Bathroom Storage: Natural Order

In the bathroom, functional storage is a critical factor when it comes to selecting vanities, linen closets and medicine cabinets. With limited space and a wide range of personal care items to stash, efficient internal organization is required. At the same time, as an essential element in the overall aesthetic, these units can’t look sterile and utilitarian.

Customizable storage solutions are a must, along with features that use space wisely and allow for easy access. “Storage has become a top priority,” remarks Asa Harrison, product manager, wood products, for Hardware Resources, based in Bossier City, LA. “Features like rollout drawers and drawer-in-drawer systems allow homeowners to access stored items more easily – especially in smaller bathrooms where maximizing every inch counts.”

Dean Camastro, northeast regional sales manager for Duravit USA, based in Duluth, GA, says, “Consumers and designers alike are gravitating toward clean aesthetics, smart functionality and sustainable choices, making bathroom storage not just practical – but also an extension of thoughtful, modern living.”

Aesthetically, natural materials and finishes that pull colors from nature are on the rise. “After years of white and gray bath vanities, clients are wanting ‘warmth’ and a connection to nature,” explains Christopher J. Grubb, president of Arch-Interiors Design Group in Beverly Hills, CA. He adds that people are using wood with visual and tactile qualities, tones of light and medium species, and a combination of woods to make the design as unique as the individual’s style.

Other key trends include combining open and closed storage, the integration of power and lighting, and floating vanities, especially in smaller spaces. That’s according to manufacturers recently surveyed by Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Natural Beauty

Bathrooms inspired by the serenity of nature are increasingly popular, leading to the use of natural materials and finishes to create a peaceful refuge.

“Natural wood finishes continue to trend, aligning with the broader movement toward biophilic design and warm, organic interiors,” observes Harrison. “Designers are leaning into natural wood finishes that bring warmth and texture into both large and small bath spaces. Rich, dark tones like dark walnut offer depth and sophistication, while lighter finishes such as light oak create an airy, spa-like ambiance.”

“There is increased interest in natural materials and finishes that evoke a sense of ‘bringing the outdoors in,’” agrees Erin Sullivan, director – product development at James Martin Vanities, based in South Bend, IN. “Matte finishes, soft wood grains and brushed metal accents are being used to create a grounded, spa-like atmosphere.”

Eric Phelps, director – North America for BELLO USA in Ontario, CA, says that natural woods, textures and mixed materials are leading trends. “Warm walnut, white oak and gray‑washed veneers set a spa‑calm tone. Reeded or fluted fronts, like those in our Gatsby Collection, inject textural depth.”

“White oak and walnut continue to be very popular, as they provide the perfect base for many of the richer tones that are starting to trend and offer a timeless and calming look,” remarks Bob Bakes, co-founder and head of design at Bakes & Kropp Fine Cabinetry, based in New York, NY.

Camastro adds that textured woodgrain laminates and matte lacquer finishes are in demand. “Fluted and ribbed fronts add tactile interest,” he explains. “Sustainable materials, including FSC-certified woods and recycled content boards, are gaining traction.”

Earth Tones with Dark Accents

Colors are trending toward warm tones in earthy colors, along with deeper shades used as accents.

Camastro says there’s high demand for warm neutrals like taupe, sand and mushroom gray; earthy tones like terracotta, olive and clay, and soft greens and blues that bring a biophilic feel. “Matte black and deep navy continue to hold strong, especially for urban designs,” he adds.

“Rich, deeper shades like navy, charcoal and forest green are also gaining popularity as accent colors,” observes Bakes.

“Warm neutrals, muted greens and deep charcoal tones continue to gain popularity for their ability to create a calming environment without feeling overly cool or sterile,” reports Sullivan.

“The desire for warmth is also found in metal finishes,” states Grubb. “For a polished look, I love the champagne bronze. At the last Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, even though ‘bronze’ wasn’t included in the finish name, all manufacturers had a version of a bronze finish. It will definitely appear more in all categories in the design world.”

“Polished nickel is the warm overwhelming substitution for chrome,” he adds. “And lately we’ve been incorporating a woven metal mesh inset in larger builds in storage cabinets.”

“The modern texture of stainless steel and the enduring beauty of solid surface tops are popular requests,” offers Chris Lee, president of Lenova, based in Hillside, IL. “Earthy colors and hues of black and white are always classic.”

Intentional Organization

Well organized storage space is essential to keeping an uncluttered, serene feel in the space. Vanities and linen closets need to be designed with the specific needs of the user in mind, and innovative solutions that increase functionality are in demand.

“Internal organization continues to be a strong trend, especially in vanities and linen storage. Designers and homeowners are looking for built-in functionality that keeps countertops clean and daily routines seamless,” stresses Harrison.

Some common requests include tower cabinets integrated into vanities for vertical storage; pull-out hampers, hidden drawers and labeled bins for organization, and customizable interiors with dividers, slide-outs, tiered trays and modular baskets, according to Camastro.

“Consumers are increasingly seeking thoughtful organization features such as customizable drawer dividers, pull-out trays and hidden compartments that enhance daily convenience,” Sullivan says. “Linen closets are gaining popularity for their blend of traditional charm and modern practicality. A high-quality cabinet can offer generous storage with soft-closing doors and drawers that ensure smooth and quiet operation.”

Bakes adds, “Linen closets are increasingly being designed as part of the overall millwork scheme, often appearing as full-height cabinets that match the vanity for a cohesive look. Clients are requesting drawer dividers for cosmetics, pull-out hampers, integrated charging stations and hidden or locking compartments for valuables.”

Irene Duarte-Thelen, sales manager in the Chicago showroom for Spain-based Porcelanosa, says she’s also seen demand for fun, rotating full length mirrors that double as a storage cabinet.

