5 once-dated bathroom styles designers say are making a comeback in 2024

As with every room in our homes, bathroom trends come and go. And as we usher in 2024, these dated bathroom trends are making a stylish resurrection – and some might be quite the surprise. 

Whether you're planning a major renovation or a quick-and-easy refresh, the bathroom can be a tricky space to tackle the latest trends. But while it may be one of the smallest rooms in your home, that doesn't mean it can't pack a punch. There's plenty of scope to embrace textures, taps, and tubs to create a personal space that is totally unique to you and your home.

From colored sinks to daringly retro tiles, these are the (seemingly) outdated bathroom trends making waves in the design world in 2024.

The Dated Bathroom Trends Making a Comeback in 2024

For a long time, the bathroom was seen as a clinical space – built for function rather than fashion. But second to perhaps your bedroom, the bathroom is a room dedicated to the wind down: washing off the day, relaxing in the bathtub, and perfecting the art of self-care. 

So it feels only right that such a space should be on the top of your list for a New Year refresh to get you in the right headspace for the year ahead.

From colored sinks to terrazzo floors, palettes built from tones of chocolatey brown, and even the new way to tub – these revived interior design trends are reshaping the way we perceive and design our sanctuaries. Embrace a little nostalgia with us as we explore these previously dated bathroom trends that have recaptured the hearts of interior designers in 2024.

1. Colored sanitary ware

While colorful bathrooms have been on our radar for a few years now, this time we're talking sanitary ware. In 2024, we're departing from minimalist bathrooms and embracing the bold and expressive charm of colored sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. And no, we haven't gone entirely mad.

'This pastel pink sink in one of the downstairs bathrooms at our Harpenden project could definitely be classed as a blast from the past,' says Holly Vaughan, founder of Vaughan Design & Development. 'I think colored sanitaryware has been making a comeback for a while as it creates instant impact and is an easy way to inject a bit of color without overwhelming a space,' she adds.

For most, a home with a retro-colored bathroom suite from the 1950s would be a complete no-no. But hear us out – this revival injects a sense of personality and playful into bathroom spaces that are typically white and bright. Gone are the days of avocado and matching carpet, colored bathrooms have been reimagined and are quite in demand for Instagram-worthy bathroom ideas.

Holly Vaughan

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Holly and Will, Vaughan Design and Development is an all-in-one design and build solution working across Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex in the UK.

Mint greens, powder blues, and blush pinks are taking center stage, creating a soft and inviting atmosphere that promotes relaxation and serenity.

Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs, agrees. 'One trend that we never thought would come back in fashion is avocado bathrooms, especially green baths,' says Barrie.

'However, colored ceramics have been making a comeback for the last couple of years in various shades, especially pinks and blues, but for this year, green baths will be hot property! The shade may be slightly different, taking on a more khaki undertone, but the earthy rich color will bring vibrancy without being overpowering,' he adds. 

Founder of Arsight, Artem Kropovinsky, says: 'Colored bathroom suites, especially in pastels, have returned to the design scene. These tones add an element of playfulness without losing elegance to the bathroom atmosphere.' 

2. Terrazzo tile returns

Terrazzo bathrooms, which embrace a composite material that enjoyed its heyday in the 1970s, are experiencing a resurgence in 2024. Terrazzo tiles, countertops, and even accessories are becoming more and more popular, adding a playful and eclectic vibe to modern bathrooms.

If you're looking to conjure the feeling of a sunny escape to the Italian countryside, terrazzo is your tile. Artem Kropovinsky agrees. 'Terrazzo flooring is on the rise again, fusing nostalgia with the contemporary.'

'Its exceptional patterns and endurance are what make it a much sought-after choice for modern bathrooms,' he adds. And we couldn't agree more. 

