What’s trending in bathroom design?

Our bathrooms are sacred spaces in our homes. Not only is it a functional space for personal hygiene, it’s also a private sanctuary for many people as they prepare for or wind down from the day. Because it’s such a special place, it’s important to create an environment that’s not only clean and comfortable, but allows us to relax and feel revitalized. 

Here are just a few bathroom design trends we’re seeing in the new year, with some ideas for how to modernize and maximize your space for years to come. 

More Space, Less Stuff

Many designers are leaning into spa-inspired bathrooms that elevate the space as a whole, using technology to increase functionality and enhance flexibility, all while creating a free-flowing vibe. We’re seeing a lot of spacious showers being built out as opposed to traditional bathtubs, with homeowners removing structural elements to create an exposed, seamlessly connected bathroom experience. Another popular trend is providing easy access to a closet, dressing space or a supplemental laundry space. 

Builders are aiming to tie entire rooms together with clean, minimal flooring as well. These range from the natural wood styles of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) to a natural stone in hex or linear patterns. We’re also seeing more large-format porcelain tiles, which come in both high-polished finishes or smooth, subtle matte finishes.

Sustainable Materials Are on the Rise

There is a significant shift in building with more sustainable materials and using products that are certified and rated for efficiency in bathrooms. Homeowners and contractors are transitioning to LED lighting, low-E doors and windows or simply opening up the bathroom’s access to natural light overall. Appliances are also critical for sustainability in the bathroom, with many builders opting for EPA WaterSense-rated faucets, shower heads and toilets. EnergyStar certified appliances and recycled flooring are being incorporated more as well, with natural products like cork, tile, hardwood, and rubber being prime choices for meeting sustainability and health goals.

Luxury Tech Is Heating Up

We’re seeing more and more homeowners incorporate luxury technology into their bathrooms, including elements like heated floors, moisture level detection, voice controls, as well as smart toilets and bidets. Heated floors in particular are gaining momentum, especially those that can be controlled by apps on a smartphone. Imagine warming up the bathroom on your way home from work or scheduling warm floors for cold mornings before you ever even get out of bed! 

Ceramic and porcelain tile are the most popular choices for heated flooring, with luxury vinyl wood plank (LVP) coming in second since it’s a bit softer to walk on. Again, large format tile and slab are big hitters in the shower space — less grout, less upkeep. As technology continues to evolve in this space, we’ll see more and more quality of life enhancements appearing in the everyday bathroom.

Whether you’re designing a new bathroom from scratch or remodeling an existing one, we can all use a little inspiration from time to time. Everyone’s tastes are different, and we all have unique priorities, design choices, budgets and square footages to work from. 

In the end, designing your bathroom space comes down to what’s right for your home, what’s possible with your resources and what will enhance your own personal experience. We hope this article will serve as a building block for your bathroom adventure! If you’re a builder or designer, we hope these trends help point you and your clients in the right direction and give you some ideas for your next project!