Top 15 Bathroom Design Trends (2023) by Our In-house Designers
This article has been updated to include our Top 10 tips for small bathroom designs + Creating designer bathrooms in NZ (contemporary, Classic, Vintage and Modern)
Hey Aucklanders, if you’re plotting a bathroom reno in your Titirangi bungalow or Parnell apartment and want ideas that blend bold style with practical Kiwi living—handling our humid winters and making small spaces feel luxe—these top trends (building on classics from a few years back) are still going strong into 2025. From matte black statements and wooden warmth to textured tiles and smart tech, it’s about creating relaxing sanctuaries with natural vibes, sustainability, and that seamless flow we love.
What’s Making Waves in Bathroom Trends for NZ Homes Right Now?
Trends are shifting towards earthy, wellness-focused designs that beat our damp climate, eh? Matte finishes, natural materials like timber and stone, and bold textures are huge—think adding warmth without overwhelming small Auckland spots. Cici, our in-house designer, nails it: gorgeous fixtures paired with handmade-look tiles create elegant, cohesive spaces that feel luxurious yet easy to maintain. Sustainability’s key too, with eco materials and water-saving tech cutting bills. We’ve seen heaps evolve from 2023 favourites like black accents or large tiles into richer palettes and spa-like retreats in suburbs like Remuera or Westmere.
Which Standout Trends Are Perfect for Auckland Bathrooms in 2025?
Here’s a few ripping ones blending timeless picks with fresh updates:
- Matte Black and Bold Fixtures: Still a statement-maker—matte black tapware, showers, and vanities add drama in neutral setups, perfect for coastal Takapuna to fight salty air. Pair with brass or gold accents for warmth.
- Natural Textures and Earthy Tones: Wooden vanities, stone-look tiles, and terrazzo are booming for that biophilic calm—timber adds cosiness in chilly mornings, while large-format or vertical tiles make tight ensuites feel bigger.
- Frameless Showers and Wet Rooms: Open, spacious vibes with floor-to-ceiling glass and level-entry designs—ace for accessibility and easy clean in family homes like Albany.
- Smart Tech and Wellness Features: LED backlit mirrors, underfloor heating, and voice controls are everyday luxuries now, plus freestanding tubs for spa escapes.
How Do You Pick Trends That Suit Your Space and Last in Our Climate?
Keep it personal—neutral bases with pops of colour or texture work in humid spots, and go durable like porcelain tiles or matte finishes that hide water spots. For small bathrooms, floating vanities and large tiles are winners for illusion of space.
Keen to refresh your bathroom with trends that feel fresh and functional for your whānau? Drop us a line at Superior Renovations for a free consult—what’s your must-have feature?
Bathroom is usually the smallest room in a house, but it can also be a haven if modelled well. This article will focus on bathroom design which works well for NZ homes based on the upcoming bathroom trends.
If you are looking at renovating your bathroom next year then get some inspiration from the latest trends in the bathroom renovation industry across the globe. We will be sharing bathroom design trends from bathtubs and showers to vanities and flooring. Bathroom designs is no longer just functional with plain tiled floors, white walls, a plain shower and vanity. Today you have various options in terms of textures, patterns, prints, finishes and styles.
Most people often aim at including atleast one bold element in their bathroom to give it some character. If you are looking at remodeling your bathroom then this list is sure to spark some inspiration for your project. The list will include a bathroom design style for every taste starting from modern to Vintage.
In this article:
- Top 15 bathroom design trends for 2023
- Top 10 bathroom design ideas for small bathrooms
- Designer bathrooms in NZ
- Bathroom Design Trends not to follow
Top 15 bathroom design trends for 2023
Trend #1 Black making a statement
In the recent years we have seen that Grey has been a more popular choice instead of Black. Often people choose grey as a dominant colour for accents and flooring. Black however has seen a rise in popularity with more people wanting to make a bolder statement within their bathroom design. Grey will however still remain popular but expect to see more darker tones of grey or black for future bathroom designs.
Black can be integrated in many forms within a bathroom. If you have a smaller bathroom then you can use black for your light fixtures, mirror and tapware with matte finishes. If you have a neutral toned bathroom then adding black tapware and light fixtures will create a dramatic effect in your bathroom. If you have a larger bathroom then you can also look at adding black fixtures like a bathtub or vanity. Black is however not a popular choice for tiles. Large grey tiled floors will continue to see an upward trend in the coming years.
Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!
 Wooden vanity with a black rim in Titirangi |  Floating Black vanity and fixtures in Parnell |
 All black fixtures in Cockle Bay |  Black shower head and fixtures in West harbour |
Trend #2 Brass and Gold
Brass and gold have always been associated with vintage bathroom designs. Gold accents work great with vintage designs, but they can also be incorporated into contemporary and modern designs. Gold and brass are no longer a design of the past. The gold and brass hues of today will add a lovely warmth to any bathroom. They add a sense of character and luxury to your bathroom space.
The past years have seen sleek, polished, and modern shiny fixtures. Homeowners are moving away from this trend as it does not add any warmth to the bathroom. Shiny sleek metal fixtures lack character and make your bathroom look cold.
