A contextual pleasing visual effect can be created by using one material for all the bathroom’s surfaces.

During the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic persisted across the world causing the masses to be confined to their homes, with national guidelines stipulating limited outdoor activity.

Against this backdrop, many owners have used the increased time indoors to reappraise their bathrooms and considering transforming these spaces by upgrading vanity tops, cabinetry, shower cubicles, bathtubs and color palettes. As such, it is a good time for designers, fabricators, installers and showroom owners to consider how they can maximize on this increased appetite for home improvement.

Neolith, a market-leading brand of sintered stone, offers its perspective on what trends will be driving purchasing decisions in 2021.

Entering the third dimension

There is something particularly appealing about the 360° look. One immerses themselves in water when they sink into the bath or step into a shower so there is a contextual pleasing visual effect created by using one material for all the bathroom’s surfaces. Even a uniform specification of a specific pattern allows for a degree of experimentation and creativity within the design brief. With a variety of colors and styles available on the market, the only limit is your imagination. Be sure that the material chosen is waterproof.

There is a trend to bring the look of the outdoors inside, using either natural materials or ones that mimic the look of wood.

Safe and secure spaces

Safety is an important consideration in bathroom design, extending beyond hygiene to physical security, so it needs to be seen as a whole. Polished surfaces, a hugely popular choice for luxury bathrooms, can be slippery when wet, so choosing an attractive and slip-proof material is essential. Additionally, specifying a surface with a slightly textured finish can help add friction to bathroom flooring. The brand's ultra-hygienic properties also make it a natural choice for bathrooms, where cleanliness is key.

Exquisitely eco-friendly

Further, with climate change an ever-growing problem, a sustainable bathroom in 2021 is a sensible one. This can be achieved by specifying a 100% natural surfacing material, which is manufactured in a carbon-neutral environment. In keeping with this theme, smart tech-backed fittings with “eco” settings, which regulate temperature and water flow are an ongoing trend, and not only add a stylish element to the space, but help lower operational emissions.

Freestanding tubs can create a dramatic effect in a space.

The natural selection

Over the last year, Neolith noticed an increasing appetite for bringing in outdoor elements into interior design -- no doubt influenced by various lockdowns -- particularly in the bathroom setting. Mixing natural material patterns, such as richly grained timber, with modern accents like concrete, creates a sophisticated urban look.

Big, bold and beautiful

A separate shower and bathtub combination is a great option for larger families where bathroom space might be at a premium and used by more than one person at a time. A freestanding bath will create an instant impression, and stands out against a pop of color.

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