Everyone dreams of a beautiful bathroom renovation—or at least, they dream of the final result. As for the process? Not so much. But a relaxing oasis that’s been outfitted with the most design-forward features is something many of us aspire to have. For anyone who’s seriously considering updating their bathroom, you’re in luck: the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) just released its 2025 Bath Trends report, an annual survey of 500 design professionals that includes interior designers, architects, and manufacturers who weigh in with their predictions for what will be popular in bathroom design over the next few years.
Overall, the report forecasts that many homeowners will customize their bathrooms to be more spa-like—designed to have a minimalist, seamless aesthetic that’s hotel-inspired and enhanced with smart technology. Professionals agreed their clients want to “linger” in their space, a place devoted to self-care. While this theme may not be so surprising, the devil is in the details—design clients are making some pretty unique decisions for a highly personalized, luxurious space. (The report confirmed clients are spending, on average, $60,000 to renovate their bathrooms.)
From trending paint colors to popular countertop materials, here are the top bathroom design trends the National Kitchen and Bath Association is predicting will take over in 2025. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Natural, Transitional, and Modern Design Styles
The consensus is that people are seeking organic and zen-like bathrooms. To achieve this, 65% of professionals say that more homeowners will opt for “natural” design styles over the next few years, followed by transitional or timeless aesthetics (63%) and modern or minimalist design (60%).
Notably, farmhouse style ranks quite low, with only 14% of design pros believing it will trend in bathrooms in 2025.
Color Palettes Filled With Greens, Blues, Grays, and Browns
According to the report, serene, earthy tones such as greens and blues will dominate in 2025, along with grays. While white is technically the most popular color (76% of respondents predict clients will select it for their bathrooms), green follows very closely behind at 71%, and about half (51%) picked blue as well. Gray and brown also got plenty of votes (44% each).
The soothing color palette makes sense, though, considering that “natural” style is on the rise. Neutral colors and warm wood grain textures are popping up on floors, walls, and vanities.
The report noted that vintage is also creeping in: Color trends that will likely make a comeback include mid-century modern from the ’50s and bright colors from the ’70s.
Fancy Spa Features
Homeowners are prioritizing self-care in their bathrooms, creating spa-like environments enhanced with sensory features that promote relaxation and “lingering.” Professionals pointed out details like dimmable lighting, built-in shower seats, rain shower heads, steam showers, soaking tubs, heated floors, and even comfort-height toilets are on the rise.
Partner-Focused Spaces
Couples are choosing to make their bathrooms work for them—there’s now an emphasis on spaces built for two, with clients requesting everything in sets of two, including vanities, sinks, toilets, shower heads, and medicine cabinets.
Wet Rooms
The wet room, an open-concept shower area that’s separate from the vanity area, is becoming more mainstream—40% of professionals predict it will be in more homes over the next few years.
Frameless Showers and Oval Tubs
Showers are getting a lot of love right now from homeowners. In fact, over half of the pros surveyed anticipate that clients will want to remove their bathtubs to increase shower size. In fact, 43% say that walls will come down to enlarge the shower area. As for how those showers look, experts say they will be frameless with clear glass. Other shower details like handhelds, zero clearance (curb-less), built-in seating, grab bars, rain shower heads, and steam functions are also trending.
While showers are preferred over tubs, 85% of pros claim freestanding tubs are very much in demand. According to them, they convey a sense of luxury. In particular, oval-shaped tubs will be the most popular choice amongst clients. Surprisingly, the clawfoot tub will be the least popular—only 16% of pros feel it will be a top pick over the coming years.
Large Format Tiles and Solid Surface Walls
Tiny tiles are no more—at least not on the walls. Of the professional surveyed, 79% declared that large format tiles with minimal grout lines will be in showers and walls, and 68% say slab/solid surface (which can look very similar to large format tiles) will be popular. A huge reason for this trend is due to the desire for low-maintenance upkeep—no one wants to spend time tediously cleaning grout lines! In fact, the third most popular wall tile—subway—trailed quite far behind, receiving only 28% of votes.
Patterned Mosaic Flooring
While the walls might be large format, the floors tell a slightly different story. Just over half of the professionals surveyed (51%) believe patterned mosaic will be prominent in bathrooms (though 46% still say the large format tile on the walls will continue onto the floors).
Additionally, designers anticipate that ceramic/porcelain (96%) and stone floors (88%) in warm neutrals will take off in bathroom design next year. Surprisingly, vinyl/laminate ranked fairly amongst the pros, too, at 74%. And not so surprising: Heated floors will continue to be a big ask.
More Windows and Natural Lighting
Interestingly, 81% of professionals believe more homeowners will be willing to go through the arduous process of installing windows and skylights in their bathrooms for more natural light.
Floating Vanities
Floating, freestanding, and built-in vanities with wood grain or painted door facings will be popular. As for door types: 61% of pros predict slab doors with soft-close hardware will reign. Shaker doors will still be trending but less so: Only 42% of experts believe these will be a popular pick.
Quartz and Quartzite Countertops
The most popular countertop choices will be quartz (79%) and quartzite (55%). Interestingly, the latter even outranked marble, which trailed far behind at 27%. Granite was shockingly close in popularity to marble, as 23% of pros think it will still be a hit over the next few years.
Integrated Sinks
Professionals are forecasting an edgier, more design-forward aesthetic for sinks in the coming years—52% say they will be integrated into the countertop material, appealing to those seeking a sleek, modern look. Of course, most pros (82%) say undermounts, specifically in polished or matte white, will still be popular.
Bronze and Black Faucets
Bronze and black faucets in matte and brushed finishes will continue to rank highly amongst homeowners.
link