Words: Francesca Seden

From Burlington, Adamsez and Thomas Crapper, to Drummonds, Waters Baths of Ashbourne, Lefroy Brooks and others – the UK is well-known for its long-established bathroom brands, and many more that market themselves on their traditional and classic, 19th to early 20th century styling. 

Although some of these brands have been around for a while, and some are newer, what unites them is timeless luxury, and homeowners just can’t get enough of classical styling.

This sort of design defies trends, or trendiness, when carefully considered, and what is popular right now, is a more pared back approach – less ornate, nothing “heavily baroque”, and rather a “cleaner, more balanced and harmonious aesthetic,” Alessandro Mastracci, sales director at Florim says.

It combines the best of both worlds, classical styling, such as cross-handle taps, and exposed pipework, as well as heritage-inspired elements such as washstands, and high-level cisterns, with modern comforts – such as shower enclosures and carefully designed lighting – seamlessly integrated, while maintaining their period charm.

“Classic sanitaryware is increasingly paired with brushed brass and nickel finishes, which lend a softer, more refined touch. Colour is also evolving as designers and homeowners move towards layered, warmer palettes such as deep greens, rich greys, and wood finishes.” 

Marble, being the “hallmark of sophistication and luxury” according to Caesarstone’s VP marketing and customer service director, Jonathan Stanley, also remains as popular as ever with homeowners and designers “wanting that same sense of grandeur in their bathrooms, but with the practicality required for modern living.

“That’s why marble-look surfaces remain so popular: they capture the beauty and veining of natural stone, but engineered options like Caesarstone bring a host of added benefits.”

Natural

The trend towards natural materials seen across kitchen and bathroom design bleeds into traditional bathroom design, with Duravit’s Martin Carroll advising the use of moisture-regulating clay plaster for walls and travertine for floors, and adding in vanity units, and tall cabinets with tinted glass inserts to showcase not just bathroom essentials but personal items and decorative objects – reinforcing the idea of a space meant for lingering.  

Considering what designers should bear in mind when putting such a scheme together, our contributors agreed that keeping it simple is the best way forward. Something overly ornate is more likely to date.

Instead of gold or chrome, stick to warmer, burnished or brushed brass, copper and pewter, and prioritise proportion and balance, with careful consideration of lighting.

Bathroom Brands’ head of design, Jorge Hernandez, adds: “Attention to detail is also important, as authenticity often comes down to the choice of brassware, accessories and other finishing touches.

“Colour should enhance warmth and refinement, and modern performance should be integrated subtly, so that usability, efficiency, and comfort are all delivered without compromising the look and feel. The ultimate goal is to design bathrooms that feel timeless rather than themed, so that spaces delight homeowners for decades to come.”

Finally, what exactly is it that keeps homeowners returning to traditional bathroom style in particular? Our UK housing stock has something to do with it – there are many Victorian and Edwardian period properties in the UK and people like to renovate them in keeping with those specific periods.

Traditional bathroom design has an everlasting appeal as it maintains its elegance indefinitely, and also brings character and storytelling into a home. 

“For many homeowners,” Hernandez adds, “this creates a much stronger emotional connection to the space, making it feel both personal and long-lasting.”

“It also offers that sense of a sanctuary – stylish, but never tied to passing trends,” Sarah Evans, head of product marketing for Hansgrohe UK, concludes, “The Belle Époque, the era in which modern industrial design was born, continues to fascinate and inspire today, in both its style and its production methods.”

Case Study

Lee Collins of kbbreview Award-winning Braco Designs, talks us through this traditionally-styled bathroom project.

What was the brief?

The client wanted a bathroom that felt luxurious and indulgent, but still classic and timeless. They were drawn to traditional style, but they also wanted it to feel like a proper retreat. They were also quite practical, so discreet storage and good functionality were key as well.

What products did you use?

We used a selection of pieces from Drummonds, which really set the tone for the whole space. The Swale cast iron bath in a polished iron finish became a real centrepiece – it has this lovely weight and presence to it. 

The shower is fully clad in arabescato marble, which we sourced carefully to match the Drummonds Single Taw Vanity Suite. Fixtures throughout are from the Mull Collection, including all the taps and shower fittings, and we finished it off with the Brora High-Level WC Suite, which really complements the traditional feel.

Why did you make these specific design choices?

The marble gives that wow factor, but pairing it with timeless, traditional polished nickel fixtures keeps the space grounded and not too flashy. The concealed storage was an important addition – we worked it into the bespoke wall panelling so it blends in completely, but adds so much practicality. Every choice was made to make the space feel special but also really usable.

Why do you think traditional bathrooms are so popular?

There’s something timeless and comforting about them. They’re elegant without being over the top, and they create such a calming atmosphere – which is exactly what you want in a bathroom. Plus, quality traditional pieces age beautifully, so it’s a style that really lasts. 

We always say a bathroom should aim to stand the test of time – both quality and design wise. Modern bathroom trends will always come and go, but traditional design and products always prevail.