2024 Bathroom Trends: What’s In and What’s Out According to the NKBA

Design enthusiasts and anyone planning to renovate their bathrooms, get ready for some exciting updates! The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), which represents nearly 50,000 kitchen and bath industry professionals across North America, has just released its 2024 Bath Trends Report. This comprehensive survey of 536 respondents—including designers, manufacturers, contractors, and architects—identifies the hottest trends that will shape bathroom designs in the coming years. If you’re curious about what’s in and what’s on its way out, here’s what you need to know.

Trending Styles: Modern and Organic

Modern, contemporary design styles with natural, organic influences are expected to remain strong, with 55 percent of respondents agreeing that these styles will continue to dominate bathrooms. The focus on creating a calm, spa-like atmosphere is key to these styles, incorporating clean lines and nature-inspired elements.

Notably, transitional and timeless styles—which offer a blend of traditional and modern elements—are also holding their ground, with 64 percent of respondents stating that these styles remain popular. Homeowners and designers alike are increasingly gravitating towards looks that won’t go out of style.

Colors: A Shift Towards Earthy and Biophilic Tones

The days of all-white bathrooms are dwindling as homeowners opt for more earthy, biophilic colors. Green has emerged as the most popular bathroom hue, chosen by 35 percent of respondents. White comes in second with 31 percent, followed by blue (26 percent), and gray (25 percent).

The shift in color palettes aligns with the growing preference for warm neutrals and earth tones, which create a cozy and calming ambiance. These tones not only bring a more natural, outdoor-inspired feel into bathrooms but also make spaces feel more inviting.

The Rise of Water Closets

Another growing trend is the water closet—a small, separate room for the toilet. These enclosed spaces, either with or without doors, are now highly desirable, with 71 percent of respondents considering them a must-have in modern bathroom designs. Water closets offer a bit more privacy and elevate the overall experience of the bathroom space.

Finishes: Matte, Black, and Brushed Dominance

Finishes are undergoing a sleek transformation. Black faucets have surged in popularity, being the top choice for 51 percent of respondents. Close behind are nickel and pewter finishes, chosen by 45 percent, offering a balance of modern and classic aesthetics. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to matte and brushed finishes for their minimalist and elegant appeal, with many incorporating Spot Defense technology to combat watermarks and make maintenance simpler. These finishes add a sophisticated touch to bathrooms, creating clean lines and a modern ambiance.

Fixtures: Smart Toilets

Bathroom fixtures are embracing technology and convenience. Smart toilets are leading the innovation charge, offering features like automatic lids, warming seats, and self-cleaning functions, making them the top choice for the next wave of bathroom designs.

Connected Mirrors

Mirrors with backlighting and anti-fog capabilities are becoming increasingly popular, with 56 percent of respondents favoring them. These mirrors often come with smart connectivity, allowing users to adjust lighting or other settings for a more personalized experience. The integration of technology in fixtures is designed to elevate daily routines with luxury and efficiency.

Tile Designs and Sizes: Patterns Take the Spotlight

Tile design is shifting toward more creative, patterned styles. For shower floors, tiles in hexagonal, chevron, and herringbone patterns are dominating, pushing aside the previously popular large-format tiles and pebbles. Throughout the rest of the bathroom, textured ceramic and porcelain tiles are gaining traction, often with very thin or no grout lines at all. These tiles are not only stylish but are often enhanced with app-controlled heating features, adding a layer of luxury and comfort. As the trend moves toward more visually engaging designs, traditional large, plain tiles are taking a backseat.

Toilets: Water Closets and Smart Innovations

The water closet—a separate space for the toilet—is making a comeback, with 71 percent of designers and homeowners favoring this setup. These closed-off spaces provide privacy and add a touch of sophistication to the bathroom layout. On the technology side, smart toilets with advanced features such as automatic lids, heated seats, and self-cleaning mechanisms are becoming increasingly popular. These toilets provide users with added comfort and hygiene, positioning them as a top trend for future bathroom designs.

Showers: Luxury in Every Drop

Showers are now more about indulgence and comfort. Features like rain showers, steam functions, body sprays, and even built-in seating are becoming must-haves in high-end bathroom designs. Hand-held shower heads are also in demand for their versatility and convenience. Additionally, wet rooms—open-concept spaces that combine showers and tubs—are on the rise, with 57 percent of respondents favoring this configuration. The emphasis is on spacious, multi-functional shower areas that deliver a luxurious spa experience right at home.

We craft seamless experiences that transform your spaces with high-quality materials and skilled expertise.