6 Dated Bathroom Design Elements That are Making a Comeback in 2024

A recent study, the 2024 Bathroom Trends Research Report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), highlights six key wellness-related design trends influencing bathroom remodels and new constructions. These trends are corroborated by insights from NKBA member designers Christopher Grubb, Julee Ireland, Anne-Marie Brunet, and Sandra Diaz-Velasco. Personalized features are a significant trend, with designers focusing on creating multi-sensory experiences. Brunet incorporates layered lighting, music, home fragrances, and textured finishes. Velasco uses dramatic wallpaper, murals, oversized patterns, and gradient colors to create visual impact. Grubb emphasizes functional storage solutions like slide-outs for toiletries and built-in hampers, which streamline routines and reduce stress. Ireland integrates spa-like amenities such as built-in lockers, benches, saunas, and aromatherapy, along with multiple water features in showers to cater to individual preferences. A strong health focus is also evident. Ireland designs bathrooms to counteract stress, which is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to illness. She prioritizes understanding clients' lifestyles to simplify and ease their daily routines within their new spaces. Grubb highlights the importance of natural light for wellness, recommending oversized, triple-glazed windows for abundant light and fresh air. He also suggests operable windows and smart glass for privacy and air circulation, promoting an overall sense of openness and well-being. Accessibility is another crucial trend, particularly due to the aging population. Approximately 90% of Ireland's clients consider accessibility features for themselves or aging parents, or due to family members with health issues. She integrates curbless showers, extra-wide entrances, open-concept layouts for wheelchair access, grab bars, bench seats, and lower-height shower trims to promote independence. Brunet notes that blocking for grab bars is often required, and there's a growing interest in zero-entry showers, even in secondary bathrooms, to enhance overall home accessibility. Grubb mentions wall-mount vanities that can be adjusted, integrated towel/grab bars, handheld showerheads, benches, and zero-threshold showers with wider doors, often framed as stylish and comfortable additions rather than just accessibility features. There is a notable shift towards larger showers over traditional tubs. Brunet reports that 85% of remodeling projects involve removing a tub for a more spacious shower, attributing this to time constraints, water conservation, and reduced maintenance. She observes an increase in steam shower installations for health benefits like arthritis and respiratory relief, viewing shower spaces as experiential destinations for relaxation. Grubb's clients consistently request large, spacious showers that accommodate two people, but caution against excessive sizing that might compromise steam shower efficiency. Ireland designs three-zone showers for shared spaces and incorporates spa features like steam, body sprays, and multiple showerheads. Despite this trend, all three designers acknowledge that some clients still desire tubs for visual appeal or the relaxation of soaking. Wet rooms are predicted to remain a strong trend for 2024. Ireland sees wet rooms as providing the spacious, spa-like, and open feel her clients desire, while also preventing water intrusion. Their simplistic design, devoid of disjointed elements, facilitates easier movement and optimal use of space. Velasco notes that wet areas, including both shower and tub, are increasingly designed for more space, natural light, and sensory enjoyment, as families spend more time at home and seek comfort in every area. Finally, large-format tile is gaining popularity. Ireland states that about 60% of her clients choose large-format tiles for primary baths, driven by advancements in technology that offer realistic stone looks with lower cost and maintenance. Brunet specifies large-format slabs almost exclusively for their uncluttered appearance, minimal grout lines, ease of cleaning, and luxurious aesthetic in showers and tub surrounds. Grubb also uses oversized porcelain tiles on floors or large tiles to reduce grout lines for clients who prefer modern designs.

