Bathroom Remodeling Essentials: Latest Design Trends and Ideas

Thinking of remodeling your bathroom?

Kitchen and bath remodels are among the most popular projects homeowners undertake. From adding value to making daily life more comfortable, they can make a big difference in your home.

But here's the deal…

Not all bathroom remodels are created equal. It's the difference between a renovation that leaves you underwhelmed and an update that totally transforms the room. Knowing what's trending and what works in the bathroom will help you make the right choices.

What You Will Learn:

• Why Bathroom Remodels Are Smart Investments

• Trending Design Features for Bathrooms

• Important Accessibility Options

• Material and Finish Selection Tips

• Pros vs. DIY Renovations

Why Bathroom Remodels Are Smart Investments

First of all, the remodeling industry in this area is no small potatoes.

We're talking $398.1 billion big in 2024, to be precise.

Why such a humongous amount? The number will keep growing every year.

Homeowners see the value in taking on these bathroom projects. A well-done renovation improves functionality and quality of life while increasing the home's value.

Homeowners should use Team Farrell for their bathroom remodeling to ensure the project checks all the boxes of aesthetics and function. Their experience in home design for remodeling covers all the bases of this complex process, giving homeowners guidance with the myriad of decisions.

Plus the best part is modern bathroom trends create spaces that work harder and look better than ever before.

Trending Design Features for Bathrooms

So how do bathroom design trends look like today?

The home improvement industry has changed drastically in the past years. Homeowners are more daring now than ever before.

NKBA research reveals over 70% of homeowners are not afraid to take more design risks when remodeling their bathrooms, with accessibility and curbless showers leading this major change.

Open-concept showers and big walk-ins remain one of the bathroom trends right now. But there are more which we will get to a bit later.

Walk-In Showers

Large walk-in showers, often as big as the room itself, have become more prevalent than ever. Open-concept showers without traditional shower curtains or doors offer a look that is both accessible and more visually appealing than the common tub-shower combos.

Walk-in showers check all the right boxes for these reasons:

• They create a spa-like feel

• Offer accessibility at any age

• Make smaller bathrooms feel bigger

• Open up the space to show off tile work in a big way

Neutral Tones, but Cozier

White and off-white are the overwhelming color preferences for bathroom features, fixtures, and fittings. Homeowners remain divided on colors and look toward neutral tones.

However, more people are choosing warmer hues such as travertine and tuscany and far away from the old-school cold and sterile look.

Natural Wood, Stone, and Organic Materials

Wood vanities, natural stone countertops, and organic materials are everywhere. These natural and homey materials bring character and charm that the generic plastic and laminate materials can't match.

Live-edge wood shelving, hammered copper fixtures and hardware, natural stone basins, and concrete integrated sinks, to name a few.

Accessibility That Everyone Wants

Here's something most people overlook…

Accessibility isn't just for elderly homeowners. Incorporating accessibility features during bathroom remodeling projects make these spaces safer and more functional for everyone.

Statistics speak for themselves. The percentage of homeowners that takes special needs and requests into consideration when planning and executing their bathroom remodeling projects has gone up to 68%. This is a significant increase compared to previous years.

Smart accessibility features that are among the most requested are:

• Grab bars by showers and toilets

• Non-slippery flooring on all wet areas

• Curbless shower enclosures

• ADA compliance toilet heights

• Doorways wide enough for wheelchairs to pass

These features are anything but clunky or ugly. Modern grab bars come in sleek finishes to match any design. Curbless showers also create the trendy seamless wet look.

Material and Finish Selection Tips

Selecting the right materials and finishes make or break any bathroom remodel. Poor choices lead to premature wear, higher maintenance, and less-than-expected results.

Countertops and Surfaces

We love quartz and natural stone. Both materials offer long-lasting durability and beauty that laminates don't come close.

For a more unique touch, integrated sinks from the same material as the countertop add a seamless, continuous design.

Fixture Finishes

Brushed nickel and matte black still hold strong. Brass and other warm metal finishes are on the rise. Paired with natural wood and stone, these finishes create a warm and inviting space.

Tiles Selection

Big tiles with large format design are the winner when minimizing grout lines. Patterned tiles look better used as accent features, not covering entire walls.

The rule of thumb is balance. Too many clashing patterns overwhelm the small space.

DIY or Call a Pro?

DIY or call a professional? This is a question each and every homeowner that decides on bathroom remodeling asks him- or herself. Here's the answer.

Statistics say 84% of homeowners call pros to take care of their bathroom renovations. Most often, it's general contractors, bathroom remodeling specialists, and cabinetmakers in this order.

Why such a number? It's due to the complexity of bathroom remodeling projects. The fixtures and construction of a bathroom include plumbing, electricity, waterproofing, and structure. Mistakes with any of these can be very costly.

Professional contractors also bring code compliance expertise, established supplier connections, warranty protection, and project management experience. They also have the troubleshooting skills to address unexpected issues that may come up during the project.

By the way, the median spend on major bathroom remodels in the US is around $22,000. You can agree that this kind of investment in the property you own calls for professionalism in execution.

Technology is also the Bathroom Today

Home remodeling doesn't have to look like home design 10 years ago.

Voice-activated lighting, touchless faucets and other fixtures, heated floors, smart mirrors with built-in information, and customized settings for bidet attachments. These features are not only cool; they can also increase the efficiency of the space.

Planning Tips to Make it All Easier

Here are some basic planning tips before you commit to a bathroom remodel.

• Don't break the bank but try to set a realistic budget, including extra 15-20% for unexpected expenses that often occur. An older home especially hides some surprises that will reveal after walls are opened.

• Don't sacrifice the functionality of your bathroom. Beautiful doesn't mean much if the layout and all the features of the bathroom do not work as well. Storage, lighting, and ventilation should be planned as well as the aesthetics.

• Always think long-term as trends come and go, but good quality materials and timeless design never go out of style.

• Seek multiple quotes and compare them before deciding on one or a few contractors to do the job.

• Make a checklist with all the must-haves before discussing the remodeling project with a contractor or designer.

Summing it Up

Kitchen and bath remodels are among the best home design investments. The improved function, increased value, and day-to-day pleasure they can bring to your life make them well worth the money and time.

As the research and statistics above show, current bathroom remodeling trends favor warmer, natural materials and practical accessibility design. The open-concept showers and big walk-ins continue to be the choice of more and more homeowners, while the color palette is warming up.

Here's a quick recap on what makes bathroom remodels a success:

• Working with experienced pros

• Choosing quality materials that last a long time

• Adding accessibility features from the start

• Paying attention to trends and time-tested designs

• Planning the bathroom remodeling project before even starting

The best bathroom remodels, once completed, look like they required no effort at all. They function well, look beautiful, and make daily routine a more enjoyable experience. This is the ideal to work toward.