Instead the growing trend has been to incorporate brass and cold hues in matte finishing for taps, sinks and lighting.
 Brass sink used in Stanmore Bay |  Gold fixtures used throughout the bathroom in Westmere |
Read more…
Stanmore Bay renovation with Brass fitting in the bathroom
Westmere Rustic style kitchen with green accent wall and matte gold taps
Trend #3 Technology within your bathroom design
Technology is integrated everywhere within our lives. So why should bathrooms remain behind? The whole point of technology is to make our standard of living better. We have seen smart toilets and automatic taps in the past owing to the growing trend in Japan. Smart toilets, automatic taps and deodorisers have become a norm in hotels and airports. More and more homeowners are integrating smart toilets and automatic taps into their bathroom design.
2021 will see technology integrated throughout the bathroom and not just toilets or automatic taps. We will be seeing a rise is automatic showers and Bluetooth systems. With automatic showers, you will be able to make sure that the water is already hot by the time you get home. With a blue tooth system you can now listen to music when having a shower. You can also now install a voice activated system where you can alter light and water settings with just speaking out loud.
Modern bathrooms are becoming more of a place of relaxation and technology is becoming an integral part of it.
Trend #4 Tile Patterns and shapes in a bathroom design
White square tiles are a thing of the past. If you are renovating your bathroom then you will hardly choose a white tile owing to the far superior options available in tiles today. Tiles now come in various hues, designs, patterns and textures. They can mimic any material or style owing to the advancement in technology.
You can now cut tiles in various shapes and sizes which adds to the number of things to choose from. 2021 bathrooms will feature bright tiles in various shapes which will be used as accent and as features.
Shower walls and backsplashes are the two most common areas where you will see bright and textured tiles. They will not be limited to floors.
We installed Artisan tiles from Tile depot for the floors which were combined with a floating vanity to give this bathroom a classic contemporary look. The wooden looking vanity with a black rim adds some warmth to the bathroom (Project in Titirangi)
See full project specifications for Tracey’s bathroom renovation in Titirangi (pictured above)
This bathroom in Hillsborough was fully renovated with Mosaic tiles used for the floors.
Read more…
Amber and Craig’s bathroom renovation with mosaic tiles on the floors
Emerging Tile trends for 2021 by Ruth and Kitty from Tile depot
Trend #5 Industrial styled sinks, lighting and vanities
Industrial style homes were first inspired by the apartments of New York. Industrial style is also sometimes interchangeably used as ‘New York’ style apartments. It is however not to everyone’s taste. Most people do not use an industrial style throughout their home. Instead certain elements of the industrial style is integrated into their renovation design.
Expect to see a growing trend of industrial elements incorporated into bathroom designs in NZ. One of the most popular industrial elements have been sinks, light fixtures and taps. If you love the style then you can even think of integrating an industrial vanity. These elements can easily be integrated into any bathroom style by choosing wooden and matte black industrial fixtures. This trend especially works well in apartments and Urban areas such as Auckland.
Read more…
Before and After Bathroom renovation photos for our top 15 renovations in Auckland
Trend #6 Wooden accents are back
People have always loved wooden elements in their home. Wooden accents exude warmth into any room. As mentioned earlier, people are straying away from white and shiny bathrooms. Wooden accents have been on the rise in the last 2 years with most people featuring them as vanities. Wooden accents are popular as they can be incorporated into any time of style. Wooden looking tiles have also become popular recently.
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MDF Melteca wooden looking cabinets in Westmere |  MDF melteca wooden looking vanity in St Heliers |
 Wooden cabinets in Albany bathroom renovation | Floating wooden vanity in Titirangi |
Read more…
Todd Chandler’s bathroom renovation in St Heliers with MDF melteca wooden vanity
MDF Melteca wooden cabinets in Mary Stuart’s Spanish bathroom
MDF Melteca dark wooden double vanity built for a project in Westmere
Wooden floating vanity in Titirangi from St Michels
Trend #7 Adding a pop of colour to your bathroom design
Like we discussed above, white bathrooms have a very clinical look to them. They do not exude any warmth or add any design element to your bathroom. A growing trend in bathrooms has been to add a pop of colour to otherwise neutral bathrooms. This is easily done by installing bright coloured light fixtures or tapware.
2021 however will see a rise in colourful backsplashes and accent walls to draw attention to a bathroom. This can either be done by painting one of your walls in a bright shade or simply installing textured and bright tiles as accent walls or feature strips.
In our interview with Ruth from Tile depot, she talks about how many Aucklanders are using their Casablanca collection to add a pop of colour to their bathrooms. The Casablanca collection comes in warm red, orange, green and many other colours. If you are not quite ready for a bold accent wall then you can still add some colour in your bathroom by installing a strip of bright or textured tiles on an otherwise neutral wall.
Green Casablanca tiles installed in one of the walls of the shower to add some drama in the bathroom (Bathroom renovation in Westmere)
Mary Stuart’s Spanish style bathroom in Stanmore Bay features blue painted walls and colourful mosaic tiles to add a ‘pop’ of colour to her bathroom
Trend #8 Compact storage spaces
Since bathroom is a small space, it often starts looking messy and cluttered. Even if you are not a minimalistic person, you should think about keeping your bathroom clutter free to encourage a relaxed environment. Compact and hidden storage solutions are readily available and will make your bathroom appear more open and organised if integrated within your bathroom design.
