A bathroom remodel can completely transform a tired, outdated space into an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. With careful planning and strategic design choices, your bathroom remodel will not only please you but also entice potential homebuyers if you decide to sell. Here are some of the latest trends and ideas to consider for a bathroom remodel that will thrill you and homebuyers.
Optimize Storage
Lack of adequate and smart storage is one of the biggest complaints about bathrooms. When remodeling your bathroom, look for ways to maximize every inch of space with storage solutions. Built-in cabinets, open shelving, drawer organizers, and creative placements for towel bars can help keep all your bathroom necessities tidy but within arm’s reach.
Some popular storage trends include:
- Floating vanities with drawers and cabinets to conceal clutter. Go for drawer organizers and pull-out trays to maximize vertical space.
- Niche shelving built into the shower wall for shampoo, body wash, etc.
- freestanding cabinets or a floor cabinet for extra linen storage.
- Recessed wall cabinets for medicine, first aid, and personal care items.
- Under-sink pull-out baskets for stashing hair dryers, curling irons, and other styling tools.
- Over the toilet shelves and cabinets to store extra toilet paper, towels, and cleaning supplies.
- Sliding barn door cabinets on casters under the vanity to roll out for access to overflow toiletries.
Strategic bathroom storage solutions not only optimize space but also promote an organized, clutter-free look that appeals to buyers.
Spa-Like Relaxation
As self-care routines like long baths and skincare regimes trend upwards, bathrooms are being designed more like relaxing spa retreats. Think calming colors, luxurious materials, and amenities that pamper.
- Soaking tubs: Go for a roomy soaking tub instead of a basic tub/shower combo. Freestanding tubs make a dramatic style statement.
- High-end faucets: Look for waterfall, rainfall, or dual temperature controlled faucets to turn bathing into a indulgent experience.
- Steam showers: These luxurious walk-in showers feature steam generators for a soothing spa therapy at home.
- Heated floors: Radiant heated floors feel divine on bare feet and enhance the spa vibe.
- Soft neutrals: Colors like white, beige, gray and pale blue have a relaxing, zen-like effect.
- Natural materials: Quartz, stone, real wood bring nature indoors.
- Minimal ornamentation: Skip busy patterns and go for serene simplicity.
A spa-inspired bathroom provides a relaxing oasis from stress that will appeal to most buyers. Be sure to also invest in high quality bath linens and accessories like candles and diffusers to complete the experience.
Bold Patterns and Textures
While neutral, spa-like bathrooms are popular, so are bold prints, vibrant colors, and eye-catching textures. Patterned and textured tile, wallpaper, shower curtains, and accessories let you infuse personality into your bathroom design.
Some best practices when using bold patterns:
- Stick to 2-3 patterns in the same color family for cohesion
- Anchor bold prints with solid tiles or surfaces
- Use organic shapes and natural-looking materials to soften geometric prints
- Mix patterns in similar scales to avoid clashing
- Add texture with 3D tiles, vinyl prints, or embossed wallpaper
- Paint the ceilings and cabinets a solid color as a neutral backdrop
Vivid colors like jungle green, mustard yellow, burnt orange and even neon can add bold personality. Just take care to avoid making the space feel too busy with overpowering patterns and colors competing for attention.
Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Style
For bathrooms with views of gardens, patios or pools, take advantage by extending the indoor style seamlessly outside. Use these techniques to create a soothing, natural spa-like feeling:
- Bring the outdoors in with stacked stone walls, woven woods, rattan furniture and live plants.
- Echo colors from nature like blues, greens and sandy neutrals in paint, tiles, textiles and finishes.
- Blur the lines between indoor and outdoor with large windows and glass doors that allow easy access and unobstructed views.
- Use outdoor-friendly materials like natural stone, concrete, weather-resistant tiles and woods inside the bathroom.
- Incorporate a fold-away NanaWall system to open an entire wall onto a patio or pool area.