Northern Virginia interior designers are highlighting six key bathroom trends for 2024, focusing on a blend of aesthetics and functionality. One prominent trend is "Outdoorsy Elegance," as exemplified by designer Erin Tripodi's work in a North Arlington home. This approach emphasizes a clean, minimal palette, allowing the natural surroundings to provide color. Shiplap walls and ceilings create a rustic-chic atmosphere, complemented by leathered marble counters and black iron finishes for contrast. The use of real materials like marble and bleached wood floors adds warmth and texture, reflecting a move towards natural elements in design. Another trend, "Bite-size Beauty," addresses the challenge of designing functional and stylish small bathrooms, particularly in historic homes. Anne Marie Hauer of Choux Designs successfully transformed a tiny powder room in an Old Town Alexandria rowhouse. The design incorporates a wallpapered interior, a wall-mounted marble sink to maximize space, and a pocket door. This trend showcases how small spaces can be made to stand out and reflect the home's character, even with limited square footage. "Force of Nature" or biophilic design is a trend that gained traction post-pandemic, focusing on integrating natural light and organic materials. Sandra Meyer of Ella Scott Design applied this in a North Arlington new build, featuring large picture windows with soft white scrims for privacy and natural light. Custom oak double vanities, freestanding tubs, and glassed-in showers, combined with quartzite countertops and a mix of hardware finishes, create a sleek, modern, yet warm space. Chevron-patterned floor tiles and vintage rugs add visual interest while maintaining a clean aesthetic. "Bold Blues" highlights the use of vibrant colors and patterns, especially through wallpaper. Molly Bruno revitalized a powder room using a palette of gray, white, and blue, incorporating hexagonal marble tiles and geometric wallpaper. The trim and shutters were painted in a deep blue to complement the wallpaper, while a timeless pedestal sink was retained. Rattan wall mirrors and unlacquered brass hardware were chosen to age gracefully, creating a unique and visually inspiring room rooted in tradition. The "Midcentury Moment" trend, demonstrated by architect Christine Kelly of Crafted Architecture, involves relocating primary bathrooms to larger, better-lit areas and focusing on mid-century modern aesthetics. In an Alexandria renovation, the primary bathroom was moved to the former primary bedroom's footprint, allowing for large windows and sound insulation for a spa-like feel. Heated slate floors in an overscale herringbone pattern, classic black penny tiles, and contrasting subway tiles in the shower, along with a custom wood double vanity, create a high-contrast black and white palette warmed by wood tones. The emphasis is on simplicity, function, and geometric shapes, often including a designated commode room. Finally, "Pattern Play" focuses on creating visual interest through varied tile patterns and textures. Anne Marie Hauer's design for a doctor's home addition features a serene, spa-like bathroom with wallpaper providing textural contrast and a hint of teal. The key element is the diverse use of marble tilework, from herringbone flooring to bricked shower interiors. The natural veining of the marble adds warmth without overpowering the space. Brass hardware and banded Roman shades further enhance the warm feel, aligning with a modernized 1940s home aesthetic. This trend underscores the appeal of clean layouts and classic materials for a soothing environment.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recently released its 2026 Bath Trends Report, highlighting six key trends dominating bathroom design, despite prevailing consumer uncertainties like inflation and labor challenges within the construction industry. This report, derived from a survey of 688 NKBA members including designers, remodelers, and architects, underscores a continued homeowner enthusiasm for remodeling, especially in bathrooms. One significant trend is the increasing integration of technology into bathrooms. This includes programmable shower preferences, adjustable lighting for different moods, automated floor heating, and smart privacy features like automated shades. Advanced health-oriented features linked to toilets are also emerging. While these smart home integrations offer personalization and convenience, the report categorizes them as having 'Niche Appeal' rather than 'Mass Appeal' due to varying usability, affordability, and lower immediate resale value compared to broader design preferences. Younger generations, like Gen Z, are particularly interested in these technological advancements, though their current ability to afford homeownership may limit widespread adoption. Personalization is another dominant trend, moving beyond mere aesthetics to how spaces support individual rituals and self-care routines. NKBA Global President Bill Darcy notes that designers are increasingly focusing on creating spaces that truly reflect homeowners' lives. This trend, while empowering creativity, requires a mindful approach for those planning to sell their homes, suggesting personalization should enhance broader appeal rather than incorporate highly specific or difficult-to-change elements. Primary bathrooms are experiencing an 'Upsized Trend,' becoming larger to accommodate wellness features, increased storage, and universal design principles that support aging in place. An overwhelming 89% of surveyed professionals prioritize space allocation for primary bathrooms, with 55% valuing a larger shower over a bathtub when space is limited. Expanded bathroom areas facilitate spa-like amenities such as steam showers, saunas, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and integrated seating. The report emphasizes that the desire is not for excessively large 'ballroom' bathrooms but for spaces comfortably functional for two people. Accessibility is no longer limited to aging-specific design but is now considered a universal benefit, catering to young families, individuals with temporary injuries, and future-proofing for life changes. Modern accessible design seamlessly integrates grab bars, curbless entries, integral drains, benches, and wider doors (some with automatic openers and self-cleaning functions) to create luxurious and functional primary bathrooms that resemble resort spas rather than clinical settings. Homeowners continue to draw inspiration from hospitality, often presenting designers with photos from vacation resorts. Over three-quarters of professionals (77%) observe this trend. This influence drives the transformation of bathrooms from purely utilitarian spaces into sanctuaries for physical and mental well-being, aiming to bring a 'vacation' feel into daily life. Finally, the 'Custom Storage Trend' reflects a move away from standard big-box store vanity options. There is a growing demand for custom storage solutions that integrate technology and modularity. This includes specialized storage for hair tools, makeup, and medications, as well as electrical outlets, custom dividers, and charging stations within vanity cabinetry. The report concludes that this emphasis on customization, combined with personalized style, signifies a profound shift towards bespoke living experiences, where every detail is tailored to individual needs. #BathroomDesign #HomeRemodeling #DesignTrends #SmartHomeTechnology #WellnessDesign #Accessibility #CustomStorage #InteriorDesign #ResortInspiredLiving

