Has it been a long time since your primary bath was updated? There have been significant developments in recent years in bath products and materials. Your array of choices is greatly expanded now. And for many homeowners, features that were once “nice to haves” are becoming “must haves.”
As you consider your options, what are some trends to know about? minimalist decor, statement lighting, and textured walls to refresh the bath.
Where Are Homeowners Spending in Primary Bath Renovation?
Sometimes a bathroom remodel is a simple refresh to get ready for resale, so the spending reflects that practical approach. But if the primary bath is to be used for the foreseeable future, homeowners are investing in creature comforts and well-crafted luxury features.
For one recent client, we designed and built a 6 x 12 shower room, adding a steam generator. The entire room is tiled and the ceiling slopes to one side so water condensation doesn’t drip onto bathers.
Jet and spa features in tubs with back rests are now marketed for their therapeutic benefit. Heated floors, steam showers, and expensive marble and tile are now on the request list.
Homeowners are expressing a willingness to pay for experiences of comfort and for a custom, luxury aesthetic.
What is Trending and What is Not in Primary Suite Bath Design?
Let’s get into specifics. What is in and what is passe when it comes to refining a primary bath design? Here are some specifics regarding materials and the most important features sought after in a primary suite bathroom.
Storage
If a bathroom was last remodeled in the 1990s, it might have a “banjo top” counter where a narrow shelf extends from the sink over the toilet tank. No one asked for this, and it is not part of modern bathroom design.
To overcome space limitations, a good alternative is built-in storage inside or adjacent to the bathroom. Homeowners are installing floating shelves for easy access to linens and other frequently used items.
Countertop Styles and Materials
These days a designer might suggest thicker vanity countertops at 3” instead of standard 1.5 for the visual impact.
Vessel sinks, the bowls of glass, porcelain or other material that sits above the countertop, have had their moment. They tend to create more of a mess around the sink, and people are finding the look does not justify the problems they create.
Vanity sinks that integrate into the countertop are much more popular for their sleek style and ease of maintenance.
Calcatta marble is a stone that can coexist easily with other colors and materials. It has grey tones similar to carrara, but has veining in warmer tones. It works with bronze fixtures or chrome fixtures. It is a beautiful stone and has a versatility that blends well with other design elements.
Lighting
More attention is being paid to lighting design. A well-appointed bathroom needs task lighting for applying makeup or shaving along with recessed lights for general ambient lighting. Some homeowners are installing under-cabinet lighting at the vanity as a more pleasing form of nightlight. For accent lighting we are seeing more fluted glass styles vanity sconces.
Color Palettes
Warmer, neutral tones, like sage green are in to give a sense of serenity to the space. Along with sage green, the trend is blending warm and cool tones to get the best of both worlds – for example taupe shades and warm champagne bronze fixtures. Look for stone or tile that has grey but also warmer beige tones at the same time.
Shower and Bath
Shower pans have come a long way. Gone are the flimsy bottoms that feel like they will give way and crack at any moment. One solid piece of material means (again) no grout and easier maintenance. The shower pans serve a practical purpose, too, because they don’t require sub-flooring built up to support them. They are attractive and cost-effective. They also give a few extra inches toward ceiling height in smaller spaces. Nevertheless, most of our clients prefer a traditional tiled shower floor.
Jetted tubs are becoming popular again for their therapeutic benefits.
Tile
Many homeowners are choosing materials that require less grout. The current preference is for shower walls of continuous material like marble or other stone, rather than tiles and grout lines that need cleaning and maintenance. And instead of small niches for shower essentials, designers are suggesting a niche that goes the full length of the shower wall.
While many choose fewer grout lines, tile is still a popular choice. Hand-made ceramic tiles are timeless but also very popular to add subtle texture and depth to shower walls. Hand-made has random variations that can be “imperfectly perfect”. There is depth and detail minus the rigid predictability.
Technology
The era of the smart toilet is here. These units are programmed for features like temperature, music, and lighting set to the preferences of the user.
Medicine cabinets are being designed with built-in outlets and USB chargers. Docking drawers for charging are being installed in vanities.
Cabinets and Hardware
Floating vanities – attached to the wall with the base floating above the floor – are becoming more popular. Especially in a smaller space, they provide the illusion of space
Fixtures in brass and champagne-toned bronze are popular right now. Chrome remains timeless.
Some designers will mix fixtures of different metals. This is a personal preference and not universally embraced.
Making the Most of a Primary Bath Renovation
How can homeowners bring bathroom renovation ideas to reality? Here is how to prepare before meeting with potential design partners.
- Gather visual examples of elements to include in the ideal bathroom
- Prioritize materials and features for the most aesthetic impact
- Explore creative storage solutions for smaller spaces
- Stay updated on evolving technology integration in bathrooms
A good designer will help you make choices that work for the square footage and overall architecture and aesthetic of your home. They will help blend old and new, bold and traditional, to create a cohesive and pleasant experience in the newly renovated primary bath.
Want to learn more about how to bring your master bath from dated to dazzling, then please consider downloading the free eBook, "The Essential Elements of Renovating an Older Home." or contact us for a discussion about your renovation project.
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