8 Retro Bathroom Styles Designers Are Bringing Back This Year

In 2025, bathroom design trends are heavily influenced by vintage-inspired looks, embracing bold colors and patterns to add personality and visual interest. Designers highlight five retro bathroom design schemes that are making a significant comeback. Ornate wallpapers are re-emerging, moving away from minimalist aesthetics. Carly Filbin of Blue Jay Interiors notes a resurgence in fun printed wallpapers, such as chinoiserie-inspired prints, to introduce whimsy into spaces like pool baths. Mary Gordon, vice president of InSite Builders & Remodeling, also observes a trend towards floral prints, with large-scale patterns and modern colors transforming powder rooms and accent walls into statement features. Glass floor tiles, a popular choice from the 1980s and 1990s, are also experiencing a revival. Linette Dai, founder of Linette Dai Design, points out that full-sized glass tiles are now being used more frequently, allowing flooring to become a distinctive design element in its own right. Another surprising comeback is pink tile, a beloved feature from the 1950s, famously inspired by First Lady Mamie Eisenhower. Gordon explains that soft shades like blush and dusty rose are now being combined with neutrals or bold accents, creating bathrooms that feel simultaneously fresh and nostalgic. Nadia Subaran, principal and senior designer at Aidan Design, has incorporated pink Fireclay tile into her own home, illustrating this trend. Warm metallic finishes, such as brass and gold, are reclaiming the popularity they enjoyed in the 1970s. These metals are replacing cooler tones like chrome, adding elegance and richness to faucets, fixtures, and hardware. This shift contributes to a more opulent and inviting bathroom aesthetic. Finally, monochromatic bathrooms, reminiscent of mid-20th-century homes, are also making a return. Corine Maggio, founder of CM Natural Designs, recalls the prevalence of pink and green monochromatic bathrooms from the 1950s and welcomes their modern reinterpretation. Contemporary approaches to this trend often involve a tone-on-tone strategy, providing a sophisticated yet unified look. #RetroBathroomDesign #VintageTrends #BathroomDecorating #InteriorDesign #WallpaperTrends #TileDesign #MetallicFinishes #MonochromaticScheme #HomeImprovement

The year 2025 will see significant shifts in bathroom design, primarily driven by a focus on personal wellness and functionality. Homeowners are increasingly viewing their bathrooms as spaces for rejuvenation and relaxation, rather than mere utilitarian areas. This trend is heavily influenced by the aesthetics and amenities found in hotels, resorts, and spas, leading to a demand for elevated style and practical functionality in everyday home bathrooms. Industry reports, such as the 2025 Bath Trends report by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and the Houzz bath trends study, highlight several key trends that will shape bathroom remodels and designs. One prominent trend is remodeling for enhanced functionality. With high mortgage rates prompting many homeowners to stay in their current residences, investments in major remodels are increasing to boost comfort and long-term value. The bathroom is identified as a high-impact area for such improvements. This includes rethinking floor plans, sometimes involving the removal of walls or bathtubs to accommodate desired features. Beyond major overhauls, smaller remodels are also gaining traction, focusing on system upgrades like heated flooring, improved ventilation, or more efficient water heaters. Accessibility updates, such as the inclusion of grab bars, are also becoming more common, reflecting a broader interest in universal design. Another significant trend is the design of bathrooms to accommodate two people simultaneously. This caters to couples or families with overlapping daily routines, as well as those seeking a shared space for relaxation. Popular features supporting this trend include separate vanities, dual sinks, and showers equipped with multiple showerheads. The inclusion of a toilet area separate from the main bath space also contributes to this dual-user functionality, enhancing privacy and convenience. Seamless design choices are gaining popularity, aiming to minimize visual clutter and promote a sense of tranquility. This manifests in frameless and curbless showers, which also offer accessibility benefits, and the use of minimal grout lines for tiles. Flooring is chosen to blend seamlessly with the overall design, avoiding bold patterns or colors that might draw undue attention. These elements collectively contribute to a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. White-on-white walk-in showers are expected to remain a major trend, prized for their clean, timeless, and versatile appearance. This minimalist approach aligns with the desire for calm and can be achieved across various budgets using durable, low-maintenance materials like acrylic. Generally, shades of white and off-white are anticipated to be the dominant color palette for bathrooms in 2025. Biophilic elements, such as floral motifs and natural textures, are being incorporated to reduce stress and enhance well-being. These can include fresh flower arrangements or patterns in wallpapers, rugs, and accent pillows. The integration of nature aims to create a soothing environment and improve cognitive function. Additionally, the demand for low-maintenance products continues to grow, with homeowners favoring materials and fixtures that are easy to clean and care for. This includes popular choices like low-maintenance countertops paired with under-mount sinks and matte or brushed faucets that resist fingerprints. Toilets with built-in cleaning functions are also expected to see increased demand, reflecting a desire to simplify bathroom upkeep. Technological advancements are enriching the bathroom experience, moving beyond basic utilities to offer personalized luxury. Smart toilets and bidets with features like automatic lid opening, heated seats, air dryers, and built-in deodorizers are becoming more common. Smart showers can remember personalized settings for multiple users. Emerging technologies, such as wireless chargers embedded directly into countertop surfaces, further enhance functionality without compromising aesthetics. Lastly, upgraded lighting is a key focus, evolving beyond task lighting to include mood-setting and wellness-oriented options. There is a strong desire for more natural light through windows, supplemented by dimmable lighting, night lights, motion sensors, and integrated lighting in mirrors and medicine cabinets. Warm finishes and soft shapes for light fixtures are recommended to foster a luxurious and relaxed atmosphere, making the bathroom a more integral part of a holistic wellness routine. #BathroomTrends #HomeRemodeling #WellnessDesign #SmartHomeTechnology #InteriorDesign #BiophilicDesign #SeamlessDesign #LowMaintenance

