From the rise of warm finishes to how boutique hotel bathrooms are influencing commercial washrooms, 2027 will be an exciting and innovative year for accessible bathroom design as inclusivity will continue to be approached from the outset rather than seen as an afterthought.
Mark Shepherd, Head of Product at Fitzroy of London, shares how hospitality and commercial bathrooms are evolving in 2027:
INCLUSIVE DESIGN WILL BECOME MORE MAINSTREAM
“As commercial and hospitality projects are expected to accommodate a diverse range of users, accessible design will move further into the mainstream. Rather than designing accessible spaces at the end of the project or including features for specific needs only, features traditionally associated with accessible washrooms will be increasingly specified to improve the experience for everyone to meet a broad range of users – ensuring everyone feels comfortable.
From physical accessibility such as those with different mobility levels, wheelchair users and the older generations, to those with neurodiversity requirements in need of more considered spaces, we expect to see more simple layouts, level-access showers, wider circulation spaces, softer lighting, integrated grab rails, more focus on privacy and all-gender washroom layouts that are intuitive and don’t compromise on style in the process.”
WELLNESS MOVES BEYOND THE SPA
“Wellness spaces aren’t limited to spas or singular features like freestanding baths. In 2027, designers are focusing more on hospitality and commercial interiors that feel comfortable, calm, restorative, easy to navigate and stress-free – resulting in a positive user experience for everyone.
As businesses continue to prioritise employee wellbeing and inclusive environments, it means including bathroom products and washroom design that support both physical and emotional requirements. This is reflected with the inclusion of features such as steam showers, hydrotherapy systems, circadian lighting and improved acoustics. Biophilic design also plays a major role in promoting wellness so we’re expecting an increased use of softer colour palettes and natural materials in washroom design. Hotels are particularly influential here as luxury hospitality specifications will become mainstream in commercial environments within a few years.”
THE INCREASE IN SMART BATHROOMS
“Whilst smart bathroom technology has been around for a number of years, in 2027, intelligent and intuitive bathroom products will be more readily and easily available – especially in premium commercial washrooms. We expect these spaces to include systems that report usage, maintenance and water consumption, as well as the integration of smart washroom products such sensor taps and flushing, contactless handwashing experiences, leak detection, occupancy monitoring, smart toilets, automatic door systems, water consumer analytics, voice-controlled settings and personalised shower presets.”
SUSTAINABILITY WILL BE TAKEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL
“While sustainability in bathroom design isn’t a new conversation and most commercial projects already specify environmentally conscious products, this has now evolved to include measuring whole-life environmental impact. Specification designs will increasingly be driven by ESG requirements and carbon reporting, rather than purely upfront cost. Key priorities include recycled and recyclable materials, circular product design, longer product lifecycles, reduced embodied carbon, water monitoring systems, energy-efficient heating and lighting, and locally sourced materials. For manufacturers, demonstrating products with these features will become even more important.”
HOTEL BATHROOMS INFLUENCE COMMERCIAL WASHROOMS
“As expectations around workplace wellbeing, user experience and high-end environments continue to grow in commercial spaces, there has been a rise in the boutique hospitality aesthetic. Taking inspiration from premium, design-led bathrooms in hospitality settings, this is now being carried through to commercial washrooms as becoming an extension of the overall interior – rather than a separate functional space.
We’ve seen greater emphasis on high-quality materials, feature lighting, coordinated finishes, natural materials, high-end accessories, enhanced user comfort and carefully considered details that take traditional commercial washrooms to that next level to create a welcoming and memorable experience for all.”
THE RISE OF WARM METALS AND AGED FINISHES
“Whilst finishes such as chrome and polished brass aren’t disappearing, designers are increasingly favouring warmer, aged finishes such as Warm Bronze, Antique Brass and Satin Brass thanks to the natural character, depth and refinement they add to bathrooms. This shift is also influencing how inclusive bathroom products are expected to complement the wider interior scheme rather than stand apart from it. The availability of these finishes allows designers to create a cohesive look with ease, while still meeting compliance standards.”
The hospitality and commercial markets are moving away from simply designing spaces that look accessible and meet compliance regulations. Design-led bathroom products within beautiful environments, where accessibility is seamlessly integrated from the outset, will continue in 2027 and beyond.
