With more attention on self-care these days, bathrooms have become much more than just functional spaces—they’re now places to relax, start or end the day, and showcase personal style. Over the past year, it’s become clear that homeowners are really focusing on making every room, including the bathroom, reflect their own unique design tastes.
“We’re seeing homes become more personal,” says Alex Yacavone, design studio manager at Kohler Co. “People are putting effort into making their home feel special, and since the bathroom is where we practice a lot of self-care, it makes sense for that space to be cozy and inviting.”
From personal touches to bold choices, and even design elements that reduce cleaning time, these are some of the top bathroom trends this year.
Top 11 Bathroom Design Trends of 2024
1. Well-Being in the Bathroom
Bathrooms are no longer just for brushing your teeth or washing your hair—they’re turning into spaces where you can relax and recharge.
“Having a spot in your home to unwind is important,” says Yacavone. “Water has a strong link to healing, so it’s no surprise that bathrooms are becoming more like home spas.”
People are adding spa-like features to their bathrooms, and designers are catching on. According to a 2024 trend report from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), popular updates include frameless, doorless steam showers, rain showerheads, and built-in seating. Aromatherapy, heated floors, and towel warmers are also becoming common for that extra touch of comfort.
Caleb Anderson, co-founder of interior design firm Drake/Anderson, points out that it’s not just about scented candles or sound machines when it comes to creating a calm, peaceful bathroom. It’s really about the overall design and how it sets a relaxing tone.
“More and more, bathroom design is focusing on rituals and well-being,” says Anderson. “People are adding little, often surprising elements that encourage mindfulness. Aesthetics and function still matter, but there’s a growing interest in how design can engage our senses and bring a sense of calm. Clients are looking for a more personal touch, and that often means creating a multi-sensory experience.”
If you’re unsure how to make your space feel more calming, Yacavone recommends keeping it personal.
“Think about what helps you relax,” Yacavone says. “Maybe it’s a special showerhead or using natural materials and warm, earthy colors that make you feel connected to nature. The more peaceful the space feels, the more it will have that spa-like vibe.”
2. Bidets
Bidets have been popular in other countries for years, and now they’re finally catching on in the U.S., with big brands taking notice. According to a 2023 YouGov poll, only 6% of Americans own a bidet, but many more are interested in getting one—18% are very interested, and 23% are somewhat interested.
We’re seeing more options available, from built-in models to attachments, making bidets more affordable and accessible. TOTO, which made the first luxury bidet seat back in 1980, is a leader in the market, offering a range of options with different features and price points.
Jarrett Oakley, TOTO’s marketing director, pointed out that many Americans are choosing bidets for more than just hygiene. They can also be environmentally friendly, more comfortable, and even help with accessibility—benefits that align with other popular home trends this year.
3. Warm Neutrals
One of the biggest trends in home design right now is the shift towards warmer, cozier colors, and bathrooms are no exception. Instead of bright, stark whites, designers are using more tans, off-whites, beiges, and browns.
“Warm tones make a space feel more unique and interesting while still keeping it modern and inviting,” says Claudia Afshar, an interior and product designer. “These colors bring comfort and style and work with a lot of different design styles, making them versatile.”
To try this trend, you can start small by adding warmer-toned accessories like shower curtains or artwork. But if you’re looking for a bigger change, repainting with softer colors and updating fixtures can make a big difference.
Interior designer Shea McGee adds, “Neutrals are always in because they’re easy to work with, but right now, we’re seeing a shift towards warmer tones like creams, clay, and putty. It just feels cozier, and I think we’re all craving that warmth right now.”
4. Brass and Gold
As warmer neutrals become a major color trend, warmer metals are also becoming popular. Gold and brass fixtures are making their way into bathrooms, adding a cozy, inviting feel as we move away from cooler, more impersonal colors.
“Brass isn’t a brand-new trend, but it’s showing up more and more, from light fixtures to other standout pieces in the home,” says Seth Hart, a panel chair for the 2023 NAHB Best in American Living Awards and a partner at DTJ Design.
A simple way to add these warmer metals to your bathroom is by changing out cabinet hardware. For a more cohesive look, consider brass finishes for your sinks and shower heads, or try mixing different metals, which is another trend for 2024.
5. Vintage Fixtures
Just like how low-waisted jeans from the past might be hiding in your attic, home trends tend to make a comeback. Luckily, vintage trends in bathrooms are much more flattering.
McGee loves the return of vintage elements, including those in her collection with Kohler. She thinks these timeless designs have staying power.
