Each year the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) awards recognise excellence in design and celebrate the talents and efforts of professionals in the New Zealand kitchen and bathroom industry.

award winning bathrooms

2025 NKBA award winning bathrooms

The 2025 NKBA Supreme Bathroom winner was the Structured Serenity ensuite designed by Nicola Manning Design. The Outstanding Bathroom Renovation features a monochromatic scheme with industrial style black steel beams, light grey wall tiles and black floor tiles, complemented by a striking stone vanity with integrated basins and a spa-like feature shower with a seat. Judges praised its resemblance to a high-end hotel, with a strong sense of wellness and rejuvenation. Standout features include a suspended shelf over the bath and a recessed storage niche.  

Nicola Manning designed the bathroom to fit with the complexities of the existing structure of the two-storey penthouse. 

The judges liked the beautifully executed vanity wall with its bold colour palette and the luxurious mitred-stone vanity top results in a well-considered, technically impressive design that balances practicality with visual impact.   

The award acknowledged the project’s collaboration with various trades and suppliers, highlighting Nicola Manning Design’s contribution to excellence in New Zealand bathroom design.

Nicola Manning’s Quiet Geometry bathroom also won the 2025 Outstanding Bathroom Renovation Award. The space features a similar monochromatic scheme with steel beams exposed and painted black, light grey wall tiles and black floor tiles to balance the strength of the beams.

The design was recognised as a creative and well-executed bathroom that showcases the designer’s skill in overcoming architectural challenges. The judges praised the clever detailing including dual heated towel rails, two-way hooks and a soft curtain that adds both elegance and functionality. The generous walk-in-shower and delightful free-standing bath create a sense of light and space. The judges liked the excellent plans and the restrained palette that reflects a confident, creative design approach. 

These two award-winning New Zealand bathrooms combine the 2025 design trends of luxurious spa-like experiences, sustainable products and functional, bold finishes, especially in smaller spaces. Natural stone, textured tiles, and seamless benchtop-to-splashback designs are also prominent.  

award winning bathroom 2

Key Bathroom Trends for 2025

The NKBA’s 2025 New Zealand bathroom trends highlight the creation of a relaxing sanctuary through features like creative lighting and floating vanities, with a strong preference for porcelain and mixed metals as popular materials. 

NKBA designers say that in recent years bathrooms have become statement room. No longer an afterthought, homeowners are utilising designers to create functional and brilliantly appointed bathrooms. 

Looking ahead, NKBA designers predict that bathrooms will embrace earthy and neutral aesthetics, alongside a luxurious and relaxing vibe with creative lighting and floating vanities as the two key elements.

Focus on relaxation

The main aim is to create a luxurious and relaxing space, a tranquil sanctuary for self-care. 

Creative lighting 

Lighting is a key element in bathroom designs, enhancing the mood and functionality of the space. 

Floating vanities

Floating vanities are predicted to be a significant design feature. 

Porcelain popularity

Porcelain is the top material choice for many designers, favoured for its aesthetic and durability. 

Natural materials 

Designers are incorporating more natural elements, such as natural stone, textured tiles, and stained wood, for a serene, organic feel. 

Mixed metals

There is a trend toward using mixed metals to add depth and a contemporary touch to bathroom designs. 

Seamless surfaces

A seamless transition from the vanity to the splashback is a continuing trend, offering an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-clean design. 

Sustainable products

Sustainable materials and practices are becoming increasingly important in bathroom design. 

Bold finishes 

While natural elements are popular, there’s also a trend for bold finishes, especially in smaller bathrooms, to add personality and a sense of luxury.