A lot has changed in our perception of the bathroom over the years. Less a utility space and more a wellness retreat nowadays, clients who value a little rest, relaxation and self-care have been doing all that they can to get it as close to a spa-like experience as they can, and with the hi-tech solutions that have been hitting the market, its been easier than ever to do so. It’s also something experts have taken notice of in the recent 2024 NKBA Bath Trend Report.

Residential shower systems now come pre-equipped with aromatherapy technology, color-tunable lighting and even advanced sound systems. There’s also Kohler’s Stillness Experience bathtub, which, for the right price, users can control an immersive bathing experience complete with soothing light, fog and aromatherapy controls.

Composed of data generated from a survey completed by designers, manufacturers, remodelers, architects and more, the report provides a comprehensive look into upcoming trends in residential primary baths. Specifically, the 2024 NKBA Bath Trend Report notes that the bathroom itself is becoming a major selling point within a home, and integrators may want to take note on this one.

2024 NKBA Bath Trend Report Findings

Trends in the bath space have always gravitated toward smart technology to some extent. However, experts see that demand blooming this year with integrated audio, lighting and heating control, smart water control and bigger spaces to accommodate it all. There are also a few trends on here that may cause a few headaches for those coming late to the party.

Trend #1: Showers Become Home Spas

When asked about popular shower features, the highest votes went to built-in seating in showers (69%), hand-held showers (66%), rain showers (61%), steam showers (51%) and body sprays (39%). Interestingly, when asked about controls, touch pads (64%) outperformed hand-only (57%), signaling a rise in shower experiences that utilize technology.

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Trend #2: Beverage Stations Welcome

Gone are the days where the bath was only used to clean up. A trend that was virtually unheard of a few years ago, a significant number of respondents (21%) to this year’s survey say there is interest in adding refrigerators to their primary baths for beverages, medications, creams, and makeup.

Trend #3: Green Outranks White

When asked about top color trends for the bath, most of the respondents (35%) reported green as the preferred hue. This out-ranked white (31%), blue (26%), gray (25%) and several others. Perhaps biophilia stealing its way back into the bathroom?

Trend #4: Bathtubs Get Tossed so Showers Can Get Larger

The most popular bath renovation is removing bathtubs to increase the shower size (56%). This response topped other popular renovations, like taking down walls to increase the primary bathroom footprint (48%), connecting the bath to a closet or dressing area (39%) and providing a separate enclosure for the toilet (35%).

Trend #5: Sustainability Remains Big

When asked about trends in the next three years, it was noted that water and sustainability features will be popular across alternative energy-efficient water heaters (51%), EPA WaterSense/low-flow toilets (45%), EPA WaterSense low-flow sink faucets (31%) and EPA WaterSense low-flow shower heads (30%). A noteworthy response – 16.5% – report that in three years, bathroom sink drains into toilet tanks for flushing will be popular. Only 14% of respondents indicate that “none of these” sustainability options will be popular.

Trend #6: Patterns Rock

Tiles installed in a variety of patterned designs (e.g. hex, chevron, herringbone) are cited as the most on-trend look for shower floors, beating out large format tile (37%), pebbles and stone (36%), slabs and solid surfaces (28%) and circle or square mosaics (28%).

Trend #7: Wallpaper Makes a Comeback

Designers are leveraging wallpaper as the top way to incorporate new statement colors to the bath, netting the most votes with 50%. This topped bringing in color through cabinets and vanities (49%), wall paint (36%), artwork (31%) and bathroom flooring (27%). All the more reason for integrators to be in on the ground floor of a project for this one.

Trend #8: Relax Smarter

Among those surveyed, 32% identified integrated technology as the biggest change in bath trends over the next three years, topping the list. Designers are creating more personalized and customizable experiences through smart systems and mobile app-controlled features ranging from heated floors to mirrors and lighting.

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