When it comes to Irish homeowners’ most-wanted home upgrades, bathrooms are right up there. And whether it’s a mini bathroom refresh or a full remodel, these days there are more ways than ever to add style and luxury to the smallest room in the house.
While a bathroom update is a great idea from a property value and marketability point of view, what most people really want from theirs is better daily functionality and ease of use.
Leila Bundschuh, showroom and band manager at Niko Bathrooms (stand N60) says that in her experience, there are a couple of elements that are essentials for a brilliant bathroom.
“Comfort is non-negotiable. People want a space that feels like a retreat, with thoughtful layouts and features that make daily routines easier,” she says.
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Unsurprisingly, Bundschuh says that storage cannot be overlooked. “Practical, well-integrated storage is a top priority. Nobody wants clutter, and everyone wants solutions that work for their lifestyle,” she says.
“Decluttering your space makes it feel more luxurious too,” agrees Louise Murphy, marketing director at Sonas Bathrooms (stand N12).
Easy maintenance is also key. “Surfaces and fittings that are simple to keep clean are a must, especially for busy households,” says Bundschuh.
Murphy says bathrooms that are a bit more elevated are also on the agenda. “Irish homeowners are reimagining the bathroom as a wellness retreat rather than just a functional space,” she says.
“They are also looking at how bathrooms can inject some everyday luxury into their daily routines. Think about freestanding baths, supersized showers, double vanity units; they’re not just for boutique hotels.”
Gone are the days of the builder-grade bathroom. “There’s a real shift towards homeowners expressing their own style, whether that’s through bold colour choices, unique finishes, or statement pieces,” Bundschuh says.
Murphy is seeing a similar trend. “There is a clear shift towards bougie and boldness in Irish bathrooms. Homeowners are embracing textures, curves, and statement colours to move beyond the all-white look.”
The easy bathroom makeover
So how do you approach a bathroom project? Can you make some tweaks to what you already have, or will you need to visit the Credit Union to redo the whole thing?
“Luxury doesn’t have to mean a full renovation,” Murphy stresses. “Small changes—like upgrading to matt black or brushed gold brassware or adding a Sonas mirror with LED lighting—make a big difference.”
Or you could replace a pedestal sink with a much more useful vanity unit, which also offers storage for cleaning products and extra toilet rolls; aka all the stuff you don’t want on display. “Decluttering your space makes it feel more luxurious,” Murphy says.
Bundschuh has some bright ideas for a quick makeover, too. “I always say, don’t underestimate what a bit of paint can do. Changing the wall colour can totally change the mood,” she says.
“Imagine you have a grey and white bathroom with chrome taps; try painting the walls a deep burgundy or forest green, hang up a piece of art you love, and switch your taps to brushed brass or gold. Suddenly, the whole space feels new and a lot more special, and you haven’t had to do anything complicated.”
Careful considerations for bigger projects
Small changes are great to tide you over, but if you do want to do a bigger job, there are some things you should consider before you begin.
Thinking sustainably at the outset matters, says Bundschuh. “It always starts with conscious decision-making. The most impactful thing any homeowner can do is to buy with intention, really look into your suppliers, whether it is tiles, paint, or bathroom furniture. Ask if they are sourcing products responsibly and prioritising environmental standards, not just ticking a box.”
Louise Murphy says there are easy ways to make a difference. “Sonas offers water-saving taps with flow restrictors, dual-flush WCs, and eco showers that can reduce water use by up to 50 per cent.”
Her best tip is to look for products certified by the Unified Water Label. This shows they will reduce water consumption and your water heating bills.
Buying quality products also makes a difference. “Choosing well-made products means you are not replacing them every few years, which is much better for the environment. It is about longevity over fast trends,” Bundschuh says.
She is particularly passionate about shower toilets—smart toilets with bidet functions which reduce the need for toilet paper. “Yes, they are an investment upfront, but they often come with a lifetime or 30-year warranty, and the savings on water and paper are significant. Plus, they are becoming more accessible pricewise and offer real benefits for older people or anyone with reduced mobility, so there is a sustainability and inclusivity angle.”
She adds, “It is about asking the right questions and being open to new ideas. Sustainability isn’t one big change; it is a series of small, smart choices that add up over time.”
Needs must
Buying well and making choices for the long-term means identifying what you really need before you start work.
“Bathrooms are not about chasing trends,” says Murphy. “It is about creating bathrooms that feel good to live with, and this is what you will have for the next 15 years or more.
