The Top Bathroom Trends That Homeowners Are Willing To Spend Big Money On

Bathrooms are getting bigger and more luxurious.

Roughly 1 in 5 homeowners is enlarging their bathrooms—and spending about 50% more on their remodels than they did last year, according to the 2023 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study. The home remodeling and design platform surveyed more than 1,900 users.

Homeowners seeking a more spacious lavatory are often stealing that extra square footage from closets, bedrooms, and hallways—or creating it through an addition. Almost 3 in 5 bathrooms were larger than 100 square feet after the renovations were completed.

“Bathrooms are a consistent focus for homeowners who want to update the room’s style and functionality,” Houzz economist Marine Sargsyan said in a statement. “They continue to invest in improvements out of necessity and future needs.”

Folks spent a median of $13,500 on redoing their primary bathrooms this year, according to the report, up from $9,000 last year. The larger the bathroom, the larger the price tag—with bathrooms of 100 square feet or larger costing about $25,000.

“More than a third of homeowners undertake bathroom remodels because the bathroom has deteriorated or broken down. This is partly due to the fact the majority of the housing stock is over 40 years old and older homes tend to have smaller spaces,” Sargsyan said. “Therefore, as homeowners are undertaking these projects, they not only make their bathrooms functional but also turn them into sanctuaries, where they can rest and relax.”

What homeowners want out of their upgraded bathrooms

Nearly two-thirds of homeowners are seeking larger showers. The most popular styles are low curb, alcove, curbless, and corner showers. The low and curbless showers may make these spaces more accessible for aging homeowners and those who use a wheelchair or walker or are worried about slipping.

If they’re spending all that money on a new shower, folks are inclined to deck them out. Rainfall showerheads were among the most popular showerheads, followed by dual showers (for more of a spa experience), body sprayers, and thermostatic mixers, the latter of which ensures the perfect water temperature.

About a third also selected nonslip floors to be installed outside of the shower. Other popular flooring was waterproof and radiant heating.

They’re also seeking more updated color schemes in these washrooms. Wood vanities were more popular than white ones, but white still dominated as the color du jour for bathroom countertops and walls.

Homeowners also chose to be more eco-friendly with their remodels. Many opted for LED lightbulbs, which are long-lasting and more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs, water-efficient fixtures, and other energy-efficient features to save money and be more environmentally friendly.

They also increasingly prioritized universal design in their remodels, which will make it easier for them to age in place in their homes.

“The needs of aging household members remain the top priority, but half of homeowners who are addressing these needs are actually planning ahead for the future,” Sargsyan said. This “reinforces our understanding that homeowners are looking to stay in their homes for the long term.”

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