Having crossed the mid-point of 2024, we’ve had several months of emerging color palettes, thoughtful features, and fixture designs, with some proving more long-lasting than others. Here’s a quick round up of some our favorite current trends that add practicality and beauty to new-build bathrooms throughout the D.C. metro and beyond.
The modernization of white on white on white
It’s been a few years since we started to see white counters with white floors with white vanities start to make its exit from popularity. The style has started to appear somewhat dated. New builds and redesigns are modernizing the take by playing to either varying shades of white and creams that complement each other without being “matchy matchy” or leveraging different sheens to bring in a visual difference to the space.
Deep, moody tones
Bold, intense hues that play up the drama in a low-lit space, such as a powder room, are gaining traction. Fixtures tend to take a backseat to the overall wall color, though gold and/or black hardware tend to be the popular option. There are multiple takes on this trend, from jewel-tone or nearly black shades of paint, to a well-appointed wood slat accent wall, or bold wall papers that bring in large florals or geometric designs. One thing they have in common is a noteworthy look that sets a mood from the moment you walk into the space.
Backlit mirrors
A growing number of homeowners and designers are favoring backlit mirrors—a mirror that’s often circular in shape (though there are square, rectangular, and oval options as well) that has built-in LED lighting. This lighting addition is often a practical, space-saving option that also provides great lighting for doing makeup while lending itself to both open, airy design concepts and adding a bit of drama to dark, moody spaces.
Extended shower nooks
The long-time staple of a built-in shampoo storage nook is getting a glow-up. Today’s bathrooms are accenting the nooks with contrast tile, often in the form of a bolder hue or geometric, eye-catching selection or placement pattern. But it isn’t just the color palette that’s changing; it’s the size. While traditional nooks offer storage for a few items, 2024 designs are turning this shower must-have into a focal point, extending the spaces vertically to offer both additional storage and extend the visual impact of the more eye-catching accent tile designs. It’s the perfect combination of function and beauty.
Slab showers
Dirty grout lines are the bane of many a bathroom, and while dark grout that contrasts the tile selection remains a popular way of making that dirt less apparent, the latest wall trend eliminates the problem altogether. Rather than piecing together individual tiles, bathrooms are showcasing slab shower walls. These single slab pieces are free of grout lines for easy cleaning and maintenance. Beyond being practical, these walls are seamlessly beautiful, showcasing gorgeous slate or stunning veining in marble or quartz.
