In 2027, everything old is new again. Homeowners are taking inspiration from the interiors of the '60s, '70s, and '80s to bring unexpected energy into their spaces. Color palettes, materials, and shapes that are now considered unusual are likely to resurface in this era that prioritizes uniqueness and character – starting with retro bathrooms.
Take, for instance, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's bathroom at their Tittenhurst Park, UK home, where the couple was photographed in their black bathtub in 1969.
The most striking element of the space is the odd mixture of materials. Their walls are brick painted cream, and the floors are black tile. The accents in the space are silver chrome, which glints from the light coming from a window on the right side of the space.
As the desire for more characterful bathrooms rises for 2027, so does the popularity of decorating with dark, unexpected colors. John and Yoko's bathroom provides one example of how to make this look interesting. The past becomes a window into the future of bathroom trends.
The emerging popularity of dark retro bathrooms like John and Yoko's aligns with the larger shift towards cocooning spaces across interior design trends.
Bathroom expert Waleed Shahid of Royal Bathrooms states: 'The bathroom is one of the few rooms where we can shut the door and have ten minutes completely to ourselves. People no longer want it to feel like a purely practical space. They want a room that helps them slow down, and softer lighting and darker finishes can completely change how an ordinary shower feels.'
If you're not ready to remodel, don't worry, integrating black and cream accents in a range of textures can help recreate John and Yoko's look without a total renovation. Here are our top picks for emulating their oddly chic space.
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This matte black ceramic soap dispenser has a sleek, modern feel and a matte surface to provide contrast against ceramic tiles or gloss paint. I love the idea of positioning it on the edge of a white sink for a pop of color.
This black soaking tub looks similar to the one in John and Yoko's bathroom, but with a contemporary rectangular shape. The slightly curved edges and tall sides would create an interesting contrast with black square tiles.
Nothing declares luxury like a Frette Towel. The classic, two-striped look is a classic, and would look stylish hung over a silver ring hanger like we see in John and Yoko's space.
This beautiful matte set is perfect for bringing some contemporary elegance to your black-and-white retro bathroom. It would be absolutely gorgeous against a pure white background.
Mini Bowls by Sarah Sherman Samuel, Set of 3
Artisan-made and exclusively designed with Sarah Sherman Samuel, these mini wood bowls bring warmth and versatility to the bathroom. I love the idea of arranging them with bath salts, small soaps, and washcloths for a dose of fun and personality.
Chic and simple, this tray can store any bathroom accessories with style. The ceramic design means it works just as well at the edge of a tub, on a sink, or arranged on the back of the toilet.
John and Yoko's retro bathroom works because of their unique combination of textures. It brings the simple, monochromatic color scheme to life. Thus, those who hope to recreate the look should aim to create similar contrasts.
Abbas Youssefi, design expert at independent tile retailer Porcelain Superstore, explains: 'Dark bathrooms work best when the color has some depth to it.'
He continues: 'Tiles with slight variations in shade, texture or glaze are particularly effective because they catch small amounts of light rather than swallowing it completely.' We see this through the mixture of paint and matte tile in John and Yoko's space, but replicating it can be done with a variety of textures.
A contrast in color is also essential for using black tiles. Abbas states: 'You do not have to tile the entire room either. Concentrating on the darkest finish inside the shower or behind the basin creates impact without making every wall feel enclosed. Dark does not automatically mean cramped. A simple, well-planned scheme can make a small bathroom feel far more polished.'
No matter your style, it is worth looking at retro spaces to think about how they might inform modern design. As nostalgia becomes an ever stronger cultural force, these influences will only grow.
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