Bathroom Directions for 2025
Insights from Milan, ISH & Reece After Dark
At Lifestyle Design Co., we’re always keeping our finger on the pulse of what’s next in interiors — and this week, Kate and Larissa had the opportunity to do exactly that at the Reece After Dark Conversation Series, a captivating evening exploring the Future Bathroom.
The event brought together a dynamic panel of industry leaders, including:
• Tanya Buchanan - Editor-In-Chief, Belle, House & Garden Magazines
• Andrea Lucena-Orr - Colour & Communications Manager, Duluxgroup
• Anthea Leyden - Lead Interior Designer, Cox Architecture
• Daniela Santilli - Merchandising Leader, Reece Bathroom & Kitchen
The conversation spotlighted wellness, technology and innovation as driving forces in bathroom design, with insights from the latest global trends seen at Milan’s Salone del Mobile and Germany’s ISH design fairs — both of which are influencing the Australian market in exciting ways.
Here are our top takeaways …
Bathroom Trends to Watch
Calm, Neutral Colour Palettes
Soft neutrals continue to lead the way, creating timeless spaces that invite relaxation and calm.
Instagram post - AI generated image
A Focus on Wellness
Bathrooms are being reimagined as personal sanctuaries — spaces that support health and wellbeing. We’re seeing:
Smart mirrors with integrated lighting and diagnostics
Skincare fridges
Scent infusion in showers
Infrared saunas
Smart toilets with advanced functionality — there have been major advancements in this space, particularly from a wellness perspective. New smart toilets can now perform diagnostics and even recommend when further medical investigation may be needed, making them a truly integrated part of holistic health care at home.
Instagram post - owner unknown
Instagram post - owner unknown
Instagram post - owner unknown
Textured & Matt Finishes
Matt surfaces — from tiles to fittings — are in demand for their modern, tactile quality. A standout trend seen at both ISH and Salone del Mobile was Matt White tapware — offering a fresh, minimalist alternative to traditional metallic finishes, and pairing beautifully with neutral colour palettes.
Owner unknown
Owner unknown
Biophilic Design
Natural materials, greenery, and connection to nature are playing a greater role, bringing a sense of serenity into bathrooms.
Owner unknown
Owner unknown
Investment in Custom Joinery
There’s a growing trend toward bespoke, furniture-like vanities and storage. Interestingly, Australia leads the world in vanity design and manufacture, with nearly all vanities in Reece’s collection proudly Australian-made.
@loughlinfurniture
Instagram post - @loughlinfurniture
Adaptability for All Ages
Designing for life stages is becoming essential, with more integrated, aesthetically considered features like grab rails and adaptable layouts.
Instagram post - Owner unknown
@duluxaus
Instagram post - @duluxaus
Colour Trends: Insights from Dulux
We’ve officially entered the 'warm decade' in colour, with earthy and nurturing tones dominating:
“Terries and Berries” — rich plums, berries, and warm terracotta
Colour drenching (painting all surfaces in a space the same tone) to create seamless, enveloping rooms
Dulux colours perfect for bathrooms: Pesto, Plum Sauce, Olive Blanch, Clay Pipe, Terra Rose
Innovations from Reece
Reece continues to lead innovation with exciting product developments:
Tile-inlay taps through their Mitzu range — allowing designers to integrate materials across fittings
Smart toilets with bidet functionality now entering more affordable price points
Brushed gold (a finish uniquely popular in Australia) and polished nickel, which complements colour-drenched spaces beautifully
Their commitment to “Good, Better, Best” product levels — ensuring every offering maintains quality and design integrity
@reecebathrooms
@reecebathrooms
The Bathroom as a Personal Sanctuary
The overarching message? Bathrooms are evolving from purely functional spaces to highly personalised sanctuaries. Clients are now seeking designs that reflect their individual style, support wellbeing, and incorporate emerging technologies — all while ensuring longevity and adaptability.
At Lifestyle Design Co., we’re excited to be bringing many of these ideas into our upcoming projects. If you're ready to create a bathroom that feels both beautiful and future-forward — we’d love to help.
Get in touch to start your design journey with us.