A once-maligned 1970s bathroom trend is experiencing an unexpected resurgence among millennials, according to a recent report by home improvement retailer Wickes. The study reveals that 27% of individuals aged 25-34 are now embracing avocado-inspired designs when upgrading their bathrooms.
However, this modern interpretation diverges significantly from its 1970s predecessor. Instead of the matching avocado-colored toilets, basins, and bathtubs that were ubiquitous five decades ago, today's trend incorporates softer green hues. Mandy Minichiello, head of marketing for kitchens and bathrooms at Wickes, explains that contemporary avocado-inspired bathrooms feature subtle shades of sage, olive, and fern, creating a serene atmosphere reminiscent of Japanese design principles.
The revival of this trend reflects broader changes in bathroom aesthetics. The Wickes report indicates that homeowners increasingly desire bathrooms that evoke the ambiance of luxury hotels, with 48% of survey respondents admitting to examining friends' bathrooms during visits. This shift in perception is particularly noteworthy, as it was previously estimated that an avocado bathroom could decrease a home's value by up to £8,000.
Interestingly, the trend's popularity varies significantly across age groups. While millennials are embracing the avocado revival, only 5% of individuals over 55 – who experienced the original trend firsthand – express interest in incorporating the color into their bathrooms.
Prof Deborah Sugg Ryan, a British design historian and TV presenter, offers historical context: "Like disco, flares, and prawn cocktail, there's nothing that screams the 1970s quite like avocado green bathrooms. For anyone who lived through the decade, it's perhaps understandable they don't particularly fancy seeing it again. Fortunately, this new avocado bathroom trend that's struck a chord with 20- and 30-somethings is far more subtle."
The resurgence of avocado-inspired bathrooms is part of a larger trend in bathroom design evolution. Since the introduction of colored bathroom fixtures in the 1920s, bathroom aesthetics have undergone numerous transformations. The concept of the en-suite bathroom gained popularity in the mid-20th century, while the idea of a "spa bathroom" emerged in the 1990s. Today, we're seeing increased integration of plants and smart technology in bathroom spaces.
This cyclical nature of design trends is not uncommon. Bathroom design trends typically cycle every 10-15 years, influenced by broader cultural and social changes. The current avocado revival may be seen as a nostalgic nod to the past, reinterpreted for modern sensibilities and wellness-focused lifestyles.
As homeowners continue to invest in their bathrooms – with the average renovation costing between $10,000 and $30,000 – it's clear that this space is viewed as more than just functional. The Wickes report found that a third of homeowners prioritize relaxation and unwinding in their bathrooms, viewing them as personal sanctuaries from everyday stress.
While it remains to be seen whether this trend will impact home values positively or negatively, it's evident that the avocado bathroom of 2024 is a far cry from its 1970s counterpart. As bathroom design continues to evolve, incorporating elements of sustainability, technology, and personalized wellness, we may see further reinterpretations of classic trends in the years to come.