Are you thinking about swapping the clinical white look for something with more character? As homeowners move away from stark, minimalist designs, the market for colourful sanitaryware is growing fast. The days of a matching cream basin and white bath are fading, replaced by bold hues and textured finishes that add personality to the space. Industry experts suggest this isn’t just a fleeting trend but a shift toward wellness-oriented bathrooms that feel personal rather than purely functional.
The Rise of Colour in the Bath
Designers note that this return to colour mirrors the wider popularity of mid-century interiors and the desire for homes that tell a story. “Colourful sanitaryware might seem like a blast from the past, straight from the 1970s, but it’s a trend that’s really picked up pace in the last couple of years,” Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Villeroy & Boch Group, explained. This movement suggests that people now want their bathrooms to match the overall aesthetic of the rest of their homes, using colour as the key element to tie the scheme together.
There is a clear preference for softer, more natural tones over neon shades. Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, says that “dusty pinks and powder blues” are particularly popular. These pastel shades pair well with matt gold or brushed nickel brassware. At the premium end of the market, Blanca Sanchez, director at Halo Design Interiors, reports that sophisticated greens and blue-green shades, such as eucalyptus and forest tones, are the most requested. These earthy hues sit comfortably with natural stone and timber, offering a versatile backdrop for the room.
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While softer tones are leading the way, there is still room for brightness. Samantha Lawson, senior designer for Drench, mentioned that homeowners are becoming more playful with their designs. “Contemporary concrete sanitaryware is a great way to add a pop of personality, without the disruption of a full renovation,” she noted. This allows people to experiment with colour on individual items, like a single basin or a darker WC, without committing to a full room refresh.
Finishes and Materials
The way these colours are finished matters just as much as the shade itself. Reflective surfaces can sometimes make a bold colour feel too intense or retro. To avoid this, many designers recommend a matte finish. Louise Ashdown points out that “coloured sanitaryware, particularly in matt finishes, supports that more intimate, spa-like mood.” This choice helps prevent the room from feeling overwhelming and maintains a serene atmosphere.
Texture also plays a significant role in modern bathroom design. Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs, observes that shape and material are gaining importance. Freestanding baths and sculptural basins are chosen not just for function but for their presence within the room. The use of interesting shapes, such as thicker rims or subtle detailing like fluting, works naturally with the introduction of colour. Additionally, there is a shift toward materials where the colour runs all the way through the product rather than being painted onto the surface. BC Designs has introduced ColourKast technology to achieve this, ensuring the tone remains consistent throughout the basin or bath over time.
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This focus on material quality implies a long-term outlook for the trend. Nicola Friel, manager of VitrA’s specification and design hub, believes the trend is here to stay because the colours are being introduced subtly. “Since colour is being introduced in a more subtle way, not in an overly bold or trend-driven sense, we don’t see this look going anywhere anytime soon,” Friel stated. Blanca Sanchez adds that the trend will likely mature rather than disappear, with palettes expected to become deeper and more grounded over time.
While the market is expanding into these softer, more restorative shades, white is not expected to lose its place in the bathroom just yet. However, as people continue to seek a sense of peace in their homes, the sanitaryware palette will likely continue to grow to accommodate these gentler, more personal choices.
