The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA | KBIS), the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry representing nearly 55,000 North American kitchen and bath industry professionals, has released its 2025 Bath Trends Report. Comprised of data generated from a survey completed by industry experts including designers, manufacturers, remodelers, architects and more, the NKBA Bath Trends Report provides a comprehensive look into current and upcoming trends in residential bathrooms that will have the biggest impact in 2025.
According to the report, the focus over the next three years will largely remain on wellness, with spa-like features, intentional lighting, natural colors, and minimal upkeep taking the lead as key aspects for decreasing stress. The report also reveals several emerging trends, including increasing the overall footprint of the primary bath and the rise of personalized design, particularly through technology.
“The bathroom is evolving into a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, as the demand for spa-inspired features continues to grow in response to the stresses of modern life,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “Thoughtful design elements such as ease of maintenance, optimal lighting, and integrated smart technology empower homeowners to craft spaces that not only restore the body and mind but also elevate their sense of wellbeing.”
The full report is available at NKBA.org with free access for NKBA members. Key findings include:
Introducing The “Re-”Room: A Wellness Retreat
Respondents agree the primary bath is an important place to renew, re-center, and reinvigorate, with 90 percent saying homeowners want their primary bath to be a retreat from the outside world where they can relax and recharge. The two most popular bath themes in the next 3 years will be relaxed/retreat-like (66 percent) and spa-like (64 percent), further illustrating the increasing emphasis on wellness in the bathroom. In fact, 78 percent of respondents agree that primary bath design will be inspired by homeowner experiences at hotels/resorts, demonstrating a desire to bring high-end spa experiences into the home. Other details include:
- 79 percent of respondents agree that primary bath design will be driven by a focus on health and wellness
- 72 percent of respondents agree that homeowners are using their showers for rehabilitation, such as steam showers, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy
- 55 percent of respondents agree that lighting for health and wellness is a top goal
- 70 percent of respondents agree that soaking tubs for physical healing and recovery will be popular
Let the Light In
Lighting quality continues to be a top consideration for bathroom design with a strong desire to create both task and mood lighting. In a space where privacy is always a top concern, designers are finding creative ways to fill the bath with natural light as it becomes a priority for clients. Respondents agree that the two most important considerations in bathroom design are lighting quality (96 percent) and natural light (93 percent). More than half (55 percent) of designers agree that the top goal for homeowners in terms of lighting is focusing on health and wellness, while 81 percent agree that skylights, windows, and doors are increasingly desired in bathrooms to let in more natural light.
More Real Estate for the Bath
Homeowners are looking to increase bathroom space, primarily by removing bathtubs to increase shower size (53 percent) and taking down walls to increase the primary bath footprint (42 percent). However, some walls are still wanted: 72 percent of designers agree that separate water closets for commodes – with and without doors – are highly desired by clients. Additionally, respondents agree that homeowners are consistently seeking out sets of two in the bathroom, whether it be vanities (61 percent), large showers that fit more than one person (59 percent), or double shower heads (67 percent – the most popular shower configuration overall).
Natural Colors and Materials Prevail
A strong desire to connect with nature is top of mind as 65 percent of respondents expect organic and natural styles to remain popular. Specifically, 42 percent expect to see a return to a 1970s color palette with earthy, neutral colors and natural, wood grain textures for floors, walls and vanities. The top five colors in 2025 will be white (76 percent), green (71 percent), blue (55 percent), gray (44 percent), and brown (44 percent). In terms of flooring, respondents agree that warm neutrals (72 percent), earth tones (55 percent), and wood tones (53 percent) will be the most popular options. The same goes for wall coverings, with respondents agreeing that the top options will be warm neutrals (65 percent), earth tones (51 percent), and wood tones (44 percent).
Custom Experiences for Better Living
Homeowners are seeing more custom solutions in their primary baths, from tech to storage. Storage is a priority across the board in vanities and medicine cabinets as well as additional closet space. According to 83 percent of those surveyed, homeowners are seeking vanities with storage modules that can be customized to their own needs. Notably, 79 percent agree that integrated power outlets are becoming the standard. While a high-tech bath is not yet the norm, some features that offer personalized programming solutions and spa experiences are becoming more in-demand, including smart toilets (57 percent), showers (59 percent), motion-controlled lighting (67 percent), and heated flooring (57 percent).
Easy-to-Maintain Materials
To make living easier, homeowners want to minimize upkeep of their bath space, with respondents agreeing that being easy to clean is the top priority when it comes to showers (55 percent), flooring (81 percent), countertops (76 percent) and sinks (72 percent). Looking to technology for support, 84 percent of respondents agree that there will be increased demand for smart-cleaning toilets, leaving more time for relaxation and decreasing overall stress.
NKBA will also release its highly anticipated 2025 Kitchen Trends Report on Dec. 17 , 2024. Those interested in gaining first access to insights can register to attend the virtual summit.
