We’re still spending a lot of time at home, which means we’re paying more attention to how our spaces look and function.
Homeowners will address outdated bathroom design in 2022 with more durable fixtures and stylish accents that provide a comfortable, practical, refreshing design that suits the modern-day.
Updated Sinks and Touchless Faucets
According to the Houzz 2021 bath trends report, faucets are the most popular bath upgrade, and their counterpart, sinks, have seen an increase in switch-outs over the previous year. “There has been an increased focus on the importance of washing hands over the past 20 months.
As we put more thought into hand-washing, naturally we put more consideration into our hand-washing and hygiene spaces,” Caroline Danielson, director of showrooms at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, stated.
Homeowners, according to Danielson, want to make their spaces more inviting and stylish while also increasing function. “To make their space more hygienic, a homeowner might decide to install a touchless fixture,” she stated.
While supply-chain issues have had an impact on bath fixtures, Danielson notes that the variety of products available is making these projects easier to complete.
Organic Style
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) 2022 Design Trends Report, organic style, which emphasizes natural materials, warm, earthy colors, and plenty of plants, emerged as a major theme in home design in 2020, and it has quickly become the top bathroom style—up from third in 2021.
Accents that complement this style, particularly those that embrace a connection to nature, will continue to appear in bath designs.
According to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), skylights are becoming more popular as a source of natural light, while Houzz data shows that more homeowners are adding plants to their bathrooms.
Bathrooms will also feature earthy greens and watery blues, though the NKBA predicts monochromatic applications rather than bold, contrasting color schemes.
Multipurpose Storage
Many people are rethinking their existing home layouts due to a desire for better-functioning spaces, with access to storage being a key motivator for this change.
The NAHB discovered that linen closets in the master bath are a highly desired feature among homebuyers.
According to the NKBA report, bathroom layouts will expand to include dressing areas, closets, and laundry rooms over the next three years.
Modern Influences
According to Stacy Garcia, founder of the kitchen and bath industry Twitter chat KBtribechat, modern accents will be prevalent in 2022, regardless of a bathroom’s overall design. “Even though most kitchens and bathrooms today include a personalized mix of elements, adding a modern touch is increasingly popular,” she says.
“A fun, modern light fixture can add a dynamic element of surprise.” Garcia anticipates that modern style will influence vanity designs as well, which will benefit from the ease of cleaning and uncluttered appearance provided by more contemporary design’s minimal lines.
Integrated Technology
With the growing popularity of smart toilets and touchless faucets, technology is increasingly being incorporated into bathroom designs to improve comfort and efficiency.
The NKBA’s 2022 bath technology trends include digital, wall-mounted interfaces, mobile apps, tech-savvy shower controls, and heated flooring.
Bath ventilation upgrades are also popular in 2022. Humidity- and steam-sensing exhaust fans, which operate without requiring the user to turn them on or off, are popular investments that effectively and sustainably replace older ventilation.
Smaller-scale connected products, such as scales and mirrors, will also find their way into the bathroom.
Improved Vanity Lighting
According to Houzz, 82 percent of homeowners are upgrading light fixtures to make their bathrooms brighter.
According to Greg Martin, creative director of design for Kichler Lighting, gold and black finishes continue to provide stylish accents.
“White glass is also coming on strong as we move away from the popularity of the vintage Edison filament bulb,” he says.
Martin also predicts that self-lit vanity mirrors will remain popular for brightening bathrooms in 2022, while the NKBA report shows a clear trend toward switching to sustainable LED lighting.
Universal Design Upgrades
What you may not realize is that many of these trends are linked to universal design principles, which are the driving force behind many bathroom improvements.
According to Houzz, more than half of bathroom renovations are done to meet the needs of specific groups such as aging family members, young children, or people with disabilities.
Similarly, the NKBA identifies universal design as a significant influencer of bath design in 2022.
As inclusive design becomes more common, homeowners are becoming more aware of the modifications that are required in their own homes.
In the coming years, expect accessibility to converge with the already popular spa-inspired shower trend. According to Houzz, 74% of people are improving their shower experience by installing fixtures such as rainfall showerheads, body sprayers, and mood lighting.
The NKBA also mentions curbless shower entries, handheld showers, and shower seats being used. While these features are frequently found in luxury showers, they are also consistent with universal design.
“Barrier-free showers with no curb are becoming the norm in both new construction and even remodeling,” says Ebony Stephenson, owner of Designs by Ebony.
“They are no longer thought of as ‘wheelchair-accessible’ showers, but simply showers accessible for all.”
