Emma-Louise Braham, Product Design Expert at Wetwall™ waterproof wall panel systems, is advocating that installers stay informed about current design trends in bathroom refurbishments. In today’s fast-paced market, where homeowners expect swift, high-quality, and cost-effective installations, bathroom wall panels offer an excellent solution.
With homeowners spoiled for choice and a wide variety of eye-catching options available, Braham explores the key decors dominating projects so far this year and highlights the importance of fitters staying up-to-date.
Buttermilk and earthy tones
Warm neutrals and earthy tones continue to be a popular choice among homeowners looking to create a welcoming, relaxing bathroom space. The buttermilk trend, emphasising soft, creamy tones, has become particularly popular as it helps create a soothing, spa-like atmosphere.
To achieve this calming effect, installers should start with a neutral base colour and enhance it with earthy accents. For example, Hadrian Oak and Marmo Grigio from the Wetwall™ Elite collection emulate the natural textures of wood and marble, offering a touch of warmth and elegance that suits a variety of bathroom designs.
Be bold
Bathroom design is as diverse as the customers it serves. While some may desire a calm and tranquil retreat, others are drawn to bold, vibrant spaces that spark energy. Installers must stay informed on how to introduce bold patterns and colours without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.
Tile-effect finishes are a great way to introduce various pattern styles that meet customer requests for statement designs and customisations that reflect their unique style. Whether fitters choose subtle neutrals or vibrant designs, bathroom wall panels can provide a quick and cost-effective update. Statement designs like Stella Rosa or Blue Scallop from the Wetwall™ Alloy range are durable, easily installed, and create striking focal points for homeowners and visitors.
Single hues
On the opposite end of the spectrum, some customers are gravitating toward a more unified look, often referred to as “colour drenching.” By applying a single hue across all surfaces, this approach creates a cohesive, immersive environment that can make smaller bathrooms feel more spacious.
The Wetwall™ Alloy collection offers stunning solid colour options to achieve this increasingly popular effect. Panels can extend beyond shower enclosures, and as they are grout free, they offer a practical, and durable, uninterrupted block-colour finish.
Backing the blend
Another rising trend is the blending of different materials to create texture-rich, layered spaces. Combining marble vanities with concrete fashioned walls or pairing wood accents with glossy finishes helps foster a multi-dimensional look that’s both modern and serene. This trend speaks to a broader desire for nature-inspired, wellness-enhancing spaces.
Customers continue to see the appeal of enhancing wellbeing by integrating materials like wood, stone, and plants to emphasise a connection with the outdoors. Wall panels from the Wetwall™ Elite collection have been designed with this biophilic trend in mind, mimicking the realism of wood in an elegant and durable alternative material.
A nod to the past, with a modern twist
Finally, the “newstalgia” trend fuses nostalgic charm with contemporary innovation. By blending bold, timeless textures like marble with modern elements, installers can achieve a refined, sophisticated, yet practical look that resonates with today’s homeowners.
For instance, pairing marble-inspired vanities with soft pink tiles, such as Wetwall™ Blush Tile, creates a chic contrast that’s both contemporary and classic. This blending of old and new is proving to be a hit in bathroom design.
With so many design and decor options on today’s market, there’s plenty of choice to suit all tastes. This variety simplifies the task for installers, allowing them to meet their homeowners’ specific bathroom expectations while also growing their business, but doing so will require fitters to keep up with the latest design trends and available products, ensuring customer satisfaction and project success.
For more information, visit wetwall.co.uk
