Being informed about the latest trends in bathroom remodeling can be instrumental in planning a successful project. It enables you to make more informed decisions regarding the inclusion of specific features, allocation of your remodeling budget, and selection of professionals to achieve the best outcomes.
This study draws from responses collected from nearly 2,000 homeowners who are either currently engaged in an en suite bathroom renovation, contemplating one, or have recently completed such a project. The survey delved into their stylistic preferences, spending habits, and other aspects of their remodeling endeavors. Here are 4 key takeaways from this comprehensive study:
- Some Primary Bathrooms Are Increasing in Size: While a majority of homeowners (77%) maintain the same dimensions for their bathrooms during renovations, a noteworthy 22% opt to expand their primary bathrooms. These expansions often involve repurposing adjacent spaces, with closets (44%), bedrooms (24%), and hallways (7%) being the most common sources of additional square footage. Moreover, 17% of homeowners opt for building an extension to increase bathroom size. Consequently, almost 3 in 5 renovated bathrooms (59%) now measure 100 square feet or more. This trend reflects a shift towards optimizing existing space to better cater to homeowners’ needs, particularly evident since the onset of the pandemic. Additionally, over 3 in 5 homeowners (61%) choose to enlarge their shower areas.
- Many Homeowners Are Preparing for Aging: There’s a growing focus on accommodating special needs, particularly for aging family members, in bathroom remodels. A significant 66% of homeowners now address these needs during bathroom renovations, marking an increase from 54% in the previous year. This emphasis on accommodating aging household members remains a top priority, both presently (38%) and for future considerations (50%). Notably, 44% of renovating homeowners are proactively preparing for special needs that may arise within the next five years. To cater to these needs, homeowners often incorporate elements like grab bars (58%), non-slip flooring (58%), and curbless showers (43%), with some even making modifications to accommodate wheelchairs, such as widening doorways (21%), opting for lower vanity heights (3%), and lowering fixtures (2%).
- Wood Takes Center Stage for Vanities: In a notable shift, wood vanities have surged in popularity, overtaking white vanities as the preferred choice among homeowners. A significant 33% of homeowners now opt for wood vanities, followed by white (29%) and gray (13%). Meanwhile, white remains the preferred choice for countertops (63%), although its popularity for shower walls has dipped to 43%, down 6 percentage points from the previous year. For non-shower walls, white still retains favor, accounting for 37% of selections.
- Sustainability Prevails: An overwhelming 87% of homeowners are embracing sustainable options when remodeling their bathrooms. The most favored sustainable choices include LED light bulbs (62%), water-efficient fixtures (46%), timeless design (44%), energy-efficient features (34%), and light dimmers (34%). The primary motivators behind opting for sustainable elements are long-term cost-effectiveness (69%) and environmental friendliness (54%). Additionally, 14% cite health considerations as a driving factor in choosing sustainable options.
With all of these considerations, you will be able to make an informed decision about key renovations in your new bathroom.