In primary baths, there is a lean toward larger vanities with plenty of internal storage, manufacturers say.

Camastro notes that double vanities with expanded drawer depth are desired in primary bathrooms. Taller vanities, around 36″, are becoming the standard for ergonomics, he adds.

“There is a growing demand for vanities that maximize both surface area and storage, particularly in shared bathrooms,” reports Sullivan. “However, we are also seeing a shift in some primary bathrooms where homeowners are opting for two single vanities in place of one large dual vanity, embracing a layout that offers both separation and style for partners.”

On the Wall

Vanities built for compact spaces are also in demand, Lee reports. Often, these units are mounted on the wall to further maximize available space.

“Wall-mounted vanities continue to dominate for their sleek look and ability to make small spaces feel more open,” Camastro explains. These slim 18″ to 20″ vanities are popular for powder rooms and compact spaces, he adds.

“In more compact bathrooms, space-saving vanities are being customized for maximum utility without sacrificing aesthetics, frequently using wall-mounted or slim-profile designs,” notes Bakes. “Many of our recent clients have opted for floating vanities, as they provide a modern, airy look and can make smaller bathrooms feel more spacious.”

A Balanced Approach

Closed storage options are favored in master and family baths, while powder rooms and guest baths may feature a more open approach. Manufacturers say designers often lean toward a hybrid look, combining the practicality of closed storage with the visual appeal of open shelving.

“Designers are aiming to strike a balance between open and closed storage,” states Harrison. “While closed storage remains the preference for primary and guest baths – offering privacy for personal items – open shelving is being thoughtfully integrated for decor and display, especially in powder rooms. The combination of the two adds both visual interest and function, creating intentional, layered spaces that feel curated rather than cluttered.”

“Open storage is used selectively, often to create visual interest or display curated items,” says Bakes. “The preference can vary depending on the bathroom type. In powder rooms or guest baths, open or semi-open storage may be used more liberally, as these spaces are less focused on function and more on impression.”

“Closed cabinets are ideal for main and family baths, concealing clutter, protecting essentials and maintaining a serene backdrop,” agrees Phelps. “Open shelving is perfect for powder rooms and guest baths – displaying rolled towels, curated décor and artisanal soaps. Designers increasingly blend both closed units for daily essentials and open displays for warmth and personality.”

“Closed storage remains a cornerstone of sophisticated bathroom design, not only streamlining organization but also reinforcing a polished, clutter-free aesthetic that designers strive for in luxury spaces,” notes Sullivan.

“Conversely, open shelving is gaining traction in smaller baths and powder rooms where limited space calls for creative styling opportunities, such as creative mirror shelving as exhibited in James Martin Vanities’ Platform Mirror,” she adds. “This approach allows designers to showcase curated décor while balancing practicality in compact environments.”

“Most busy people can’t keep the open storage ‘magazine photo shoot’ ready, and less clutter is less stress. Tissue boxes or other non-priority items are going in the open storage,” Grubb remarks.

Innovate Integration

Storage that incorporates both lighting and power solutions for technology is highly desired, manufacturers say.

“Wireless charging built directly into vanity surfaces adds an elevated, functional feature that supports the everyday convenience homeowners value most while also freeing up countertop space by eliminating cord clutter,” relays Sullivan.

“Innovations like hidden outlets integrated within James Martin Vanities elevate the design by providing discreet functionality,” she adds. “These built-in, hidden charging solutions support modern lifestyles without compromising clean lines or surface simplicity, demonstrating how technology and design can harmonize in today’s bathrooms.”

Harrison reports that Hardware Resources offers innovative built-in power outlets and metal canisters to safely store and charge hot tools inside the cabinet. “These powered organizers go a step further by including an auto shut-off feature – cutting power when the pullout is closed, providing peace of mind in busy households. With cord management built in and options available in multiple sizes, these organizers offer a tech-forward yet user-friendly solution that’s ideal for modern bath design,” she says. “As internal power access becomes more common, designers are embracing these upgrades to meet rising expectations for smarter, more functional storage.”

Grubb says integrated power is important because of the storage options it allows: keeping blow dryers in the back of drawers; connections for charging devices, and in under sink cabinets for electric toothbrushes, water flossers, etc. “Falling under power, vanities have an LED light strip that we put on a dimmable motion sensor, which is a beautiful night light, too,” he adds.

Lighting in and around vanities and mirrors is another highly sought after feature, manufacturers say. “Mood lighting is also trending,” stresses Phelps. “Built‑in LED strips under the vanity add a soft glow for evening routines and ambient drama.” 

“Integrated lighting is increasingly common, especially under vanities or inside drawers, offering both functionality and luxury,” notes Bakes.

“Vanities and mirrors with built-in LED lighting, often with dimmable and color-temp control features, are highly sought after,” agrees Camastro.

Beyond the Box

Medicine cabinets are stylish storage for frequently used grooming tools, and an important part of the design. Modern medicine cabinets are set into the wall and often offer a range of innovative features.

“Medicine cabinets have evolved beyond the traditional mirrored box,” explains Bakes. “Today’s clients prefer recessed, mirrored cabinets that are seamlessly integrated into the wall, often featuring built-in LED lighting and hidden electrical outlets for grooming tools. Some even include modular storage systems inside to better organize skincare products or medications.”

“Smart integration is key when specifying medicine cabinets,” Phelps remarks. “Mirror cabinets offer front/back or combined LED lighting, anti-fog, color-temperature memory, touchless sensors, 10× magnifiers, five-sided reflective glass, wide-angle hinges and built-in USB/power outlets.”

Featured Products

Click on product image to request more information. See the full list of featured products from this article in the August 2025 issue of KBDN.