Bathroom Trends

Historically, home sizes have shrunk somewhat during economic recessions, but an emerging consensus shows that in the coming decade, new homes will be smaller on average than they were in the past decade.


Trends in the number and size of bathrooms in homes reveal 17% of respondents showing that the number of bathrooms was still increasing, while 8% saw a trend toward fewer bathrooms in homes. Over the past three years the pace of growth has slowed significantly.

The greatest features in bathroom trends are:

• Radiant-heated floors, which are sparking growing interest due to energy efficiency and comfort considerations.
• Features that enhance accessibility and adaptability.
• Sustainable water-saving toilets in general and dual-flush toilets.
• LED lighting, due to the conservation of energy, gaining in favor even as households are generally scaling back on their investment in housing.
• Doorless and no-threshold showers, as well as handshowers, for their accessibility promotion.

Other upscale bath products are not faring as well in this new cost-conscious housing environment. Requests for steam showers and towel warming drawers/racks are reported to be declining in popularity by about a third of respondents.

While floor plans may be smaller, design considerations are getting bigger to encompass not only green products and practices, but also Universal Design.  

Call me for help in designing to meet your unique needs.