Insider Insight with our Head of Design

Q&A

With a keen eye for design and emerging trends, we sat down with our Head of Design, Louise Ashdown, to talk Insider Insights for bathroom design.

What design trends are coming through for ensuite bathrooms? Is there anything the team are noticing which is more popular than before?

There is a focus on creating spa-like sanctuaries with features such as steam showers, rainfall shower heads, and deep soaking tubs to promote relaxation and well-being.

A notable shift is the move away from minimalism towards bold designs. Colourful natural stones, patterned tiles, and rich, vibrant hues are being used to add character. High-contrast finishes, like mixing brass, chrome, and matt black, are also gaining popularity, offering a modern and dynamic aesthetic.

Biophilic design is another key trend, incorporating natural elements such as plants, water features, and ample natural light to create a calming, nature-inspired atmosphere. This approach not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes relaxation and wellness.

Japanese-style WCs continue to rise in popularity, offering advanced hygiene, comfort, and smart features for a more luxurious bathroom experience.

WestOneBathrooms Kast Concrete Basins – Oska – Wheat – 4×5

What is your top tip to achieving a successful bathroom in bedroom design?

To achieve a successful bathroom-in-bedroom design, prioritise seamless flow and synergy between the two spaces. Use cohesive materials, smart lighting, and thoughtful layout choices to create a harmonious atmosphere. Privacy is key—ensure areas like the WC are discreetly tucked away to maintain comfort. A bathroom within a bedroom is always a luxurious statement, but it must also be practical and tailored to the users’ needs for true success.

Is it too risky to go for coloured sanitaryware and baths? or are they here to last?

Coloured sanitaryware and baths are making a strong comeback, with modern designs offering sophisticated finishes in muted tones and bold shades. While trends evolve, choosing timeless colours like soft greens, deep blues, or warm neutrals can ensure longevity. High-quality materials and finishes also help these pieces age gracefully.

If you love the look, it’s worth embracing—just balance bold fixtures with classic elements to create a bathroom that stands the test of time.

What’s your top design tip/approach to small bathrooms in awkward spaces such as underneath roofs?

Maximise every inch by embracing the shape of the space and making the most of the floor area, both visually and practically, to create the illusion of extra space. Use wall-mounted WCs and basins to free up floor space, while freestanding baths can open up sightlines. If you have eaves, place a bath underneath them—you have to bend to get in anyway. This approach allows you to build walls at 90-degree angles to the sloping roof, providing valuable wall height for basins, mirrors, or storage. Thoughtful placement is key—not everything has to be pushed to the edges of the room. Light colours, reflective surfaces, and well-placed lighting further enhance the sense of openness, ensuring both functionality and style in even the trickiest spaces.

What’s the most important element in a bathroom design to get right for long term investment-is it the storage? Or the wall/floor covering in wet environment?

Space is key. In the UK, bathrooms are often compact unless converted from a bedroom, making it essential to prioritise how the space is used. It’s not just about the size of the shower or bath but also ensuring there’s enough functional space around them for comfort and ease of movement. Equally important is storage—integrating it seamlessly while balancing the overall design with thoughtful choices in colour and texture to create a harmonious and practical bathroom.