This trend is especially appealing in warmer climates where indoor-outdoor living is a sought-after lifestyle. Creating a bathroom oasis that flows naturally from inside out will attract nature-loving buyers.
Smart Tech Upgrades
Today’s buyers expect all the modern conveniences, including smart tech that enhances daily routines. Upgrading your bathroom remodel with clever tech adds modern appeal:
- Motion sensor lights, heated floors, bidets, and fingertip temperature control on faucets and showers all make everyday routines more convenient.
- Mirrors with built-in lighting, TVs, Bluetooth audio speakers or Amazon Alexa turn boring routines into enjoyable experiences.
- Digital displays that monitor time, weather, and daily agenda help streamline busy morning routines.
- High-tech toilets with power-flushing, heated seats, automatic lids, hands-free flushing, and built-in warm-water cleansing take convenience to the next level.
- Water temperature/flow reporting and LeakSense technology that auto-shuts off prevent expensive water damage and leaks.
In addition to the daily convenience, smart tech adds a cutting edge factor that impresses potential buyers. Focus on useful upgrades that enhance the bathing and getting ready rather than tech for tech’s sake.
Classic Details With a Twist
Vintage inspired bathroom designs with timeless appeal never go out of style. Consider adding these fresh twists on classic details when remodeling:
- Subway tiles with unique shapes, patterns, colors and layouts provide a modern twist on the classic 3×6 white tile.
- Elevate shaker cabinets with mixed finishes like gloss white frames with matte wood doors and brass accents.
- Use beadboard paneling and Victorian-style wallpaper prints but opt for more neutral and muted color palettes vs. bold primaries.
- Incorporate classic clawfoot tubs but modernize the shapes and materials like rectangular or curved instead of round.
- Add vintage appeal with salvaged and repurposed finds like retro sinks, antique mirrors and restored furniture pieces used inventively.
The key is to blend classic charm with enough modern elements to avoid feeling too old-fashioned. Vintage inspired style with contemporary comfort will please both you and potential homebuyers.
Eco-Conscious Materials
Today’s buyers appreciate environmental responsibility and want to reduce their carbon footprint. Use sustainable and non-toxic materials whenever possible during your remodel:
- Recycled glass, plastic and paper composite countertops rival stone at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact.
- Low-VOC and water-based paints, stains, adhesives and caulks improve indoor air quality.
- Look for FSC-certified woods from responsibly managed forests.
- Natural linoleum made from renewable ingredients like linseed oil and cork is an eco-friendly alternative to vinyl flooring.
- Energy efficient lighting, low flow faucets, dual flush toilets and other water-saving fixtures conserve natural resources.
- Donate old fixtures, tiles and building materials to Habitat for Humanity or other reuse programs instead of landfilling.
- Use renewable and quickly replenished materials like bamboo, wool, cotton, cork and rubber.
- Choose local materials and finishes to reduce the carbon footprint from transportation.
An eco-friendly bathroom remodel benefits both the planet and your pocketbook long-term. And showing your commitment to sustainability can provide a competitive edge with buyers.
Easy-Access Universal Design
As homeowners age, limited mobility can make navigating the bathroom difficult and dangerous. Nearly 90% of buyers look for step-free showers, ADA compliant fixtures and other universal design features that allow for graceful aging in place. Smart universal design elements to incorporate include:
- Curbless showers with a gentle slope instead of a raised lip to step over. Install support bars and benches.
- Comfort height toilets that are taller and ADA compliant.
- Non-slip flooring that provides secure traction under wet conditions.
- Touch free faucets, soap dispensers and toilets for easy accessibility.
- Adjustable height shower heads, removable tub rails and hand-held shower wands.
- Bright, effective lighting that provides visibility and reduces fall risks.
- Contrasting colors on fixtures for those with visual impairments.
Aging-friendly bathrooms aren’t just for seniors. Universal design provides easier accessibility and greater safety that appeals to buyers of all ages.
