6 Bathroom Design Trends That Embrace Technology & Practicality

As new homebuyers embark on the journey of designing or choosing their perfect home, the bathroom becomes a focal point for both functionality and style. In 2024, several key trends are emerging that blend comfort, luxury, and technology. Here’s a look at some of the top bathroom trends, including both classic choices and innovative new technologies that are shaping the modern bathroom.

Expect to see more of these bathroom features in the new housing market:

1. Transitional and Contemporary Style

Transitional and contemporary style are the top two bathroom design choices of homeowners and interior designers, and both favor natural light, mostly light colors and minimalist vanities and fixtures for a relaxed atmosphere. Transitional style includes more chandeliers and pendant lights than contemporary or coastal styles, while contemporary style bathrooms often feature stained concrete floors, floating vanities and keypad controls for lighting. Coastal style, which has been gaining ground as a trend among homeowners and designers, according to Elle H-Millard, NKBA industry relations manager, uses more green and blue color schemes and glass and vessel sinks, along with mosaic tile and pebble tile in the shower.

Transitional and contemporary styles continue to dominate bathroom design, offering a blend of classic and modern elements. The flexibility of transitional design allows homeowners to create a timeless space that also feels modern and sophisticated.

2. Self-Cleaning Toilets

One of the most striking sights at KBIS was the line-up of self-cleaning, self-flushing toilets at the Kohler and Toto booths. Multiple companies now offer toilets that flush automatically and that include a nightlight, an automatic mister before and after each use to clean the toilet and lids that automatically open and shut. Toilets now come in square and rectangular shapes, not just round or elongated. And the heated seat may be the ultimate luxury on a winter morning. Dual-flush and water-saving features are available on lower-cost toilets, but for all the bells and whistles, including body-washing sprays, expect to pay $2,000 to as much as $13,000 per toilet.

In the realm of smart home innovations, self-cleaning toilets are gaining popularity for their convenience and hygiene benefits. These toilets use advanced technologies, including UV light and electrolyzed water systems, to automate the cleaning process, ensuring that the toilet is sanitary and odor-free without the need for harsh chemicals.

3. Tech-Centric Innovation

Technology is becoming increasingly integrated into the bathroom, with smart showers, touchless faucets, and heated floors becoming common features. These tech-centric innovations not only enhance comfort and convenience but also contribute to water conservation and energy efficiency, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Among the most popular tech items anticipated to gain popularity in bathroom designs are temperature/thermostat controls, according to the NKBA survey. Other popular items include water conservation technology, internet-connected products (such as programmable showers), leak detection devices and occupancy sensors that operate lights when someone is in the bathroom.

“We were surprised that voice-activated controls for faucets, tubs, showers, lights and toilets were low on the list of items that are expected to be popular, with only 28 percent of respondents mentioning this feature,” H-Millard says.

Smart mirrors equipped with LED lighting, touch controls, and even digital displays that show weather updates or news headlines are becoming popular for those who want a connected experience.

4. Wet Rooms

Wet rooms are an extension of the open-concept design trend, where the entire bathroom floor is waterproofed, and there is no separation between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom. This design not only creates a spacious and luxurious shower experience but also enhances accessibility, making it a practical choice for all age groups.

Built-in or freestanding benches in showers are not only an aesthetic addition but also functional, particularly in larger showers where space allows for a more relaxed experience.

For homes with enough space, designers can add a “wet room” that includes a tile floor and glass walls and includes both a freestanding soaking tub and a separate area with a showerhead (or several) and a drain. The design fits nicely with aging in place since typically these wet rooms are level with the bathroom floor for easy access. “The wet room can be ideal because you can also help other people shower more easily when the shower is part of an open space,” H-Millard says.

5. Freestanding Tubs and Updated Whirlpool Tubs

Freestanding tubs serve as a statement piece in the bathroom, offering elegance and a spa-like feel. These tubs come in various materials, including acrylic and resin, and can fit into any design scheme from minimalist to rustic. Freestanding tubs have been gaining in popularity in recent years and can be found in a variety of shapes and colors. In the New American Remodel exhibit house at the 2019 International Builders’ Show, the freestanding tub in the master bathroom was encased in teak.

Updated whirlpool tubs with modern features like silent motors and customizable jets provide therapeutic benefits and add a touch of luxury. And whirlpool tubs may be making a comeback now that manufacturers have developed cleaner versions with massaging bubbles created by air rather than water.

Functionality is as important as design, so homeowners with more than one bathroom may want to make sure that at least one offers an easy place for bath time.

6. Soothing Color Pallets

Neutral tones such as grays, whites, and beiges remain popular, providing a serene and calming environment. However, there is also a trend towards bolder colors, like navy blue or charcoal, used as accent walls or in cabinetry. Matte finishes on fixtures and hardware are favored for their modern look and ease of maintenance.

The modern bathroom blends style, comfort, and technology, offering a sanctuary within the home. For new homebuyers, these trends provide a plethora of options to customize their spaces to fit their lifestyles, ensuring that their bathrooms are not only functional but also a retreat and reflection of their personal style. Some other design trends to consider include natural lighting, natural materials and plants to promote a sense of well-being. Whether prioritizing sustainability, technology, or timeless elegance, there’s a trend to match every homeowner’s vision in 2024.