The Leading Design Trends For 2025

Vanity units with framed fronts add a refined, distinctive touch to the home, echoing the enduring appeal of wall panelling – a design trend that originated in the Renaissance period and carried through the Georgian and Victorian eras to the present day. In furniture design, the framed fronts are seen in either a matching finish for a seamless aesthetic or in a contrasting border for a more deliberate, structured effect.

“This design element provides interiors with a strong architectural framework and visual interest,” comments Yousef. “The framed detail adds depth and definition whilst bringing a sense of craftsmanship to the design.”

As the demand for matt black bathroom fixtures – typically seen in shower fittings, basin mixers, and Crittall-style shower frames – begins to wane, black chrome and gloss black are emerging as the more refined alternative.

A refreshed take on the contemporary-meets-industrial aesthetic, the high-shine finish strikes a balance between trend and sophistication. Both black chrome and gloss black are bold yet versatile, pairing with neutral and colourful interiors alike.

“At ISH, we mostly observed this trend around basin mixers, where the light-reflective surface introduces a wonderfully decorative detail to the vanity area,” shares Yousef. “More exciting than chrome but certainly less trend-driven than matt black, black chrome delivers longevity – a factor well worth considering when designing a bathroom that you know you’ll love in years to come.”

Basin stands are a contemporary revival of the traditional washstands from the 18th and 19th centuries, now making a stylish comeback in fresh, imaginative forms. Originally a staple in bedrooms before the advent of indoor plumbing, washstands have evolved from purely functional pieces into bathroom and bedroom statements that blend heritage with modernity.

Whilst today’s versions retain the practicality and charm of their predecessors, they now incorporate innovative materials and clever storage solutions. At ISH, basin stands were showcased with slim metal frames and marble tops alongside brightly lacquered focal points crafted with scratch-resistant surfaces – demonstrating the trend’s versatility across both classical and contemporary spaces.

“Storage solutions, such as discreet shelving, towel rails, and hidden compartments, are invaluable in a bathroom – the more storage, the better,” explains Yousef. “A basin stand also offers the flexibility of placement. Its typically compact design makes them ideal for small or awkward spaces – perhaps serving as the perfect design solution for areas that might otherwise be overlooked.”

Asymmetrical and irregular shapes are increasingly embraced for their ability to disrupt uniformity, adding a sense of spontaneity, playfulness, and creativity to interiors.

Rooted in biomorphic design principles, these forms often mirror the irregularity of nature, specifically the curves of rivers and soft edges of rocks. “What I love about this trend in bathroom design is the intentional relation to water – basins shaped like pebbles, mirrors like water droplets – it feels so obvious yet, when done right, is exceptionally impactful,” says Yousef.

From a bathroom planning perspective, irregular forms can be used strategically to create focal points, soften hard architectural lines, or create movement within a space. A study in contrast, balancing these fluid shapes with more traditional, symmetrical elements, such as an angular vanity unit or basin mixer, highlights the distinction of each, and, in turn, accentuates the beauty of both.

A standout trend from ISH, Mocha Mousse – also featured prominently at Maison et Objet 2025 – has been named Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2025. This muted, earthy brown carries subtle warmth, evoking a sense of comfort, indulgence, and sophistication – a perfect addition to modern interiors.

Mocha Mousse’s versatility seamlessly integrates into both contemporary and traditional spaces. It works beautifully as a neutral base, allowing bolder hues to sing, or as a blanket shade offering a more premium alternative to beige. Beyond aesthetics, its grounded tones reflect a deeper connection to nature, reinforcing the growing trend of comforting, organic spaces.

“Historically, earthy hues have been a staple in design, from the rich wood panelling of the Renaissance and Baroque eras to the nature-inspired palettes of the 1970s. Mocha Mousse extends this approach and is particularly effective in bathrooms when used to soften the starkness of traditional white fixtures.”