It is often easy to forget about storage when renovating a bathroom. People often get carried away with the beautiful fixtures that they can choose from. When renovating a bathroom think about the functionality and your lifestyle. Storage solutions should be one of the major factors that should be taken into consideration during a renovation.
A vertical storage cabinet from St Michels installed in this bathroom renovation from Titirangi, Auckland
Trend #9 Pale tones of pink
Blush has been a popular choice in bathrooms for quite some time. Blush walls matched with matte metallic fixtures can really transform your bathroom into a chic space. In 2021 you can expect to see modern bathrooms in shades of blush paired with rose gold fixtures and tapware. If you are not ready to commit to rose gold or blush for the whole bathroom, it is still a great colour to add as feature walls or accents.
Pink toned bathrooms can transform a bathroom into a clean and modern space
Trend #10 Advanced Mirrors and sleek lines
There has been a growing trend for sleeker bathrooms especially in apartments of Urban areas. People want their homes to reflect a kind of urban, modern and sleek look. This theme is carried forward in their bathrooms which are sleeker than before. Such bathrooms usually have technology integrated within the design and mirrors are not far behind.
Mirrors now have anti fog technology which is especially convenient to do your toilette after your hot shower. They also have smart touch buttons which enable you to switch a light on at the rim of the mirrors. These mirrors have a back light running all around the mirror which can be adjusted in intensity with a touch of your finger. USB charging stations are also increasingly been seen in bathrooms.
Anti-fog mirror installed with LED backlighting and a touch button in our Epsom home renovation
This bathroom renovation in Parnell was renovated to make it look luxurious and modern which was in line with our client’s urban lifestyle. The mirror installed had an LED anti-fog mirror with a touch button on it. The black floating shelves with sleek lines added to the modern bathroom design.
Read more…
Urban Parnell home renovation with floating black vanity and interactive bathroom mirror
Epsom bathroom renovation with a wet area + interactive LED mirror
Trend #11 Bigger and comfier
Our changing lifestyles also means that we have changed how we live within our house. Separate toilets and bathrooms were always preferred even a few decades ago. People now prefer to have ensuites in their homes which means that there is more space to work with. Quite a few of our clients now prefer to demolish the wall between their toilet and bathroom in order to convert them into an ensuite.
This means that you can now install bigger bathtubs and showers within your bathroom design. Bigger bathtubs means that you relax more comfortably and indeed make your bathroom a place of serenity after a long days work. Open showers have also become increasingly popular compared to older boxed in plastic shower boxes. The growing trend has been to make your bathroom look open and uncluttered. Having open showers or wet areas makes your bathroom look spacious. If you are not yet ready for a wet area in your bathroom then think about installing showers with glass doors that go from the ground till the ceiling.
Free standing bathtub was incorporated in this ensuite in this bathroom renovation in West Harbour
Spacious shower integrated in this bathroom design for a renovation in Westmere
A smaller freestanding bathtub installed in this Ellerslie bathroom renovation
A waterproofed wet area created behind the toilet to make the bathroom look less congested (Bathroom renovation in Epsom)
A glass tiled shower makes this bathroom look more spacious as opposed to a acrylic shower box
Spacious Bathtubs and Wet areas
Spacious wet area created for a bathroom renovation in Westmere, Auckland
A medium sized wet area created for a bathroom in Epsom, Auckland
Trend #12 Floating bathroom vanities
As we discussed above, contemporary and bathrooms have seen a growing trend in the past few years. These designs often feature floating vanities and shelves. Floating shelves however are now being integrated in all types of bathroom designs. As technology improves bathroom suppliers are making floating vanities with traditional, transitional and industrial styles as well.
Floating vanities make the area look less cumbersome and increases storage underneath them.
 Floating vanity in Papatoetoe bathroom renovation |  Floating wooden vanity in Albany bathroom renovation |
Trend #13 Underfloor heating systems and lights
Adding underfloor heating is not seen as a luxury anymore. The growing trend for bathroom designs has been to make them as comfortable as possible. Hence most recently renovated bathrooms in Auckland now feature underfloor heating which cost about $2500. This might feel like its an expense but the comfort that they offer in winter months is immeasurable.
Moreover, you can install underfloor heating under any time of flooring that you choose. You can install it under concrete, tile, Vinyl, wood or tile. You no longer must tip toe or wear warm slippers when walking on tiled bathroom floors. You can also install heating lights on the ceiling for cold winters to add more warmth in your bathroom. This will cost you around $600.
Read more…
18 Top Bathroom tiling trends in Auckland
Trend #14 Textures and patterns on walls
Textured and patterned wall tiles do not have to be synonyms to wallpaper. Wallpapers are a thing of the past as they are hard to maintain. Wallpapers however do have an advantage because they come in various patters and designs which can add considerable character to a bathroom.
Instead of wallpapers the trend will be to use textured and patterned tiles on the walls to add some drama into a bathroom. Tile depot has a range of Artisan tiles/ patterned tiles that can be used as feature walls for bathrooms.
