Introduction
As empty nesters adjust to having more space with fewer possessions and people, their design priorities and sensibilities shift. With kids out of the house, there’s an opportunity to re-imagine redundant spaces with a more tailored and luxurious point of view.
The bathrooms in particular present exciting possibilities, no longer requiring quite as much storage or family-friendly utilitarian details. Empty nesters can create a soothing, spa-like retreat that supports self-care and relaxes body and mind. Light, bright color palettes, clean-lined cabinetry, and elegant finishes transform the bathroom into a private oasis.
Below we’ll look at some key considerations and trends to create a bathroom with understated glamour perfect for the empty nester lifestyle. Simple and serene, these spaces provide tranquility without sacrificing style.
Choosing a Light and Bright Color Palette
The colors selected for an empty nester bathroom set the entire tone and feeling of the space. As opposed to kids’ bathrooms decked out in bright primaries or teen spaces with bold, edgy choices, empty nesters often prefer a lighter, neutral palette. These sophisticated colors have an airy, ethereal quality with layers of soft contrast.
Some top choices to consider include:
- White: Classic white has a timeless appeal, allowing the textures and patterns of materials to take center stage. Use white on walls, cabinetry, tiles, and accessories for a seamless look. Introduce contrast with metal finishes and wood tones.
- Gray: From light platinum to deeper charcoal shades, gray makes a gorgeous statement in the bathroom. Pair with crisp white for definition or layer in other neutrals like beige and wood tones. Gray beautifully complements tiles in marble, travertine and limestone.
- Beige: Nothing says calm and collected like beige. It’s a versatile neutral that provides a zen backdrop without being boring. Mix beige wall tiles with white grout for added dimension. Use as an accent color with darker wood vanities.
- Green: Subtle green evokes nature, perfect for a spa-like ambiance. Minty greens and blue-tinged gray greens are restful and refreshing. Use as an accent color with paint, tiles, towels and accessories.
- Blue: Powder blue to steel blue imparts soothing watery tones. As an accent wall or vanity color, blue adds interest without overwhelming. Coordinate with glass, mirror and metal finishes.
Creating a Spa Experience with Materials
The materials selected for surfaces and finishes have a big impact on the overall feeling of a bathroom. Empty nesters will likely want to splurge a bit on elevated materials that make the space feel like a high-end boutique hotel. Here are some materials that support a serene spa aesthetic:
- Stone Tiles: Travertine, marble, and limestone have beautiful veining and texture that naturally creates a sense of calm. These luxe materials make stunning feature walls, shower surrounds, and flooring.
- Wood Cabinets: Wood instantly warms a space and makes it feel welcoming. Shaker-style cabinets in oak or walnut complement stone tiles. Add glass fronts for a delicate touch.
- Quartz Countertops: As an alternative to marble, quartz like Caesarstone offers the look of stone without the maintenance. Quartz can be fabricated in large pieces with minimal seams for a spa-like environment.
- Metal Finishes: Brass, bronze, and nickel accents infuse a touch of glamour. Metallic finishes like an oil-rubbed bronze mirror or brass plumbing fixtures catch the light beautifully.
- Freestanding Tubs: Nothing says spa quite like a freestanding soaking tub. Place it in front of a view, or as a sculptural focal point. Choose sleek contemporary or vintage clawfoot.
Design Elements to Support Relaxation and Self Care
Beyond looks alone, the bathroom design should incorporate thoughtful elements to support relaxation and self-care. When planning the space, consider including features such as:
- Spacious Shower: An expansive shower with luxurious details provides a rejuvenating spa experience. Include dual shower heads, a bench, and gray-veined stone walls.
- Soaking Tub: Whether freestanding or built into a platform, include a deep soaking tub for quiet relaxation. Position near a window or charming lighting.
- High-Tech Toilet: An auto open/close lid, heated seat, bidet, and other high-tech features add five-star comfort.
- Towel Warmer: Extend the spa experience with warm dry towels. Choose a wall-mounted version or freestanding cabinet style.
- Heated Floors: Warm underfoot floors are therapeutic first thing in the morning or after a bath. Opt for electric mats under stone, tile, or wood.
- Adjustable/Dimmable Lighting: Create the perfect ambiance with lighting versatility. Use dimmers for mood lighting and position adjustable fixtures for tasks.
- Sound System: Add a speaker to play soothing music or podcasts during a bath or shower. Look for waterproof Bluetooth speakers.
- Smart Home Technology: Control lighting, music, heating and more from an app or voice assistant. Automate the spa experience.
Providing Ample Storage for Two
While kids are gone, empty nesters still require well-organized storage. Edit and consolidate to make the most of the available space. Glass-front cabinets maintain an open look. Consider these storage solutions:
- Drawers and Trays: Optimize vanity cabinet storage with unobtrusive shallow drawers and pull-out trays to neatly organize toiletries.
- Narrow Shelving: Fill awkward gaps between studs with floor-to-ceiling shelving. Great for neatly stowing linens.
- Recessed Niches: Build out short recesses in the shower or tub surround for shampoo, razors, and other shower necessities.
- Cabinet Front Tip-Outs: Tip-out trays and small storage cubbies behind cabinet doors provide usable space while hidden from view.
- Mirrored Cabinets: Mirrored cabinets make small bathrooms feel more spacious while concealing toiletries. Position on walls or hang above sinks.
