Guest Blog | Bathroom Trends With Shalini Misra

Based in London, the architect and interior designer Shalini Misra set up her own practice in 1996. She and her team transform residential properties worldwide and recent projects include a Grade II listed London house, a New Delhi villa and an apartment in New York’s landmark Bloomberg Tower with astonishing views across Central Park.  In each of these very different locations, she has created highly individual homes full of texture, character and interest.

Here, she offers us her insights on the latest bathroom trends.

A bathroom can be very contemporary, but also feature plenty of visual interest.  After years of plain surfaces and clinical styling, pattern and texture are back and there is a heightened focus on luxurious traditional materials such as enamelled cast iron and vitreous china.  Cutting-edge bathroom design embraces classic centrepieces such as Drummonds’ splendid baths and vanity basins.

Bathrooms really lend themselves to drama. Don’t be afraid to design them around important pieces such the Spittal freestanding shower. Statements like this sit beautifully within sleek, modern settings.  And, of course, Drummond’s bespoke baths offer a world of decorative possibilities; from the industrial lustre of polished metals to specialist handpainted finishes.

Trends in colour and texture include black and white monochrome designs, which are strong and masculine or, for a more feminine feel, wallpapers with bold prints.  Use statement graphic tiles, boldly figured marble cladding or porcelain tiles made to look like stone or wood.  Add points of interest with mirrors; look for lush frames or quirky shapes.  Mix old and new – use vintage trunks or industrial racking to create chic bathroom storage.

Accent with gleaming metal taps and accessories. Nickel is an enduring favourite, but brass is a strong emerging story in bathroom design; another traditional material now trending strongly in contemporary design.

Looking beyond the decorative, technology is another major bathroom trend.   The ‘must haves’ include mirrors which convert to TV’s, hidden bathroom speakers connected to home entertainment systems and lighting which can change colour to create a range of moods.   There are also apps which allow you to remotely control the lighting and temperature and even run a bath using your smart phone.  So you can not only create the perfect bathroom … you can then programme it to be ready to walk into, the moment you get home.

Contact Shalini Misra:

020 7604 2340