The latest trends in primary bathroom design reveal larger layouts, clean, calming minimalist styles, a plethora of sensors and controls — and a few surprises along the way.

By  Robert Isler

If the newest trends in primary bathrooms could be summed up in one brief phrase, it would probably be “Smart, natural and functional.” That’s the overall takeaway for  directions in the primary bathroom from NKBA’s Design Trends 2021 study.

Nearly half the respondents, who included designers, showroom professionals, architects, manufacturers and others, identified low-flow toilets as a smart feature for the next few years, with 44% mentioning smart bidet toilet seats and 23% apiece for wall-hung lavatories with pipe protection and adjustable-height toilets.

The study also revealed that the average primary bathroom spend over the past year was between $20,000 and $30,0000, with two-thirds of the finished projects showing an increase in size over the previous layout. The most popular anticipated option for layout change, cited by 60% of pros, is to remove bathtubs to increase the size of the shower. This is followed by taking down walls and connecting to a closet or dressing area, at 40% apiece. In open-ended comments, one respondent noted, “Clients are requesting wet rooms and private toilet areas,” while others said they get many requests for seating areas in the bathroom and for more lighting.

Three styles dominated: Contemporary at 57%, Transitional (53%) and Organic/Natural, which is rapidly growing in popularity, at 47%.

Three styles dominated: Contemporary at 57%, Transitional (53%) and Organic/Natural, which is rapidly growing in popularity, at 47%. There were numerous opinions as to which styles are expected to be hot. Descriptors repeated again and again included “clean, calming, minimalist.” Specific comments included “Easy to clean and lighter, brighter colors,” “Spa-like, more greens, wood tones, with a spacious, calming feeling,” and “Organic, calming, serene, minimalist.”

In terms of color, while whites/off-whites remained favorites, mentioned by 49% of respondents, grays, blues and beiges/bones each had a significant following, ranging from 30% to 26%.

Technology offerings centered around various sensors and controls. For instance, smart temperature controls for floor/shower was the top suggestion, but water conservation technology, motion sensors for lighting, and leak detectors with mobile alerts weren’t far behind. Each was cited by at least 40% of those surveyed.

Quartz was easily the most preferred vanity countertop material, with two-thirds having a preference for a lighter color. Wood or wood grain was the clear favorite for cabinet facing. Sink materials were led by vitreous china (55%) and porcelain/cast iron (50%), with an under-mount configuration favored by more than three-quarters of respondents. An overwhelming 84% continue to see traditional white as the top sink color for the next few years.

Ceramic/porcelain tile flooring is expected to be most popular, cited by two-thirds of respondents, with luxury vinyl wood plank and stone next, at 30% and 26%, respectively. Three-quarters see heated flooring as a trend over the next few years. Five types of lighting were identified as likely popular in the near-term, including lighting in mirrors, shower lighting, recessed, sconces/wall lights and vanity, none of which, frankly, are revolutionary. Each was identified by at least half the respondents. Responses about lighting controls were a bit more eye-raising, with motion-sensor lighting and connected/voice controls, at 57% and 56% respectively, each well ahead of traditional light switches (39%). Dimmer switches, at 63%, topped them all.

Many of the shower features likely to be most popular over the next few years had a theme of living/aging in place in mind. A “seat in shower” was chosen by an overwhelming 80% of respondents. Zero-clearance entry, at 67%, and grab bars, at 61%, also had the older homeowner in mind. More universal features mentioned included hand-held shower heads (73%) and rain showerheads (59%).

NKBA’s Design Trends 2021 study is free to members. For more information, and to download the report, click here.