“I’ve always had a thing for old themes and items with history,” McGee says. “It’s exciting to see them come back because they’re true to what I love. People feel that if something was cool years ago and still resonates now, it will continue to be meaningful in their homes.”
In bathrooms, vintage trends include pendant lights, ornate details on bathtubs, and fixtures. Lighting that looks like candlesticks and colors like teal, rosy pink, brass, and gold are also popular.
These vintage touches work well with the rise of warmer-toned hardware and fit into a broader trend towards warmth and charm, moving away from colder, more impersonal styles.
“I’m glad to see sterile looks fading out and charm making a comeback,” McGee says. “A few years ago, vintage might have seemed too old-fashioned, but now it’s seen as cool and stylish.”
6. Free-Standing Bathtubs
Keeping on-trend with spa-like elements and even vintage elements, Naomi Neilson, founder and CEO of Native Trails, says she has noticed an increased interest in another mainstay of luxury bathrooms of the past: free-standing bathtubs.
“Free-standing bathtubs are in high demand for those looking for the perfect at-home spa experience,” she tells us. “It is very popular for a free-standing soaker tub to be the focal point of a luxurious bath space.”
In fact, if you’re looking for a way to make a splash in your bathroom, Neilson says swapping out a built-in bath for a free-standing tub can be a single project that makes the whole room feel more luxurious.
7. Cleanability
Cleaning the bathroom doesn’t have to be a chore! A few changes can make a big difference.
Try going for wall-mounted toilets—they make cleaning the floor much easier. Keeping things organized helps too. But the biggest trick is picking the right materials.
According to ASID’s trend report, quartz vanities and large, solid surface panels (especially in showers) are popular because they don’t have grout lines. Matte and brushed metal finishes are also in style because they hide water spots.
Naomi Neilson recommends materials like hammered copper and glass. They’re easy to clean with just mild soap and water. Hammered copper, in particular, doesn’t show fingerprints like shiny marble or porcelain. And choosing sinks and tubs with sealers for scratch and stain resistance can help keep things looking fresh.
8. Biophilic Elements
Biophilic design, which connects us with nature, is a big trend in home decor, and it’s making its way into bathrooms too.
“Warm woods, cool earth tones, and shades of blue and green inspired by nature are really popular right now,” says Neilson.
Designers and homeowners are embracing this trend to create relaxing, spa-like spaces. What’s more calming than turning your bathroom into a natural retreat?
Danielle DeBoe Harper from Moen suggests adding plants and greenery to make your bathroom feel like a peaceful sanctuary.
Other ideas include using natural materials for cabinets and fixtures that mimic nature, like leaves and waterfalls.
9. Matte Black
If airy, natural materials aren’t your style, this next trend might be the bold statement you’ve been looking for—matte black is a general color trend for 2024, and it’s certainly popping up in many designer bathrooms.
Harper says that Moen noticed the popularity of matte black and even released a full collection called Greenfield where the hue is an option so homeowners can coordinate every fixture. “In recent years, we have seen a surge in the popularity of matte black finishes due to its versatility and ability to blend well with a variety of interior design styles,” she says.
10. Personalized Elements
While following trends can be fun, more homeowners are now focusing on creating spaces that really reflect their personal style.
Yacavone points out, “This year, people are prioritizing creating a space that feels uniquely theirs, whether through bold colors or natural tones. Your space is yours to design.”
Bathrooms are no exception to this trend. Rachael Grochowski, an architect and designer, says, “Bathrooms deserve decor too. I love adding luxurious curtains, a velvet bench, and vases.”
Designers are encouraging people to add fun and personal touches to their bathrooms. Kathleen Walsh notes, “Often, fun elements are left out of bathroom design to keep things serene, but we believe in adding playful and unique items. Art, unexpected finishes, vintage pieces, and mixed materials can all make your bathroom both relaxing and personal.”
In short, if something speaks to you, it can find a place in your bathroom design.
11. Sustainable Touches
Sustainable materials and fixtures are becoming a big deal for home design, and bathrooms are no exception. The good news is that many brands are focusing on eco-friendly options, so you don’t have to sacrifice style or luxury to be more environmentally friendly.
Oakley explains, “People today want to help with climate issues and support companies that share their eco-friendly values.”
Check out your favorite brands for sustainable choices. For example, TOTO offers high-efficiency toilets that use only 1.28 or 1.0 gallons per flush, and Kohler’s Vox vessel sink is made from 70% recycled materials.
Other easy ways to make your bathroom more sustainable include using natural materials like bamboo, recycled glass, or cork, and choosing low-VOC paints and finishes.
