Sign up to our newsletter!
No matter if you are moving, or improving, our newsletter is packed with the best tips, tricks and ideas to help you dwell well.
The bathroom is often one of the most frequently remodelled rooms in a home. Trends come and go, fixtures and finishes get updated, and it's not uncommon for homeowners to give their bathrooms makeovers every decade or two. But what if you could design a bathroom that won't quickly look outdated? Not only would it save you money on home renovations but it would also save you time and effort having to rip out key fixtures every year.
With some thoughtful design choices centred around durable materials, neutral colours and timeless style, you can create a bathroom that will remain fresh and appealing for years to come – without the need for constant redecorating. Here, we’ll explore tips for crafting a bathroom design with classic, enduring style that will never go out of fashion.
When selecting surfaces and materials for your bathroom, durability and longevity should be top of mind. Trendy finishes or flimsy fixtures that work today but require replacement in just a few years are something to avoid. Instead, focus your choices on high-quality materials known for their staying power, even as trends come and go around them.
Natural stone surfaces like granite, marble and quartz have a timeless look and can last a lifetime. Porcelain and ceramic tile are another excellent option for floors, walls and countertops – choose neutral colours in clean, straight shapes.
For metal finishes, look for nickel, stainless steel or brushed bronze rather than anything high-shine. Materials like solid wood or concrete can also provide a classic, durable base for your design. The key is to think about long-term durability over what simply looks stylish today. Investing in quality materials will mean fewer headaches and expenses for you down the road.
Top tip: Opt for durable natural materials like stone, wood and marble in your bathroom design, to avoid wear and tear over time. Hardwearing natural materials are the best option for creating a bathroom built to last.
In a bathroom, a statement piece can serve as the perfect focal point and really elevate the look and feel of the room, creating a classic, elegant look that never dates. Freestanding tubs are a popular choice for creating a spa-like focal point.
Another option to enhance the modern luxury of the bathroom is to install a spacious vanity unit with integrated lighting and concealed storage. Opt for a wall-mounted vanity with a minimalist profile to continue the clean, contemporary lines. You can create the impression of a larger space by including pull-out drawers and closed cabinets to hide away clutter, together with maintaining a serene and clear vanity surface.
Top tip: A freestanding tub can serve as an elegant focal point in the bathroom, whether opting for a contemporary metallic style or traditional clawfoot tub, to create a relaxing spa-like oasis.
When designing a timeless bathroom meant to be lived in for years to come, it is important to consider accessibility features that will support you as you age. Making small adjustments now can ensure comfort and safety well into the future. An easy entry shower with grab bars or non-slip flooring are examples of universal design elements that allow a space to adapt to changing physical needs over time.
Specifically, a kerbless or low-threshold shower makes entry hassle-free while still accommodating a seat and grab bars for resting and stability when needed. Lowered wall-mounted sinks and mirrors are more accessible to wheelchair users or those who need to be seated. Proper lighting, both overhead and task specific, along with ventilation improves visibility and air flow and keeps your bathroom comfortable and functional for years to come.
Top tip: Incorporating thoughtful accessibility features allows a dream bathroom to gracefully support its owners as life progresses. A space designed for longevity promotes confidence, independence, and comfort year after year. Investing in timeless universal design ensures your bath can remain a beautiful and functional oasis.
A neutral colour palette is a safer bet for a timeless bathroom. Limit more trendy or bold colours to minor decor elements that are easy to switch out later, and keep main surfaces and fixtures in classic neutral tones. A white, grey or beige colour scheme almost never looks dated and pairs well with most other colours for accents. Crisp white has a clean, fresh look that works in any style bathroom, while warm greys or greiges are sophisticated and versatile.
Consider painting your vanity, cabinets and walls in neutral hues and select floor and countertop materials that are naturally stone-based or neutral as well. Pops of colour can come from towels, bathmats, shower curtains and other accessories. However, the core elements of your bathroom should employ a versatile colour scheme for longevity.
Top tip: Sticking to a neutral colour palette of whites, greys and browns enables you to play with pops of colour and change up the look of your bathroom over time without requiring a full redecoration.
When designing for the long haul, opt for simplicity over super ornate detailing and embellishments. Clean, straight lines and more subtle styling tend to have greater staying power than trends that come and go. You can also achieve simplicity by limiting the number of materials used. Ultimately, a bathroom with thoughtful editing to reduce embellishment and optimise for clean lines will feel fresh for many years to come. Subtlety and restraint keep your design timeless.
When selecting fixtures and finishes, lean toward classic styles rather than anything too modern or avant-garde. While clean, contemporary shapes may be popular right now, they can look instantly dated in just a few years. Focus instead on more classic silhouettes for your vanity, mirrors, lighting and other fixtures that don’t instantly place your bathroom décor in a particular time period.
For those seeking a clean, understated look, simple white or light-coloured tiles can provide a timeless backdrop. Subway tiles have been popular for over a century due to their versatility and affordable price point. Alternatively, choose large format tiles that can create a seamless look with fewer grout lines. Keep the look light and bright by limiting grout lines and selecting grout that matches the tile colour – simple need not be boring. With smart tile layouts and accessorising, a clean tile foundation can be the perfect starting point for crafting your soothing sanctuary.
Top tip: Opting for simple, classic shapes and styles when selecting bathroom fixtures, like oval sinks and bathtubs with sleek, minimalist lines, ensures your space won't look dated to a particular time period, allowing it to maintain a timeless aesthetic.
Creating a timeless bathroom design requires forethought and restraint when it comes to materials, colours and fixtures. The overall effect should be fresh yet grounded in enduring aesthetics. While you can make minor updates over time with towels, accessories and art, the core of your design should have versatility and flexibility. With smart, future-focused choices, your bathroom can retain its appeal for many years before needing an overhaul.
Live well with Moving and Improving