It’s a place of escapism and relaxation where anyone can unwind after a long day.
From towel warmers and supersized showers to digital controls and bathtubs made for two, Australians are transforming their humble bathrooms into lavish spaces.
Homeowners are giving their bathrooms a stylish makeover by splashing an average of $11,900 on renovations, the Australian Houzz Bathroom Trends 2017 study found.
Here, FEMAIL has rounded up the bathroom trends that will be popular in 2018.
Modern: The leading post-renovation styles were contemporary and modern, Houzz found
Contemporary: More than 1,700 Australian homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning, or recently completed a bathroom project were surveyed by Houzz
More than 1,700 Australian homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning, or recently completed a bathroom project were surveyed by Houzz.
The study found the leading post-renovation styles were contemporary and modern.
Eight in 10 Aussies said finding a beautiful design for their bathroom was a top priority, followed by good natural lighting at 39 per cent.
Almost one in 10 millennial homeowners deemed bathroom designs to be all about romance while 36 per cent had no particular theme or style.
Among the Australians upgrading their shower, 68 per cent increased its size, with 64 per cent switching over to rainfall showerheads or 62 per cent handheld showerheads.
Around 22 per cent of homeowners included a bathtub large enough to fit a couple while 12 per cent upgraded their showers to accommodate two people.
The study found white was the preferred colour for walls, cabinets and bench tops – and often accented by grey flooring.
Up to 12 per cent of homeowners are getting high-tech upgrade to their bathrooms, including digital controls and built-in sound for showers and self-cleaning and overflow protection for toilets.
Natural lighting: Eight in 10 Aussies said finding a beautiful design for their bathroom was a top priority, followed by good natural lighting at 39 per cent
Sydney interior stylist Hande Renshaw (pictured) said she believed warm colours and 3D tiles will be a hit next year
Sydney interior stylist Hande Renshaw, who runs Hunter & Folk, said she believed warm colours and 3D tiles will be a hit next year.
‘Rich, warm colours and natural stone will be really popular in 2018 – gone are the days of the more minimal palette of previous seasons,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.
‘The subway tile is long forgotten. Think tones such as soft plum, deep blues, dark green, beige and browns.
‘The 3D tile is also popular – adding depth and warmth into the bathroom.
‘Clean and bright bathrooms with large scale marble tiles and brass accents are still surprisingly popular at the moment.’
Ms Renshaw said a growing number of homeowners wanted to upscale their bathrooms so they can relax in style.
‘I think escapism is a big element when it comes to a humble bathroom,’ she said.
‘Australians are choosing to turn the bathroom into a space which they can revel in and enjoy. Creating a space which you want to spend valuable time in is a high priority.’
Bathtubs for two: Around 22 per cent of homeowners included a bathtub to accommodate two
Bathtubs for two: While 12 per cent upgraded their showers to accommodate two people
Bathtubs for two: Australians are transforming their humble bathrooms into lavish spaces
She said the ‘perfect’ modern bathroom should have an ‘element of sophistication’.
‘A space I can’t wait to escape to at the end of the day. If you’re lucky and have the space, a freestanding bath is a wonderful feature,’ she said.
‘It’s also important to remember how the space functions – as one of the hardest working spaces in the home, it needs to be functional.’
Considering the spend on bathroom renovations, 89 per cent of renovating homeowners hire a home professional for their project.
Vanity for two: Study found white was the preferred colour for walls, cabinets and bench tops
Up to 12 per cent of homeowners are getting high-tech upgrade to their bathrooms, including digital controls and built-in sound for showers and self-cleaning
Country Operations manager at Houzz Australia Tony Been said: ‘Bathroom renovations today are motivated by reasons that vary widely across generations.
‘Most Millennials (under 35) tackle bathroom renovations shortly after buying a home and wanting to personalise and romanticise the space.
‘Homeowners older than 54 are motivated by lifestyle triggers, such as family changes, and/or physical triggers, such as something breaking or wearing out.
‘It is quite noteworthy that the majority of Australian homeowners in any generational group plan to stay in their home for at least 10 years, partly explaining the large scope and investment on bathroom renovations today.’