The New Era of Design-Led Hand Soaps for Elevated Interior Spaces
For years, one particular brand of hand wash was more than just a bathroom essential – it was a design statement. Aesop, with its minimalist amber bottle and botanical scent profile, became a fixture in thoughtfully styled powder rooms, boutique stays and every carefully curated interior on Instagram. But in 2025, that soap’s symbol is starting to lose its edge.
As The Strategist recently noted, “Aesop used to be the kind of hand soap that, when a friend had it in their bathroom, it recalled a certain aesthetic status. These days, it’s the kind of hand soap that makes you go, ‘Of course you have Aesop.’” Put simply, Aesop has become expected, and in the world of interiors, it no longer feels aspirational.
Interior designers and those that are design-savvy are turning to new names that offer something a little more surprising, both visually and sensorially. From sculptural bottles to offbeat scent profiles that break away from the citrus-and-herb template, these new soaps bring back the sense of discovery.
From powder rooms to kitchen sinks, here are a few of our favourite alternatives reshaping the role of soap in contemporary interiors.
Commune — via Mecca
Design-led and sustainability-focused, Commune’s recyclable aluminium bottles and durable reusable pumps are a quiet statement in any modern space. The philosophy? Small actions, when repeated, add up to meaningful change.
Explore Commune →
FRAMA – via Slow Store
A fixture in Scandinavian interiors, FRAMA’s Apothecary Hand Wash combines notes of sandalwood, cedar, and ylang ylang. The amber-toned bottle and balanced scent profile feel timeless and elevated.
Explore FRAMA →
Sans Ceuticals
Ultra-gentle, Sans Ceuticals’ sulphate-free wash offers a luxurious cleanse without stripping the skin. It’s understated, effective, and fits seamlessly into New Zealand interiors that favour natural materials and a calming palette.
Explore Sans Ceuticals →
Ikkari
A moment of pause in a bottle. The Ikkari hand wash in Thyme, Clary Sage, and Siberian Fir comes housed in a sculptural Italian glass vessel you’ll want to keep forever. A refined and refillable addition to any considered bathroom.
Explore Ikkari →
Loewe – via Faradays
For those who love a tactile experience, this oregano scented soap bar offers a sensory ritual — herbaceous, grounding, and perfect for guest bathrooms or gifting.
Explore the duo →
Design today is as much about what you keep on the bench as what you build into the space. These hand soaps offer more than utility — they bring in tone, texture, and intention.
Whether you’re styling a kitchen in Queenstown, curating a holiday home in the Coromandel, or updating a central Auckland apartment, these pieces serve as a subtle design flourish that speaks volumes.
Looking to elevate your space?
Get in touch — we’d love to help you design something considered.