The last few years have made the bathroom a space for much sought-after relaxation and privacy, and our growing interest in wellness and self-care has increased our desire for spa-like spaces within our home.
If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom soon, you’re probably thinking about how to make it a space you can truly enjoy. A recent Houzz survey* showed that many homeowners are seeking spa-like features in their renovations. Not only that, Pinterest Predicts, which tracks searches on their platform, reported that the search term “home spa bathroom” saw a staggering 190 percent rise.
But it’s not just about appearance—it’s also about functionality. In fact, design professionals say that bath design, whether in a new build or a renovation, has become a major priority, both in terms of planning and budget. Renovators are clearly trying to make thoughtful changes that will add to their enjoyment of their homes.
If you’re one of them, you’re probably wondering what elements will be most meaningful. Here are the latest trends we’re seeing:
Renovators are adding warmth and natural elements to their bathrooms via color, texture, and materials. For example, Japandi style, a blend of Scandinavian and Japanese interior design styles, is surging in popularity because it combines minimalist design with warmth. This spa-like style is restful because it uses neutral colors, natural materials, and functionality.
If you’re interested in creating something similar, explore materials like marble and stone, wood, wicker, and neutral tile. Add some greenery (another trend we’ll touch on more later) and plenty of storage to keep clutter tucked out of sight.
If you’ve ever been in a bathroom and felt as though you were part of the ground crew on a runway, that intense lighting has phased out. Of course, it’s important to have task lighting to see clearly for close-up needs, but it’s no longer the only option. Almost half the survey respondents were thinking about dimmable lighting for relaxing baths, steam showers, and other at-home treatments.
Not only that, homeowners are thinking about natural light, as well. It not only adds to the openness of the space, but it also lifts the spirits of the inhabitants and adds to a feeling of well-being. A glass shower is a great way to allow more light into the room.
After the last few years, people want to strengthen their connection with nature. Almost a quarter of the survey respondents were thinking about greenery. That could mean a few things, like improving the view of the landscape as they soak in the bath and it could also mean adding plants to the room—which is something anyone with at least some natural light can do. As you consider your renovation, think about your view from the shower and how plants—both inside and out—will increase the strength of your ties with nature.
Shower upgrades were the top trend in the Houzz survey and Pinterest also reported a 395 percent rise in the search for the term “Amazing showers walk-in.” Many of the survey respondents had enlarged their showers and added spa features, like rain showerheads, body sprays, and steam showers. Clearly, people want to make the most of their shower time!
This is an easy way to heighten relaxation (or invigoration, depending on your soundtrack!) to your daily shower—and it can be relatively cheap. A portable speaker, preferably waterproof or water-resistant in case of accidents, can add to the ambiance. If you have the budget, you can certainly go bigger, too. Sounds like it’s time to start working on your spa shower playlist!
Remember that we mentioned spas combine aesthetics and function? Heated floors are a sought-after addition, with 27 percent of survey respondents incorporating it into their bathrooms.
Heated flooring is the best of both worlds: it feels like a luxury stepping out of the shower, but it’s also an extremely efficient way to heat a bathroom. In fact, heated floors can be more energy-efficient than radiators or forced-air systems.
A vast majority of survey respondents who liked to relax in their bathroom said cleanliness was a major factor in helping them unwind. That means it’s wise to choose easy-to-clean materials. (Check out this blog outlining some good choices.) For example, if you’re one of the renovators opting for a large glass shower, ShowerGuardTM glass makes it easy to clean; the manufacturer’s treatment means there’s no reapplication necessary and the glass can be restored to its original state with regular, standard cleaning.
Survey respondents also said a “lack of clutter” helped them relax. When you plan your renovation, be sure to include plenty of storage to tuck away distracting items. After all, you don’t want your zen-like steam shower interrupted by thoughts of cleaning!
After a long day, there's nothing better than coming home to a relaxing spa-like bathroom. By following some or all of these tips, you, too, can transform your bathroom into an oasis of peace and tranquility.
Most importantly, remember that trends are just a guide. What’s most important is investing in things you love and buying the best quality items that fit your renovation budget.
Styles change, but ShowerGuard glass stays beautiful for life.
*2022 US Houzz Bathroom Trends Study: https://st.hzcdn.com/static/econ/2022_US_Houzz_Bathroom_Trends_Study.pdf