HiB’s latest Trends Guide offers a glimpse into the year ahead, highlighting the themes and influences that will shape our spaces – product manager Jasmine Rowe talks us through the most important elements.
2025 heralds a new era for bathroom design, where beauty, functionality and individuality take centre stage. These trends are more than just design directions – they’re reflections of our shifting values and priorities. As we seek balance in our lives, we’re drawn to designs that offer comfort, connection, and a sense of individuality.
The emphasis on natural materials, nostalgic influences, and luxurious yet understated finishes speak to our desire for spaces that ground us and tell our stories. As industry professionals, these trends offer us the tools to create bathrooms that not only meet practical needs but also resonate on a deeper, emotional level. By embracing these trends, we’re not just staying ahead of the curve – we’re helping to shape the future of how we live, relax, and rejuvenate.
Let’s dive into what makes these predictions so compelling and why they resonate now more than ever.
1. Nature-inspired serenity
Natural minimalism captures the essence of minimalist Mediterranean design, merging rustic materials with modern elegance. This approach creates a spa-like atmosphere that prioritises simplicity, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. Arched forms, earthy tones, and textures such as microcement and wood evoke traditional Mediterranean architecture while feeling fresh and modern. This trend is perfect for those looking to create a serene, grounding space – a reflection of our collective desire for calm amidst the chaos of 21st century life.
2. Quiet Luxury
Elegant maximalism is redefining opulence with its balance of grandeur and restraint. Inspired by Dark Academia and modern eclecticism, this trend combines deep, saturated hues like burgundy and heritage green with luxurious materials like marble and velvet. Large format patterns and sculptural elements bring a sense of scale and refinement. The focus here is on texture clashes over pattern clashes, with polished brass, velvets, and hard stone finishes creating a tactile richness. This trend is about understated elegance, where every detail feels intentional and sophisticated.
3. Bold retro revival
2025’s retro trend embraces the playful spirit of postmodern design while grounding it in midcentury sophistication. It’s a celebration of individuality, featuring bold graphic stripes, rounded furniture, and vibrant-yet-muted tones like terracotta peach and matte blue. This trend invites experimentation, with contrasting textures and materials such as soft woods, glossy ceramics, and metallic accents creating spaces that feel dynamic and personal. It’s an approach that encourages us to tell our unique design stories.
4. The new industrial
Industrial design is evolving in 2025, blending raw materials with modern refinement. Inspired by New Brutalism – a post-1930 movement which incorporate unusual shapes with raw materials – and Wabi-Sabi – an aesthetic that is often referred to as “imperfect”, “impermanent” and “incomplete” – this trend celebrates imperfection and authenticity. Concrete, stone, and wood form the foundation, while metallic details like gunmetal and chrome add sophistication. Add in earthy tones to soften the aesthetic, and a space is created that feels both rugged and inviting. The interplay of strong geometric forms with softer curves ensures this trend remains timeless and versatile.
5. Shimmer and shine: Metallics take the lead
The use of metallics in bathroom design is evolving. Traditionally limited to fixtures, finishes like silver, aluminium, chrome, and gunmetal are now being used across a variety of elements, from basins to lighting. These cooler metallics bring a contemporary edge, while brushed brass and bronze add a softer, more traditional charm. Glossy finishes, such as black chrome, are also gaining traction, offering a bold, dramatic aesthetic. These metallics are more than decorative; they’re transformative, turning ordinary bathrooms into luxurious retreats. This trend reflects a growing desire for spaces that feel indulgent yet approachable.
6. A nostalgic twist on modern design
Mid-century style is making a strong comeback, but with a contemporary twist. Its iconic curves and organic shapes have been reimagined for today’s interiors, blending seamlessly with eclectic and transitional influences. Think sculptural furniture, bold geometric forms, and a touch of postmodern flair - all of which create a space that feels both modern and nostalgic. These shapes aren’t just about aesthetics. They evoke a sense of calm, warmth, and connection to nature, making the bathroom not just a functional space but a sanctuary. By balancing these soft curves with strong linear elements, such as those seen in industrial and maximalist designs, we’re crafting spaces that are both structured and inviting. It’s about finding harmony between comfort and style, a reflection of the balance many seek in their busy lives today.
7. The colour palette of 2025
Earthy tones and nature-inspired hues continue to take centre stage in bathroom design. This year’s palette – terracotta, olive, mushroom, and muted greens – draws directly from the natural world, evoking the serenity of soil, foliage, and stone. These colours not only ground a space but also create an atmosphere of tranquillity and organic beauty. Darker hues are also stepping into the spotlight. Deep reds, dark greens, and even black are being paired with warm whites and beiges to create a sense of depth and richness without overwhelming the room. Vibrant accents, from Mediterranean terracotta to jewel tones, bring life and energy to these grounded spaces. It’s a palette that balances warmth, sophistication, and a connection to nature.