- Floating Shelves: Mount floating shelves in convenient spots to display folded towels, beauty products and decorative items.
- Under Sink Storage: Maximize the space under sinks with pull-out cabinet organizers, trays and modular wire baskets.
- Medicine Cabinet: An old-fashioned medicine cabinet recessed into the wall wastes no floor space. Choose one with the depth you need.
Choosing Elegant and Sustainable Finishes
The hardware and faucetry selected for the bathroom make a visual impact while delivering function and durability. These small details provide the finishing touch to realize a light and refined aesthetic. Consider sustainable and energy-efficient options such as:
- Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures: Choose low-flow shower heads, toilets and faucets to reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. Look for WaterSense labeled.
- Shut-Off Valves: Install shut-off valves near sinks and behind toilets to allow quick shut down in the event of leaks.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Select materials like recycled glass tiles or Composite wood made from reclaimed wood fibers.
- Dual Flush Toilets: Incorporate toilets with a dual flush option to use only the water needed per flush. Saves precious resources.
- Rain Showerhead: A wide rain showerhead feels luxurious while limiting water volume. Or choose a unit with a concentrated spray to reduce usage.
- Touchless Faucets: Touchless faucets promote hygiene and eliminate dripping. Look for models with the lowest activation sensor.
- Radiant Floor Heating: Energy-efficient radiant floor heating provides warmth directly underfeet without heating unused air space.
- LED Lighting: Swap out any remaining inefficient incandescent bulbs for long-lasting LEDs to save energy. Use dimmable options.
FAQs About Empty Nester Bathrooms
What size should the empty nester’s bathroom be?
For two users, a bathroom around 50-75 square feet is ideal, with 60 being the average. This provides room for separate vanity sinks while still feeling cozy. For compact layouts, prioritize walk-in showers over a tub.
What amenities are must-haves?
Ample counter space for two, plenty of storage, adjustable lighting and a spacious walk-in shower or soaking tub tend to be priorities. High-tech toilets and towel warmers also top most empty nesters’ wish lists.
Are there any safety considerations?
Select finishes that are slip-resistant to avoid falls, like textured tile or vinyl floors with grip. Install grab bars in the tub/shower for stability and consider curbless showers for accessibility. Ensure adequate lighting in all areas.
Should I renovate or move?
If the bathroom layout functions well but surfaces and finishes feel dated, a remodel can give it a fresh new look suited to empty nester taste. However, if the space itself has inherent flaws like lack of light or ventilation that are difficult to remedy, moving may be the better investment.
How do I add universal design?
Universal design caters to users of all ages and abilities. Choose easy-access showers, comfort height toilets, ample clear floor space, lever handles over knobs, rocker-style light switches, and touchless faucets.
How much does an empty nester bathroom remodel cost?
The national average for a mid-range bathroom remodel is $19,134. Location makes a big difference. Going for a higher-end look with luxury finishes and fixtures can easily drive up costs to $30,000 or beyond. But modest surface upgrades can also be done for under $7,500.
Beautiful and Soothing Bathrooms for Empty Nesters
Below are some stunning examples of well-designed bathrooms with a light, bright, and serene aesthetic perfect for today’s empty nester. They showcase many of the features and design principles discussed, giving inspiration for your own empty nester retreat.
Airy All-White Oasis
This breezy all-white bathroom lets the textures of marble, wood grain, and linen take center stage. A freestanding oval tub makes a sculptural statement against the flat white surfaces. The glass shower enclosure maintains the light and open ambiance. A marble mosaic floor adds visual interest underfoot.
Spa Retreat with Eco Touches
With its organic color palette, stone mosaic tiles, and live plants, this bathroom has a distinct spa vibe. Details like the rain showerhead, touchless faucet, and bamboo vanity reinforce the eco-friendly design. A horizontal window maintains privacy while allowing natural light to fill the space.
Classic Blue and White Serenity
Crisp white paired with powder blue makes this bathroom an updated take on classic coastal style. Soft blues complement the stone tiles, white grout and cabinetry, with brass accents for a touch of shine. Expansive mirrors enlarge the modest space, while built-in shelves offer display space.
Rustic Luxe Hideaway
This sumptuous bathroom combines elegant marble with warm walnut wood for textural contrast. A freestanding tub takes center stage against stunning slate tile walls. Wood open shelving provides a place to neatly store and display bath necessities and decorative objects. Recessed lights and wall sconces illuminate the space.
Inviting Mix of New and Old
With vintage details like beadboard wainscoting, clawfoot tub, and black and white floor tiles, this bathroom is a seamless addition to an older home. New amenities like the frameless glass shower enclosure, vessel sinks, and exposed nickel plumbing update the look. Mirrored cabinets add storage without disrupting the old-fashioned charm.
Conclusion
Empty nesters can transform redundant bathrooms into private sanctuaries suited to this exciting new phase of life. By focusing on elements like a soothing color palette, natural materials, and customized storage, designers create spaces both stylish and supremely functional. These airy oases support wellbeing as empty nesters shift priorities and embrace new possibilities.
Careful planning and design choices make all the difference in producing bathrooms with understated elegance perfect for unwinding and self-care. From ethereal color schemes and spa-worthy amenities, to tailored organizational features, today’s empty nest bathrooms seamlessly blend beauty and utility. With kids grown up and out of the house, it’s the empty nester’s turn to relax and refresh.