“Really focusing on who will be using the space will help you determine if double basins, freestanding baths, or super-sized showers will enhance your daily self-care rituals in the bathroom. It is very individual, so take the time to consider what will work best for you.”
Wet rooms are back on homeowners’ agendas thanks to product innovations. “Wet room panels have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, as this gives the open wet room look but is far more practical, containing water to the shower area,” Murphy says.
You can also opt for the same effect with a low-profile slate shower tray. “They come in loads of colours and finishes now, and when paired with a simple glass enclosure or screen, you can get almost the same seamless look as a wet room, just with a bit more practicality,” says Bundschuh.
This can be a cost-effective bathroom upgrade, too. “Swapping out an old shower tray for a new low-profile one is much easier (and less expensive) than going full wet room, which usually means new plumbing and flooring,” she says.
Make it luxury
Even a small bathroom can feel special with carefully considered touches. The spa-at-home vibe is big among Irish homeowners, thanks in part to biophilic or nature-inspired home trends. “We’re seeing a lot of interest in natural textures, wood tones,” says Bundschuh.
“Japandi style, that Japanese-Scandi mix, is huge at the moment. It is nature-inspired, clean, simple, but still feels a bit luxurious in the details,” she adds.
“There’s a real sense of creative flow emerging, customers want their personality to shine through in their bathroom interiors.”
To upgrade your bathroom to wellness sanctuary, you could transform an existing freestanding bath into a wonderful whirlpool with an Air Jet System from Sonas. This uses a powerful air blower to create a gentle cascade of bubbles, Murphy says, adding that it gives “a soothing, spa-like experience.”
She explains that “the air entering the bath is pre-warmed, preventing the water from cooling down and ensuring a consistently warm soak. Divine!”
Even simple paint and accessories upgrages with trending colours can make for a more luxe feel. At Niko Bathrooms, Leila Bundschuh says they are seeing a lot more earthy tones coming through, for example. “Mocha, chocolate, beige, olive green, these tones are everywhere right now,” she says.
And the double vanity is not just for high-end projects. “I have really noticed that double sinks or two units together are not just for big bathrooms anymore. People are planning his and hers set-ups even if it is just two compact units side-by-side. It is affordable, looks great, and feels like a bit of a treat.”
At Sonas, Louise Murphy notes that personality is coming to the fore in Irish bathrooms and the product range has adapted to suit. “Reed fluted baths, Mirage fluted wet room panels, and pill-shaped forms in the versatile Living Collection are perfect examples of how [we] inspire customers to add personality.”
Light it right
All your careful bathroom upgrades, accessories and colour choices can fall flat if you don’t get your lighting right. “Lighting shapes how a bathroom feels—whether it’s energising you in the morning or creating a spa-like retreat in the evening,” Murphy says.
“Lighting is honestly one of the most important elements in a bathroom. It is not just about being able to see what you are doing,” says Bundschuh.
“The right lighting totally transforms the space, from how your tiles and paint look to the overall vibe you get when you walk in. You need good lighting for things like shaving, doing your make-up, or bathing the kids.”
Beyond the mere functional, lighting can also help you to achieve that sanctuary vibe. “We all love that cosy, candlelit feel for a relaxing bath, but sometimes you just don’t want the hassle of lighting a candle. That is where adjustable lighting comes in,” she says.
“Being able to dim your lights or switch to a warmer tone means you get that same relaxing atmosphere at the touch of a button. Plus, we are getting more creative with bathroom lighting these days, think LED mirrors, pendants, and even chromotherapy in showers and baths. It is all about adding a bit of luxury and personality; while making sure your bathroom works for whatever mood you are in.”
Lighting can be combined with additional practical functions. “Mirrors with integrated LED lighting and adjustable colour temperatures give homeowners the flexibility to set the right mood,” says Murphy, adding “Fog-free demisting technology also keeps things practical for daily routines.”
There is a world of inspiration out there for any bathroom project, big or small. Trends come and go, so don’t get too wrapped up in what’s hot right now; instead, focus on your core requirements and what you really love.
“Honestly,” Bundschuh says, “the real trend is just the amount of choice out there now. We are always looking for new products and ideas, and it means anyone, whether it is the homeowner or the installer, can create something that feels unique to them.”
Her favourite part of the job? “Helping people make the space they’ve always wanted, no matter the size or budget.”
