Viewpoint
Goodbye Grey viewpoint // Joe Hurles
Aſter many years hogging the design spotlight, is The Great Age of Grey finally over? Joe Hurles, senior bathroom designer at Tec Lifestyle in Maldon, certainly believes so.
F
or years, bathroom design had been dominated by a palette of greys, whites, and neutrals, with chrome fixtures reigning supreme.
These choices felt safe, clean, and timeless to
many clients, and I certainly saw the appeal. As a bathroom designer with over 15 years of
experience, I saw the rise of the “grey and chrome” trend firsthand. It was an era where bathrooms leaned toward minimalist designs, muted tones, and a reliance on neutral colours. Clients were often hesitant to take risks and
opted for what they believed would provide a timeless, universal appeal. But with the repetition of grey tiles, white walls, and chrome taps, we eventually reached a point where bathrooms started to feel somewhat sterile, cold, and lacking in personality.
Changing tides The truth is, grey and chrome created a sense
of uniformity. While these bathrooms certainly weren’t offensive, they also lacked vibrancy. You could step into ten homes, each with
stunningly beautiful interiors, but the bathrooms would almost always look the same. There was no spark or personality, and as a designer, it sometimes felt like my creativity was being stifled by the constraints of these safe choices. Clients didn’t want to be too adventurous; after
all, they were making a significant investment in their homes and feared that a bold decision might not stand the test of time. It was easier to opt for a neutral design, one that wouldn’t divide opinions or raise eyebrows. But recently, particularly in the last 12 months,
I’ve noticed a refreshing shift. Colour, boldness, and personality are making a comeback in bathroom design, and I couldn’t be more pleased! Both clients and manufacturers are embracing
this shift, with suppliers offering a range of vibrant fixtures, exciting patterns, and luxurious materials that we simply didn’t see five years ago. Brass and bronze fixtures, once considered outdated, have surged in popularity, replacing chrome as the go-to finish. Brushed brass, gold tones, and even
vanities, or coloured basins, have become common requests, with homeowners seeking to make their bathrooms a reflection of their personalities rather than simply a functional, utilitarian space. One of the most exciting developments is
the growing variety of textures that can be incorporated into designs. Where everything once felt smooth and uniform, we’re now mixing materials – from natural stone and textured tiles to wooden accents and metal finishes.
Brave new world Clients are craving bathrooms that feel more
While these bathrooms
certainly weren’t offensive, they also lacked vibrancy
"
matt black have breathed new life into bathroom fittings, adding warmth and elegance that chrome could never quite deliver. Clients today are more confident, more willing to
experiment, and, most importantly, they’re trusting me as a designer to push the boundaries of what a bathroom can be. Bold colours, like deep greens, navy blues,
and terracotta, are being introduced in tiles, wall paints, and even cabinetry. It’s a far cry from the greys and whites we’ve become accustomed to. Statement pieces, such as patterned tiles, vibrant
56 kbbreview
organic, layered, and tactile. It’s not just about what you see; it’s about what you feel when you enter the room. It creates a more immersive and enjoyable experience, one that can be both energising and calming. I’ve noticed that clients today are not just
focusing on aesthetics but also practicality. They still want features that make their lives easier, like ample storage, easy-to-clean surfaces, and durable materials that offer value for money. The great thing is that we can now achieve both – beauty and functionality – without sacrificing one for the other. The current manufacturing processes allow
us to create bespoke, luxurious bathrooms with innovative solutions that cater to both design and convenience. Whether it’s seamless, integrated storage solutions or durable, low-maintenance materials that are also visually striking, today’s bathrooms can truly offer it all. I believe that this newfound bravery in bathroom design is driven by a combination of factors. The competitive nature of the market has encouraged
November 2024
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
