What Sales Design Consultants and a Homeowners’ Survey Predict for Bathroom Remodels

By Tom Callen

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) just released a design trend survey at their annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.

Topping the trend list is an increasing demand for accessible baths and contemporary styling.  Fading fast are Provincial, Tuscan, and country/rustic styles and the distressed cabinet finishes that often accompany them, along with their companion bronze, terracotta, and red color schemes.  Gray is the color rising in popularity, the third most popular behind beige/bone and white/off-white.

Accompanying this are quartz vanity tops, wall-hung vanities, open shelving, under-mount sinks, and ceramic or porcelain floors with radiant floor heating.

With an eye toward “aging in place,” bathroom features include a demand for shower benches and comfort-height toilets and vanities.  That goes hand-in-hand with master bath remodels for the 50 and over crowd that prefers eliminating the tub in favor of having a very large walk-in shower. Surrounding those showers are all glass enclosures with  many homeowners preferring frameless glass.

While multiple showerheads and rain showers are popular with a younger demographic, the homeowners surveyed who are over 55 prefer handheld showers and sliding bars.

Tubs are still an essential for many homeowners, especially those with young children.  For those of any age who prefer a tub, freestanding models are chosen over drop-ins, undermounts and other styles.  When it comes to faucet finishes, brushed nickel and polished chrome are the front-runners.

The trend is split over whether to enclose a toilet with its own door or half wall versus having it open to the rest of the bathroom.

Of course, a bathroom needs good lighting.  LED is becoming very popular in remodels along with pendant lights on either side of the vanity mirror.

Although these are trends Callen Sales Design Consultants are aware of, each bathroom remodel we do is specific to the homeowner’s wants and needs.  Before the first line of a design plan is drawn, we have a lengthy consultation with the homeowner so we can provide them a design unique for them.  The trendiest bathroom doesn’t mean much if it doesn’t fit with personal comfort, function, and style.