Bathroom product supplier HiB has highlighted 4 key trends that it predicts will be dominant in 2024 – product designer Jasmine Rowe explains the thinking behind each one.
1. Exhale
The first trend, Exhale, takes inspiration from nature-inspired interior design trends. Exhale embraces minimalism, mid-century style, and neutral tones without overusing nature in the space. Characterised by stone finishes, rounded shapes and tactile textures, this trend draws inspiration from the laidback 'California Casual' aesthetic, favouring refined simplicity over rustic elements.
“The style of this trend brings you that same feeling of clarity as when you take a deep breath in and out hence the name ‘exhale’," says Jasmine. "Cooler hues are reintroduced to balance against the warm tones of terracotta. Texture plays a key role in this trend, with a neutral palette its easy to make the space feel flat and washed out, think about how you can mix texture, gloss and matt finishes with light to inject life into your room.”
2. Enamour
The Enamour trend embraces vintage glamour and art deco, offering an air of quiet, timeless elegance. By blending old and new elements through upcycling, Enamour creates a classic contemporary aesthetic. This trend embodies the philosophy of 'less is more’, promoting a clutter-free environment and contributing to what some are calling 'quiet luxury.'
“Seen as the more ‘classic’ style, it’s often associated with a more serious attitude to design, however we are really seeing a more playful and comfort-orientated side to this trend," says Jasmine. "There’s a harmony between the confident contemporary and the sophisticated old money style that you can see in the shapes, patterns and colour palette. We can see less focus on refining and more on pieces with personality.”
3. Elements
For those who like edgier styles, the Elements trend exhibits a stormy aesthetic, using darker neutrals and cool blues to create a moody yet inviting atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Wabi Sabi, Minimalism and Brutalism, Elements seamlessly blends nature's imperfections with refined engineering. The raw and textured feel is achieved through the use of iron and gunmetal brassware, highlighting the beauty in flaws of organic materials.
“Elements is the moody cousin of Exhale," reveals Jasmine. "A texture heavy trend, the trend is influenced by Wabi-Sabi and Brutalism, the raw beauty of nature-derived materials with an emphasis on earthy tones. Organic stone pieces add a dramatic flair and the deeper colour palette cocoons you into the room. Contrast the irregular, rustic features with bold rounded shapes and uber cosy fabrics for a refined feel.”
4. Euphoria
Also new this year is the Euphoria trend, which blends nostalgia with contemporary design. Arches and curves lead the space, offering a sense of fluidity and movement. Geometric and abstract patterns, along with fluted textures add a contemporary touch, while a muted yet colourful palette connects the design to the organic world, bringing a breath of fresh air to any bathroom.
“As the name suggests, we are getting playful with our interiors, focusing on colours and pieces that bring us joy," says Jasmine. "Defined, bolded forms and block colours bring a comforting nostalgic feel. Patterns are minimal, but we are seeing geometric shapes with a particular spotlight on clean, linear textures. What may look like a colourful palette, each hue is influenced by what we see in nature with a muted, chalky tone.”