Decorating trends, much like those in fashion or beauty, are inherently subjective, with some trends sparking widespread enthusiasm while others elicit groans. A recent resurgence in the design world is the '80s architectural element of glass blocks. This revival is seen by some designers as a welcome, and perhaps even anticipated, return. Dallas designer Jena Salmon notes that the return of '80s aesthetics has been evident in fashion and design for several years, characterized by specific colors, clean lines, and a sense of home and togetherness. She believes in drawing inspiration from various eras in her design work. Interior designer Jena Salmon, based in Dallas, and Olivia Westbrooks, an Atlanta-based interior designer who also hosts Hallmark+'s "Home Is Where the Heart Is," offer their perspectives on this trend. Salmon champions glass blocks as a smart and versatile design solution. She acknowledges the negative perception often associated with glass blocks but highlights their benefits, especially in modern bathrooms. She points out that while many contemporary showers feature clear glass, which can make individuals feel exposed, glass blocks offer a solution by providing privacy without sacrificing natural light. This allows for an open feel in a space while maintaining a sense of seclusion. Salmon is currently incorporating glass blocks into a project for a bathroom and sauna room, appreciating how light interacts with them, creating a dynamic visual effect. She also suggests that glass blocks can seamlessly integrate into both modern and traditional bathroom designs and serve as an affordable alternative to sheetrock, introducing decorative and textural elements to a space. Conversely, not all designers are enthusiastic about the return of glass blocks. Atlanta designer Olivia Westbrooks expresses a more reserved opinion. Despite her involvement in a television design show focused on nostalgia and reimagining interior architecture, she prefers to leave glass blocks in the past. Westbrooks attributes her reluctance to the association of glass blocks with "bad '80s movies" and the imagery of baggy suits and mullets, suggesting some design elements are best left undisturbed. However, she does entertain the possibility of reconsidering the trend if it were reimagined with a modern twist, specifically mentioning a pink interpretation. Ultimately, the article concludes by emphasizing the cyclical nature of home design trends. It suggests that all design elements eventually make a comeback, reinforcing the idea that individuals should feel empowered to decorate their homes according to their personal preferences, regardless of current trends or prevailing opinions. #BathroomDecor #GlassBlocks #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends #80sRevival #HomeDecorIdeas #ArchitecturalElements

