Designers Tell All: Today’s Top 10 Bathroom Trends

Get the lowdown on today’s most popular bathroom design trends from top designers Jill Goldberg and Kate Singer.

By Jean Nayar

Designer Tips

Ever wonder how top designers create inspired, relaxing retreats for their clients? We asked two—Jill Goldberg of Boston-based Hudson Interior Designs and Kate Singer of Long Island, New York–based Kate Singer Home—to reveal some of the hot trends they’re seeing in bathroom design today. Here’s what they had to say.

Photo: Restoration Hardware
Patterned Floors

Mosaic tile is a smart splurge for today’s bath. With a variety of patterns and colors to choose from, it can be used to create a work of floor art or a dramatic focal point—particularly in a smaller bath.
—Designer Kate Singer

Photo: Kelly Scanlon Designs
Spa Features

There continues to be a strong movement toward baths that are light and airy and a bit spa-like in design, with deep whirlpool or soaking tubs and steam showers. Rain shower heads are also frequent requests from clients.
—Designer Kate Singer

Photo: schoener-woeden.de
Ornate Wallpapers

Although contemporary baths are still focusing on black and white, traditional baths are stepping it up with more ornate wallpapers and tiles. Swathed in bright colors or luxurious patterns and textures, classic bathrooms convey a sense of personality.
—Designer Jill Goldberg

Photo: JaneLockhart.com
White and Bright

Modern baths are beginning to veer toward a timeless look—black, white, and marble—with penny rounds on the floor, subway tile on the walls, and a soft gray palette overall. White, bright, and fresh—you can’t go wrong!
—Designer Jill Goldberg

Photo: CCGinteriors.com
Daring Colors

More and more people are introducing different tones of greens, blues, and even purples into bathrooms. We’re not talking the expected sky blue or pale green, but instead Kelly green and electric blue that liven up the space with a modern sensibility.
—Designer Jill Goldberg

Photo: updatedallas.com
Natural Countertops

This one is not so much a current trend as an enduring one: Marble and other natural stones, like Carrara from Italy, are still popular and preferred for bathroom counter space. Danby Imperial, a quarry stone from Vermont, is my favorite option at the moment.
—Designer Kate Singer

Photo: JodieRosenDesign.com
Porcelain Floor Tile

For small half baths, I find many clients want to keep their flooring traditional. But for the larger bathrooms and master suites, 12″ x 24″ porcelain floor tiles are popular, particularly those that replicate wood and tweed patterns.
—Designer Jill Goldberg

Photo: cercantile.com
Brassy Finishes

While there are an endless number of faucet finishes to choose from, unlacquered brass is becoming very big right now. Its aged look and low luster offer a stunning contrast when paired with clean, white modern tiles.
—Designer Jill Goldberg

Photo: indigochre.com
Specialty Hardware

Hardware is a great way to customize your space and add elegance, class, or even whimsy. Look for specialty hardware suppliers that can offer more than standard drawer pulls and cabinet knobs to accent your bath.
—Designer Jill Goldberg

Photo: anthropologie.com
Custom Solutions

Clients want cabinets to work for their specific needs. For those who opt out of custom millwork, mixing and matching cabinets from companies like Restoration Hardware and Ikea is a great alternative.
—Designer Jill Goldberg

Photo: Restoration Hardware