Emily in Paris' Lily Collins is busy setting design trends far beyond the City of Light. In her mid-century LA home, the actress has perfected one of the most soothing trends to emerge in the latter half of 2024, and it's a look that experts say will only get stronger in '25.
The design trend in quesiton? Biophilic bathrooms – most particularly those that utilize the warmest natural element of all: wood. While biophilia is no new phenomenon, Collins's use of white oak and walnut, alongside her statement marble sink (and, of course, injection of flowers), is perhaps the most soothing twist we've seen to date.
'We relied on some essential material updates to bring the warmth and richness we were after. We leaned into wood (white oak and walnut), natural stone, and California-made ceramic tiles to reawaken the interiors,' comments designer Emily Farnham via Instagram. Mixing woods can sometimes feel risky, but when done right, it can feel cocooning and calming. It's no surprise, then, that this look is shaping bathroom trends as we look ahead to fall and winter, as experts explain.
'The biophilic trend in bathroom design looks set to dominate as we head into AW24/SS25. A design trend that incorporates natural elements and colors, biophilia helps you not only refresh your space but also create a calming atmosphere in your home that can help improve general wellbeing,' says Lidia Cetrangolo, the creative manager at Grant Westfield.
As Cetrangolo explains, wood is key to mastering the calming aesthetic, but there's more to the look than our choice of organic materials. 'The core principle of biophilic design is to connect your interior space with elements of the outdoors such as environmental features, natural patterns, light, and embracing natural shapes. The effects of this design in your space can lead to reduced stress and a more calming environment,' she says.
However, when it comes to choosing wood, we can learn a lot from Collins' space. Cetrangolo recommends choosing panels (whether white oak and walnut like the actress's or a slightly different shade). It's important, though, to find wood that's undergone treatment to ensure it is waterproof; otherwise, it will start to decay over time.
Since wood is naturally waterproof, we can use it around our room without worrying about how it will look in a few months or years. '[This way you] can transform your bathroom into a Bali-esq oasis without the fear of rotting or moldy wood, and can be used in areas such as wet rooms and in the shower.'
Looking to create a biophilic space in your bathroom but not looking to have foliage everywhere? As Collins's subtle use of flowers suggests, we don't need to overload our bathroom in greenery to tap into the trend. Cetrangolor recommends leaning into natural marble or terrazzo to give the natural appearance of the great outdoors while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.
We can also achieve a more pared-back approach with these wooden accessories, designed to bring a sense of calm to our bathrooms, naturally.
Naturally, mold and mildew resistant each soap dish is handmade by craftsmen using solid teak wood.
This bathroom trays fit perfectly on any living space like vanity countertop, kitchen, bathroom, entryway, or office.
This slatted design provides a non-slip surface to dry off when stepping out of a fresh, relaxing shower.
