Move over, kitchens and basements, the bathroom is taking the #1 spot on homeowner’s lists of favorite spaces. You see it in movies, shelter magazines, and websites — luxurious, high-tech, and highly-valued bathrooms that homeowners and buyers cherish.
Findings from a 2017 survey of 1,238 U.S. homeowners on Houzz about their master bathroom renovation projects reveal that the bathroom now rivals the bedroom or kitchen for the home’s top renovation/improvement project. According to US News‘ Money section, home sellers can expect a little more than a 50% return on their bathroom renovation project, depending on the scale.
Some of the best ideas and trends for bathrooms and powder rooms include:
- Neutral and Minimal features: Keep design features minimal, and use a neutral color palette. For example, a color palette of cool grays and blacks accented with natural wood and plenty of natural light can create a spa-like atmosphere.
- According to Houzz’s 2017 survey, showers are the top feature to splurge on during a master bathroom renovation (42% of renovating homeowners). Of those making master shower updates (81%), more than two-thirds increase its size. Many homeowners remove their master bathtub (27%) to make room for a larger shower (91%).
- Avoid clutter: Keep only necessities at hand, and use storage – think drawers and shelves – to stash items you don’t want to see on display. Elegant and relaxed is easier to communicate when there is open space.
- Keep it Light: Windows as large as you can imagine (without violating privacy), crystal lighting fixtures, and light surfaces keep things elegant and calming.
- Technology with a Gentle Touch: touch-sensitive taps, toilets that fully wash, dry, and deodorize, and more are the wave of the future. Radiant heat flooring and towel warmers are also becoming increasingly popular.
- Organization: An organized and and accessible bathroom means full enjoyment of all these features.
- Accessibility: Baby boomers are adding features such as grab bars and curb-less showers.
Experts say bathrooms are the second costliest room in the home for renovations, so when you are planning to remodel, make sure you end up with a bathroom you’ll love! If you are planning on selling, a bathroom renovation can attract buyers and improve the value of your home.
written by Rhoda Wheeler