Bathroom Remodeling Trends That Are Here to Stay

Don't flush your budget down the drain on transient trends

Contemporary floating vanity with dual sinks in large bathroom
bmak - stock.adobe.com
Contemporary floating vanity with dual sinks in large bathroom
bmak - stock.adobe.com
Stacey Marcus
Written by Stacey Marcus
Contributing Writer
Updated February 2, 2022
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Whether you disliked it when you moved in or it’s become outdated over time, that seashell-shaped sink or Pepto-pink toilet have outlived their aesthetic life. But before you go falling for bathroom trends that will become equally dated down the line, take note of a few trends we think are here to stay.

Floating Vanities

Vanities sans feet have many benefits to offer homeowners, especially those with small bathrooms where every inch counts. Plus, floating vanities can be hung at any height to accommodate homeowners’ unique needs.

Roman Showers

Roman showers are showers without doors or shower curtains. The cost-effective open shower means you don’t have to purchase a glass door or shower curtain; however, you can install a glass partition. “Don’t worry, the water won’t spill over your bathroom,” says interior designer Nancy Boughton. While it’s a tempting DIY, you’ll want to hire a professional to install a Roman shower to avoid mold and leaks.

Natural Elements

White shiplap covering bathroom walls and ceiling
YinYang/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Adding natural elements to a bathroom helps create a calm, serene environment. Ways you can bring the outside in include:

  • Adding shiplap planks 

  • Installing a slate floor

  • Laying a pebble or stone floor in your shower

  • Using wood elements

  • Adding houseplants

  • Topping your cabinets in marble

Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding tubs create a relaxing, spa-like retreat at the end of a long day answering emails and chasing kids. Plus, they can also boost your home’s value when it comes time to sell. “Buyers love a clawfoot tub in the primary bathroom,” notes realtor Shari McGuirk.

Dramatic Lighting

Chandeliers have made their way from the dining room to the bathroom, and we’re not one bit mad about it. They are often hung over freestanding tubs for an unexpected dramatic flair. “It creates a wow factor that adds luxury and sophistication that draws buyers in,” says McGuirk.

Sliding Doors

Bathroom with sliding barn door with contemporary design
Allison - stock.adobe.com

Sliding doors offer a creative solution for homeowners looking to remodel a bathroom. They can help save space while adding an interesting design element, too. Plus, there’s no need to reconfigure wiring or start digging into drywall to create a built-in pocket door. If the rustic look isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ways to design a sleek, modern-looking sliding door.

Wallpaper

Bathroom with patterned wallpaper above blue wood paneling
John Keeble/Moment via Getty Images

Give your powder room a pop of color or a dash of patterned personality with wallpaper. It allows you to create a statement in a small space without overpowering the rest of your home. Make sure you select a wallpaper that is scrubbable, splash-proof, and can handle humidity.

Smart Bathrooms

Looking to belt out ‘90s boy band hits in the shower or binge-watch a Netflix show from the tub? Just when you thought smart toilet seats were the bathroom’s most clever companion, a new wave of innovation is entering the bathroom, including smart mirrors and upgraded A/V installations. The rest of your house runs on Alexa, so why should your bathroom be any different?

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Learn more about our contributor
Stacey Marcus
Written by Stacey Marcus
Contributing Writer
Stacey Marcus is a Boston-based lifestyle and travel writer. She is a regular contributor to RD.com . Her work has also appeared on FamilyHandyman.com and TheHealthy.com as well as in top regional and national outlets including Boston magazine, Destination I Do, and Ocean Home Magazine. She earned a BA in Communications from Simmons University. A lover of big words and small dogs, Stacey and her husband live on Boston’s North Shore and have two grown daughters.
Stacey Marcus is a Boston-based lifestyle and travel writer. She is a regular contributor to RD.com . Her work has also appeared on FamilyHandyman.com and TheHealthy.com as well as in top regional and national outlets including Boston magazine, Destination I Do, and Ocean Home Magazine. She earned a BA in Communications from Simmons University. A lover of big words and small dogs, Stacey and her husband live on Boston’s North Shore and have two grown daughters.
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