Bathroom renovations are increasingly important for homeowners looking to improve their living spaces. A recent Houzz survey with 1,921 U.S. homeowners offers insights into evolving trends, outlining key findings shaping current bathroom renovation preferences.

The Rise of Spacious Bathrooms
One of the standout trends is the increasing size of primary bathrooms. Approximately 22% of homeowners choose to expand their primary bathroom footprint during renovations. The most common areas tapped for additional square footage include closets (44%), bedrooms (24%), and hallways (7%). Notably, 17% of homeowners opt for a more substantial bathroom by adding extra space. Post-renovation, almost 3 in 5 bathrooms (59%) now measure 100 square feet or more.

Showers Take Center Stage
With the luxury of added space, 61% of homeowners decide to increase the size of their showers. A significant portion of this group (20%) opts for a substantial expansion, enlarging their showers by more than 50%. This trend reflects a growing preference for spacious, spa-like shower experiences.

Wood Surpasses White for Vanities
In the realm of vanity choices, there has been a notable shift in color preferences. Wood has emerged as the new favorite for upgraded vanities, chosen by 33% of renovating homeowners, surpassing the previous leader, white (29%). Gray also remains a popular choice at 13%, despite a marginal decline in popularity year over year.

Aging-in-Place Considerations
Two-thirds of homeowners (66%) are now incorporating special needs considerations into their bathroom renovations, marking a notable increase from 54% in 2021. Addressing the needs of aging household members is a top priority for 38% of respondents currently and 50% for future planning. Additionally, 44% of renovating homeowners are proactively preparing for potential special needs arising within the next five years.

Embracing Sustainability
An overwhelming 87% of homeowners prioritize sustainability in their bathroom renovations. LED lightbulbs are the most popular sustainable choice (62%), followed by water-efficient fixtures (46%), timeless design (44%), energy-efficient features (34%), and light dimmers (34%). The primary motivations behind these sustainable choices are long-term cost-effectiveness (69%) and environmental friendliness (54%).

Budgets on the Rise
The survey indicates a substantial increase in median spending on bathroom remodels, growing by 50% from $9,000 in 2021 to $13,500 in 2022. Both major and minor remodels have seen significant upticks, with median spending increasing by 33% and 60%, respectively. This trend suggests that homeowners are willing to invest more in creating personalized and functional bathroom spaces.