Consumers are welcoming colour and texture into their en suite bathrooms as they look to bring a bespoke, boutique look back home. Nicola Hanley looks at the latest trends.
One of the best bits about any stay in a boutique hotel has to be the bathroom. Indulgent, luxurious and made for relaxation, there’s just something that little bit special about them. So it’s not surprising that homeowners are increasingly looking to recreate the look in their own en suites.
“En suites in particular need to have a luxury spa feel about them. The unique boutique hotel look and feel is what we’re after these days – that little bit of luxury and peace in your own home,” says Lisa-Marie Johnson, manager at Schmidt Weybridge.
Another noting the trend is Annie Simpson, designer at Ripples Southport. “Clients want to create this extended space of calmness and relaxation to ease them into the day or help them unwind in the evening,” she says.
The consumer trend for individualisation is also influencing design choices. “We are definitely seeing more demand for products that make en suites look more bespoke,” says HiB product designer Jasmine Rowe. “Customers are increasingly seeking to personalise their spaces with unique touches that reflect their individual style.”
Furniture is also becoming more important to en suite design, says Julian Pearson, group commercial director at Be Modern Group, the parent company of the Atlanta Bathrooms brand. “We are seeing trends in en suite bathroom design continue towards customisation while maximising space and storage. Customers want versatility, plenty of size options and contemporary fascia designs, all available in a wide choice of colours. Small design features such as a fluted router in an understated finish and the use of cleverly placed lighting can make a huge impact.”
“We see demand across all our ranges for reduced depth and cloakroom solutions for use in en suites,” says Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia. “Although en suites are often small, there is still plenty of scope to create impact and a highly practical layout, using a combination of reduced depth furniture and sanitaryware with bold colour schemes and glossy, reflective surfaces.”
Another trend that Laufen brand marketing manager Emma Mottram highlights is products that can minimise noise within the en suite. “Silent flush WCs have become highly sought after for this reason as noise reduction is crucial for maintaining a restful atmosphere in the adjoining bathroom,” she says.
Laufen is also seeing a ‘notable rise’ in the use of coloured ceramics, brassware and vanity units. “These elements have evolved from being merely functional to becoming focal points that enhance the overall aesthetic,” says Mottram.
A new generation of modern neutrals are ideal for adding a touch of understated luxury in spa-style en suites. For Welsh retailer The Tap End’s co-creator and designer Justine Bullock, cool tones and greys are out and ‘a new wave of beige’ is very much in. “We personally favour this look especially over the previous trendy greys when paired with warm woods and ambient lighting. We like the combo for its cosiness and warmth,” says Bullock.
The popularity of social media sites such as Pinterest has lead to more clients embracing wallpaper, paint colours and interesting lighting in their en suites too, says Bullock, with tech also playing an increasingly bigger part. “It’s becoming commonplace for Japanese washing WCs to be on people’s wishlists as well as things like smart showers and PIR – Passive Infrared – lighting.
“We love PIR lighting that comes on when you open the door, under cabinet lighting that throws light onto the floor, ambient lighting in the shower or around the bath for evening relaxing and task lighting for mornings,” Bullock says.
RAK Ceramics UK’s sales and marketing director Ben Bryden agrees that technology, for personalised lighting and temperature control, is a big trend in en suite bathroom design alongside freestanding baths and rain showers. “Sustainable materials are also in vogue along with sleek, minimalist features,” says Bryden. “Bold tile patterns and statement lighting add a touch of luxury, making en suites both functional and stylish sanctuaries in the modern home.”
