5 Big Takeaways From the 2021 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study

1. Common Pet Peeves

Many people embark on a bathroom renovation to address frustrations with the style and function of their existing space. In fact, a third of homeowners say the trigger for starting a remodel is that they “can no longer stand the old bathroom.”

The main frustration is having an old and outdated space. More than two-thirds of homeowners say it’s their top pet peeve, as this chart shows. One-third say insufficient storage is a major concern, and about the same share say a small shower is a factor.

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Designer Kirby Foster Hurd addressed many common pet peeves in this Oklahoma City bathroom. Zellige-style shower tile and other elegant finishes and accessories give the space a fresh, current look. A substantial vanity offers plenty of storage, and a spacious low-curb shower provides a roomy experience. Sconces, overhead lighting and a window tackle a top concern among a quarter of homeowners: insufficient lighting.

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2. Aging Family Members

A rising need among many homeowners is a bathroom that can accommodate aging family members, either now or in the future.

More than a quarter of homeowners say they currently need their bathroom to address an aging family member’s needs. Nearly 2 in 5 say they’ll need to accommodate an aging family member in the future.

This Bethesda, Maryland, bathroom by design-build pro Jonas Carnemark is a good example of a bathroom designed for someone with mobility issues. A wide, curbless threshold allows for a step-free entrance, or a wheelchair, and multiple benches and grab bars offer support and stability.

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3. White Leads All Finishes

When it comes to materials and finishes, white leads in all categories. It’s the top color choice for vanities (32%), countertops (58%), shower walls (46%) and nonshower walls (34%).

An all-white scheme works well in a bathroom, where a sense of cleanliness is often desired. White also enhances light, giving a space an airy look, which is especially important in small spaces. Plus, a crisp palette helps create the soothing, spa-like feel that many homeowners desire.

Wood vanities (27%) and gray nonshower walls (27%) are popular elements for introducing another tone. And keep an eye on blue vanities, which are rising in popularity. The share of homeowners who included a blue vanity in their bathroom remodel rose 3 percentage points, from 5% in 2020 to 8% in 2021.

This Tampa, Florida, bathroom by Trinity Construction and Design shows a beautiful use of a mostly white palette. Gray veining in the materials used for the shower walls, countertops and flooring, along with a herringbone pattern on the floor, offers subtle visual variation.

4. Making Changes Within the Same Footprint

A large majority of homeowners (77%) keep their bathroom about the same during a renovation, which makes sense. Expanding a space into another area of the home might not be an option, and adding space can significantly increase the cost of a project. So homeowners generally work within the same footprint.

The most common bathroom size is less than 100 square feet (43%) followed by 100 to 199 square feet (36%). A decreasing but still significant share of homeowners are working with a bathroom that’s 200 or more square feet (21%).

But major changes and upgrades still occur within those kept footprints. Half of homeowners increase the size of their shower, though the share decreased 4 percentage points compared with 2020.

Many homeowners change the layout (42%), such as relocating the shower, and many modify existing walls (40%).

Architect Anik Pearson created a smart layout for this elegant apartment bathroom in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan. She placed the tall shower element at the end of the narrow room, helping draw the eye into the space to settle on the beautiful black metal enclosure. And tucking the toilet behind a partition obscured the piece a bit to keep the focus on the luxurious tile and slab work.

5. Freestanding Soaking Tubs Stay on Top, but Alcove Tubs Are on the Rise

While 1 in 4 homeowners removes a bathtub during a renovation, the majority of homeowners are keen to keep and possibly upgrade their tub.

Freestanding acrylic soaking tubs are by far the most popular bathtub style, material and type. But alcove tubs, such as those found in the common shower-tub combo, are rising in popularity. They’re up 4 points, from 22% in 2020 to 26% in 2021.

In this Phoenix bathroom, a deep soaking tub is tucked against a textured tile wall, on which is mounted a contemporary tub filler. An open shower stall with views to a private courtyard creates a breezy, spa-like feel.