 Mosaic Tiles installed around the mirror in Stanmore Bay |  Spanish style Mosaic tiles in Stanmore Bay |
A combination of subway tiles and Casablanca green tiles in a glass shower (Project in Westmere)
Read more…
Mary Stuart’s Spanish style bathroom renovation
Green textured tiles used as an Accent wall for a Westmere bathroom renovation
Trend #15 Larger tiles
Contrary to popular belief, large tiles make a small bathroom look larger. This is because with larger tiles you will have lesser grout lines which means lesser ‘breaks’ on the bathroom floors. Ruth from Tile depot explains that 600 by 600 or 600 by 900 tiles are becoming increasingly popular with Auckanders and this trend is seeing an upward demands.
 Large 600 by 600 tiles used on the floors |  Large 600 by 900 tiles used on the floors |
Read more…
Ellerslie bathroom renovation with large 600 by 600 tiles used on the floors
Papatoetoe bathroom renovation with large 600 by 600 tiles used on the floors
Greenlane bathroom renovation with large 600 by 600 tiles used on the floors
10 tips for small bathroom ideas for your bathroom design
Medium to large bathrooms are easier to design because there is a lot of space to include the fixtures you like as well as to create design elements. But not everyone has the luxury of having big bathrooms and often the smaller bathrooms in our homes are neglected.
This, however, does not have to be the case. Small bathrooms can be as functional and visually appealing. The key to a great small bathroom design is planning and a designer who can help you with integrating design elements for your small bathroom design.
1. Choose Soft colours or a neutral palette
A neutral palette for your walls and fixtures will give an illusion of space to your small bathroom. Soft colours like beige, off white, soft pinks and other neutral colours will open your space and will create a calming feel within your small bathroom. Having a soft coloured or neutral palette does not mean that your overall bathroom design will be boring. You can create interest and design elements such as colourful towel tails, matte black tapware, brass finish mixers. and accent tiles for your small bathroom.
2. Recessed Lighting
Good lighting will always make any small space appear larger. Natural lighting from the windows works great for small bathrooms but if you do not have good natural lighting then you should make sure that you install plenty of lighting.
We recommend clients to install recessed lighting if they have a small bathroom. You will already be working with a limited space which means you should avoid installing pendent lighting, chandeliers, or wall mounted lighting fixtures as they will make your small bathroom look closed in.
Recessed lighting can be completely hidden in your ceiling and give a sleek look to your bathroom. Recessed lighting also emits a soft glow which will soften the lines of your fixtures and walls.
3. Add Wall Mirrors or Large mirrors above your basin
Use large flat mirrors, if possible, above your vanity or along the wall if possible. Adding large mirrors will visually make your bathroom appear larger and it will also reflect light to add to this illusion of space. Avoid bulky cabinets and if a medicine cabinet is an absolute must for you then choose sleeker styles. St Michel’s has several style options for sleek medicine and side cabinets which are a great choice for small bathroom designs.
4. Wet areas
Wet areas are perfect for small bathroom designs as they provide a sleek look and open up the space. If you are planning on creating a wet area for your small bathroom, then you need to get the area waterproofed. Once waterproofing is completed, then the walls and floors are tiled which becomes your ‘wet area’. Wet areas that are completely open do have a disadvantage because you must ensure that all your other fixtures like vanity etc are water resistance as well.
Cleaning can also become an issue because you will have to wipe water splashes from the rest of the bathroom. To combat this issue, many of our clients prefer installing a glass divider between the wet area and the rest of the bathroom. You can either install half a glass divider or a glass door according to your preference.
5. L-shaped Tiled showers
The corner space of bathrooms is often under utilised in most bathrooms. Small bathroom designs need all the creativity they can get with their layouts. This corner L-shaped space can be used to create a custom tiled glass shower.
Bathroom renovation in St Heliers – While this bathroom was not particularly small, we utilised the corner L-shaped space to create a glass shower to maximise the space available.
See full project specifications for the above bathroom in St Heliers
Use the same tiles in the shower as the rest of your bathroom floor to get a continuous look as this will make your small bathroom appear larger. Use a frameless glass door to add to the illusion of space for your small bathroom.
6. Pocket door/ Barn Door
When you have a small bathroom, you need all the space you can get to comfortably accommodate all bathroom fixtures. To maximise space in your bathroom, you can install a pocket door so that the door is not opening into your bathroom.
We custom built a barn door for this full bathroom renovation as the we did not want the door to swing into the bathroom or the corridor outside. We had limited space in the bathroom and had to accommodate a toilet, shower, bathtub and vanity so we needed all the space available – Vintage bathroom renovation in North Shore
See full bathroom specifications for the above vintage bathroom in North Shore
7. Use large Tiles for your floors
Using large floor tiles will make your small bathroom look larger as it will have fewer grout lines. Ruth from Tile depot recommends using 600 by 600 or 900 by 600 tiles on the floors for small bathroom designs. You can further minimise the appearance of grout lines by matching the colour of your grouting with the tiles.
