The bathroom is no longer just a practical space — it’s becoming one of the most stylish rooms in the home. Designers are moving away from stark white tiles and clinical minimalism, embracing warmer colours, natural materials and details that make the space feel more relaxed and luxurious. Think sculptural bathtubs, textured stone, spa-like showers and soft lighting that creates a calm, retreat-like atmosphere. Inspired by boutique hotels and wellness spaces, today’s bathrooms are designed to feel as good as they look. Here are the trends shaping bathroom design right now.
Warm Earthy Colours
Warm, earthy tones are replacing the cool greys and stark whites that dominated bathrooms for years. Designers are leaning into colours inspired by nature — think soft clay, terracotta, sand, olive and warm stone — to create spaces that feel calm and grounded. These shades instantly add warmth and depth, especially when paired with natural materials like timber, travertine or textured tiles. The result is a bathroom that feels less clinical and more like a relaxing retreat, bringing a softer, more inviting mood to the space.
Ecoya Mandarin Gin Bathroom Edit Gift Set, $90. Resene Swiss Caramel paint available from Resene Colour Shops. Plumbline Oasis Freestanding Bath, $5999, from Mico. Tile Factory Outlet Terraz Carnival Matt 600x600 tile, $29.00 per sqm.
Dramatic Tiles & Pattern
Dramatic tiles and bold patterns are making bathrooms feel much more interesting. Instead of sticking to plain tiles, designers are playing with striking layouts like chevron, herringbone and large-scale patterns that instantly add personality to the space. Textured tiles, terrazzo and handmade finishes are also popular, bringing depth and a slightly imperfect, crafted feel. Whether it’s a statement floor or a tiled feature wall in the shower, these details help turn the bathroom into a space that feels more designed and full of character.
Marinova Majolica Portuguese tiles, $35. Elysian Kitchen Mixer, $30. Heirloom Kolor Radial 360 Fluted Basin, $530. Nesti Dante Pistachio & Salted Caramel Soap Villa Sole, $14.
Statement baths
Statement bathtubs are becoming one of the most eye-catching features in modern bathrooms, and colour is playing a big role in the shift. Instead of classic white, designers are embracing tubs in warm yellow, sage green, deep charcoal and warm cream tones that instantly add personality to the space. These colourful baths act almost like a piece of furniture — a sculptural focal point that anchors the room. Set against natural stone, textured tiles or muted walls, a coloured tub brings depth and a sense of individuality, proving the bathroom can be just as expressive as any other room in the home.
The Water Monopoly Rockwell bath in Sherbet Yellow with matching feet 1700 x 800mm, $13285. Perrin & Rowe Bath mixer, $2055. Resene Aquila Wallpaper Collection SOC112 available from Resene ColorShops. Kate Reed Easton Egyptian Towel Range, $49.
Natural Materials & Texture
Natural materials and rich textures are playing a big role in modern bathroom design, helping spaces feel softer and more organic. Stone surfaces like travertine and limestone bring a natural warmth, while materials such as microcement, terrazzo and handmade tiles add subtle depth and variation. Timber vanities are also becoming popular, introducing an element of warmth that contrasts beautifully with stone and tile. Together, these materials create a layered look that feels tactile and inviting, turning the bathroom into a space that feels warm, relaxed and thoughtfully designed rather than cold or clinical.
Bayview Living Sherwood Mango Wood Wall Mirror, $529. Tile Space Star Onyx Emerald Polish tile, $166 to $186 per m2. Nero Serenity Wall Basin Set, $1104, from Mico. Country Road Loft Marble Soap Pump, $55.
Think texture, stone and warm tones.