Do the terms “pedestal,” “skylight” and “satin nickel” take you back 20 years? Here’s what homeowners were obsessed with as the millennium dawned.

By Donna Heiderstadt

As NKBA celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2023, we’re taking a retrospective look back at major kitchen and bath design trends over the seven decades since our founding. This week, we’re revisiting what happened in bathroom design in the Aughts — 2009-2000 — as we continue to work backward in time until we highlight the top trends in the kitchen and bath spaces in the early 1960s.

1. Stone vs. Subway Tile: Homeowners Went Big for Both

The 2000s had a split decision when it came to bathroom décor. Some homeowners went all in for European panache, embracing polished brown and beige marble, travertine or spa-like white-and-gray Carrera to convey a sense of sophistication and luxury. Others opted for more contemporary and utilitarian ceramic subway tiles. Whether it was glossy white or shiny glass in subtle blue or gray, this choice beautifully resonated with the emerging mid-century modern vibes that captivated the design world in the later part of the decade and the 2010s.

2. Pedestal and Vessel Sinks Emerged as Chic

Love them or hate them, pedestal vessel sinks were considered the ultimate in 2000s bathroom glam. Pedestal sinks offered chic visuals in sleek, sculptural white porcelain with either retro or modern lines. Practicality went out the window as homeowners were forced to give up counter space and storage, although that wasn’t an issue in compact powder rooms. Vessel sinks — whether in glass, hammered metal, ceramic or carved stone — made a statement when set atop dresser-like wood vanities, effectively solving the storage issue. However, vessels had their own downsides, namely a taller height, slow drainage and a tendency to splash.

3. Frameless Glass Shower Enclosures and Rain Showerheads Made Things Steamy

The sleek and airy frameless glass shower enclosure gained popularity in the early 2000s, as a result of the HGTV effect. As homeowners watched the pros do small bathroom renovations, especially the en-suite for a primary bedroom, they had a revelation: By ditching a dark and claustrophobic tiled shower or bath/shower combo for a frameless glass shower enclosure, they could instantly open up a cramped space. Coupled with the emergence of rain showerheads and the later popularity of the steam shower, the primary bath began its transformation from basic to spa-like.

4. Satin Nickel Faucets Were in High Demand

As finishes go, satin nickel’s moment came mid-decade when it seemed as if every homeowner wanted their bathroom faucets to have an understated, neutral finish. Shiny chrome was swapped out for satin nickel (or as an alternative, oiled-rubbed brass or bronze) in styles that ranged from retro-classic to contemporary. Additionally, these finishes extended beyond faucets and rain showerheads to include towel racks, toilet paper stands and even medicine cabinets.

5. Skylights Brought the Outside In

If it was architecturally feasible and within the budget, the bathroom skylight was on the wish-list for many homeowners in the 2000s, especially when renovating and expanding a primary bath. Plus, innovations by brands such as Velux and Andersen made skylights not only more visually attractive but also less prone to leaks, fogging and discoloration.