Ever wondered what the most asked-for items are when it comes to bathroom design? Would you hazard a guess? We have the lowdown from top designers on what’s popular right now…

From the most loved colours, materials and finishes, to the latest tech, KBB journo Laurie Davidson has asked the experts for the sought-after elements in bathroom design at the moment. Read on to be in the know and discover advice on how you can have these wishlist items in your own project, too…

10. Green bathrooms

We’ve seen green creeping steadily into interiors, especially with the growing need to create calming, tranquil environments to retreat to in our homes; and it doesn’t stop with kitchens and bedrooms.

Getting that green fix in the bathroom, it seems, is becoming a much-asked-for requirement. “We’ve noticed homeowners increasingly leaning towards sage green on moodboards when starting a bathroom refresh,” says Jorge Hernandez, head of design at Crosswater. “Perhaps that’s no surprise, as this calming shade works seamlessly with gold, black, or wooden accents, without dominating the space. This versatility makes it a great colour for core features such as vanity units and tiles.”

Top tips

• Consider how impactful you want green to be in your bathroom. You might want to go for a deep green paint on the walls, or some striking emerald tiles, or perhaps you’d rather incorporate some lighter greens through accessories or plants.
• Choosing the right shade of green is important when it comes to how you want your room to feel, too. You can achieve a real feeling of luxury with some darker greens, like forest or olive green for example, while shades of seafoam, sage, and mint are ideal for a more restful space.
• If you want to create a truly standout look, why not colour-drench your bathroom, with the walls, tiles and even the fittings in the same, or similar, shades of green?

9. Personalised bathroom vanities

When it comes to vanity units, there are a few key requests that are on the rise – with plenty of storage, finishes, and proportion playing a big part. That’s why a bespoke design can be so useful, as it allows you to get whatever it is you want, whether it’s a curved shape, stone basin, or a long length with open shelving for a unique look.

“Deep, wide, made-to-measure drawers are a rising favourite in 2025 bathroom design, offering generous, organised storage that keeps personal items neatly tucked away without compromising style,” notes Tamara Heller, UK marketing operations manager at Schmidt UK.

Top tips

• If you opt for a wall-hung vanity, ensure that the wall can support the vanity’s weight, especially when the drawers are full. You’ll also want to make sure it’s at the correct height, so that you don’t have to bend down too far to open drawers or access shelves.
• Decide whether you want to incorporate some internal compartments, to make storage neater.
• Work out whether you need integrated sockets within your vanity, or whether you want to incorporate any LED lighting.

8. Make it marble

Marble has been popular for years now and it seems there’s no sign of this timeless stone subsiding in the popularity stakes any time soon. Whereas it used to be resigned to tiles, these days, it’s being used for basins, vanity tops, and even stone-drenching, with the whole room wrapped in wall-to-wall marble for the ultimate in luxurious finishes. “Marble remains the greatest expression of bathroom luxury,” says Mike Manders, co-founder of Haddon.

“It brings a depth of character and sophistication that few materials can rival. Increasingly, we’re seeing demand for full marble pieces, especially freestanding tubs and basins carved from the material. A marble bath is the crown jewel of a bathroom. It commands attention, anchors the space, and offers a sculptural beauty that elevates the entire room. There’s also an appreciation for its individuality as no two marble baths are ever the same, and that uniqueness is exactly what today’s homeowners are seeking. It’s a true statement of refinement, luxury, and quality,” he says.

Top tips

• Remember that using marble in your bathroom will require some maintenance. You’ll need to regularly clean and seal it, for example, to help it maintain its beauty and prevent unwanted moisture and stains.
• Using one shade of marble for all your surfaces can create a seamless look, whereas using a contrasting, darker hue on your floor will help give the illusion of height to your bathroom.
• Pick out the colours in the veining of your marble for your bathroom accessories, to create a cohesive scheme.

7. Statement bathroom lighting

We’re not surprised that lighting made our top 10 list… Get it wrong, and your bathroom suddenly becomes a space that’s less practical and one that you’re unlikely to want to spend any length of time in. In most cases, including just one overhead light won’t cut it. “Lighting is key in every room, but no more so than in the bathroom,” points out Nicky Dobree, founder of Nicky Dobree Interior Design.

“You’ll need task lighting for make-up, and mood lighting for when having a bath. We use several layers of light, from spotlights, wall lights, niche lights, to low-level LED lights on separate circuits, and an illuminated, magnifying, self-demisting mirror is often requested, too,” says Nicky.

Top tips

• How do you use your bathroom? Do you do your make-up in front of the mirror? Then you’ll need your face to be well lit from both sides. Or perhaps you’d like ambient lighting on dimmers for when you’re relaxing in the bath.
• Check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating to ensure your lighting is suitable based on its position. For example, lights over your shower or bath need a higher IP rating.
• Colour-changing lights can be a fun choice and help set the mood.

6. Spa bathroom features

As daily life grows busier, so does the need for our bathrooms to be more than just a functional space; which is why a spa-style design has become a key requirement from homeowners. Whether it’s calming colours, soft lighting, or waterfall showers, it means that bathrooms are becoming little wellness retreats where we can energise ourselves in the morning, and relax at the end of the day.

“The major trend in bathroom design is towards creating a spa experience at home,” says Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing at House of Rohl. “The idea of the bathroom as a wellness space, both for physical and mental recovery, rather than simply a functional room for washing, is increasingly appreciated by buyers. Our new Kerid bath has been designed with this in mind and is entirely different to every other bath in the Victoria + Albert range. Compact, with high walls and a raised seat on the base, it is designed for seated bathing, with immersion up to the chest.”