8. Try a Minimalistic small bathroom design
If you have a very small bathroom then opt for a minimalistic look for your bathroom design. Stay away from too many patterns or textures and choose fixtures with clean lines. Opt for white for your flooring, and all bathroom fixtures. Do not use a shower curtain if you have a bath and instead install a clear glass. To elevate the overall design for your small bathroom, add plants near your window or plant creepers along your mirrors.
9. Floating vanities and toilets
Installing floating vanities and toilets in your bathroom will allow you to achieve an uncluttered look as the space around these fixtures is freed up. In the past floating vanities available were only in the modern style. Now, however you can find gloating vanities in contemporary as well as other styles.
10. Custom built vanities to suit the size of your small bathroom
Small bathrooms can sometimes have odd angles or might be too narrow. Building custom vanity is not as difficult as it might sound. In fact, vanities are built the same way as your kitchen cabinets and benchtop are built.
Custom built vanity and countertop for this bathroom in Redvale as the space was narrow.
See full bathroom specifications for the above bathroom renovation in Redvale
How to create a designer bathroom – Designer bathrooms in NZ
At Superior Renovations, we have seen a growing demand from our clients to create bathrooms that have a designer element to them. Bathrooms no longer are just a functional space but a space to enjoy and relax. Having a designer bathroom does not necessarily have to equate to expensive.
“There are so many innovative and beautiful bathroom fixtures available today which are easy to maintain, moderately priced but also exude a sense of luxury. Combine beautiful fixtures with gorgeous handmade looking tiles and you can really make your bathroom look elegant. It is all about choosing fixtures, colours, textures and designs that truly complement each other for a cohesive bathroom design” says Cici our in-house bathroom designer.
Some of the key questions Cici asks our clients before designing a designer bathroom is as follows:
- Is there a specific theme that you have in mind for your designer bathroom? Themes could range from eclectic, classic, traditional, vintage cottage, industrial, retro, contemporary or modern.
- Do you want to create a bathroom which is a mix of elements from different styles?
- is there a specific colour that you want to incorporate within the bathroom design?
- Is this going to be your main bathroom or a guest bathroom?
- Who will be using this bathroom the most? Are the children going to use the bathroom too?
- How do you feel about textures on materials?
- Do you like a matte, glossy finishes for your fixtures? Or do you want a combination of both?
- Is there a particular fixture (like a bathtub or wet area) that is a must in the bathroom design?
- Does one of the fixtures need to be the star of your bathroom design?
- Do you want a layered lighting effect or a bathroom with more natural and bright light?
- Any specific brands that you want to specifically include in your designer bathroom?
- Do you need a lot of storage in the bathroom?
- How do you feel about a feature wall?
- What is your ideal choice for flooring?
- Any specific tiles that are a must (non-slip etc)?
- Do you want a fully tiled wall or would you prefer painting them?
“Most of my clients do not know the answer to the all the above questions which is completely fine. The choices out there are plenty and it can quickly get overwhelming. I use these questions as just a starting point, to see what the client roughly wants from the designer bathroom. Most of my clients’ vision for their bathroom design often evolves as we talk more about materials and prospective design.” explains Cici. “It is okay not to know what exactly you want from your bathroom design”.
In the next section of the blog we will discuss how to create different styles of designer bathrooms in NZ.
Create a contemporary designer bathroom with Fixtures and Large Matte tiles.
Fixtures play a key role when creating a designer bathroom in NZ. We mostly work with Reece when renovating bathrooms because of their extensive range in design as well as the quality of their fixtures. Contemporary bathrooms are most popular in Auckland as they are a mix of materials that are popular. Contemporary bathroom designs mostly feature large matte tiles with large free standing bathtubs, wet areas and vanity with a design feature.
Kado for bathtubs
Cici often uses the KADO range from Reece when styling contemporary bathrooms. The Kado Range from Reece, is inspired by hotel luxury with an emphasis on indulgence and comfort. This bathtub is called Lussi 500 Vessel basin and has the capacity of 7.6L.
The solid case surface of this bathtub exudes a contemporary look as it lets the rawness of the material of the bathtub be the star of the show. Photo credit (https://www.reece.co.nz/bathrooms/brands/kado)
Lussi bathtub from Reece. Photo credit – https://digitalassets.reecegroup.com.au/m/5320f7647b57185a/original/Kado-NZ.pdf
If you are looking for something slightly more asymmetrical then Cici would recommend the Neue free standing bathtub from Kado. “The curved edge on one side of the bathtub creates interest and is also more comfortable as you can stretch out your legs on the elongated side of the bathtub.
Neue free standing bathtub from the Kado range. Photo credit – https://digitalassets.reecegroup.com.au/m/5320f7647b57185a/original/Kado-NZ.pdfIf you are lookin
As seen above, contemporary bathrooms of today have an overall matte finish for all their fixtures and tiles. If you want to add a touch of glossy or shiny finish to your bathroom then we recommend you do them through taps or a feature wall.
LAUFEN for basins and tapware
There are many options available today when it comes choosing a contemporary style of basin. There isn’t a particular basin that fits the description of a contemporary style. Some of the more popular contemporary designer bathrooms of today have smart features like integrating eco technology that help to save water and electricity.
