PALO ALTO, CA — One in five homeowners enlarge their primary bathrooms during renovations, with closets, bedrooms, and hallways the most common areas to draw square footage from, according to a nationwide study by Houzz.
The 2023 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, derived from a survey of nearly 2,000 respondents, found that with the added space, more than 3 in 5 homeowners also increase the size of their shower, with 20% going significantly larger (more than a 50% increase in size). More than two-thirds of remodeling homeowners also incorporate premium features in their upgraded showers, including rainfall shower heads, dual showers, body sprayers and thermostatic mixers, the study found.
“We’ve seen homeowners work with design professionals to find new ways to maximize their existing space and better meet their needs since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they’re finding ways to reconfigure rooms to expand bathrooms and showers,” said Marine Sargsyan, staff economist for the Palo Alto, CA-based online platform Palo Alto, CA-based platform for home remodeling and design.
According to Sargsyan, 2023 represents the fourth consecutive year in which median spending has increased for primary bathrooms, likely driven in part by supply chain disruptions and inflation.
“Nevertheless, bathrooms are a consistent focus for homeowners who want to update the room’s style and functionality,” Sargsyan said. “Homeowners continue to invest in improvements out of necessity and future needs.”
Additional trends from the Houzz study include:
- Sustainability Abounds: The overwhelming majority of homeowners choose sustainable options for their renovated bathrooms. The most popular are LED lightbulbs, water-efficient fixtures, a timeless design, energy-efficient features and light dimmers. Cost-effectiveness in the long run and environmental friendliness are the reasons cited most frequently for sustainable choices.
- Universal Design a Major Priority: Two-thirds of homeowners address special needs during primary bathroom renovations. The current and future needs of aging household members are the top priority.
- Wood the New White for Vanities: Wood is now the color of choice for upgraded vanities, followed by white, gray and blue. White continues to dominate as the most popular color for countertops and walls, both inside and outside of the shower.
- Homeowners Increase Safety With Premium Flooring: More than 4 in 5 homeowners upgrade flooring during a bathroom remodel, and one-third of those opt for nonslip floors outside of the shower. Other premium flooring features include waterproof material and radiant heating.
- Medicine Cabinets’ Hidden Features: Homeowners use medicine cabinets to hide a variety of features including mirrors, plugs and lighting. The majority of homeowners opt for a clean look, with more than two-thirds choosing a recessed mounting style for their upgraded medicine cabinets.