Whether you live in a house of five or a condo by yourself, the bathroom is often used as a getaway from the world, a place to relax and have a bubble bath or pamper yourself before a night out. Bathroom design trends for 2013 revolve around the notion of making your bathroom like a sanctuary, with beautiful lighting, rich stonework and deep freestanding tubs. “It’s really all about luxury and creating a comfortable retreat,” says Meredith Heron, principal designer of Meredith Heron Design. “We’re also putting a lot of furniture in the bathroom if space permits,” she says. With this in mind, Meredith shares what bathroom design trends we’ll be seeing plenty of in 2013, from flooring to showers to window coverings.

Lighting
“I always plan a combination of practical and pretty when it comes to bathroom lighting,” says Meredith. “Great sconces flanking your mirror provide good lighting for the face. Then add some pot lights to the ceiling and then a statement chandelier or flush mount if the room permits.” If you’re tired of sconces and want more of a unique look, Meredith says that vintage lighting and pendants will be on trend for 2013 as well. “Suspend these over countertops for a more eclectic look that is a little unusual and unexpected. Brass and gold will be huge this year!”

Sinks
Not much has changed for sinks in 2013, claims Meredith, with the all-in-one sink and vanity combination continuing to lead in popularity. For faucets, however, we’ll be getting a glam update. “Brass faucets are going to be wildly popular in bathrooms – I'm doing all brass in my own bathroom renovation as we speak!” says Meredith. “Watch for a return to traditional styles that are more ornate, including bridge faucets.”

Showers
For showers, luxury is key in 2013. Whether it’s the newest in showerhead design or simply a luxurious stone surround, the focus is on making our bathrooms similar to a spa experience. “Marble in the shower is in big demand,” says Meredith. “From slabs of marble to large tiles to mosaic patterns, it’s a classic stone that comes back as a big trend year after year.”

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“Freestanding tubs are all I am ever asked for as a designer,” says Meredith. “There’s a great mix of styles in bathrooms – anything goes, like modern fixtures with vintage clawfoot tubs.” And if a freestanding tub simply won’t work in your space, Meredith suggests doing custom millwork for the front of built-in tubs, using – what else? – marble slabs.

Flooring
When it comes to eco-friendly design, the bathroom is far ahead of other rooms in terms of options available. 2013 will see a surge of underfloor heating, not only for comfort but for cutting down the heating bill, too. “We encourage clients to use heating in floors where possible,” says Meredith. “When your feet are warm, the rest of your body feels warmer as well since heat rises.”

Window coverings
As far as window coverings go, sheers are making a huge comeback, particularly linen sheers, providing privacy but allowing the natural light to shine through. But if you’re looking for something a bit more dramatic, don’t fret. “Russian balloon drapery is also making a huge comeback,” says Meredith. “Think gorgeous layers, full and voluminous, adding a feminine touch.”

Accessories
Although white ceramic soap dishes and glass bud vases will always have their place in the bathroom, in 2013 the fabrics are all about colour and pattern. “We do a lot of custom shower curtains and the biggest trends are bold patterned fabrics and hand-blocked Indian or Moroccan prints,” says Meredith. If you’re wary of bold patterns, introduce it with a shower curtain, but keep your towels and rugs solid in a similar colourway to tie the room together.

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1 Vintage lighting
If you’re looking for something a little more unique than the standard sconces flanking the bathroom mirror, opt for a vintage pendant to create a custom look. This stunning chandelier from Restoration Hardware would look fantastic over a countertop, hung as a single or in a pair. 19th Century Casbah crystal chandelier, Restoration Hardware, $850.
Photography by Virginia Macdonlad

2 Freestanding tub
Create a retreat in your home by introducing a freestanding tub in your bathroom. For a modern look, opt for the sleek white version like the one above; for a more eclectic feel, try a clawfoot one with a darkly painted tub and gold feet.
3 Towel warmers
Aside from heated floors, Meredith says that towel warmers are also all the rage for 2013, staying in line with creating a luxurious space to retreat to. Keep your terry cloth towels toasty by installing a towel rack close to your shower, at the ready. Bed, Bath and Beyond, $429.99.
4 Indian print fabrics
For fabrics, 2013 is all about big, bold patterns, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to introduce this trend into your bathroom. Head to your favourite decor store to pick up a Moroccan or Indian block print shower curtain, or make your own with affordable fabric like this print from Tonic Living. Varenna Coral fabric, $11 per yard.
Photography by Kim Jeffery

5 Marble shower
As Meredith emphasizes, 2013 is all about luxury, and there’s no stone more luxurious and elegant than marble. Pick whichever colour works for your space and consider adding a pattern to the floor or a crisscross detail on the wall to break up the large expanse of stone.