Planning a Chicago bathroom remodeling project this year? You're probably busy checking out design websites like there's no tomorrow, hemming and hawing over which trends you want to work with and which ones can go by the wayside.
Which Trends Work Best for Your Bathroom Remodeling Plans?
If you're working with a budget, we recommend reading, 5 Top Areas That Break the Budget in a Chicago Bathroom Remodel, before you begin picking and choosing features, fixtures and finishes. It will give you a better idea of how to balance your remodeling budget so you select items that work with what you love as well as what the budget accommodates.
Here are some of the 2017 bathroom remodeling trends we feel are as timeless as they are compelling.
Larger showers
Regardless of whether they change the size of the bathroom footprint, 68% of remodelers opt to enlarge the size of their shower - most by as much a 50%. This is due in part to the appeal of rainshower-style shower heads and the appeal of steam showers. Another bonus? When larger, walk-in showers are automatically more accessible - should you or a future homebuyer opt to age in place.
Deluxe flooring
Almost every single homeowner (9 out of 10) opted to replace their bathroom floors. While hardwood and natural stone floors are popular, Houzz reports that ceramic and porcelain tiles supersede these. In fact, the desire for high-end, ceramic faux-wood tiles is on on the rise. Ceramic tile manufacturers do an incredible job of replicating real wood planks, including textured grains and knots. In addition to a stellar finish, you gain a water-proof surface that is anti-slip to boot.
Swanky plumbing fixtures
About 94% of bathroom renovations incorporate plumbing fixture replacements. Sleek contemporary plumbing fixtures are the most desirable because their easy-to-clean designs make them a low-maintenance addition.
High-Tech Bathroom Features
While they aren't in the majority (yet), high-tech bathroom features are rapidly becoming the norm in major remodels. Again, according to Houzz:
- More than 50% of homeowners use their phones or tablets in the bathroom.
- 20% of homeowners chose toilets with high-tech features (including self-cleaning, motion-activated seats and/or night lights).
- High-tech features are also popular for upgraded baths and showers.
Also trending are techy extras, like integrated lighting in vanity mirrors, which can also incorporate a screen if desired.
Thoughtful lighting plans
Gone are the days of standard, overhead vanity lighting and a recessed can or two. Today's homeowners want more layered and ambient-focused lighting. We mentioned the integrated vanity lights above as one example.
Others include things like swanky chandeliers over a soak tub, under-cabinet lighting for night-lights and customized lighting around the vanity to ensure your face isn't cast in harsh light or dark shadows as you apply makeup, shave and otherwise prepare for you day or a special night out.
We recommend reading the full, 2016 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study to learn more about what's trending and what's not in the world of Chicago bathroom remodeling.
