In 2024, it’s all about blending functionality with aesthetics in your bathroom. Whether going more natural or retro with your look, a bathroom remodel can help you and your family make the most out of your available space.
Learn more about some of the top bathroom design trends we’re seeing in the Fox Cities area and beyond from the remodeling and design experts at Watters Plumbing.
1. Spa-Like Retreats
We see a lot of homeowners attempting to create a zen experience at home by turning their bathroom into a spa-like retreat.
Think soothing colors, natural materials like stone and wood, and incorporating luxurious elements like rainfall showers, freestanding tubs, and steam showers. Adding greenery and soft lighting can also enhance the tranquil atmosphere of the space.
2. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Fixtures
At Watters, we’re always talking about sustainability — and it continues to be a big trend in bathroom design in the Fox Cities and beyond. Incorporating sustainable elements into your bathroom can be a great way to reduce your monthly expenses and make a lasting impact on the world as a whole.
Water-saving fixtures like low-flow toilets and faucets, energy-efficient lighting, and sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled glass, are becoming more standard.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, switching to an efficient toilet can reduce water usage by about 20-60% — or about 13,000 gallons per home each year. They estimate savings of about $140 per year, or almost $2,900 over the lifetime of your toilet. If you have multiple toilets in your home, those savings can definitely add up over time.
3. Smart Technology Integration
Technology in your bathroom? Absolutely! Smart bathrooms are on the rise as many of us are looking to boost convenience and efficiency in our daily routines.
Features such as voice-activated lighting, smart mirrors with built-in displays, automated showers, and touchless faucets integrate seamlessly with phones and other smart devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Heated toilet seats and floors are especially popular in Wisconsin for those chilly winter months.
These innovations allow you to personalize your bathroom experience and increase safety. No stumbling around in the dark in the middle of the night — just say “Turn on the lights!” Smart upgrades can also be a major selling point if you’re looking to sell your home in the near future.
4. Bold Patterns and Colors
Bold patterns, vibrant colors, and unique shapes can make a statement in your bathroom and help draw the eye to various areas.
Our team can work with you to find geometric designs, mosaic patterns, and large-format designs that add visual interest to your bathroom or shower wall and align seamlessly with your existing space and bathroom fixtures.
5. Minimalist Aesthetic
A minimalist approach is favored in bathroom design for its clean lines and clutter-free appearance.
This trend focuses on simplicity and functionality, using floating vanities, frameless mirrors, and hidden storage solutions to maintain an open and airy feel. This approach can work in a variety of spaces but is especially great for small bathrooms and powder rooms where square footage is at a premium.
6. Vintage and Retro Styles
Millennials and Gen Z are all about embracing nostalgia, which means retro and vintage designs are making a comeback in many homes — even in the bathroom. Many homeowners are embracing the feel of the past while elevating it to feel modern and unique to them.
Think vintage fixtures and classic color schemes regaining popularity. To embrace this trend, incorporate elements like brass or gold fixtures, and pedestal sinks to achieve a nostalgic (yet stylish) look.
7. Textured Surfaces
Texture adds depth and interest to any bathroom design, upping the visual appeal and aesthetic. Looking for ways to incorporate unique textures into your bathroom remodel or redesign project?
We’ve seen homeowners embracing things like textured wallpaper, shiplap walls, and natural stone vanity tops to create a tactile and visually appealing environment. Rugs and window coverings also add texture to otherwise smooth surfaces.
8. Black Accents
Want to make any bathroom really pop? Think black. Black fixtures and accessories are becoming a popular choice for adding contrast and sophistication in 2024.
Popular options include black faucets, showerheads, and hardware, which can create a striking look when paired with lighter colors and materials, like a classic white sink. You can also consider things like a classic black and white look, with black towels, rugs, and picture frames as decorative accents.
Black looks effortlessly elegant — and hides dirt and other cosmetic flaws better than other colors might.
9. Customized Storage Solutions
If you’re among the homeowners looking to stay in their homes longer, your bathroom needs to work for you across life stages, which may mean customization options. To make the most of available space, custom storage solutions tailored to individual needs are highly sought after for bathrooms right now.
Built-in cabinets, pull-out organizers, and vanity drawers can help keep the bathroom organized and efficient, no matter what stage of life you and your family are in. Customized storage solutions can ultimately help you maximize space in tight areas and make it feel a bit more like “you” when you walk in each day.
10. Inclusive Design
People, particularly seniors, are living independently in their homes for longer. Focusing on inclusive design, or universal design, ensures that your bathroom continues to be accessible, regardless of your age or mobility.
Features like walk-in showers, walk-in tubs, grab bars, and adjustable height vanities can be both functional and stylish, adding safety and aesthetic appeal to your home no matter your age or physical abilities. Investing in these types of adaptations helps minimize the risks of falls and other injuries as you age.
Work with the Fox Cities Bathroom Remodeling Specialists
With more than 60 years of experience in plumbing and bathroom remodeling in Northeast Wisconsin, Watters Plumbing is here to help bring your bathroom dreams to life.
Schedule an appointment to visit our Menasha showroom to speak with one of our experienced bathroom remodeling design specialists and see the latest bathroom fixtures and options from top brands like Kohler, Delta, Moen, and more.
“I had my bathroom remodel done in November. I am extremely happy with the results. Jared helped me with types of materials and colors. Mark and Al were very professional and did excellent work. When the project was done, Mike came out and made sure I was happy with the results. This was overall a very good experience and I would highly recommend Watters Plumbing!” — Evelyn Tyler
Contact us to learn more.
