As we get closer to the start of a new year, our minds begin racing with things we can change, update, or transform. Looking around our homes, we can find spaces to update at every corner -– from simple details like the curtains (in 2024, two-tone curtains will be all the rage) to bigger changes like in bedrooms or bathrooms.
With trends constantly changing, it can be hard to keep our homes feeling fresh and up-to-date. Instead of revamping the entirety of your home, sticking to one space at a time can keep you from feeling renovation burnout. Your bathroom is a great place to start -– not only do you spend a great deal of time in your bathroom, but current trends help it become a place you actually want to be in. We spoke with Brad Smith, Interior Designer & CEO of Omni Home Ideas, who predicts sustainable, tech-forward spaces, bold colors, and natural elements to be trending for 2024 bathroom spaces.
Sustainable luxury
Gone are the days of using harmful materials to create a gorgeous space. Often, when we think of eco-friendly options for our homes, we focus on non-aesthetic elements like upgrading our water heater or changing our shower head. But our dedication to our environment has spread into the design space as well. In 2024, there will be a rise in eco-friendly materials that don't compromise on aesthetics. Think recycled glass countertops and bamboo cabinetry.
If a bathroom renovation is on your 2024 bucket list, there are a plethora of ways to keep things beautiful and eco-friendly. Recycled glass countertops usually come from leftover materials from demolished buildings or construction sites. With the large array of styles and products, the final result will be unique to your home, allowing you to create something you haven't seen before. As for cabinetry, using a material like bamboo will create a serene, aesthetically pleasing space with the bonus of being strong and sustainable — without chipping or falling apart. To add sustainable elements to your bathroom without a full remodel, consider swapping out hardware and fixtures for ones that reflect these new trends, like installing sleek, smart faucets or bamboo handles.
Bold color palettes
Tech-forward spaces
This past year, it was all about smart kitchens. Our refrigerators transformed into virtual meal planners, and our coffee makers began creating expert-level lattes at the touch of a button. The new year will see the technology trend bleed into other spaces in our homes, specifically the bathrooms. According to advanced technology integration is a top trend for 2024. "Smart bathrooms are becoming more mainstream, with features like voice-controlled lighting and temperature-regulating smart showers."
The first dive into tech-powered bathrooms was the use of smart toilets, which incorporate touchless flushing, self-cleaning, and even the ability to play music via Bluetooth. Now, smart showers, which can regulate temperatures or lessen your water bill through smart showerheads, are worthy splurges in a bathroom renovation. Digital shower systems will turn your nightly shower into a spa-like experience with the option to customize every detail. Plus, a lot of these smart appliances include self-cleaning features – meaning more time to jam out during your shower session and less time cleaning up afterward.
Natural elements
Tech is always at the forefront of trends, but aesthetically, it's all about things looking natural and "incorporating organic materials like natural stone and wood to create a serene, spa-like environment." As we become a society so focused on technology, we must keep things more natural in other aspects of our lives to achieve balance — which can be done by picking the right materials in our homes. "The integration of natural elements has a timeless appeal," says Brad Smith. "It creates a tranquil and rejuvenating space, resonating with people's enduring desire for a connection to nature." This can be done easily, according to Smith, by "adding potted plants or wood accents to bring in natural elements."
No matter what trends you choose to follow, "Remember, trends are a guideline, not a rulebook. It's about finding what resonates with your personal style and comfort. A well-designed bathroom should reflect your personality and cater to your lifestyle," says Brad Smith.