If you’re considering revamping your bathroom, don’t be afraid of colour! Flying in the face of minimalist white on white, a new trend for colour is causing a splash in fashionable bathroom design.

Photo credit: German Sanitary Industry Association e.V (VDS)

According to the organisers of the 2019 ISH Trade Fair, colourful shades are the future for tiles, bathroom furniture, basins, toilets and baths. Next year’s event in Germany will feature a ‘Colour Selection 2019’ as part of the regular Pop up my Bathroom design trend show.

Restrained tones, multi-coloured effects and bold colour statements will all feature, say the organisers. “A mix and match approach with painted vintage pieces, Boho rugs and cushions has found its way into living rooms and kitchens—and now this new colourfulness is working its magic on the bathroom.

“Textiles are ideal for bringing colour into the bathroom, but now there is a revolutionary trend for colour in integrated products, such as vanity units and basins, mineral cast and ceramic items, taps and mixers, shower cubicles and bathtubs.”

ISH are quick to reassure us that the colour coming to sanitaryware in 2019 will be nothing like the salmon pink, beige/coffee or avocado green matching bathroom suites of the 1970s and 1980s. Check out the soft grey basin in the image below.

Anything between white and black is in
Photo credit: Kaldewei

Back to nature

Green is the colour of the moment for bathroom interior design—from delicate pastels to lime greens and dark, elegant shades. This reflects increasing consumer environmental awareness and a desire to get back to the natural world, says ISH, and also suggests the health-giving aspects of the bathroom.

Natural neutrals – tones of brown and shades of grey feature strongly in new designs, as well as greige, a combination of grey and beige.  There is a definite move to make bathrooms feel warm and cosy, but opulent too by using touches of gold, platinum and copper.

Plants, a rug, a green wall, an armchair and a level-access shower: the modern bathroom is turning into a lifestyle space that’s a pleasure to spend time in.
Photo credit: Villeroy & Boch

Bold colours

The choice is yours – Go for it!
Photo credit: From left: Laufen, Dornbracht, bcap Burgbad, Duravit

Black or charcoal grey is often chosen as a dominant colour and combined with materials such as marble, brass and wood for added interest and texture. 

A mix of materials for fittings: wood is a great way of giving the bathroom a warmer feel.
Photo credit: Hangrohe/Axor

Colourfully challenging bathrooms will be on display at ISH 2019 – from brightly-coloured sanitary ceramics to transparent bathroom furniture in blue and green.

ISH say that courageous use of colour is what counts in 2019. In Europe, powerful, eye-catching colours in the yellow-orange-red spectrum are popular, as are fresh, Nordic blues.

Will New Zealand bathrooms follow the trend? Watch this space.

There’s no ignoring these bold fittings
Photo credit:Antonio Lupi

Pop up my Bathroom is jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt and the Association of the German Sanitation Industry. Next year’s show will be held in Hall 4.0 at Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, from 11-15 March 2019, as part of the 2019 ISH Trade Fair. www.ish.messefrankfurt.com

You can get more inspiration for your bathroom here: http://www.pop-up-my-bathroom.com