The Latest Trends in Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom remodels are among the most common renovation projects undertaken by homeowners. Whether it’s a complete overhaul of a master bathroom suite, upgrading or installing a new shower, modernizing accents and features, or breathing new life into an outdated bathroom design or layout, diving into bathroom remodel is no small task.

With so many options, techniques, and materials to choose from, it’s tough to know where to start. The team at Murray Lampert will attempt to provide some clarity by sharing some the leading trends in when it comes to bathroom remodeling. We’ve specifically chosen these trends for their timelessness, versatility, and their ability to add value to your home.

Clean and Modern is the Preferred Look

According to Houzz’s latest study on bathroom remodeling trends, modern bathroom design styles, along with white being a primary color choice for bathroom vanities, countertops, and flooring and walls, are growing in popularity.

Premium Showers Over Bathtubs

A major focal point of many bathroom renovation projects is the shower, where homeowners are opting to both upgrade and expand their showers. This focus on showers has come at the expense of bathtubs, which we are seeing being ignored or completely removed during a bathroom remodel to make room for larger showers.

If a bathtub is present and upgraded, homeowners are opting for freestanding tubs over traditional alcove styles.

Aging in Place is a Growing Concern

A large percentage of baby boomer homeowners are addressing either current or future needs of aging in place when it comes to master bathroom renovations. These renovations include completely new bathroom layouts, low-curb and zero entry showers, non-slip floors, handle and seat installation, and more.

A Focus On Features and Finishes

Homeowners are increasingly viewing their bathroom as a place of relaxation and rejuvenation where style and character is just as important as functionality. As such, we are seeing some of these unique feature requests are becoming more and more common when it comes to bathroom remodeling:

• Sound and water features
• Greenery and plant features
• Patterned or textured accent walls
• Custom medicine cabinets
• Hidden plugs and anti-fog systems

When it comes to finishes, premium materials are en vogue, particularly when it comes to the shower. While ceramic and porcelain are head and shoulders the most common finish material used for shower walls and flooring, we’re starting to see more homeowners opt for high-grade materials like marble, granite, and slate.

Bathroom Lighting is a Critical Component

Light, particularly natural light, is always a sought-after feature in any bathroom remodeling project. The ability to alter the ambiance with dimmable lighting is a popular request, as are recessed lights, shower lighting, and unique bathroom lighting options like pendant lights, chandeliers, and track lighting.

Making Small Bathrooms Look Bigger

Your bathroom is a sanctuary - a place you can retreat to for a few quiet minutes after a long day. Or perhaps you and your children see the bathroom as a space for aquatic adventures, laughs, and bonding. Whatever the case, you expect your bathroom to be large enough to accommodate your needs.

So what happens when your bathroom is too small to enjoy? Sure, it’s unlikely you’re spending tons of time in your bathroom compared to other rooms in your home, but it’s still a critical space (especially when it comes to resale value).

Whether you can afford a full-scale bathroom remodel or you only have the funds for a few cosmetic touch-ups, there are a few things you can do to make your bathroom look much bigger than it actually is. Below we share 6 of them.

1. Keep the Counter & Sink Free of Clutter

If you look around your home, do you see piles of clothing, toys, or other clutter? Does the space seem cramped and tight? When your possessions build up and clutter an area, the piles make the area look much smaller. This principle also applies to your bathroom area.

However, in a smaller bathroom, clutter can make the space seem incredibly packed and tiny in size. To give the illusion of larger space, keep the counters and open surfaces clear of clutter. Store items inside cabinets or in decorative storage baskets to make your bathroom look more organized.

2. Recess Cabinets and Eliminate Bulky Shelves

If you do choose to store your bathroom items inside cabinets, make sure to avoid dark, bulky cabinets and shelves. The dark colors and bulky frames make your space seem smaller. Instead, install recessed cabinets. These structures rest inside your walls and provide you with ample storage space-all while keeping smooth lines across your bathroom walls.

You can also open up the space at the bottom of lower cabinets to expose the floor underneath. This method further opens up the space, making your bathroom look larger than it actually is. If you prefer, you can also use floating furniture to create a similar effect.

3. Blend Colors on the Walls, Ceiling, and Floor

The more uniform in color your bathroom appears, the easier it is for the eye to move around the space. As you blend the colors of your walls, floor, and ceiling, you create a smooth, unbroken line for the eye to travel across. This line creates the illusion of a larger space.

Paint your walls and ceilings the same color. For the floor, you can use accent rugs that complement the paint on the walls. For the walls in your shower, however, consider installing colored tile. The tile separates the shower from the rest of the space. But if you choose a tile that matches the color of your walls, you only enhance the optical illusion of a larger space.

Make sure if you use tile to run the material all the way up to the ceiling. This technique will draw the eye upward and enhance the space. Also make sure to use bigger tiles rather than smaller ones. Smaller tiles incorporate more grout lines into the structure, which in turn break up the overall look and unity of the wall. Using larger tiles creates a long line the eye needs to move naturally through the space.

4. Install a Glass Shower Enclosure

Another way to enhance your bathroom space is to install a clear, glass enclosure around your shower. The glass further opens up the area, making it seem larger. If you can afford a more substantial remodel, replace your tub with a full-length shower.

5. Increase the Light

The more light a space has, the brighter and larger it appears. If you don’t have windows in your bathroom, add a small one to an exterior wall. You can also redo the lighting in the space if you’d like. Consider installing track lighting above the mirror or placing sconces across the walls.

If possible, add a few mirrors along the walls as well. Install a wall-to-wall mirror above the sink, and place a couple of accent mirrors throughout the rest of the bathroom. The light that flows into the space will reflect off the mirrors, making the area seem much larger.

6. Add Simple Window Treatments

Finally, use simple window treatments in your bathroom. Choose light-colored, short curtains. If you prefer to add a little variety with the curtains, select a fabric that has a small pattern on it. For the hardware, install something that matches the overall color scheme of the space. Remember to stick with lighter colors and materials since they reflect light more.

Sources:

• https://murraylampert.com
• https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a39665051/how-to-eliminate-bathroom-clutter-for-good/
• https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115981815/list/2018-us-houzz-bathroom-trends-study
• https://www.houzz.com/magazine/2019-us-bathroom-trends-study-stsetivw-vs~126821506
• https://st.hzcdn.com/static/econ/HouzzBathroomTrendsStudyFinal18.pdf
• http://st.hzcdn.com/static/econ/BathroomUSReport2019Final.pdf