Top Bathroom Remodel FAQs
Remodeling a bathroom can be an exciting project, but also raises many questions for homeowners. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
The average bathroom remodel costs $10,000-$25,000 but can range anywhere from $3,000 for a minor update to over $50,000 for a full custom luxury bathroom. The main factors affecting overall cost include the size and scope of the remodel, material and fixture choices, and whether you do updates yourself or hire out installation. Smaller cosmetic updates usually run from $3,000-$8,000 while full gut renovations are $15,000-$25,000 on average.
Should I remodel the master bathroom or second bathroom first?
Most real estate experts recommend starting with the master bath as it offers the biggest ROI and appeal for homebuyers and owners. However, if the second bathroom is very outdated and dysfunctional, it may make better sense to start there. Evaluate both bathrooms and identify the top priorities whether they be updated features, better accessibility, more space or storage. Then decide which bathroom remodeling project best aligns with those goals.
How do I make a small bathroom look and feel bigger?
Using design tricks can make a small bathroom feel more expansive:
- Install a wall-hung sink, pedestal sink or floating vanity to open up floor space.
- Use a large mirror or reflective tiles to add the illusion of depth.
- Paint walls and cabinets light colors which makes the room feel bright and airy.
- Add recessed lighting overhead to avoid cramping the room with a ceiling fixture.
- Choose lower profile toilets and showers to take up less visual space.
- Remove clutter and minimize furnishings to avoid feeling closed in.
Every inch counts in a small bath. Focus on opening up the room visually wherever possible.
What are the most popular bathroom flooring options?
Tile and vinyl plank flooring are currently the top choices for bathroom floors. Tile rates high for its stylish, water-resistant, and easy-clean properties. Stone-look porcelain tile and large format tiles are trending. For a lower maintenance option, waterproof vinyl plank flooring realistically mimics wood or stone at a fraction of the cost. Other good bathroom flooring options include:
- Natural stone like marble, travertine, or slate
- Solid hardwoods with moisture-resistant treatment
- Heated tile floors for luxury
- Concrete or terrazzo for industrial style
- Bamboo as a renewable and sustainable option
Always make water-resistance a priority in bathroom flooring.
What are trending bathroom colors?
White and neutrals remain popular for their clean, bright and spa-like feel. But bold, saturated colors are also on trend to make a dramatic style statement. Here are some of the current top bathroom color ideas:
- Neutrals: White, gray, beige, taupe
- Blues: Navy, teal, powder blue
- Greens: Sage, emerald, mint
- Blacks and metallics: Matte black, bronze, brass, gunmetal
- Warm tones: Terracotta, peach, mustard, rust
- Vintage inspired: Muted blues, pinks, greens
Ultimately the color palette that excites you or complements your home’s style is the best choice. The latest trends offer plenty of inspiring colors to consider.
What are the pros and cons of remodeling bathroom yourself?
Taking on a DIY bathroom remodel allows you to save money on labor but requires a significant commitment in time and physical work. Be sure to assess your skill level before deciding between DIY vs hiring pro contractors. Some key considerations include:
Pros:
- Significant cost savings on labor
- Customize to your preferences
- Learn new skills and take pride in your work
Cons:
- Room for errors as an inexperienced DIYer
- Physically demanding removal and installation
- Projects take significantly longer solo
- May need pro help for tricky electrical and plumbing
If you have the skills, time and energy, a DIY remodel can be rewarding. If not, hiring bathroom remodeling contractors is advisable for most homeowners.
Conclusion
Updating a tired and outdated bathroom pays dividends not only in terms of your own enjoyment, but also in resale value and appeal to buyers. Focus on design trends and ideas like spa-inspired style, smart storage, indoor/outdoor flow, and vintage accents with a modern twist. Prioritize functionality for all ages and abilities. And don’t neglect the importance of a beautiful, durable, and water-resistant flooring. With careful planning and design, your bathroom remodel can provide enjoyment and elegance for years to come. Use these inspiring trends and ideas as a launching point to create your own dream bathroom oasis.