Top tips

• Consider all the options when it comes to giving your bathroom a spa feel, from the textures you include (tactile materials work well) to calming colours and dimmable lights.
• Create a personalised playlist, whether it’s soft music or white noise to help create a calm environment.
• Why not include a seat in your shower, so you can relax while you use pampering products – and even use colour therapy to improve your wellbeing.

5. Mixed metallics

Unless you’re buying all of your fittings from the same supplier, it can be hard to guarantee the finishes will be perfectly matched, which is why mixed metallics and differing colourways have become popular in 2025. Rather than looking completely mismatched, using mixed metals can actually bring a unique appeal and interest to individual areas, when done right.

“Polished chrome and high-shine brass are giving way to more refined brushed finishes,” reveals Ines Barbosa, designer at Ripples Oxford. “Brushed chrome and anthracite are particularly in demand for their ability to soften a space, while also being more forgiving when it comes to fingerprints and watermarks. White finishes are gaining popularity, too, especially in ceiling-mounted fixtures like showerheads, where a flush appearance can help create a serene and seamless look.”

Top tips

• Take into account any existing finishes you might have in your bathroom, whether it’s a heated towel rail, or even a bathroom mirror, and think about how they’ll work with other colours or finishes.
• Try and stick to just two or three metals, so as not to completely overwhelm the space.
• Make one of these metals the more dominant one, whether it’s brass, chrome, brushed nickel, or even matt black, and create a contrast between shiny and matt finishes.

4. Double basins

Double basins are becoming more requested, and it’s easier to see why, especially in busy family homes where time is of the essence when it comes to getting ready in the morning. With many homeowners investing in their bathrooms and stealing space to make them larger, it’s becoming easier to include a double design and achieve an indulgent feel. “Couples or busy families often request double basins to make mornings smoother – it’s a simple luxury that makes a big difference,” says Pia Pelkonen, creative director at Pia Design.

Top tips

• Make sure there’s enough space for both people to use the basins at the same time comfortably – at least 120cm width to avoid the space feeling cramped.
• Plan storage carefully to keep everything organised underneath the basins.
• Wall-mounted taps can free up surface space and keep things looking elegant.

3. Freestanding baths

Think of a luxurious bathroom, and nine times out of 10, it’s likely to have a freestanding bath in it. Whether it’s a traditional roll-top design with claw feet, a more modern, organic shape, vintage- looking copper, or a bath that’s painted to suit your taste, including one in your scheme is a great option for those who want the ultimate indulgence. “We’ve seen growing interest in freestanding baths, both indoor and outdoor,” says Carly Allison, head of brand and product, Fired Earth.

“The addition of a freestanding tub adds a touch of luxury to the space, which can be modern or more traditional in style – see the more contemporary shape of our Aurelia bath, or the more classic feel of our Florence model. Comfortable and elegant, freestanding baths are a great choice for those looking to create a luxurious room,” says Carly.

Top tips

• Make sure you try before you buy; everyone bathes in different ways. Whether you like to read a book in the tub or be cocooned in a bath with high sides, you’ll want to ensure it’s a comfortable fit.
• Having a small bathroom doesn’t mean you can’t include a freestanding bath. There’s lots of compact designs available, and it can help your room feel larger, as having a tub with legs can expose more of the floor around its base.
• Check your floor can support the weight of a freestanding bath, and allow space around it for easy access into the tub.

2. Smart bathroom technology

Designers agree that there’s a growing demand for intelligent bathroom features, with technology that enhances the space. Think bespoke shower settings (pre-saved to control the temperature and water pressure), LED lighting, automatic lid opening on toilets, warm air drying, and other personalised settings controlled via remote or apps. And rather than simply being a luxury, these items are designed to offer convenience, improve hygiene, and save on resources.

“Technology in bathrooms is becoming more and more popular,” says Amy Hunt, founder of Amy Hunt Interior Design. “From mirrors with touch controls and built-in lighting, to motion-sensitive LEDs and smart underfloor heating, these features can really enhance the daily routine.”

Top tips

• Plan any technology elements at the beginning of a bathroom design, so that the wiring and placement can be fully integrated beforehand.
• Consider options such as responsive showerheads, motion-sensor taps, demisting mirrors, and automatic lighting.
• If you’re installing smart shower fixtures, such as sensor taps and smart shower valves, keep in mind they typically require a minimum and maximum water pressure range to function effectively.

1. Walk-in showers

Drum roll please… The number one, most-requested bathroom item of 2025 is a luxurious walk-in shower. With it dominating bathroom renovations across the country, it seems everyone is hankering for a spacious open shower without any fiddly sliding doors or enclosures. Team that with concealed shower valves, a rainfall showerhead, and some body jets, and you’ve got yourselves an indulgent, calming spot that’s enjoyable rather than just functional.

“Walk-in showers create a luxury feel and keep all of the wet area in one space,” says Jo Aynsley, design director at Jeffreys Interiors.

Top tips

• Think about where to position your walk-in shower. Locating it behind a partial wall or fluted screen adds privacy without it feeling enclosed.
• Check the type of flooring underneath your shower, as this will affect where it can go and how the pipework and drainage are managed.
• Frameless glass can give you an open look – it is ideal for a walk-in shower and makes the room feel more expansive.

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