Think of the best bathroom you’ve ever been to. Chances are it was in a luxury hotel, beautiful restaurant or even a stylish friend’s home… but when it comes to our own bathrooms we’re often less enthused. Recently however, we’ve been seeing a bit of a trend creeping through our latest favourite interiors. Bathrooms are no longer relegated to the last room in the renovation – in fact, some are the standout space in the home.

And why not? With all the potential to serve as your home day spa or simply just a design-friendly escape from reality we think it’s time to have a bit of fun with bathroom design. Here’s some of our recent favourite looks and products to add a fresh approach to bathroom design.

A Minimalist Console

Pare things back and make a statement with a sleek bathroom console or modular system like the Frame System by Norm Architects at Meizai.  Its geometric form and sleek black and stone materiality are perfect for creating a minimalist, modern space.

Paint It Black

We’ve seen a rise in dark bathroom palettes lately and we don’t see the trend dying out anytime soon. However, it’s one thing to add a tone and another to add nuance – as seen in this bathroom from our recent Writer’s House feature, this look is most impactful when uniting contrasting textures and some range in hues. We suggest black tapware like this brushed black chrome number at Rogerseller to contribute to this look.

A Striking Basin

Sometimes just one piece can transform a space and that’s even more true when you’re working with a room that has specific features. We love the sophisticated In Out Basin by Agape for its cylindrical shape and smooth curved form, but you could apply this thinking to any individual bathroom feature – just not all at once!

Make It Monochrome

The monochrome bathroom is nothing new but recent standout spaces have found ways to bring black and white through the materiality as well as the colour palette. As seen in the bathroom of the Lahti Home, why not contrast playful stone floors with glossy subway tile walls, and matte black shower rose with a soaring white stone bath.

The Brass Bath

This brass coated bath from English Tapware makes a bold statement, but is perfectly suited to an otherwise demure light and bright bathroom space. And who wouldn’t want to climb into such a regal tub to luxuriate?

Rich Materials

Whether you prefer to bring in a gold-hued bath or simply add a couple of pops, brass and gold tones work perfectly with another classic material, marble. We love the guest bathroom in this Red Hill home by Innate Home for using these materials to add luxury to a simple white space.

Take It Outside

Bringing indoor and outdoor living together elevates a bathroom to a year-round statement space. As seen in the stunning Double Life House by Breathe Architecture, a well thought-out outdoor shower is not only the essential summer ritual but adds new light, space and dimension to the bathroom. For hardware, we’re fans of English Tapware’s classic brass outdoor shower set.