Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industries ever since, publishing regular features across both sectors.
Luxury bathroom design is more than just aesthetics; the sector brings together premium, crafted materials with elegant detailing to present spaces that feel both prestigious and enduring. From the reinterpretation of period design to bold, architectural statements, the latest pieces deliver a balanced mix of character and opulence that transcends the everyday to help create spaces that are refined and sophisticated, whilst providing a sense of well-being.
Redefine with bold design and vibrant colour
A shift to more individualised bathroom schemes means we are seeing greater emphasis on materiality, finish and form. Rather than relying on the traditional hallmarks of luxury, designers are exploring sculptural silhouettes, tactile finishes, and vibrant colour to create spaces that exude depth and character. Craftsmanship is central to this approach, with distinctive details and considered finishes giving each element a clear sense of identity.
Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, explains: “Luxury ceramics are moving away from the bright, glossy white that defined bathrooms for so long. We’re seeing more demand for matt and satin glazes, soft colour in basins and even WCs, and handcrafted surfaces with natural variation, like zellige or textured field tiles. Clients want pieces that feel tactile and considered, almost like objects in their own right. Sculptural forms, rounded edges and warmer tones play into that, creating spaces that feel calm and personal rather than clinical.”
Founded with a mission to rethink 250 years of bathroom design conventions, Trone transforms everyday bathroom essentials into sculptural design statements. Combining bold geometry, fluid forms and considered engineering, its collections offer an alternative to conventional bathroom fittings, with pieces designed to bring individuality and character to contemporary interiors.
Classic styles that suit every interior
Thomas Crapper’s heritage good looks demonstrate how traditional design can transcend period interiors; when classic fixtures are added to contemporary scenes, they bring character and depth to the design. As personalisation becomes increasingly important in luxury bathrooms, this enduring aesthetic offers a versatile foundation when creating spaces that feel both enduring and distinctive.
Paul Dwyer, managing director, Thomas Crapper & Co, comments, “One of the things I find particularly interesting is how well classic bathroom fittings work across different styles of interior. A beautifully made basin can sit against richly patterned wallpaper, decorative tiles or simple painted panelling, and feel completely at home in each setting. That versatility is important because it gives designers the freedom to create something genuinely personal.”
One example is the Marlborough Basin (pictured above); it can be paired with Thomas Crapper’s decorative washstand, available in chrome, nickel, polished or brushed brass, which introduces an additional architectural detail while providing a practical supporting structure. At 560mm wide, the basin is equally suited to generously proportioned bathrooms and smaller cloakrooms, and traditional and more contemporary settings.
Heritage brassware delivers architectural expression
Luxury brassware has become an increasingly important element of architectural expression for the luxury sector. Well-chosen design details help create form and finish for the wider scheme, either by building contrast or complementing the surrounding composition. From sculpted contours to precisely engineered finishes, carefully selected taps and fittings can help make a statement without overwhelming the space.
James Lentaigne, creative director at Drummonds, agrees, “Some of the most interesting developments in bathroom design come from revisiting familiar forms with a fresh perspective. Traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design aren’t mutually exclusive; it’s often the combination of the two that creates something distinctive. There’s a growing appreciation for designs that draw on heritage while feeling entirely relevant to modern interiors.”
Drummonds Hudson Collection ticks all the boxes. The new brassware range was developed in collaboration with New York-based design studio Pembrooke & Ives and brings together British manufacturing heritage and a contemporary American design sensibility, with a focus on proportion, materiality and longevity.
The cross-head handle is designed as a central feature, with a sculptural, almost monolithic quality that reflects Drummonds’ established approach to brassware. In contrast, the spout adopts a more fluid form, introducing a gentle curvature that offsets the collection’s sharper lines.
Freestanding baths: from classic roll-top to modern minimalism
A recent report from Sanctuary Bathrooms demonstrates how younger generations view the role of the bathroom, placing greater emphasis on relaxation and personal well-being. According to the report, “The results show that among Gen Z and Millennials in particular, the bathroom is becoming a hybrid space of sorts – part self-care zone, part media room, part quiet retreat to practise hobbies away from the hubbub of the rest of the house.”
Against this backdrop, the freestanding bath is taking on renewed importance, offering more than a practical function by creating a focal point for a more immersive experience in the home.
Mike Whitfield, Luxury Interiors Expert at LUSSO, comments, “With the accelerated pace of modern living, making the bath a focal point in bathroom design reminds us to focus on bathtime as a refuge from the humdrum of everyday life. It’s why we’re seeing interior trends move towards design that plays with form, as an antidote to the sleek lines of modern architecture.”
The Ellington cast iron freestanding bath blends Art Deco design influences with the modern aesthetic synonymous with Lusso. Featuring a smooth surface, exceptional heat retention, and a comfortable roll-top rim, the bath is designed for relaxation. Its generous shape and symmetrical silhouette make it ideal for both single and double bathing.
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