10 Top Trends in Bathrooms From Salone del Mobile 2022
We bring you trends from Salone del Bagno, the bathroom-focused event within the iconic trade fair in Milan, Italy
Customisation, coherence, and elegance were the keywords for Salone del Bagno 2022, which took a deep dive into bathroom design (held from 7 to 12 June 2022 in Milan, Italy, concurrently with the Salone del Mobile trade fair). Houzz was on the scene, where we saw increased attention to detail in bathrooms big 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, we’ve seen multi-functional solutions that are as simple and pared back as they are attractive, as in the example of a towel rack that doubles as a shelf and clothes hanger. As for materials, marble and faux marble are popping up as accents on bathtubs or faucets, while pairings of timber and tiles make for unexpected finishes. Shapes are soft, embracing, inviting, especially in the case of bathtubs.
And there’s increasing attention to detail: for example, the hand-towel rack is turning into a decor piece while fluid palettes see sinks and toilets in the same tones as vanities. Along with that comes plenty of opportunity for mixing and matching with bold and personalised contrasts. Fixtures and furnishings also pick up the colour and pattern of wallpapers for a coherent look.
For smaller bathrooms, we’ve seen multi-functional solutions that are as simple and pared back as they are attractive, as in the example of a towel rack that doubles as a shelf and clothes hanger. As for materials, marble and faux marble are popping up as accents on bathtubs or faucets, while pairings of timber and tiles make for unexpected finishes. Shapes are soft, embracing, inviting, especially in the case of bathtubs.
And there’s increasing attention to detail: for example, the hand-towel rack is turning into a decor piece while fluid palettes see sinks and toilets in the same tones as vanities. Along with that comes plenty of opportunity for mixing and matching with bold and personalised contrasts. Fixtures and furnishings also pick up the colour and pattern of wallpapers for a coherent look.
2. Wallpaper that wows
Wallpaper adds a new layer to bathrooms as style and attention to detail become more of a factor. Various exhibitors showcased highly coherent designs with wallpaper patterns reappearing on other bathroom features for a highly refined result. A solid wallpaper colour picked up by the sink and toilet makes a strong chromatic statement.
Patterned wallpapers are leveraged the same way: the Secret Gardens collection by Marcel Wanders Studio for Devon & Devon (pictured) includes wallpapers, ceramics, a vanity table and a mirror that all pick up the same pattern.
Wallpaper adds a new layer to bathrooms as style and attention to detail become more of a factor. Various exhibitors showcased highly coherent designs with wallpaper patterns reappearing on other bathroom features for a highly refined result. A solid wallpaper colour picked up by the sink and toilet makes a strong chromatic statement.
Patterned wallpapers are leveraged the same way: the Secret Gardens collection by Marcel Wanders Studio for Devon & Devon (pictured) includes wallpapers, ceramics, a vanity table and a mirror that all pick up the same pattern.
Textile Grove wallpaper by Tecnografica.
Find, follow and network with design and renovation pros on Houzz
Find, follow and network with design and renovation pros on Houzz
Azzurra Ceramica stand at Milan Design Week 2022.
3. Matchy matchy…
We saw coordinating colours in several bathrooms, from the largest and most stylish to the smallest of spaces, where colour has a strong impact. From the softest, most delicate tones to the loudest statements, exhibits often featured colour spread across the sink, toilet and bidet.
There are, of course, those who prefer a classic white sink, but might still choose to match the vanity top to the toilet – there are unlimited options for personalisation.
3. Matchy matchy…
We saw coordinating colours in several bathrooms, from the largest and most stylish to the smallest of spaces, where colour has a strong impact. From the softest, most delicate tones to the loudest statements, exhibits often featured colour spread across the sink, toilet and bidet.
There are, of course, those who prefer a classic white sink, but might still choose to match the vanity top to the toilet – there are unlimited options for personalisation.
The Astra basin by Carlo Donati in collaboration with Cemento Line (pictured) features coloured concrete.
Lalita line from Ceramica Globo.
OPI collection from Ceramica Globo.
…Or contrasting
In addition coordinating colours, we saw juxtapositions of bold tones that give spaces a strong personality.
…Or contrasting
In addition coordinating colours, we saw juxtapositions of bold tones that give spaces a strong personality.
Febe bathtub from Ceramica Cielo.
4. Inviting bathtubs
Tubs with soft, round and inviting silhouettes are currently ‘in’. When space allows, freestanding models are the clear choice to create a spa-like environment at home. For those who love relaxing in the tub, designs with higher rims offer better back support. For smaller bathrooms, there is a wide variety of personalisation options: one idea we saw was a semi-circular tub and side-to-wall baths that make it possible to play around with geometry even in tight spaces.
4. Inviting bathtubs
Tubs with soft, round and inviting silhouettes are currently ‘in’. When space allows, freestanding models are the clear choice to create a spa-like environment at home. For those who love relaxing in the tub, designs with higher rims offer better back support. For smaller bathrooms, there is a wide variety of personalisation options: one idea we saw was a semi-circular tub and side-to-wall baths that make it possible to play around with geometry even in tight spaces.
