Karl Lohnes: Two Bathroom Decor Trends Worth Soaking Up

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The number of people doing home repairs and renovations has increased dramatically in the last two years. Spending more time at home has demanded performance and style in some of the toughest rooms, including the bathroom. The desire for an attractive and well-functioning bathroom indicates the desire to take care of ourselves and surround ourselves with beautiful things, even in the smallest and busiest room in the house.

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These are two of my favorite bathroom trends of 2022 that I think will have some longevity. (By that, I mean they will look great for at least five to 10 years.) Serene or eclectic? Let me know which one works best for you.

Trend 1: Go Serene

Choosing a monochromatic look for the bathroom, that is, similar finishes in colors and tones, creates a calm look. For windowless bathrooms, I suggest lighter shades, but if you have a lot of natural light, consider going deeper.

Warm beige and cream colors are all the rage in home decor (replacing gray) as neutrals. Combine warmer colors in paint, tile and cabinets with warm metallic tones for faucets, light fixtures and hardware. Polished or brushed warm gold adds glamor to a room and keeps warm colors flowing.

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The natural stone look is the way to go not only on countertops, but also on walls, floors, and even cabinet fronts. Using one material (stone, wood, tile) throughout is a guaranteed way to keep the overall look uncluttered and visually relaxed.

Tip: To achieve serenity, choose no more than three finishes to decorate the room, for example, creamy marble, soft metallic gold, and warm white. Then build your decorating storyboard from there.

Trend 2: The Eclectic Bathroom

For those who love many decorating styles and love to decorate, this look is for you. Patterned tiles, pops of dark accents (for faucets and lighting, for example), and lots of color contrast are great ways to add personality to an eclectic bathroom. Choosing different patterned tiles for floors and walls can help achieve the look. Larger patterned tiles work best on floors, while a smaller pattern will work better on walls.

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Metallic accents like lighting, faucets, and hardware are like jewels for the room. Dark bronze or black will stand out and be on trend, adding a touch of dark contrast in a small room.

Are you a color lover? Incorporate one of your favorite colors into a tile or countertop, and then use its complementary color for smaller accessories. For example, deep blue tiles will coordinate really well with yellow or lime green to add a pop of color.

Tip: If you rent, consider adding colorful wallpaper and an eye-catching rug to a boring bathroom. It’s a great way to add bold patterns and colors without the compromise and cost of stone or tile.

These three design directions will work in an eclectic or serene look:

1. Incorporate natural elements such as stone or wood.

2. To soften the overall feel, introduce rounded shapes, from the edges of the bathtub to the sinks and taps.

3. Hang a wall dresser. They help show more floor space to make a smaller bathroom appear larger.

Do you have a decorating dilemma or want to give your opinion? You can contact Karl on Instagram @karl_lohnes.