Over recent years, interior design trends have become obsessed with blurring the lines between the inside and outside – and now even the bathroom is no exception. More of us live in cramped city spaces now than ever, with rare access to personal outdoor space. So, bringing nature into the home is a great way to make up for the lack of a garden, or even a balcony. Tropical bathrooms in 2021 are more than just palm-printed wallpaper and exotic colours; they’re a way of creating greener spaces where there would otherwise be none.

Why you should consider a tropical bathroom

It’s crucial nowadays to have plants in our home – this is something of which we’re all aware. They offer vibrancy and colour without the boldness, while recycling and cleansing the air around us allowing for higher breathing quality. However, when we think of great places for houseplants, the bathroom is rarely considered despite the humid conditions being perfect for lots of greenery.

Whilst plants are a crucial feature for a tropical bathroom; you can’t just bring a few plants into your average bathroom and label it tropical. You should create a serene and neutral space in your home, to provide you with relaxation and respite.

Our homes have been incredibly multi-functional over the last year, but it’s time to see the bathroom as more than a purely functional space – you could create your own personal paradise in which you can de-stress and chill out. A tropical bathroom especially can bring you a bit of much-needed holiday bliss without even needing your passport.

Things to consider before you start

Regardless of how small your bathroom is, you can create a tropical-themed bathroom by making the most of your bathroom lighting. The main aim is to make the inside look like the outside without actually being outdoors – this might be pleasant in a hot country, but certainly won’t be in the UK. Utilising your natural light or installing alternatives will help with this; the more light you have, the bigger and brighter your bathroom will look.

You should also assess how much space you have to work with. If you’re renovating completely, you should try to plan your space as best as you can. It’s essential to consider the zoning of your bathroom to get the best result. Tropical bathroom themes in 2021 will have an urban edge, so the more you can fit in the better. It would help if you also considered a combination of texture and material to give an authentic outdoor feel.

Features of a tropical bathroom

As already mentioned, modern tropical design is industrial and chic. To create this effect, imagine what an outdoor spa in the middle of an urban jungle might look like. You should try to incorporate as many natural materials as you can fit in; avoid ceramics, tiles, and traditional bathroom décor where possible.

Instead, opt for materials like wood, stone, and even concrete, and use these materials to map out your bathroom zones. After all, the outdoors doesn’t have any set pattern, and the more textures and materials you use, the more authentic it will look. For example, use a concrete wall panel in the shower, and rustic red brick for the rest and wood flooring. Some of these materials tend to look a bit cold, but when they are incorporated together will create a warm atmosphere. Whilst you could use an earth-toned paint or a printed wallpaper if you want to add more colour, a raw feel to the materials definitely elevates a tropical design.

For utilities, try to find a free-standing bathtub, ideally in a metallic finish for that industrial look. A walk-in shower works best for this theme as they don’t close off any areas of the room. A waterfall shower will give the best effect for the shower itself – truly bringing the outside in. Your shower can allow you to add a little bit of modern flair, by adding a black-framed glass shower screen.

In a smaller bathroom, you could have the shower installed over the bathtub – or no bathtub at all. The tropical design will be effective no matter what size. Where space is limited and you require storage, you should consider using vanity units designed with worn wood. This adds to the overall rustic effect and will help with restricted space.

If your bathroom is blessed with a good deal of space to play with, consider installing a ladder shelf to store your plants on. These are trendy at the moment, and display plants well by giving them some height. Have a look at our bathroom plant guide to see which ones you want in your tropical paradise.