Let’s Talk Tiles
With countless ever-evolving trends in bathroom design, from classic minimalism to bold bursts of colour, it can be overwhelming to decide what truly suits your space. Just like any other area in your home, your bathroom should reflect your unique style and personality. Whether you’re drawn to glossy or matte finishes, timeless subway tiles or bold statement pieces, the options are endless. Melbourne Kitchen + Bathroom Design’s Josephine Day chats with Ben Strachan from Bespoke Bathrooms to unpack the latest in bathroom tile trends, offering expert insight and inspiration to help you discover the perfect design elements that bring excitement and speak to you.
Bespoke Bathrooms is a boutique bathroom renovation company based in Melbourne’s inner west, known for creating beautifully tailored spaces that reflect each client’s individual style. Strachan and his skilled team deliver unique, high-quality bathrooms that are truly bespoke and one-of-a-kind. From the very first phone call to the final reveal, Strachan and the team works closely with clients every step of the way to ensure the project is completed on time, within budget, and aligned with your vision.
As 2025 sees a rise in neutral palettes, earthy tones, and natural stone finishes, many homeowners are seeking ways to create bathrooms that are both aesthetically pleasing and uniquely their own. With so many trends and choices available to choose from, knowing where to begin can be stressful. To help you on your design journey, read on as Strachan shares expert insights, tips, and tricks to help you elevate your bathroom – transforming it from an everyday space into something truly extraordinary.
STEP INTO STYLE
Whether you’re planning a simple renovation or starting fresh with a new build, getting a second opinion is always a smart move when beginning your bathroom design journey. Instead of relying on your partner’s guesswork or your indecisive mum’s suggestions, Strachan offers clear, professional insights into creating an aesthetic, Instagram-worthy space.
So, what tile trends are dominating bathroom design right now? According to Strachan, it’s all about embracing colour and large-format tiles. “Colour drenching for the brave, which we much prefer. Large format to cut right back on grout joints and grout maintenance,” he explains. For those looking to make a statement, patterned floor tiles are also on the rise, appealing to homeowners who want to push design boundaries. “Bright colours, bold patterns and
styles that match their home and personality,” says Strachan.
He adds that the days of sticking rigidly to one formal aesthetic are fading, with more people embracing creativity and personal expression. However, for those who prefer a timeless look, classic elements are resurfacing. “100x100mm square tiles seem to be coming back into fashion. Classic subway tiles seem to be on the way out,” he describes.
TILE AND ERROR
Like anything worthwhile, creating your dream bathroom often comes with trial and error, especially when trying to lock in a design that feels just right. The first step is to consider the space you’re transforming – its size, layout, light and existing features. Ask yourself, what do I want this space to look like? What elements do I want to highlight? How do I want myself and my guests to feel in this space? These simple questions provide a solid foundation for you and your designer to begin exploring ideas and refining your vision.
For his clients, Strachan offers thoughtful advice. “For small bathrooms, I’d recommend larger tiles to have less grout joints, so the room is less busy and more calming. Whereas larger bathrooms can be totally free range.” Even small details, like grout selection, can dramatically impact the final result. “Grout colour is super important and often overlooked. Whether the desired result is to blend the grout to the tile so that it disappears or you want the grout to contrast the tiles so that they really pop, the grout can play a major role,” he explains.
Reflecting on a recent project in Seddon, Strachan shares how a custom-designed bathroom using 100x100mm matte orange tiles created a fully colour-drenched space, complete with a custom tiled vanity, bath hob, and nib wall. The result was a cohesive, personality-filled space that reflected the clients’ style.
Matte finishes, he adds, are growing in popularity thanks to their timeless look and ease of maintenance – ideal for busy households. For those looking to take their space to the next level, textured tiles are also trending. “Textured tiles are becoming increasingly popular, as clients are wanting tactile materials to have their own day spa experience at home,” Strachan notes.
A SMALL REMINDER
As your dream bathroom begins to take shape, it’s essential to stay focused on your own needs and preferences – rather than worrying about what others might think. Strachan often encounters clients who are hesitant to make bold design choices, fearing their decisions won’t appeal to future buyers. “In my opinion too many people are worried about re-sale and what a prospective buyer might think of their decisions. I constantly tell clients to do what they want and to go ahead and create the space that they dream of and forget about what people may or may not think of it,” he notes.
While designing a bathroom does involve balancing budgets, Strachan stresses the importance of knowing when to save and when to splurge. Using quality materials and finishes where it counts can make a major difference in both appearance and longevity. “They can save on not tiling to the ceiling, depending on the height, I think it’s nice to have space above the tiles up to the ceiling. Splurge on a lovely feature tile for one wall or even half a wall with a ledge through the middle,” he suggests. While bathroom renovations can be costly, Strachan believes the result should be a space you genuinely love and feel proud of.