This article presents 22 vintage bathroom ideas for 2025, emphasizing how these designs blend timeless elegance with nostalgic touches. The featured ideas showcase various approaches to incorporating classic details, antique elements, and elegant character into bathroom spaces. The article aims to inspire readers to bring historical charm and warmth into their daily routines, whether through restoring an old space or integrating vintage-inspired elements into a new design. The first idea, "Blue Heron Reverie," describes a coastal time capsule with a black and robin's egg tile combination, a scalloped sink, and flamingo-flecked wallpaper, creating a storybook lagoon ambiance. Following this, "Cottagecore Goes Baroque" features a moody duck egg blue wainscoting paired with floral wallpaper, evoking a romantic English countryside feel, complete with a chinoiserie vase. The "French Farmhouse Powder Room" suggests a tender, timeworn aesthetic with a raw wood vanity, antique mirror, soft sage walls, and a stone basin, emphasizing soul in every detail. "Powder Puff Palace" is depicted as a whimsical, theatrical space inspired by Wes Anderson, featuring pastel pink fixtures and a hand-painted wall mural, complemented by minty green tiles and pink accents. "Palm Springs Deco Dream" showcases a green-tiled bathroom with scalloped archways and a mint-and-moss checkerboard floor, drawing inspiration from Old Hollywood and Moroccan glam. "Rustic Retreat with a Side of Drama" combines weathered wood, a timeworn basin, and copper patina with a clawfoot tub, suggesting a setting for historical romance. "Peach Fuzz & Deco Charm" highlights blush tiles, warm wood tones, and a pedestal sink, creating a golden-era glamour without excessive effort, complete with mosaic floors and soft-glow sconces. "Floral Fantasy Meets Mid-Century Whimsy" features petal-pink tiles and floral wallpaper, with jade green accents in the sink and tub, offering a sweet and eccentric aesthetic. "The Clawfoot Classic (with a Crisp Twist)" pairs a deep green tub with shiny chrome taps, a black-and-white hex floor, and exposed copper pipes for a timeless yet vintage look. "Golden Hour Garden" captures a serene mid-century mood with golden wallpaper blooms, butter-yellow tones, and speckled floors, creating a storybook atmosphere. "Victorian Drama, But Make It Bath" transforms the bathroom into a gothic glamour setting with a black clawfoot tub, stained glass, and ornate gold mirrors. "Heirloom Calm" offers a quiet romance with a vintage wood vanity, aged brass pulls, linen curtains, and a freestanding tub, blending old-world pieces with modern touches. "Cottage Bath Reverie" evokes a lived-in, heirloom vibe with a clawfoot tub, a spindle-back chair, café curtains, and a vintage rug, creating a soulful and simple space. "A Bath Beneath the Rafters" suggests a romantic setting under sloped ceilings with a clawfoot bath, exposed pipes, and soft mauve walls. "Heritage Under the Eaves" plays with angles and features a rich, old-world wallpaper, pleated curtains, and brass and porcelain fixtures, creating a stately English manor feel. "Subway Tile & Sea Salt Dreams" presents a crisp, quirky, and confident space with nautical nods like a rope-framed mirror, brass taps, and an anchor bath mat, accented by a black trim line. "The Grape Soda Portal" embraces bold, candy-colored vintage with glossy plum-tiled archways, minty green fixtures, and berry-purple walls, highlighted by diagonal black accents. "Cottagecore Soak Spot" provides pure storybook charm with floral drapes, a scalloped vanity, and a clawfoot tub, featuring vintage cabinet pulls. "Peach Parfait, Circa 1962" offers a warm, dreamy glow with blushy-peach fixtures, honey tiles, stained glass, and matching towels, capturing mid-century optimism. "Scandi-Cottage Serenity" combines painted floorboards, a clawfoot tub, and a minty shaker-style vanity for a cottagecore-meets-Nordic retreat, featuring mismatched knobs and slatted walls. "Lemon Sky & Lotus Tiles" creates a cheerful and nostalgic space with buttery yellow walls, powder-blue trim, and floral tile ribbons, accented by teal inset squares. Finally, "Cranberry & Ivy Charm" showcases rich cranberry fixtures against glossy jade tile, paired with whimsical botanical wallpaper, for a vintage vanity aesthetic with soft lighting. #VintageBathroomIdeas #HomeDecor #BathroomDesign #InteriorDesign #NostalgicStyle #RetroDecor #Cottagecore #ArtDeco #ClawfootTub

The article discusses the resurgence of pastel-colored bathroom fixtures, a design trend prominent in the 1950s, highlighting its comeback in 2025. This return to colorful bathrooms is presented as a refreshing alternative to the prevalent plain white aesthetic. The blog post delves into the historical context of this trend, explaining that pastels like bubble gum pink, powder puff blue, and dainty yellow were once dominant in bathroom design. This aesthetic sweetness is now experiencing a revival, driven by modern designers and manufacturers. Author Anna Logan, a Senior Homes Editor, indicates that this expansion into color is observed across the design industry, particularly as color-forward styles such as maximalism continue to gain traction. The psychological benefits of colorful spaces, including their influence on well-being, are referenced, citing Ingrid Fetell Lee, designer and author of "The Aesthetics of Joy." Plumbing and design companies are also embracing this trend; for instance, Kohler reintroduced six of its retro colors for its 150th anniversary in 2023, and UK-based brand Water Monopoly has established a niche with its range of colorful bathtubs. The article provides practical guidance on how individuals can integrate this trend into their homes, whether by embracing existing vintage pieces or investing in new ones. For those seeking vintage fixtures, tips are offered on where to begin the search, such as local architectural salvage yards. Advice on assessing the condition of vintage items, particularly cast-iron tubs, is provided by antique plumbing expert Jill Wilson of LooLook Design, who suggests checking the finish for wear and offers solutions for cleaning stains. The article also mentions professional refinishing services like Miracle Method for more significant damage. Several online sources for vintage bathroom finds are recommended, including LooLoo Design for a comprehensive selection of vintage bathroom items, Vintage Tile Shop for unique and colorful deadstock tiles, and Urban Remains for American-made vintage sinks and hardware. For individuals preferring new fixtures or those with limited time for hunting, the article points to contemporary sources. While major brands like Kohler offer selections, Etsy is highlighted for discovering smaller makers. A crucial piece of advice for new purchases is to review product reviews and consult with a plumber before installation. For those hesitant about fully committing to a pastel sink or tub, starting with colorful hardware from brands like Phylrich is suggested as a less drastic approach. The article concludes by showcasing examples of new pastel fixtures available for purchase, such as an Aspen Green Pedestal Sink, a Blue Cast Iron Tub, a Yellow Farmhouse Sink, and a Peach Toilet, demonstrating the variety of options available to consumers. Ultimately, the blog post positions pastel bathroom fixtures as a timeless way to infuse personality and character into a bathroom space, offering a departure from conventional white designs and tapping into both historical aesthetics and contemporary preferences for vibrant interiors. #BathroomDesign #HomeDecoration #InteriorDesign #PastelColors #VintageRevival #1950sDesign #FixtureTrends #HomeRenovation