Artem Kropovinsky

Based in New York, Artem Kropovinsky boasts extensive global design experience spanning a decade. With a commitment to sustainability and authenticity, Artem, alongside his dedicated team, undertakes projects both in the US and internationally, earning recognition through prestigious design awards. Artem is the founder of Arsight, an esteemed global design firm known for its expertise in residential and commercial interior design.

3. Built-in baths and tub showers

As quickly as something becomes a must-have trend, the circle of life brings back around something else for us to faun over. Following on from the enduring popularity of freestanding bathtubs, in 2024 we're seeing a return to more fitted fixtures for bathing. Why? Because they allow for more texture, more tile, and more excitement in your bathroom.

'Something I am seeing more of, and I believe it is out of functionality, space-saving, and maintaining full bathroom ratio in the home, is tub showers,' says Nastassja Bowman of Kristen Elizabeth Design. 'Tub showers are being reimagined, they are getting larger with ample soaking space, being built into the ground for a walk-in, spa-like experience, they are being wrapped in tile and large format porcelain or stone, the faucet is impeding less and legs can be covered more.'

'As much as we want to be all-in on the free-standing tub, particularly in guest baths, it doesn't always make sense. Tub showers are quite honestly being made more user-friendly and aesthetically eye-catching, which is what we have all been waiting for,' adds Nastassja.

 'Whilst I am a fan of freestanding baths, fitted ones are a brilliant option for various reasons; you can be endlessly creative with their surrounds using all sorts of different hard materials, when it comes to bathing the kids they help with the never-ending water splashes, and you don’t have to clamber behind them to get the dust when doing a spring clean!' adds Holly Vaughan.

Nastassja Bowman

Nastassja joined the Kristen Elizabeth Design team in 2021 as a Marketing Coordinator and now is also a Junior Interior Designer. Her mother, an artist with a love of fashion, instilled in her an appreciation for color, texture, and style – and how they come together to create beauty.

4. Brown is the new black

While you may be intent on sticking to a light palette evocative of calming spa environments, that doesn’t have to mean white and bright. Entire: a mellow warm scheme anchored by brown. 

Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at tile brand Ca’ Pietra, has noticed a surge in decorating with brown in bathroom trends. 'First seen in the 1970s, brown bathrooms are making a comeback. A huge driving force is our obsession with nature and bringing it into our homes, as there are so many natural shades of brown to be found in the great outdoors,' she observes.  

'The beauty of brown is that there is a sliding scale for everyone, from 80 percent cocoa depths of walnut brown to the mellow neutrals of taupe, beige, and putty,' advises Grazzie.

Take things up a notch with a nod to the restorative elements of nature and employ a neutral palette punctuated with brown, gentle sage greens or sky blues mixed with warm woods to convey a serene sensibility. 

5. Big and bold wallpaper designs

Not one for the faint-hearted, this year's bathroom wallpaper ideas are bigger and better than ever. With nature-inspired designs sitting at the top of the list, floral designs and organic shapes are transforming dull walls into captivating focal (and talking) points.

'Wallpaper in bathrooms used to be considered archaic but is now making a comeback with daring artsy designs,' comments Artem Kropovinsky. 'It presents a fast way of introducing personality and color to the space.'

Of course, the first question that comes to mind is: what if it gets wet? Thankfully, waterproof and easy-to-clean vinyl wallpapers now dominate the market so you can experiment with a myriad of styles, without compromising on functionality.  

It's cheaper than floor-to-ceiling bathroom wall tiles, more special than paint, and is a great way to add personality to a bathroom - particularly a small but mighty ensuite or powder room.

When looking at your old bathroom, whether it has not been remodeled for years or you've just moved in, there are a few outdated bathroom trends that can really give away its age. From carpet to shower curtains and all-white schemes, in 2024 we can do better. But that's not to say any of these trends won't come back around again – we didn't think we'd be seeing pastel blue basins back in vogue for a long time (if ever). 

Essentially, trends are only considered outdated if they feel that way to you and your home, so be sure to get a feeling for why and what elements feel in need of a refresh before going all-in with the sledgehammer.