The 2026 Bath Trends Report by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) highlights personalization as the primary driver for upcoming bathroom design trends. Bathrooms are transitioning from generic luxury spaces to highly customized environments that reflect individual lifestyles, routines, and aesthetic preferences. While earthy color palettes and natural materials continue to form the foundation of many bathroom styles, the evolving trends focus on complementary updates that introduce warmth, enhanced character, and functional personalization. One significant trend is the incorporation of warm accents. Homeowners are increasingly seeking designs that are both elevated and attainable. Peter Wells, a senior principal designer with Amerock, notes that warm metals like brushed brass, gold, and bronze, combined with organic materials, achieve a balance of sophistication and comfort. Softer finishes for hardware are preferred over highly polished sheens, and rich metals will also be prominent in lighting and plumbing fixtures. Natural accents such as cognac-hued leather and modern wood grains will amplify the effect of these metallic finishes. Textured accents, including leather-wrapped pulls and fluted glass, reinforce a refined and luxurious look, pairing seamlessly with neutral, earthy color palettes. This trend extends to countertop accessories, which will also embrace these textures, materials, and warm undertones. Eye-catching faucets are also emerging as a key trend. The NKBA Bath Trends Report indicates that faucets will become visual elements that inject personal style into primary baths. Jamie Chappell, VP of brand and product at Fireclay Tile, anticipates style-forward updates to everyday plumbing fixtures, with faucets and showerheads evolving into functional art pieces featuring expressive silhouettes and tactile details. New product lines like Fireclay’s Foundry Collection, which offers Pebble and Groove handle options for faucets and showers in various ceramic colors and finishes, exemplify this move toward personalized, sculptural design. Microcement surfaces represent another emerging trend. Designer Denise Merbeth of Denise Merbeth, LLC, points to the use of microcement, a textured decorative coating inspired by traditional Moroccan Tadelakt plaster. This waterproof material can be applied to virtually any bathroom surface, including over existing tile, and is easy to clean. Its mix of textures and neutral colors makes it suitable for diverse styles, from minimalist to contemporary rustic. Merbeth explains that microcement and similar plaster styles support organic modern aesthetics by providing minimal visual clutter and continuous colors and materials, adding subtle movement through simple surfaces when applied in warm neutral hues. Craftsmanship-forward hardware is also making a comeback. While minimalist designs have dominated in recent years, leading to sleek and practical cabinet hardware, personalization is now driving a shift toward more intricate details. Wells notes that knurling, fluting, coined edges, and hammered finishes are becoming popular. These subtle yet impactful details signify precision and quality craftsmanship, aligning with the rise of 'quiet luxury.' Hardware that feels bespoke and intentional transforms everyday elements like knobs and pulls into curated design moments. To achieve this aesthetic, Wells advises maintaining timeless finishes such as matte, brushed, satin, or natural appearances, allowing the craftsmanship to shine through in an understated manner. Artful tile is another significant trend. Although large-format, low-maintenance tiles have been popular, homeowners are now seeking more color and pattern to create unique spaces. Chappell observes a surge in handmade-feeling glazes with movement and complexity, as design becomes more personal and collected. Examples like Fireclay’s Manzanita Gloss add dynamic variation to simple shapes and neutral colors. Additionally, pattern tiles, including checkerboards, sweeping layouts, and mosaics in rich, moody palettes, are making a return. The 2026 NKBA Bath Trends Report confirms the growing popularity of patterned and textured tiles, with a strong demand for custom tiles on sink backsplashes, indicating a broader appeal for statement-making design elements in bath design. Individualized wellness is transforming bathrooms into highly customizable spaces designed for personal well-being. Technology allows homeowners to program plumbing fixtures to their preferences, with showers, bathtubs, toilets, and bidets offering customizable settings. This trend extends beyond personalized settings to include features that cater to individual health needs. Merbeth highlights the increasing demand for saunas for their health benefits, along with steam showers, whirlpool tubs, and even cold plunge tubs. This trend emphasizes a holistic approach to bath design, even leading homeowners to seek alternative locations within the home for wellness features if primary baths cannot accommodate them. The NKBA report anticipates future outdoor connections, such as hot tubs and cold plunge baths. Finally, ritual-driven vanities are evolving to support personal rituals and self-care routines. Bathroom storage is adapting to individual needs, with vanities embracing high-end furniture styling without sacrificing practical storage. Erin Sullivan, director of product development at James Martin Vanities, emphasizes the importance of flexible, built-in storage solutions for towels, beauty products, hair styling tools, makeup, and medication. These vanities will also feature electrical outlets and ample countertop space for daily routines. For spaces where custom vanities are not feasible, simple solutions like a floating shelf paired with a decorative mirror can create a dedicated 'beauty zone,' instantly adding personalized functionality without extensive renovation. #BathroomTrends #PersonalizedDesign #WarmAccents #EyeCatchingFaucets #MicrocementSurfaces #CraftsmanshipHardware #ArtfulTile #IndividualizedWellness #RitualDrivenVanities