PHOTOS Andrea Ferrari/courtesy of Agape; Elsa Young/Bureaux (Storer House); Supplied; Matthias Berghmans/Formafantasma; Media/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA; Lar Leslie/Frank Features; (Rorich House), Karl Rogers/ Onnah Design/cara saven
From sculptural fixtures to sensuous surfaces, the latest bathroom trends blend artful design with everyday function.
In addition to the four key themes for bathrooms we’ve identified for 2025, there are also a few other trends that have caught our eye within particular categories of fixtures and fittings. Here are 10 cool ways to bring your bathroom up to date.
On the Curve
Asked how she’d alter her own bathroom if price were no object, Lavo Bathroom Concepts’ interior designer Kirsten Stigling says, “I’d add anything from Agape. Their products are beautifully designed and would elevate any space.” We agree – the Italian brand’s DR bathtub, which comes in freestanding and built-in options, and various materials and finishes, is currently at the top of our wish list. Designed by Mariana Ruzante and Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27, this “flexible tub for two” is “a friendly, sensual, charismatic object”. No matter your budget, you should “curate your sanitaryware with the same care as you would a sculpture exhibition”, says Pieter Mathews, founding principal and architect at Mathews + Associates Architects. “On the flipside, pragmatism and ergonomics are important too,” he adds. “So try out that rectangular toilet seat before you decide to purchase it!” lavo.co.za | agapedesign.it | maaa.co.za
Super Showers
Shower technology has come a long way. From steam showers to massaging sprays, rain showers and multipanel models, there is something for every preference, including those whose priority is water-saving technology. (If you’re in the latter group, look out for a new system by Grohe set to launch later this year, which actually reuses water as you shower.)
If she could choose anything at all to add to her own bathroom, says Elsjé Schonken of Schonken Interiors, it would be “a luxurious, custom-designed steam shower. Just imagine stepping into a sanctuary of relaxation, and being enveloped in soothing steam that melts away the stresses of the day…” Seen here is Dornbracht’s new rain shower, which can be integrated into the ceiling or mounted on it, and has two spray modes as well as integrated lighting options; and the ShowerComposition system designed by Philippe Starck for AXOR. Available in a variety of configurations, the latter is controlled by an all-in-one panel that can operate an overhead shower, a body shower, a thermostatic module and a hand shower. There are many ways to configure and add to the system, which is available in a full range of finishes. grohe.co.za | schonkeninterior.com | dornbracht.com | axor-design.com
Light Fantastic
When it comes to layered bathroom spaces, “It’s no longer just about putting in down lighting,” says Bilala Mabuza of Cocoon Lifestyle. “You need to think about directional lighting and pendant lighting too.” The gorgeous bathroom pictured here was created by interior designer Lisa Storer, and includes a shell chandelier she sourced while travelling. “Much like a bedroom, a bathroom should be a sanctuary,” says Lisa. “I take inspiration from hammam bath rituals in Morocco; they’re a celebration of body and soul.” Similar cabinets can be sourced by The Storer; the basins and taps are from The Bath House, and the artwork is by Zarah Cassim. cocoonlifestyle.co.za | thestorer.co | thebathhouse.co.za
Sleek Peek
For those with a yen for the sleekest possible bathroom, solid cladding on walls and floors is the ultimate in luxe choices – with the added bonus of never having to clean grouting again! This minimalist bathroom features an eye-catching, fully integrated basin in Caesarstone’s Rugged Concrete (4033), from the brand’s Metropolitan Collection – the perfect contrast to the surrounding marble-inspired porcelain. caesarstone.co.za
Glow up
A study in warm, tactile appeal, this vanity also gets our vote for its organically shaped mirror with backlighting, which is a custom design by local mirror specialist Arkivio. Mirrors with integrated lighting – or options backlit like this one – are increasingly popular for very good reason: not only do they look great, they also enable you to see your reflection more evenly when compared to side sconces or lighting from above, which can cast shadows that make everyday tasks such as shaving or applying makeup more difficult. arkivio.co.za
Tap That
“Don’t compromise on tapware quality,” says Wendy Douglas, interior designer and creative director at Douglas and Douglas. “A bathroom is a functional space that gets used many times a day, so the functioning parts need to be able to withstand this.” Beyond functionality, however, lies captivating design – and tapware manufacturers are offering an increasingly wide range of options that could easily become the loveliest element in your bathroom. Examples include the award-winning FFQT series of taps seen here (below left), which were designed by Formafantasma for QuadroDesign and are available locally from Lavo Bathroom Concepts; as well as the supremely elegant MEM tapware range by Dornbracht – now with the option of handcrafted crystal glass handles created by Glass Design – which can be sourced in South Africa via Flush Bathrooms. douglasanddouglas.co.za | quadrodesign.it | lavo.co.za | dornbracht.com | glassdesign.it | flushbathrooms.co.za
Sink In
We’ve been seeing the combination of a low shelf with a tall countertop basin everywhere – and the tweaked proportions feel both playful and contemporary. The elements featured here are by Italian manufacturer Antoniolupi; you can source a similar basin by Krion through The Sourcing Lab, or a Ceramica Globo version from Lavo Bathroom Concepts. A word on ergonomics: the standard installation height for a bathroom basin is 80cm from the floor, and this height is calculated to suit an “average” person who is 1.76m tall. No matter what style of basin you’re installing, this is something to discuss with your designer or builder, as getting the height of your basin just right is something you’ll be thankful for at least twice a day, every day. antoniolupi.it | krion.com | thesourcinglab.co.za | ceramicaglobo.com | lavo.co.za
Bench Press
Both aesthetically pleasing and practical in terms of usability and accessibility, a built-in shower bench is always a good idea – and it can be fitted into a relatively small space. Consult an interior designer or your builder to ensure that it’s constructed properly. For pink tiles similar to those deployed in this retro-chic shower, try Akashic Tiles, Italtile or Leroy Merlin. akashictiles.com | italtile.co.za | leroymerlin.co.za
Counter Intuition
A great way to add opulence to your bathroom without breaking the bank completely is with a vanity counter clad in natural stone – as seen here in architect Lisa Rorich’s home in Durban. There are plenty of suppliers to check out when selecting your own preference: try WOMAG, The Sourcing Lab, Studio Masson and Interslab. womag.co.za | thesourcinglab.co.za | studiomasson.co.za | interslab.co.za
Wall and All
“My clients are having fun with their bathroom design, using bold feature floor and shower tiles, pops of colour on vanities, and floor-to-ceiling wallpaper to pack in the personality and individuality of the family who lives there,” says interior designer Tammy Holmes of Ivy Décor & Design. This unique bathroom, created by Hanno de Swardt of Onnah Design, features water-resistant, seamless VividTex wallpaper in the Undress design from the Art Effects collection by Cara Saven Wall Design. You can source a similar towel rail from Bathroom Butler. ivydecor.co.za | onnahdesign.co.za | carasaven.com | bathroombutler.com
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