From Timeless Elegance to Playful Colors
What does the bathroom design of the coming years look like?
Cersaie 2024 gave us a deep dive into the latest in bathroom design, where nature-inspired, classic elegance and a touch of colorful details dominated. While many of the trends we see today are based on timeless and nature-inspired aesthetics, we were also introduced to bolder choices that could inspire the bathrooms of the future – both in Sweden and internationally.
There were many inspiring design solutions, but it was also clear that there was less focus on technical plumbing and new technology than in recent years.
As a supplier of floor drains, we at Purus are keen to ensure that our products are not only functional but can also be seamlessly integrated as a natural part of the interior, contributing to the overall room experience. That’s why we strive to stay updated on trends and influences for the environments our products will serve in – with a special focus on design drains and the bathrooms of the future. So, we took a look at one of Europe’s largest bathroom fairs at Cersaie again this year and this is the major trends for 2024:
Natural tones and materials
Nature-inspired colors like beige and gray still dominate, and especially marble and travertine were widely used over large areas in the form of tiles, even on bathtubs and washbasins made of solid stone. These materials were consistent in almost all exhibits, contributing to an exclusive and timeless feel. Light, nature-colored surfaces, particularly in beige and light gray tones, were often combined with marble or other patterned materials to create a sense of weight and luxury.
We also saw a lot of wood, both in bathroom furniture and on room surfaces. Many tiles mimicked wood and were so well-crafted that it was almost impossible to distinguish them from real wood. The combination of marble and wood, often oak or walnut, created a balance between luxury and naturalness, and many exhibitors complemented the look with details in bronze, brass, or copper. These details add a subtle warmth to the room and balance the minimalist with the classically elegant. Large tile formats, up to 120×278 cm, were a clear trend, used to create seamless surfaces that give the room an open and airy feeling.
Blue Takes Center Stage - Cobalt Blue Dominated the Exhibits
Blue, especially cobalt blue, was a color that really stood out at Cersaie 2024. It wasn’t just used on the exhibition stand walls and constructions but was also prominent in interior details, tile patterns, bathroom furniture, and fixtures. Cobalt blue was used to bring life to the more neutral, nature-colored bases, and we saw everything from geometric patterns to large, solid-colored surfaces.
Several exhibitors showcased a wide range of color options for fixtures, both in PVD-coated and lacquered finishes, covering the entire color spectrum. It was clear that many wanted to give consumers the opportunity to personalize their bathrooms with a unique touch. Although blue was the most dominant color, we also saw hints of other colors like green, pink, and warm tones like orange and terracotta. Still, blue held a superior place in many booths and will undoubtedly play a prominent role in future bathrooms.
Luxurious Details and Play with Textures
Another strong trend was the use of texture and playful combinations of different surfaces. Ribbed textures appeared on both large format tiles and furniture, adding an interesting tactile dimension to the design. This texture gave the room depth without feeling overwhelming. We also saw wallpaper-inspired tiles used to create decorative walls with a textile or artistic feel. These tiles provide an aesthetic reminiscent of wallpaper but with the durability of ceramic materials – perfect for wet rooms.
Classic luxury was strongly represented through fixtures in brass, bronze, and copper. PVD-coated steel continued to be a central trend, and we saw a wide range of finishes, including chrome, gunmetal/graphite, and various shades of black, in both matte and glossy finishes. This balance between the tactile and the luxurious gave a sense of exclusivity, even in the simplest displays.
Geometric Patterns and Organic Shapes
In contrast to the soft, natural tones, we also saw a playful use of geometric patterns and organic shapes. Many exhibitors combined large format tiles with geometric patterns like squares or tiles laid in herringbone patterns. Alongside these strict geometric patterns, there were also several organic shapes, such as oval mirrors, rounded corners on furniture, and arched doorways, giving the rooms an organic flow and an inviting expression.
This blend of strict lines and soft curves has already taken hold in the interior design world, and bathroom design seems to be following the same direction. The result is an interesting combination of modern and classic, where contrasts interact to create visual balance.
Hidden Solutions and Sustainability
Hidden solutions were also prominent at the fair. These are solutions that have already increased in popularity here in Sweden, and it’s clear that this trend will continue to grow. Tiled shower solutions and hidden floor drains create a clean and minimalist expression while being both practical and elegant.
When it comes to sustainability, it may have been less of a focus than expected, but several exhibitors presented tiles made from recycled materials. The durability of ceramics was also highlighted as a sustainable aspect – these tiles have a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and contributing to more eco-friendly solutions.
Will These Trends Catch On in Northern Europe?
Although we often stick to safe and neutral choices here in the Nordic region, we see an increasing willingness to add more personal and colorful details. Blue may take some time before it fully catches on in Swedish bathrooms, but we are already seeing tendencies for more people to experiment with colors, especially in the form of accents and details.
Sustainable and hidden solutions are something we already see in the Swedish market, and we expect to see even more of this going forward. Modular solutions, such as the ability to customize bathroom furniture and floor drains, make it easier for people to personalize their spaces without having to undertake major renovation projects.
A Brief Summary
Cersaie 2024 showed us that bathroom design is in constant evolution, but with a clear balance between the safe, timeless, and the more playful and bold. Whether you prefer minimalist solutions or want to add a splash of color to your bathroom, there is no doubt that there is something for everyone – both at home and internationally.