We asked Cici why she recommends Laufen to clients and she says “Laufen has created a unique material called SaphirKeramik which they use to make their basins. It is a revolutionary ceramic material which has exceptional hardness that is blended with corundum (a colourless mineral that has some components of Sapphire). This gives the material the strength that is equal to steel but is flexible enough to be made very thin. This gives you endless design possibilities which is why Laufen has some spectacular designs for their basins.
There is also an emphasis on design which does not have any added frills.
The left side of the picture shows how Laufen integrates eco technology within its tapware system that helps you save water and electricity. The right side of the picture shows how their modern mixers lets you hide most of the mixer behind the wall which gives you a sleeker look and also frees up space around the sink. Photo credit – https://digitalassets.reecegroup.com.au/m/cd0758ca790cad89/original/Kartell-by-Laufen.pdf
” There are many options available for tapware as well as basins when it comes to a contemporary bathroom design. Some of my clients prefer a more modern and clean look for their basins while some like a more rugged look which showcases the rawness and earthiness of the material. The beauty of contemporary designs is that you can mix and match various styles as there is no specific design for contemporary designs (like for traditional)” explains Cici when asked about the choice for contemporary bathrooms.
This basin and mixer from Laufen is suited for a more modern contemporary bathroom. This is from Laufen’s Kartell range. Photo credit – https://digitalassets.reecegroup.com.au/m/cd0758ca790cad89/original/Kartell-by-Laufen.pdf
The basin seen above is a great example of a contemporary bathroom design with modern and sleek lines. It is a minimalistic look which is also great for bathrooms which have a smaller space to work with.
This contemporary designer bathroom features basins and mixers from Laufen’s Kartell range. Photo credit -https://digitalassets.reecegroup.com.au/m/cd0758ca790cad89/original/Kartell-by-Laufen.pdf
A unique on the counter basin from Laufen from their ‘Val’ series. Photo credit – https://digitalassets.reecegroup.com.au/m/53ef3d9bff149820/original/LAUFEN-NZ-Brochure.pdf
A beautiful contemporary basin with curved edges (Laufen from Sonar series) gives softens a contemporary bathroom design. Photo credit – https://digitalassets.reecegroup.com.au/m/53ef3d9bff149820/original/LAUFEN-NZ-Brochure.pdf
“The bathroom that we renovated in Piha (pictured below0 is a great example of using a sink that shows off its material in its raw form. People often mistake contemporary style with ultra modern. A contemporary bathroom design is all about using materials that are most popular in the current time. This could include elements borrowed from other styles. It is all about highlighting materials” explains Cici about contemporary designs.
Contemporary designer bathroom in Piha
Alape for contemporary and modern designer bathrooms
Alape is another great brand from Reece that can be used in contemporary, industrial and modern bathroom designs. It is made of a thin sheet of steel which is the fired with a rich enamel coating to give you an even finish. It exudes a sense of luxury that is hard to match and truly elevates the overall bathroom design to make it look like a designer bathroom.
This vessel sink has a metallic dark iron enamel coating from Alape. This sink can be used in contemporary, industrial and modern designer bathrooms. Photo credit – https://www.reece.co.nz/resources/themes/bathrooms/assets/nz/brands/alape/Reece-Alape-Brochure-V1.pdf
The vessel sink below has two colours within the sink that provides a beautiful contrast and adds interest to the vanity. The interior white is in a glossy finish against the matte black of the exterior. Our designers do no recommend installing vessel sinks with households where there are very young children. This is because vessel sinks need cleaning around the basin which is not required for insert sinks.
Bi-colour range from Alape. photo credit – https://www.reece.co.nz/resources/themes/bathrooms/assets/nz/brands/alape/Reece-Alape-Brochure-V1.pdf
The insert sink pictured below, would be a better choice for households with children. This sink also gives a more uncluttered look for the surface of your vanity.
Steel insert sink from Alape. photo credit – https://www.reece.co.nz/resources/themes/bathrooms/assets/nz/brands/alape/Reece-Alape-Brochure-V1.pdf
Showers in Contemporary bathrooms
Showers in contemporary bathrooms often feature wet areas or a tiled shower with a glass door. Most older homes have boxed in showers with an acrylic base which often look too bulky and do not add any aesthetic element to the overall bathroom design.
Most of our clients opt for a tiled shower with a frameless glass for a clean look for their contemporary bathroom designs. We often install the same floor tiles and wall tiles in the shower as the rest of the bathroom to provide continuity to the bathroom design which in turn makes the bathroom look larger.
This bathroom renovation in West Harbour features a tiled shower with a frameless glass. The frameless glass makes sure that the shower area does not look bulky.
“Some of my bathroom renovation clients prefer a tiled shower that has a raised platform around the perimeter so water does not splash out of the shower when in use. Other clients want a more cleaner and seamless in which case we do not build the raised perimeter”. explains Cici about the types of tiled showers that are popular with our clients.
This is another example of a raised frameless tiled shower for our bathroom renovation in Piha.
The wet area in the above bathroom renovation is a great example of a wet area. The partial glass frame separates the shower from the rest of the bathroom. There is no raised platform that separates the rest of the bathroom from the shower area.
