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From Dated to Elevated: A New Era of Bathroom Design

In the not-so-distant past, bathrooms were not seen as fashionable spaces, but simply, rooms of function. Today, bathrooms are a canvas for creativity, offering endless possibilities in design, layout and forward-thinking features. As personal sanctuaries, they’re now one of the best places in the home to elevate for that free-flowing feel that only a contemporary look brings. Sydney Kitchen + Bathroom Design’s Hannah McDonald meets with Jason from Paramount Bathrooms to discuss what’s here to stay in bathroom design – keeping your bathroom current for years to come.

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Jason is no stranger to the triumphs and challenges of bathroom design, possessing 25 years of licensed, on site experience through the family business. “Paramount Bathrooms is a second-generation family business that grew from the ground up. I started by helping my father on-site during weekends and school holidays, gradually building hands-on experience across every trade involved in a bathroom renovation. That early exposure laid the groundwork for what is now a premium, full service bathroom renovation company,” he states.

Having worked on hundreds of bathrooms, Jason has witnessed the steadfast evolution of their designs and styles. “When we first started, bathrooms were functional spaces. Basic necessities with little emphasis on design or user experience. Today, they’re a major statement in the home. Styling, layout optimisation, premium finishes and a seamless experience have become key differentiators, and that is exactly what we’ve built our business around,” he says.

TILES AND STYLES

With so much invested in creating premium bathroom spaces, it stands to reason that homeowners aim for designs that still feel fresh as time progresses. “Longevity has become much more important. We’ve seen a move away from bold, trend-driven designs that date quickly. These days, clients are leaning toward timeless finishes and layouts that still feel current ten years down the line. Our focus is always on creating spaces that maximise both value and long-term relevance,” Jason asserts. Tiles, as a main design and functional feature of bathrooms, have undergone their fair share of shifts. “We’ve seen a lot of trends come and go. Strip feature tiles, for example, used to be everywhere but have largely disappeared. Now it’s about tiling full walls for a more seamless and modern look. Large-format tiles are here to stay. They offer a clean, modern look while also being practical. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which makes cleaning easier and gives a more streamlined finish overall.” 

Jason highlights natural stone-look tiles as a popular choice, offering clients creative freedom and value. “Natural stone-look tiles allow you to introduce a new texture or theme into the bathroom without the maintenance or cost of real stone, making it easier to achieve a high-end look,” he explains.

Tile technology has come a long way, ushering bathrooms into the forward-thinking now. “High-end grouts now often include built-in waterproofing and anti-mould properties, which add durability and help maintain hygiene. Adhesives have also improved. They’re more flexible and rubberised now, allowing for better movement and long-term hold. The range of tiles available today is much broader, with more colour options, sizes, non-slip ratings and even 3D textures. What used to be purely functional is now a major part of the overall design statement,” Jason notes.

FRESH FEATURES

Today’s design landscape embraces unrestricted flow. Modern interiors have broken down walls – both literal and aesthetic – favouring openness and continuity. Contemporary bathroom features reflect this shift, blending seamlessly with minimal transitions and a focus on fluid design. “We’ve moved away from boxed off features toward more open, free-flowing spaces like single-panel glass screens, freestanding bathtubs, and better visual flow,” he specifies.

Showers embody this change, with designs progressing from boxed-in to open and airy. “Walk-in showers continue to be popular, creating a sense of space and accessibility. Combination showerheads that offer both fixed and handheld options have become popular for flexibility and ease of use. Ceiling-mounted shower heads were popular for a while, but most people now prefer wall-mounted options for practicality and maintenance,” Jason observes.

Toilet systems, although more of a functional fixture than a stylish one, also experience notable trend movements. “We’re noticing a shift away from in-wall toilet systems. While they looked sleek, they tend to cause more issues over time. Freestanding systems are proving to be more reliable and easier to maintain.” Jason has also noted a higher demand for smart toilets and bidets. “They’re definitely exciting,” he begins. “They offer a mix of hygiene, comfort and tech that’s becoming more appealing to homeowners. As these products become more accessible and affordable, we’re expecting to see them included in more bathrooms.” As with any space, it’s the intricate details that truly elevate the room, and bathrooms are no different. “Wall mixers have replaced traditional three-piece tapware in most modern bathrooms. Heated towel rails and underfloor heating are also becoming more common, adding comfort and a touch of luxury. On the visual side, finishes like brushed brass and matte black have gained popularity, and materials like fluted glass for shower screens are giving bathrooms more texture and design interest,” he claims.

THE NEW WAVE

Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces. They’re now viewed as personal retreats and an extension of overall home design. “People are putting more thought into how their bathrooms feel and flow, not just how they look. Layout, lighting, storage and smart features are all getting more attention,” Jason observes. With a wealth of experience in the industry, he intimately understands what clients are after – not just a beautiful space, but a team that care about quality and consistency. “At the end of the day, people don’t just want a good bathroom, they want a team they can trust to get it right the first time. We’ve built our reputation on doing what we say we’ll do, with the same trusted team on every job,” he ensures.

Images courtesy of Paramount Bathrooms