Regina freestanding cast-iron bathtub by Devon & Devon.
Browse contemporary bathroom designs by Australian pros on Houzz
Browse contemporary bathroom designs by Australian pros on Houzz
5. Pared-back, high-tech showers
A selection of dark shower fixtures radiate elegant style. If this season’s tubs are soft and round, showers adhere to a cleaner, more pared-back aesthetic. In the CRIXT486 shower column, designed by Makio Hasuike & Co for Cristina Rubinetterie
(pictured), for example, “the showerhead is aligned with the small shelf below for harmonious proportions,” says designer Naomi Hasuike.
Also on display were taps that not only regulate water temperature, but also help reduce water consumption.
A selection of dark shower fixtures radiate elegant style. If this season’s tubs are soft and round, showers adhere to a cleaner, more pared-back aesthetic. In the CRIXT486 shower column, designed by Makio Hasuike & Co for Cristina Rubinetterie
(pictured), for example, “the showerhead is aligned with the small shelf below for harmonious proportions,” says designer Naomi Hasuike.
Also on display were taps that not only regulate water temperature, but also help reduce water consumption.
Dornbracht rain showerhead.
Simplicity was also on display in ceiling-mounted showerheads with no visible screws, for a super-clean look. The at-home spa look comes through here too, with walk-in showers featuring thin and pared-back glass walls, invisible support systems and curbless floors. Integrated lights are another popular touch: the style pictured here, for example, is available with two different light sources.
Simplicity was also on display in ceiling-mounted showerheads with no visible screws, for a super-clean look. The at-home spa look comes through here too, with walk-in showers featuring thin and pared-back glass walls, invisible support systems and curbless floors. Integrated lights are another popular touch: the style pictured here, for example, is available with two different light sources.
Evoline cabinet, Stoneware System worktop, Sapphire Inca bathtub by Moma Design.
6. Marble and faux marble accents
Accents in marble or marble-look porcelain tiles 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 vanity top to contrast wooden drawers. Marble or stone inserts can also be used to make even the most classic bathroom tapware more sophisticated.
6. Marble and faux marble accents
Accents in marble or marble-look porcelain tiles 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 vanity top to contrast wooden drawers. Marble or stone inserts can also be used to make even the most classic bathroom tapware 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. Wooden details
Timber finishes are popping up in a variety of new styles and combinations, from stone tops paired with milled walnut cabinetry to wood inlay or new materials. The vanity pictured here, from Tailormade Stocco’s Stilo colelction, is finished in T.Lam, a thermolaminate polymer applied to an MDF substrate.
7. Wooden details
Timber finishes are popping up in a variety of new styles and combinations, from stone tops paired with milled walnut cabinetry to wood inlay or new materials. The vanity pictured here, from Tailormade Stocco’s Stilo colelction, 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 to go with the Jeometrica line designed by Luca Nichetto for Scavolini.
8. A towel rack to admire
As the bathroom becomes more prominent, whatever its size, every detail becomes important. Even the towel rack can be a beautiful feature.
8. A towel rack to admire
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 multi-functional piece that integrates a shelf and a towel rack. Light and pared back, it is a work of art in the bathroom.
Hipster Batteria tapware from Mamoli.
9. Faucets as small sculptures
Taps are another detail that can be customised 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
Taps are another detail that can be customised 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, too, can lend a touch of sophistication. From mirrors with integrated LEDs to sinks with lights incorporated in the base for an even more spectacular effect, there are plenty of ideas that would work with spaces big or small.
10. Integrated light
Lighting, too, can lend a touch of sophistication. From mirrors with integrated LEDs to sinks with lights incorporated in the base for an even more spectacular effect, there are plenty of ideas that would work with spaces big or small.
Franky mirror, designed by Diego Grandi for Azzurra Ceramica.
The mirror pictured here stands out with integrated LEDs. It can be personalised even further, however: the accompanying accessories – a semicircular shelf and a toothbrush holder – are equipped with magnets so they can be positioned anywhere on its surface.
Your turn
Which of these 10 trends are your clients requesting? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Want more on the latest in international trade fairs? Catch up here with the New York Report: New Trends in Furniture & Design
The mirror pictured here stands out with integrated LEDs. It can be personalised even further, however: the accompanying accessories – a semicircular shelf and a toothbrush holder – are equipped with magnets so they can be positioned anywhere on its surface.
Your turn
Which of these 10 trends are your clients requesting? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Want more on the latest in international trade fairs? Catch up here with the New York Report: New Trends in Furniture & Design
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1. The bathroom is the new living room
No longer a merely functional space, the bathroom has become an increasingly important and elegant space where attention to detail is key. Fitted out with fireplaces and cosy, inviting armchairs, bathrooms cross boundaries to transform into even more comfortable settings for self care.
This part of the home is now characterised by coherence, personalisation and attention to detail.