Ash Chilver, Sales Director at HiB, takes a look at the bathroom trends for the coming year, and how offering interior recommendations to customers can make all the difference to your business.

When working on a new bathroom, or even a full refurbishment, installers can add value by recommending on-trend items at the very start of the process, ensuring the customer achieves the desired look from their new interior.

What’s more, by opening these conversations with the homeowner, installers can develop a new revenue stream for their business, as customers will doubtless ask for recommendations on which products can be used to bring their bathrooms to life.

So, what are the top trends currently hitting the market?

Industrial statement

Still on the rise, this trend is very current and installers should expect to see an increase in popularity for this type of design in the coming year. Natural materials and industrial fixtures and fittings continue to dominate in interiors, but are now being paired with earthy colours to create a more sophisticated scheme – this trend is all about accentuating the warm tones of wood and brushed metallic.

Wood accents

An extension of the industrial style – inviting nature inside the home is a growing trend. Warmer tones and accents are becoming increasingly popular – various shades of wood can complement white, blue, green, and darker coloured bathrooms. 

Wood accents pair nicely with vintage and industrial trends, so it’s no surprise that they’re making a resurgence.

Time for tech

As technology continues to permeate our everyday lives, consumers will increasingly value multi-functional designs that are both attractive and practical. Here, an all-singing, all-dancing mirror or mirrored cabinet can provide a stunning showpiece.

This growing trend includes integrating Bluetooth speaker systems, allowing consumers to easily wind down with the sounds of their favourite tunes. Modern day bathrooms are transforming into personalised day spas, and these technologies make the experience more relaxing and convenient than ever before.

Combining colour-changing LED lighting with the ability to play media straight from a homeowner’s device, Bluetooth-enabled ceiling lights represent the very forefront of bathroom luxury, and will add a genuine touch of the extravagant for homeowners.

Back to black

When it comes to the bathroom, neutral tones will always be a popular choice. However, in recent years, homeowners have begun to move towards bolder, darker styles – darker tones, specifically black, are here.

While black may seem like an overwhelming colour to use in a bathroom, there are clever ways to can incorporate this trend into the bathroom. Mirrors with black sides, for instance, would look fantastic against a white bathroom wall, perfect for those aiming to achieve a stylish and modern bathroom.

Make use of space

Compact storage solutions are increasingly a must-have for consumers seeking a clutter-free environment. Hidden cabinets, modern wall shelving, and wall hung units, for example, are both unobtrusive in design and deceptively roomy, allowing the entire bathroom to feel more open and organised.

One trend that is also really catching on with bathroom furniture is tall storage units. Usually popular in smaller bathrooms, they’re perfect for hiding away towels, toiletries, and cleaning products. 

Tall wall units are slender and narrow but have depth, which means they create the feeling of space, while providing enough room for decent storage. However, they are becoming increasingly popular in larger bathrooms as they are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also provide great storage solutions. 

When planning a new or refurbished bathroom, homeowners want something that will stand out, and it is often up to the installer to help them achieve this. By highlighting the core trends early on, and offering guidance on available products, installers can tap into a customer’s design vision and take advantage of a clear upsell opportunity