October 2024

Bathroom remodels: What's hot, what's not.

Thinking about updating a bathroom? Whether you plan to sell your home or just want to enjoy it more, a bathroom renovation can be a worthwhile move. Before you get started, check out these current trends and start imagining your new space.

Hot bathroom trends for 2024

Whether you plan to do extensive work or more cosmetic changes, here are some ideasFootnote1 to consider:

  • The bathroom as a relaxing retreat. A spa-like feel can be accomplished by adding an extravagant soaker tub or extra comfort features such as a heated floor or a bidet. If you're on a budget, consider rich paint colors and smaller decor that work for you to create a calm, beautiful place to unwind.

  • Expansive walk-in showers. If you have the space, give yourself more room to relax with a custom shower. Include some built-in seating, multiple shower heads or luxurious custom tile.

  • Warm, cozy, neutral colors. This may include tans, beiges and browns, as well as warmer metal fixtures such as brass, gold or even black. You can also add bolder accent colors or dramatic wallpaper. Just be sure the wallpaper is designed to withstand a high-moisture environment.

  • A vintage look. Actual or vintage-inspired fixtures such as a freestanding tub, ornate lighting or an antique-style sink can take your bathroom from ordinary to elegant.

  • Cleanability. Make maintenance easier with large-format slabs of quartz or tile with little or no grout. You can also add matte and brushed metal fixtures for fewer watermarks, and be sure to add sealer to sinks, tubs and tile to protect the finish.

  • Biophilic elements. You can connect to nature with wood or earth-tone finishes. Or bring in shades of the ocean with rich blues and greens. Plus, adding plants in your bathroom is more popular than ever and helps bring nature indoors.

  • Sustainability. With the popularity of saving natural resources, more manufacturers are offering alternatives such as water-saving toilets and recycled building materials.

  • Personalization. If you plan to sell the home soon, stick with a more traditional look. But if you're staying for a while, indulge yourself with touches that make your bathroom a refuge, using your favorite colors and finishes.

Design trends that are past their prime

If your goal is to keep your bathroom style fresh, you may want to avoid these outdatedFootnote2 looks:

  • Mismatched styles, such as a super-modern bathroom in a traditional home.
  • All-white bathrooms that are clean and classic but too stark.
  • Vessel and console sinks that take up counter space and lack storage.
  • Frameless showers with large amounts of glass to keep clean.
  • Built-in combination bathtubs and showers.
  • Standard toilets that lack comforts like heated seats or bidets.
  • Stark subway tile, which is affordable but less interesting than tile in unique shapes and colors.

Does a bathroom remodel add value?

As a general rule, if you're getting ready to sell, you'll probably get the best return on a modest update rather than an all-out, luxury transformation.

According to Bankrate,Footnote3 an average bathroom remodel costs $25,251 and adds $18,613 in resale value, giving an average 73.7% return on investment. Note, however, that these numbers can vary a lot, depending on the extent of your changes and the size of the bathroom.

Financing a renovation with your home equity

Many people can finance minor, DIY upgrades with cash on hand, but for more extensive renovations, a home equity line of credit or HELOC is a good option. A HELOC can give you fast and flexible access to funds at every stage of your renovation. Plus, interest rates tend to be lower than credit cards or personal loans.

Planning pays off

Whether you're doing the work yourself or hiring a contractor, spend some time researching your options. Keep in mind that contractors often include professional design advice, so you can be confident your new bathroom will enhance your home and your lifestyle.

A note from your lending specialist

Whether you need funding for home updates or you're thinking about a move, I have home loan options that can help. Let's talk.

1 Here Are 2024’s Biggest Bathroom Design Trends, According To Experts, by Kristin Salaky, revised by Samantha Allen, Forbes, updated July 1, 2024. Accessed August 2024.

2 10 Bathroom Design Trends Going Away In 2024, Amanda Lauren, Forbes, January 24, 2024. Accessed August 2024.

3 The top renovations that increase home value in 2024, Matt Ryan Webber, Bankrate, May 07, 2024. Accessed August 2024.


MAP6980726 | 09/2024