Bathroom and kitchen trends 2016: the hot list

The highest-priority rooms in the house could well be next on your home improvement agenda. We reveal the looks that will keep your plans on trend
Greenwich boat bath with burnt bronze finish, £4,651 (cphart.co.uk)
William Flatau19 April 2016

TOP BATHROOM TRENDS
Provide some shine

Warm metals such as copper, bronze and rose gold are the perfect way to update your bathroom. Add small splashes with metal hardware, towel rails, lights and accessories, or go bold with a fullon freestanding copper bathtub (pictured).

Think boutique

Forget minimal spa-style bathrooms, it’s all about the chic hotel look right now. Materials such as marble and tactile woods, mixed with beautiful cabinetry and furniture, give your space individuality and upmarket ambience. Side-by-side sinks, freestanding baths and frameless glass shower enclosures are practical and streamlined, but expensive-looking at the same time.

Dea bathroom (ideal-standard.co.uk)

Put an accent on your lighting

The right radiance can elevate an unpromising space into something special, and bathrooms are no different. Recessed downlighters in shower niches, vintage-style fittings and dimmable LEDs a re designed to create a luxurious mood. Fittings with personality such as industrial task lights, pendants and even glamorous chandeliers will promote your lighting into something that isn’t merely functional, but a focal point, too.

Pimlico bathroom wall light, £45, (gardentrading.co.uk)

TOP KITCHEN TRENDS
Go bespoke

Identikit kitchens are becoming a thing of the past with so many ways to create something truly unique at your fingertips. This year will see even more personalisation, with open shelving, freestanding units and the mixing of colours and finishes. All ideal ways to give your kitchen its own identity.

Limehouse kitchen, from £12,000, (neptune.com)

Warm it up with wood

Whether for flooring or cabinets, walnut, whitewashed wood and pale oak are key finishes for your cooking area. Distressed and natural effects are also taking over from the pristine, glossy cabinets of yesteryear. On the colour front, pastels are replacing bold primary colours for splashbacks and feature walls.

Arcos 4 kitchen, (schmidt-kitchens.com)

Smart thinking

With ever-more smart appliances creeping into our kitchens, future-proofing is a priority. To make sure technology is used to its potential, charging stations are built in. Make USB ports in islands and docking stations for phones and tablets an essential part of your plan, so your devices are always at hand and fully charged.

Ah Power Port 2-USB pop-up socket, £39, (appliancehouse.co.uk)

Offer: Grand Designs Live: Two for £20* ticket offer

We’ve teamed up with Grand Designs Live to offer two tickets for just £20*. Whether you want to begin a brand new build, or you’re looking for the perfect finishing touch, visit Grand Designs Live and get inspired. To book yours, visit standard.co.uk/offers.

*Terms apply.