Future trends in commercial washroom design

What is a washroom? 

Washroom (noun): a room equipped with facilities for washing and using the toilet, designed for public or semi-public use. Some might call this area a restroom, bathroom, or lavatory.

These once-overlooked spaces have evolved into critical touchpoints that influence brand perception, reinforce values, and elevate user experience. Whether in a high-traffic office, boutique hotel, or leisure centre, a well-designed washroom has the power to impress, calm, and connect.

As expectations shift and innovation accelerates, commercial washrooms offer architects and designers a unique opportunity: to blend function, aesthetics, and care into one unified environment.

What makes a modern washroom?

A modern commercial washroom can vary by sector, potentially being a room not only to use the bathroom but to change clothes or freshen up. Key components typically include:

• Toilet cubicles
• Vanity units with integrated basins
• Changing cubicles or shared facilities, such as benches
• Lockers and personal storage

What unites all these is the need for intelligent planning, thoughtful material choices, and inclusive design.

Sustainability in practice: Materials that last

Sustainability is at the forefront of modern design, and its influence on commercial washrooms will only continue to expand. The integration of eco-friendly materials and sustainable design principles extends beyond aesthetics; architects are increasingly expected to specify eco-conscious materials and design for longevity. Durable, easy-to-maintain surfaces, like compact grade laminates from ColorCore^® Compact by Formica Group, help reduce environmental impact by extending product life cycles and lowering maintenance needs.

Design tip: Look for materials that are FSC-certified, resistant to moisture and impact, and available in large sheet sizes to minimise joints and waste.

Designing for wellness: comfort, hygiene and calm

The rise of wellness-driven design is transforming commercial interiors, including washrooms. Users now expect more than functionality; they want a sense of hygiene, privacy, and comfort.

• Touch-free technology (taps, flushes, dispensers) enhances hygiene and convenience.
• Easy-to-clean surfaces offer added reassurance, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Ambient lighting and acoustic control help create a more calming atmosphere.
• Private, inclusive layouts (such as gender-neutral cubicles or accessible spaces) foster dignity and accessibility.

By prioritising wellness, businesses can transform washrooms into sanctuaries of self-care, reinforcing a sense of thoughtfulness and hospitality.

Design tip: Consider incorporating features like full-length mirrors, generous changing areas, and subtle lighting to elevate user comfort and confidence.

How can you reflect brand identity through interior design?

Customisation allows businesses to design washrooms that align seamlessly with their brand identity while catering to diverse user needs. As user expectations shift toward tailored experiences, the demand for personalised and adaptable washroom spaces is growing.

With a focus on function and performance, the Formica^® Washroom Collection offers 28 shades of compact grade and standard HPL solutions to create well designed changing rooms and commercial washrooms.

The ability to select colour palettes and high-quality materials ensures that every element contributes to a cohesive, memorable brand experience. This level of personalisation transforms washrooms into curated spaces that resonate with users on a deeper level.

Your next design opportunity starts here

Looking ahead, the commercial washroom will serve as a benchmark for design ingenuity, reflecting a commitment to sustainability, wellness, and user experience. By embracing these evolving trends, businesses can create washrooms that inspire, impress, and set new industry standards. 

Explore the Formica^® Washroom Collection and ColorCore^® Compact by Formica Group to order samples today.