The picture below shows a bathroom that we renovated in Westmere (Auckland) where we created a wet area without a raised platform around the perimeter. The same tiles were used throughout the bathroom as well as the wet area to create a seamless bathroom design. While this bathroom has a more rustic style, a similar wet area can be created in a contemporary designer bathroom.
A wet area was created in a rustic bathroom renovation that we carried out in Westmere, Auckland.
Flooring and Wall tiles for a Contemporary designer bathroom
The great thing about contemporary designs is that there are not many style restrictions or limitations. It is all about combining different styles, textures and materials. We work very closely with Ruth and Kalun from Tile depot who routinely help us with selecting the right types of tiles for our client bathrooms. They have extensive knowledge about the evolution of tiles, new innovative products in styles as well as durability so our designers often seek their advice when designing our client bathrooms.
Ruth recommends using large 600 by 600 or 600 by 900 sized tiles on the floors because it makes the bathroom look larger as there are less breaks in terms of grout lines. Contemporary bathrooms of today usually feature matte tiles for the floor and walls. Cici recommends using dark coloured tiles on the floors for a contemporary bathroom. “Using dark coloured matte tiles on the floors instantly makes the bathroom look more luxurious. You can use a slightly lighter shade for the walls if you are tiling them or use a more lighter colour for your tile”.
“If you look at the bathroom we renovated below, then you can see how a light veined tile on the walls complements the darker tile on the floor to create a open and spacious bathroom” says Cici about using dark tiles on the floor. “It is a common misconception that dark tiles will close up the space and make the bathroom look small” she adds.
Contemporary designer bathroom in Albany, Auckland. This contemporary bathroom features 600 by 600 large tiles on the floors with an off white veined tiles on the walls.
See all pictures + project specifications (for the bathroom pictured above)
If you like patterned tiles then install them as a feature element on your walls as a lining or as a full feature wall. A great example of a contemporary bathroom design with small patterned tiles on the floor with white subway tiles for the walls.
Contemporary designer bathroom renovation in Titirangi.
See Before and After pictures + project specifications for the bathroom pictured above
“When you look at the bathrooms above you can see that a contemporary bathroom design really has no limitations and that is what makes it fun to design. You can see how different the bathrooms look from Titirangi and Albany but they still fit into the mould of contemporary bathrooms. Traditional elements with ornate designs are the only types of fixtures that do not fit into the idea of contemporary” explains Cici when we asked her why these two bathrooms are considered contemporary
Our featured Contemporary bathroom design – Redvale, Auckland
Our contemporary designer bathroom below is a great example of the different textures, finishes and colours that are used to create today’s contemporary bathroom design. The exterior of the bathtub has a matte finish but the interior has a more polished finish. the real star of the show however, is the combination of dark grey wall tiles against the lighter grey floor tiles.
Our client Sarah did not want a generic looking off white bathroom but opted for a dark colour palette.
“People often have the misconception that choosing dark fixtures or tiles will make your space smaller. This does not have to be the case if the darker colour palette is complemented by more lighter colours. If you choose all your tiles, fixtures and other accessories in a dark palette then your bathroom will definitely look smaller and closed in. If you however, choose contrasting colours of light and dark then the result will be a beautiful contemporary space” says Cici about choosing dark colour palettes for bathrooms.
As discussed above, matte textured tiles have become a preferred choice for designers and clients alike for contemporary designer bathrooms in NZ. Large 600 by 600 Pirano grey matt glazed porcelain R10 antislip tiles used on the floors from tile depot. Large 600 by 600 MI Incarico tiles used on the walls from Tile depot.
“Large 600 by 600 or 600, 600 by 900 or 900 by 1200 are very popular for small as well as big bathrooms. They give a more seamless look and provide continuity to the bathroom design as there are fewer grout lines. They are also easier to install and will be less prone to leakage” says Ruth from Tile Depot when we asked her about the size of tiles best suited for bathrooms.
Read more: EMERGING TILE TRENDS (2022) BY TILE DEPOT (+COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID)
We created a tiled shower wet area for the bathroom which had the same tiles for its floors and walls to provide continuity to the overall bathroom design. A shower niche was also created to store shampoos and body wash to avoid cluttered floors. A custom glass was cut to fit in the shower’s wet area.
The bathroom had an awkward corner space behind the bathroom door where we installed a toilet. This was it was partially hidden and we could utilise the space well which gave us the freedom to install larger fixtures (the free standing bathtub, double heated towel rail and double vanity) in the rest of the bathroom.
As the bathroom was quite narrow, we custom built the vanity as well as the stone engineered countertop. To add to the spa-like contemporary design of the bathroom we installed top standing basins and chrome tapware.
Read full project specifications + Before and After bathroom pictures for the above bathroom
Vintage bathroom designs NZ
Vintage bathroom designs exude an old world charm with its patterned tiles, intricate accessories, warm colours and classic timeless fixtures. Vintage does not mean the dated bathrooms that you see in older homes of Auckland. Vintage bathroom designs of today are all about incorporating classic pieces of fixtures into a modern bathroom.
For example, vintage bathroom designs include antique looking claw foot bathtubs, free standing vanity in a classic style, tiles with patterns and brushed finish tapware.
