Bathroom remodels have officially stepped into the spotlight. According to a recent Houzz study, the number of homeowners renovating their bathrooms is now nearly equal to those tackling a kitchen remodel—as I’ve been following this trend, its years in the making. And honestly? It tracks. Kitchens may be the heart of the home, but bathrooms are personal spaces and have become the soul—the place people retreat, recharge, and try desperately to keep clean.
From a real estate standpoint, kitchens and baths are still the top two spaces with the strongest return on investment. Costs are up across the board—most bathroom remodels now land in the $25,000–$35,000 range, and luxury versions can easily soar toward $50,000+ once you factor in steam showers, high-end stone, and custom cabinetry. Kitchens are still the heavyweight, sitting closer to $80,000+ on average (I’d budget closer to $100,000 for a kitchen remodel to give it what it deserves).
Today’s buyers treat a well-designed bathroom almost as seriously as a well-designed kitchen.
But what’s interesting is this: today’s buyers treat a well-designed bathroom almost as seriously as a well-designed kitchen. The bathroom has become an experience—not just a room.
So, if you’re planning a remodel—or just love seeing where the design world is heading—here are the top 10 bathroom trends dominating 2025.
Top 10 Bathroom Trends Dominating 2025
1. Spa-Retreat Everything (Still Reigning Supreme)
The biggest motivator for bathroom remodels in 2025? Mood. Homeowners are craving private luxury—spaces that feel like a boutique hotel or a high-end spa. Think:
- Deep freestanding tubs
- Steam or sauna components
- Rainfall and multi-jet (body) showers
- Heated floors
- Soft, layered lighting
It’s about selling an experience, not just installing fixtures. “Resort at home” has become the expectation (so my wife keeps telling me).
2. Mood Lighting: The Glow-Up Era
If 2024 was about brighter bathrooms, 2025 is about smarter lighting. Lighting now sets the tone, literally. Homeowners (and designers) are embracing:
- Toe-kick LEDs
- Under-cabinet lighting
- Shower accent lighting (this one I'm big on, a 'must-do' in our next remodel)
- Warm, dimmable ambient light
The magic formula this year? Create shadows, depth, and emotion. And yes, dimmers are required.
3. Wood for Warmth (Japanese + Biophilic Influence)
Sterile bathrooms are out. Warm, natural, organic materials are in. Expect more:
- Wood vanities
- Slatted details
- Neutral tones
- Earth-inspired palettes
- Japanese and Scandinavian influences (look at the plumbing fixture company’s product line for inspiration)
Wood takes the edge off cold stone and tile and instantly brings in that high-end, soothing spa feel.
4. Hidden Storage = Hidden Stress
The mental shift toward “clean mind, clean space” has created a boom in integrated storage. Trending in 2025:
- Recessed shower niches
- Hidden cabinetry
- Built-in storage towers
- Comeback alert: medicine cabinets—sleek, modern, not your grandmother’s squeaky box. Yes, I said it, "medicine cabinets!"
This is the year homeowners stop asking, “Where do I put all this stuff?” and start saying, “Oh wow, it all disappears.” I'm planning all the above for our remodel, we need to hide stuff...a lot of stuff.
5. Mixed Metals (On Purpose… Finally)
For years, homeowners were trained to match every finish. 2025 breaks that rule—and thank goodness (builder matchy-matchy go bye-bye). Designers are mixing:
- Brass
- Champagne bronze
- Polished nickel
- Matte black
- Stainless
When done intentionally, mixed metals create texture, hierarchy, and visual interest. Like I said, builder-grade matchy-matchy is officially a relic.
6. Goodbye Micro Tiles (We Tried. We Really Did.)
Small tiles had their moment. They were cute. They were artsy. And then we tried cleaning them (I too am guilty as charged, but never agin!). Micro tiles and mosaics are fading fast because:
- Grout discolors
- Mold sneaks in
- Cleaning is a full-time job
- Floors feel uneven
2025 is the year homeowners realize beauty shouldn’t require a chemistry degree to maintain.
7. Slab Showers Instead of Tile (The Groutless Revolution)
Designers are embracing large-format tile and full-height stone slabs as a direct response to grout fatigue. Popular choices:
- Quartzite
- Lightweight stone slabs
Slab showers mean minimal grout, minimal maintenance, and maximum luxury. Plus, the natural veining ties perfectly into the biophilic movement. Read my article on slabs v tiles.
8. Warmth Over Sterility (Bye, Ultra-White Minimalism)
All-white bathrooms are officially out in 2025. Why? They read cold, flat, and overproduced. Today’s luxury buyer wants texture, color, and warmth. Expect more:
- Taupes and sandy neutrals
- Soft greens and earthy hues
- Natural stone
- Warm metals
- Wood tones
The goal is for bathrooms to feel like sanctuaries, not institutional surgical suites. Though I still like the white, I'll lose out on this in our remodel.
9. Bigger Mirrors (Bigger Light, Bigger Impact)
Oversized mirrors are having a moment—and for good reason.
- They expand small spaces
- Bounce more light
- Add drama
- Create the illusion of height
Whether framed or full-wall, mirrors are becoming architectural elements rather than afterthoughts. If your mirror can’t double as a solar flare visible from space, consider an upgrade. See my article last months all about mirrors.
10. Statement Lighting & The Rule of Three
In 2025, lighting design follows a “rule of three”: Ambient + Task + Accent. This trio balances function with beauty.
Ambient lighting:
- Ceiling mounts
- Chandeliers
- Pendants over mirrors
Task lighting:
- Vanity sconces at face level (the best and most flattering—period)
Accent lighting:
- Backlit mirrors
- Decorative sconces
- LED strips
A quick warning: backlit mirrors look cool but don’t replace functional lighting (pet peeve). They’re jewelry, not infrastructure. Here's my tips on lighting's rule of three.
The 2025 bathroom is no longer a utilitarian box—it’s a sanctuary, a mood-setter, and a design statement. Whether you’re remodeling for resale or personal enjoyment, today’s trends push bathrooms toward warmth, wellness, and low-maintenance luxury.
📸 Bathroom Trend Snapshot: Hidden storage tucked into recessed shower niches, mixed metal hardware, and soft taupe, wood, and earthy hues create warmth and depth. Freestanding tubs meet multi-jet showers for a true spa-at-home experience, while oversized mirrors expand the room, amplify light, and add the illusion of height. Bottom concept: an upcoming new build by interior designer Brooke MT Interiors—where function and mood collide in the best possible way.
