Bathroom Design Trends with Sustainable Design Build

Homeowners are increasingly focusing on personal needs during bathroom renovations, prioritizing comfort and long-term usability over resale value. This shift is evident in rising expenditures, both for major and minor home remodels. At Sustainable Design Build, we emphasize functional and future-proof designs, incorporating elements like grab bars, non-slip flooring, and curbless showers that accommodate aging in place. With our in-house interior design team, here are some recent observations about bathroom design trends:

1. Rising Costs: Bathroom remodeling costs are increasing, with the median spend for major remodels now $21,000 and minor remodels seeing upticks.
2. Focus on Functionality: More homeowners are redesigning for usability, with less emphasis on resale value.
3. Aging in Place: 64% of homeowners are incorporating features for aging, such as grab bars and ADA-compliant fixtures.
4. Better Use of Space with Wet Rooms: Wet rooms, combining showers and tubs, are gaining popularity due to space efficiency.
5. Color Trends: White is the preferred color for most bathroom features, with wood leading for vanities.
6. Style Preferences: Transitional, contemporary, and modern remain top styles, with eclectic designs gaining traction.
7. Sustainable Choices: 84% of homeowners select sustainable features, primarily for cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.
8. Alcove Bathtubs: Alcove tubs are growing in popularity, while freestanding tubs are declining.
9. Tile Dominance: Tiles, particularly rectangular ones, are a popular choice for both shower walls and floors due to their cost-effectiveness.
10. Specialty Features: Toilets with specialty features like bidet seats and heated functions are increasingly installed.
11. Pro Assistance: Most homeowners (83%) rely on professional help, making it essential for design-build firms like ours to provide integrated services.

Main Takeaways for Remodeling Your Bathroom

Increased Bathroom Remodeling Costs, Minor Remodels Grow

When considering bathroom remodeling, cost is often the primary factor. In 2023, median spending on bathroom renovations rose by 11%, from $13,500 in 2022 to $15,000. This increase reflects higher costs for both major and minor remodels. Major remodels (involving upgrades like showers) saw spending increase by 5%, reaching $21,000, while minor remodels rose to $8,500.

For larger bathrooms (100+ sq. ft.), minor remodel costs jumped 15%, and for smaller bathrooms, costs increased by 20%. Median figures are used to avoid distortions from outliers.

SDB’s interior designer has seen many bathroom designs get prioritized during large remodel projects. In a way, it makes sense for homeowners who are choosing to stay with their current home to give a touch of luxury and functionality to the bathroom. In the past, it might have been easy to assume that bathrooms at home were focused to be a little more utilitarian. But in recent projects, SDB has seen some very impressive bathroom designs that transform the space into a literal oasis or spa-like retreat.

Functionality Drives Renovations

In 2024, 27% of homeowners are renovating their bathrooms to make them more functional, an increase of 4 points from last year. Meanwhile, fewer homeowners are prioritizing resale value, which dropped from 31% to 26%. This may be a signal from homeowners that they are choosing to stay with their current property instead of selling and moving. With interest rates and other economic factors, families are deciding to build their house into the perfect home for their needs.

Other reasons for remodeling include outdated or deteriorating bathrooms, dislike of the existing style, and a growing family. Home additions and pop tops are popular choices to expand living spaces for a growing family, and these often lead to additional remodeling projects, including transforming bathrooms to meet new household needs.

Wet Rooms: Efficient Use of Space in Bathroom Remodels

Wet rooms have surged in popularity, with 13% of upgraded bathrooms now featuring this design. This is something Sustainable Design Build has had the opportunity to build as well in recent projects and from the team’s perspective, they look amazing. A wet room is typically combining a shower and tub in one tiled space with a curbless or low-curb entry. According to Houzz, Wet rooms offer an efficient use of space—66% of homeowners cite this as the primary reason for choosing them. Other benefits include universal design (39%), improved aesthetics (33%), and ease of cleaning (29%).

Freestanding flat-bottom tubs lead among wet room bathtub choices (36%), closely followed by alcove tubs (35%), with deck-mounted and claw-foot styles being less common. Also, there is nothing more serene than a freestanding tub in a beautiful bathroom design.

Sustainability a Priority in Bathroom Renovations

Sustainability has become a key focus in bathroom remodels, with 84% of homeowners incorporating eco-friendly features. While environmental concerns drive 56% of these choices, long-term cost-effectiveness motivates 69% of renovators.

LED lighting leads in popularity, chosen by 55%, followed by water-efficient fixtures (41%) and timeless design elements (35%). Light dimmers and energy-efficient fixtures are also common additions. A small portion (6%) of homeowners even hire eco-focused professionals to ensure their remodel aligns with sustainability goals. Sustainable Design Build can assist in making these environmentally conscious upgrades a reality.

Professional Help Still in High Demand for Bathroom Renovations

The majority of homeowners—83%—still rely on professionals to assist with their bathroom renovations. General contractors are the most frequently hired, with 46% of homeowners opting for their services. Other specialists also play a significant role: 17% hire cabinetmakers, 11% seek bathroom designers, 9% use interior designers, 7% consult architects, and 6% turn to design-build firms. Sustainable Design Build offers a comprehensive solution by combining design and construction expertise, providing a streamlined experience that meets the unique needs of each project.

How Sustainable Design Build Helps

Our full-service team ensures a streamlined renovation process, emphasizing current trends in functionality, sustainability, and personal comfort. With our in-house expertise, clients benefit from cohesive design solutions that are stylish, practical, and tailored to their evolving needs. From wet room designs to aging-in-place features, we make your bathroom a lasting sanctuary that adapts to your lifestyle.