared-back glass walls, invisible support systems and curbless entrances. Integrated lights were another popular touch: The style pictured, for example, is available with two light sources.
Evoline cabinet, Stoneware System countertop, Sapphire Inca bathtub by Moma Design
6. Marble and Faux Marble Accents
Accents in marble or marble-look porcelain tile add a rich dose of style. We saw marble and faux marble accents used on the bottom rim of bathtubs to create a sort of pedestal or as a countertop to contrast with wooden drawers. Marble or stone inserts can be used to make even the most classic bathroom faucet more sophisticated.
6. Marble and Faux Marble Accents
Accents in marble or marble-look porcelain tile add a rich dose of style. We saw marble and faux marble accents used on the bottom rim of bathtubs to create a sort of pedestal or as a countertop to contrast with wooden drawers. Marble or stone inserts can be used to make even the most classic bathroom faucet more sophisticated.
Holiday bathtub in White Tec Plus from Devon & Devon, designed in collaboration with Gensler
Sink from the Gradina collection, designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte in Fior di Pesco Carnico marble for Margraf
Stilo collection from Tailormade Stocco
7. Wood Details
Wood finishes popped up in a variety of new styles and combinations, from stone countertops paired with milled walnut cabinetry to wood inlay or new materials. The vanity pictured here, from Tailormade Stocco’s Stilo collection, is finished in T.Lam, a thermolaminate polymer applied to an MDF substrate.
7. Wood Details
Wood finishes popped up in a variety of new styles and combinations, from stone countertops paired with milled walnut cabinetry to wood inlay or new materials. The vanity pictured here, from Tailormade Stocco’s Stilo collection, is finished in T.Lam, a thermolaminate polymer applied to an MDF substrate.
Shape bathroom vanity in ribbed-effect wood finish by Arcom
Freestanding tubular towel warmer from a line of accessories paired with the Jeometrica line designed by Luca Nichetto for Scavolini
8. Decorative Towel Racks
As the bathroom becomes more prominent, whatever its size, every detail becomes important. Even the towel rack can be a beautiful feature.
8. Decorative Towel Racks
As the bathroom becomes more prominent, whatever its size, every detail becomes important. Even the towel rack can be a beautiful feature.
Buck, by Egg-s for Ever Life Design, pictured, is an example of a modular and multifunctional piece that integrates a shelf and a towel rack. Light and pared back, it is a work of art in the bathroom.
Hipster Batteria faucet from Mamoli
9. Faucets as Small Sculptures
Faucets are another detail that can be customized to underscore the overall effect. Why not go bold with dark finishes or complete the look with stone or marble accents?
9. Faucets as Small Sculptures
Faucets are another detail that can be customized to underscore the overall effect. Why not go bold with dark finishes or complete the look with stone or marble accents?
Spaghetti faucet by Elisa Ossino for Salvatori
Luce basin from Casabath
10. Integrated Light
Lighting also can lend a touch of sophistication. From mirrors with integrated LEDs to sinks with lights incorporated in the base, there were plenty of ideas that would work with spaces big or small.
10. Integrated Light
Lighting also can lend a touch of sophistication. From mirrors with integrated LEDs to sinks with lights incorporated in the base, there were plenty of ideas that would work with spaces big or small.
Franky mirror, designed by Diego Grandi for Azzurra Ceramica
The mirror in the image stands out with integrated LEDs. It can be personalized even further: The accompanying accessories — a semicircular shelf and a toothbrush holder — are equipped with magnets so they can be positioned anywhere on its surface.
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The mirror in the image stands out with integrated LEDs. It can be personalized even further: The accompanying accessories — a semicircular shelf and a toothbrush holder — are equipped with magnets so they can be positioned anywhere on its surface.
More on Houzz
Read more bathroom stories
Get bathroom design ideas
Find a bathroom designer
Shop for bathroom products
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