Design Trend: Drop-In Bathtub Ideas You’ll Love

June 19, 2024

Design: Studio Duggan / Photography: Kensington Leverne

Designers are reinventing traditional drop-in bathtub surrounds, bringing a fresh perspective to this classic bathroom fixture. In 2024, the focus is on blending functionality with stunning aesthetics, making the bathtub surround a standout element in the transitional bathroom. Let’s dive into this latest design trend to inspire you if you’re looking to refresh your bathroom.

Bathtub surrounds not only protect walls from water damage but also add a sophisticated touch to your bathroom. Whether you’re opting for a minimalist look or something more ornate, there are many possibilities to consider.

For those who prefer a more classic look, subway or square tiles are a fantastic choice for bathtub surrounds. The clean lines and timeless appeal of subway tiles make them a favourite among interior designers.

My personal favourite is cladding the bath in stone. The result is stunning and really elevates your bathroom. Many interior designers are incorporating this feature into their bathroom designs, and I’m here for it.

To reduce project costs, consider adding a marble tub surround and using inexpensive subway tile on the front of the drop-in tub and surrounding walls. I’ve included a beautiful example above from Studio Duggan. How stunning is the combination of this veiny marble with the sage green subway tile? 🤩

When it comes to bathtub surround decor, accessories like a small tray with a candle and soap, flowers, plants, or a simple organic-shaped vase with branches can enhance the overall look. Incorporating these elements adds both functionality and beauty to your bathroom.

Looking through “bathtub surround ideas” on Pinterest can provide a wealth of inspiration. You can find a few of my recent Pinterest saves here. Whether you’re aiming for a spa-like retreat or a vibrant, colourful space, there are endless design possibilities to explore.

Here are some of the best creative ideas to cover up your bathtub surround:

Design: Balton Design / Photography: Ye Rin Mok

Design: Katie Monkhouse Interiors / Photography: Stephanie Crusso

Design: Bide Studio

Design: Amber Interiors / Photography: Shade Degges

Design: Ashley Montgomery Design / Photography: Lauren Miller

Design: Kimberly Parker Design / Photography: Malissa Mabey

Design: Shauna Walton Design / Photography: Lauren Miller