There are countless decisions to make when remodeling a bathroom. But knowing what other homeowners are doing in their bathroom renovations can be a good guide for how you might want to handle your own. For example, if your neighbors are prioritizing new finishes and adequate storage, and making design accommodations for aging family members, you might want to focus on those elements during conversations with your own design and remodeling professionals. To help get you started, consider these five big takeaways from the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study.
1. Common Pet Peeves
Many people embark on a bathroom renovation to address frustrations with the style and function of their existing space. In fact, a third of homeowners say the trigger for starting a remodel is that they “can no longer stand the old bathroom.”
The main frustration is having an old and outdated space. More than two-thirds of homeowners say it’s their top pet peeve. One-third say insufficient storage is a major concern, and about the same share say a small shower is a factor.
2. Aging Family Members
A rising need among many homeowners is a bathroom that can accommodate aging family members, either now or in the future.
More than a quarter of homeowners say they currently need their bathroom to address an aging family member’s needs. Nearly 2 in 5 say they’ll need to accommodate an aging family member in the future.
3. White Leads All Finishes
When it comes to materials and finishes, white leads in all categories. It’s the top color choice for vanities (32%), countertops (58%), shower walls (46%), and nonshower walls (34%).
An all-white scheme works well in a bathroom, where a sense of cleanliness is often desired. White also enhances light, giving a space an airy look, which is especially important in small spaces. Plus, a crisp palette helps create the soothing, spa-like feel that many homeowners desire.
Wood vanities (27%) and gray nonshower walls (27%) are popular elements for introducing another tone. And keep an eye on blue vanities, which are rising in popularity. The share of homeowners who included a blue vanity in their bathroom remodel rose 3 percentage points, from 5% in 2020 to 8% in 2021.
4. Making Changes Within the Same Footprint
A large majority of homeowners (77%) keep their bathrooms about the same during a renovation, which makes sense. Expanding a space into another area of the home might not be an option, and adding space can significantly increase the cost of a project. So homeowners generally work within the same footprint.
The most common bathroom size is less than 100 square feet (43%) followed by 100 to 199 square feet (36%). A decreasing but still significant share of homeowners are working with a bathroom that’s 200 or more square feet (21%).
But major changes and upgrades still occur within those kept footprints. Half of the homeowners increase the size of their shower, though the share decreased 4 percentage points compared with 2020.
Many homeowners change the layout (42%), such as relocating the shower, and many modify existing walls (40%).
5. Freestanding Soaking Tubs Stay on Top, but Alcove Tubs Are on the Rise
While 1 in 4 homeowners remove a bathtub during a renovation, the majority of homeowners are keen to keep and possibly upgrade their tub.
Freestanding acrylic soaking tubs are by far the most popular bathtub style, material, and type. But alcove tubs, such as those found in the common shower-tub combo, are rising in popularity. They’re up 4 points, from 22% in 2020 to 26% in 2021.
The 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study gathered information from 2,891 Houzz users who reported that they were homeowners age 18 or older who had completed a master bathroom remodel or addition in the past 12 months, were currently working on one or were planning to start one in the next three months. The survey was fielded between July 21 and July 27, 2021.