It’s the colour that launched millions of three-piece bathroom suites in the 1970s – and now British homeowners in their 20s and 30s say avocado green is once again a must-have colour for the bathroom.
The Great Bathroom Report by home improvement retailer, Wickes, reveals that around a third of 25-34 year old millennials (27%) picked avocado as the colour they would most like to use in a bathroom upgrade. However, it’s a different story for the generation who lived through the 70s, with fewer than one in 20 (5%) wanting to see the controversial hue return.
Fortunately, according to the report, the new trend doesn’t mean a return to lurid loos with matching basins and baths: today’s avocado-inspired bathrooms are employing the retro green theme with a much lighter touch, often using coloured furniture, tiles and paint as well as natural elements to channel the 70s vibes.
Tim Richards, head of vathrooms at Wickes, describes it as “a green that reflects peace and nature, as well as the calm of Japanese design. As life gets busier, a dash of sage, olive or fern in the bathroom gives a sense of serenity to help us relax and unwind.
“Wickes’ new bathroom range, launching on October 22nd, embraces bold colour with our exciting ‘Serpentine’ trend. This modern twist on traditional period bathrooms introduces the vibrant green that millennials are eagerly seeking.”
In fact, Pinterest’s Autumn report unveils a 350% increase in searches of ‘Dark green bathroom’ and a whopping 2670% rise in ‘Green home décor’ more generally[2].
Professor Deborah Sugg Ryan, British design historian, Professor of Design History and TV presenter, added: “Like disco, flares and prawn cocktail, there’s nothing that screams the 1970s quite like avocado green bathrooms – and for anyone who lived through the decade, it’s understandable that 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. Lighting plays a large part in this, with smart lighting and dimmers to suit every occasion and make what was once a glaringly green room an atmospheric and serene space.
”They are also prepared to mix eclectic colours and use different design techniques and touchy-feely textures to get a bathroom that’s warmer, more welcoming, and a reflection of their style.
Deborah adds, ”I’m glad brighter colours are staging a comeback. Who wants gloomy grey when a splash of green or blue will lift your spirits?”
Avocado isn’t the only thing making a comeback splash in bathrooms these days. The report highlights that British homeowners are also embracing other 70s trends with nearly two in five (38%) Brits ready to welcome the return of vibrant and funky tiling in their bathrooms. Wickes’ upcoming ‘Miami’ range provides just that with its pastel colours and patterns.The nostalgia doesn’t stop there; 22% are fans of the iconic 70s pedestal sink, while 19% dream of sinking into a sunken tub, as featured in the ‘Carron’ range launching mid-October. However, some things are best left in the past, as shaggy bath mats (15%) and loud shower curtains (10%) are among the least favourite 70s trends.
The Wickes Great Bathroom Report delves into a deep analysis of the design trends shaping the nation’s bathrooms and the all-important factors affecting modern design choices. As well as gathering insight from its 700 Design Consultants, Wickes polled over 2,000 homeowners nationwide to ask what they want in a new bathroom – and the research reveals:
- 28% would redecorate their bathroom in pastel blue, another very popular bathroom colour during the 70s (10% would redecorate with avocado green)
- 10% would like to see 1970s panelling return
- Salmon coloured bathrooms (4%) and carpet (5%) are among the least wanted 70s trend for people to make a return – although 18-24 year olds wouldn’t rule out the pale pink hue completely, with 26% claiming they’d be happy to see it return
