Three hot bathroom trends to keep us warm through the winter

Whether you’re kitting out a stately home or city pied-à-terre, a modern bathroom is the perfect room to add a touch of indulgence. A kitchen may be the heart of the home, but a stunning bathroom has become ever more important as a place of functionality and self-care. Whether you need ample space for your skincare routine, a bath perfectly made to soak your cares away, or just a splash of comfort to uplift a more minimalist approach, these tips from designer bathroom specialists Aston Matthews are certain to add warmth and indulgence to your ablutions.

Add a pop of colour

Based in London and Guildford, Aston Matthews boasts the country’s largest selection of cast iron baths. From Parisian claw foot tubs and Slipper baths, to modern free standing frames and industrial styles, each one is a visual feature in any home and there’s a fashion for every taste. 

Made of titanium-based class AA enamel, each bath is resistant to acidic and alkaline products and, unlike Zirconium-based enamel, will not lose its gloss of shine after a few years. Despite common myths, cast iron baths can be installed in old and modern properties and there should be no reason to reinforce your floors.

What’s more, these indulgent tubs can be personalised even further with a simple pop of colour. Aston Matthews provides fully primed exterior, giving you the opportunity to customise your bath and make it the focal point of the room. Whether you choose tones that blend in with your colour scheme or opt for colours and patterns that stand out, it’s a simple way to refresh the look of your bathroom while adding a touch of warmth and relaxation. >>

Install a heated towel rail

Is there anything more indulgent than a warm fluffy towel? Heated towel rails may simply seem like a practical way to prevent soggy towels, but the right purpose-built towel rack, doubling up as a heat source for the room, can keep your towels dry and warm while creating that five-star spa-like feeling at home.

There are two main types, a hot water version that connects to your central heating just like a radiator, or an electric version (you can also find ‘dual’ types that run on hot water and feature an electrical element, giving you the option to dry/warm towels even when the heating is off). If your intention is to swap an existing radiator for a towel rack, then a hot water type is the obvious choice. 

However, if because of reasons or space or a redesign of your bathroom you decide you’d like the rail positioned somewhere else, you might find an electric rack is the easier option, and it means you won’t have to bother with redirecting your water pipes

Indulge in new materials

While many opt for traditional materials such as tile and marble for a smooth, clean look and feel, why not add interest and elegance with contrasting materials? Aston Matthews notes that a major trend for 2021 will be a continued interest in industrial décor, combining Bauhaus design that truly lets the material shine. 

One such material is Kast Concrete. Aston Matthew’s Kast Concrete basins are manufactured to order in England, using traditional aggregate-based concrete. Most designs are suitable for wall mounting or countertop installation and come in a choice of eight colours from stone grey, zinc, white, forest green, storm blue, blush pink, ember and duck egg. For the more tactile, pin stripe patterns and more add a touch of contemporary style to the industrial material.

Another simple way to bring warmth to your bathroom is to swap tired fittings for bold brass fixtures. Whether you are seeking wholly authentic, original designs or a contemporary look, Aston Matthews’ Ambra, Astonian, and Tradition polished brass collections, or Acme and Astonian Index scuffed brass collections have the answers, with fitting, fixtures and accessories to brighten up your facilities.