Unveiling the Future of Bathroom Elegance:
Riluxa’s Insights from Milan Design Week 2024

Few events are more exciting on the global design calendar than Milan Design Week, or the Salone del Mobile - the world’s biggest event dedicated to design, innovation and creativity. The team from Riluxa once again had the privilege of attending this vibrant fair that takes place each year at the Fiera Milano complex to showcase the latest trends and breakthroughs shaping the world of design. As the largest furniture fair in the world, the 62nd edition of Salone del Mobile in 2024 marked a record-breaking year, with over 2,000 exhibitors and visitor numbers up by a whopping 17% on last year. Attendees are primarily industry professionals, but this year also saw a surge of design enthusiasts over the weekend (when entry is open to non-professionals), drawn by the allure of thought-provoking installations and ground-breaking designs from acclaimed figures like director David Lynch and Samuel Ross, one of the hottest designers of the moment. 

The International Bathroom Exhibition, held every second year as part of the larger fair, showcases the remarkable evolution of bathroom environments. As regular readers will know, the bathroom sector has been experiencing somewhat of a revolution lately, experimenting with new materials, state-of-the-art designs and sustainable practices. Amidst the wealth of avant-garde installations and cutting-edge presentations, we naturally gravitated towards the latest developments and innovations in bathroom design!

Read on to discover the eight most noteworthy bathroom design trends that that caught our eye in Milan and our thoughts on what these mean for the bathrooms of tomorrow.

1. Avant-Garde Basins

A clear trend we observed in basins was the ubiquity of freestanding basins, often with bold, unconventional shapes. These sculptural silhouettes brought a splash of avant-garde flair to the many modern bathroom displays we visited.

In terms of the colour palette, earthy tones like sage green, mustard and ochre really stole the show, bringing warmth and character to so many bathroom setups. It wasn’t just about aesthetics though; the use of earthy tones in basin design speaks volumes about our collective longing for a more serene bathing experience, perfectly echoing the broader 'spathroom' trend we’ll come back below.

2. Redefining Bathroom Furniture

Taking a look at the latest trends in bathroom furniture design, we noticed curved shapes taking centre stage, ushering in a departure from the rigid lines of the past. These rounded and organic forms introduce a sense of softness and fluidity into the bathroom setting, creating a welcoming and harmonious atmosphere. We also saw a resurgence of furniture featuring lightweight metal structures with slender, tubular legs, offering a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. Something quite unexpected was the shift from drawers to doors in bathroom furniture design, along with drawer fronts boasting multiple individual interior drawers, providing both functionality and style in modern bathroom spaces.

3. Playful Facades are Here to Stay

Playful facades still reign supreme, with fluted designs continuing to dominate. We’re huge fans of this look ourselves and enjoyed seeing designers experimenting with new textures and styles. From less rounded fluting to new ribbed designs, there's a push towards personalised and visually intriguing storage solutions. Additionally, glass-like and smoked glass facades emerged as key players, adding a touch of sophistication and allure to bathroom furniture.

The increased focus on textural contrasts in bathroom furnishings really embodies the desire for spaces that are both beautiful and integrated, blurring the lines between the private sanctuary of the bathroom and the shared luxury of living spaces. This shift suggests a new way of understanding and designing our homes, where practicality meets the artistry of living.

4. Bathtub Innovations

Designers embraced soft pastel colours, particularly on the exterior of acrylic tubs. These gentle colours imbue the bathing experience with a sense of tranquillity and sophistication, dovetailing perfectly with the ‘spathroom’ trend.

Responding to the demand for luxury in compact spaces, we saw several innovative back-to-the-wall bathtubs. These space-saving solutions offer the indulgence of a freestanding bathtub experience while maximising floor space, making them ideal for urban homes and smaller bathrooms.

Another detail we enjoyed was a contemporary interpretation of classic bath panelling, blending timeless elegance with modern design elements. As our pictures show, the result reflects a trend towards timeless elegance in contemporary design.

5. Sophisticated Bathroom Shelves

A sophisticated detail we saw a lot of was bevelled edges on shelving. This design choice adds an undeniable touch of elegance to bathroom spaces, elevating the sleek and modern aesthetic and marking a departure from the traditionally utilitarian approach to bathroom fittings.

Another prominent feature we observed was the prevalence of metallic shelves with textural finishes, highlighting a trend towards material and tactile richness in bathroom design. These metallic elements, introduce a layer of depth and complexity to the bathroom's overall ambiance. The textural finishes add a sensory dimension to the design, inviting touch and engaging the user's experience. This trend underscores a broader movement in bathroom design towards spaces that are not only functional but also visually and tactilely stimulating, offering a sanctuary-like experience.

6. Marble Mania

At Milan Design Week, we couldn't help but be swept up in the ongoing marble mania that dominated bathroom design. The event featured an impressive array of marble bathtubs, freestanding basins and all marble spaces, showcasing richer-than-ever colors and textures that added to the sense of opulence.

One standout detail we noticed was the use of bevelled and rounded edges on many pieces. These meticulously crafted edges upped the level of luxury and sophistication, elevating the overall aesthetic. This focus on the tactile and on visual opulence really invites touch and engagement. For us, this is a trend that speaks to a broader movement in bathroom design, where spaces prioritise both functionality and aesthetic pleasure.

7. Taps as Statement Pieces

Taps as jewellery or objets d’art scaled new heights this year with extraordinary new forms, finishes and technical innovations.

The Sablier collection by Zucchetti, designed by Monica Armani, was shown in delicious colours such as Brushed Chocolate, and is offered in an attractive brushed steel finish as well as an innovative sandblasted surface. The entire range was perfectly displayed within a setting of stones to enhance the organic essence of the collection.

GESSI stood out for its impressive and very busy stand, showcasing their magnificent Perle collection,  which incorporates Murano glass, semi-precious stone and wood into an inspired spherical handle. 

And just check out the latest addition to their futuristic Vita Gessi kitchen tap (or, as they call it, ‘digital multifunctional system’). It not only regulates water temperature and delivers sparkling water. But, as of Milan Design Week, it now pours your espresso!

8. The ‘Spathroom’ or the Sanctuary Trend

Conversations at Milan Design Week centred around the growing importance of the 'Spathroom' – a haven within the modern home where one escapes the demands of hectic daily life to bask in moments of pure relaxation and rejuvenation. The ultimate spa-like retreat. Deep bathtubs, steamy sauna-like shower heads and sacred scents offer a refuge from the demands of daily life, transforming the bathroom into a sophisticated yet calming haven that restores the mind, body and soul.

In conclusion, our experience at the 62nd edition of Milan Design Week was nothing short of inspirational, offering a window into the future of bathroom design through a showcase of innovation, creativity and evolving trends. From the avant-garde to the elegantly sophisticated, the designs unveiled at the fair underscore the industry's movement towards personalisation and the creation of spaces dedicated to wellbeing. The evolving trends in colour palettes, material choices and design philosophies reflect a broader tendency towards creating bathroom environments that are not only functional but also serve as personal sanctuaries.