Bathroom clutter can be a perennial struggle, but one that can be conquered. If you’re striving for a clean, organised and minimalistic home, the invisible bathroom trend might be just what you need.
Mike Whitfield, interiors expert at Lusso, defines the trend: “Minimalism has long been popular, but the concept of invisible bathrooms takes it to the next level, aiming to hide away as many of your toiletries and fixtures as possible to achieve a sleek and uncluttered hotel-style look. With a focus on discretion, invisible bathroom designs prioritise concealing conventional elements to allow the standout features to take centre stage.”
This trend is set to grow in popularity as ‘bathroom organisation’ has over 14,800 monthly Google searches, plus searches for ‘bathroom storage cabinet’ have increased by 233 per cent over the past year.
Here, Mike shares six ways to embrace the invisible bathroom so you can eschew an abundance of clutter in favour of a more minimalist approach.
Go for a handle-free design
By removing unnecessary handles or knobs where possible, you’ll create a clean, streamlined appearance. Storage is essential to achieve the invisible bathroom look however you don’t need to give away the location of all your hidden bathroom clutter with telltale hardware. The absence of handles on vanity units and storage cabinets will maintain the unit’s clean lines, creating a visually cohesive and harmonious look. Spring release drawers and hidden handles mean you don’t need to compromise on functionality either
Consider a wet room or walk-in shower
If you have the space, eliminate visual clutter by opting for a wet room or walk-in shower. If you have a smaller bathroom, consider installing a walk-in shower with a glass partition. Rather than using a whole shower enclosure, this minimalist design will create the illusion of a larger space and allow light to pass through, making the bathroom feel more open and airy. A low-profile shower tray will further help it blend seamlessly with the rest of the room.
Wall-hung vanity units add space
Vanity units with ample storage are essential to achieving the invisible bathroom aesthetic. Ensuring you have enough room to keep your countertops tidy from daily bathroom essentials can mean you need a lot of storage – however, this doesn’t need to take over your bathroom. Opting for a wall-hung vanity unit is an easy way to create the illusion of space by keeping your floor clear. Function needn’t be prioritised over design either, luxury vanity units are available in several contemporary and traditional finishes to match your space.
Don’t shy away from colour and texture
It might seem counterintuitive to include bold colours and patterns in a minimalist bathroom however the invisible bathroom trend should embrace and celebrate these features. Taking inspiration from luxury hotel bathroom aesthetics, these design elements should be given the centre stage – free from the inevitable bathroom clutter of everyday life.
By ensuring all toiletries are stored away, you can really explore intricate and statement bathroom features, such as a veined marble countertop. This approach to design will allow the beautiful material to be the focus of attention. Equally handcrafted tiles can make a luxurious statement and, if you’re working with a small space, clever placement of tiles can create the illusion of height.
Opt for wall-mounted taps
Wall-mounted taps will keep your basin or vanity unit free from unnecessary accessories. The invisible bathroom trend is all about creating a sleek and streamlined aesthetic which taps can interrupt. By mounting them onto the walls, you can hide as much of the plumbing as possible leaving countertops free, maximising space. This works for vanity units with basins but also for baths too.
Coordinate your hardware
Matching all of the hardware in your bathroom is one of the simpler design choices you can make to achieve the invisible bathroom aesthetic. The room should feel as cohesive as possible so coordinate your taps, door handles, shower enclosures, waste covers and plugs if you can. Whether you go for matte black, distressed silver, aged bronze or brushed gold, consider carefully how it will pair with the rest of the bathroom.