Vanity for Vintage bathroom designs
During earlier times, basins never really had an cabinetry built underneath or above it. This is the reason that our designer Dorothy recommends using free standing basins without any in-built cabinetry for a vintage bathroom design.
You can add shelves in form of floating shelves or open cabinetry on the side which are the hallmarks of vintage bathroom designs. The material
Tapware from the Classic collection from the Astra Walker range. Photo credit: https://www.astrawalker.com.au/cgi-bin/user.pl?a_download_file=1&file=2825&r=%2Fproducts%2Fbrochures
The 3 part tapware shown above is a classic example of vintage style fixtures. The separate hot and cold knobs are reminiscent of older times and hence are the perfect choice for a vintage bathroom design.
Vintage bathroom designs often include white ceramic vanities with chrome or brushed nickel tapware. Some of our clients also like to include brass fittings to give their bathrooms a more rustic vintage look reminiscent of Spanish Villas.
Below is a great example of a modern vintage vanity which uses a ceramic basin with brushed nickel trimmings.
Another example of a free standing vintage vanity from Kitchen Hub. Photo credit: https://www.astrawalker.com.au/cgi-bin/user.pl?a_download_file=1&file=2825&r=%2Fproducts%2Fbrochures
Our client Mary Stuart from Orewa, Auckland (see picture below) wanted her bathroom design to include a flair of Spanish Villas. So she decided to go for a more eclectic vintage look by installing colourful mosaic tiles, brass fittings and wooden vanity.
Rustic bathroom renovation in Orewa using aged brass fittings to give it the flair of a Spanish Villa.
See Mary Stuart’s full bathroom transformation + Before and After pictures
Bathtubs in a Vintage Bathroom design
Bathtubs are an iconic fixture of a vintage bathroom and it should be a free standing one. Think a huge bath with chrome, brushed nickel or brass clawed foot with ornate detailing.
What are the best tiling options for a vintage bathroom design?
Tiles are definitely a hallmark of any bathroom design when you are designing a bathroom for any particular style of bathroom. Our in house designer Dorothy often helps our clients with choosing the right type of tiles or fixtures to create a designer bathroom in any style.
“Vintage can mean so many different things to different people. Some go for a more Moorish look and others for more classic Victorian look. The tiles for for each of these different styles of vintage bathrooms will differ. If you are going for a more Moorish or Rustic look then I would suggest tiles which have lots of colour and patterns. Tile Depot has a great collection of glazed handmade looking tiles that would suit a rustic vintage bathroom well. If it is a more Victorian Vintage design then I would go for more classic Neutrals and combine them with a bit of colour. You won’t see a lot of colour in a vintage bathroom in the Victorian style” explains Dorothy about how different Vintage bathroom designs need very different kinds of tiles in their bathroom design.
4. Bathroom Design Trends not to follow
- All-white bathrooms: While all-white bathrooms can look clean and modern, they can also feel sterile and cold. They can also be difficult to maintain, as any stains or dirt are immediately visible on white surfaces. Consider adding some color or texture to your bathroom design to make it more inviting and comfortable. Costs will vary depending on the extent of the changes made, such as new paint, tiles, or fixtures.
- Overly trendy tile designs: While trendy tiles may be appealing now, they may look outdated in just a few years. It’s better to stick with classic tile designs and add interest through accessories like rugs, towels, and artwork. The cost will depend on the type of tile and the size of the bathroom.
- Open shelving: While open shelving can look great in photos, it can be difficult to keep organized and can quickly become cluttered. Consider closed storage options for a cleaner and more organized look. Costs will depend on the type of storage units selected.
- Large bathtubs: While large bathtubs may be luxurious, they can also take up a lot of space and use a lot of water. Consider a smaller bathtub or even a walk-in shower for a more practical and space-saving option. Costs will depend on the type of bathtub or shower selected, as well as any additional plumbing or electrical work required.
- Wall-to-wall carpeting: Carpeting in a bathroom is generally not a good idea, as it can trap moisture and bacteria and be difficult to clean. Consider tile, vinyl, or hardwood flooring for a more practical and hygienic option. Costs will depend on the type of flooring selected and the size of the bathroom.
By avoiding these design trends, you can create a bathroom that is both stylish and practical. The cost of making these changes will depend on the extent of the renovations, but in general, it’s better to invest in timeless design elements that will stand the test of time.
Further Resources
- Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
- Real client stories from Auckland
Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!
Depending on the lifestyle you have or if you have children or adults then the type of tiles used for your bathroom will defer. Read our article about various tiles from the ladies at Tile Depot to understand more about what is suitable for your family https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/emerging-tile-trends-by-tile-depot-common-mistakes-to-avoid/ We provide a full renovation service which means that you get to choose all your fixtures, flooring and renovation materials from our various supplier showrooms in Auckland This will depend on whether you are renovating on your own and managing your project or if you are renovating with a company. If you are renovating with a renovation company like ours then we include all labour costs, products, renovation materials and all different trades and project management in our proposals. On an average a bathroom renovation starts from $19,000 is Auckland. No you will not if you are renovating with us. We have an inhouse designer who will help you with your bathroom design process. What type of tiles should i be using for my bathroom?
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How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom in NZ?
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