What’s Next? Bathroom Design and Tech Trends for 2025

The pandemic changed a lot about how we live, including the way we think about our homes. With all that extra time on-hand, people took on renovation projects they’d been putting off. So bathrooms became sanctuaries, kitchens central hubs and sustainability took the spotlight. Now, with life and spending priorities stabilizing, we see the same slowdown in tempo in the home improvement market.

That’s why we’re looking at the key trends in the bathroom industry today, from the importance of sustainable choices to the rise of prefabricated solutions. Whether you’re a homeowner or an industry specialist, here’s what’s shaping the way we renovate bathrooms now.

Bathroom Renovations Post-COVID

When COVID hit, people looked for ways to improve their homes since they were spending so much time there. Bathroom renovations, along with kitchens and living areas, got a lot of attention, and there was a huge spike in demand for home improvements. Now, that initial burst of activity has settled down, and people are a bit more cautious about where they’re putting their money.

Finding Balance Between Bathroom Upgrades and Other Investments

Homeowners started investing more in eco-friendly improvements like heat pumps and solar panels. But these upgrades came with a cost, and that’s led some people to press pause on bigger bathroom projects. However, as labor shortages ease and more households regain room in their budgets, bathroom renovations are starting to climb back up the list of priorities. More people now want to revisit these projects and put some of their savings into making their living spaces feel fresh again.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage

Sustainability isn’t a vague sound-bite used to attract more customers. It’s a very real trend shaping the industry, and it’s here to stay. In recent years, it’s become much easier to make green choices in the bathroom, from water-saving fixtures to materials with recycled content, meaning today’s bathrooms can be beautiful, functional and eco-friendly – all at once.

Multi-Tasking Installers: A Natural Fit for Sustainability Upgrades

In countries like Germany, for example, there’s a demand for SHK (Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning) – installers who are equipped to handle a variety of tasks. This means that the same pros who install your bathroom fixtures can also install sustainable solutions like heat pumps, making it easy for homeowners to make upgrades that benefit the planet without needing multiple contractors.

More Eco-Friendly Materials and Water-Saving Features

Water-saving fixtures like low-flow faucets and toilets are popular, but their use varies by country (for instance, the Netherlands has a relatively low adoption rate compared to Spain). But in many places, consumers are starting to choose materials with recycled content or fixtures that are built to save water. These small changes help make a difference for the environment without sacrificing style or function in the bathroom.

Prefabricated Bathrooms

As with any other industry branch, prefab’s getting a lot of attention in bathrooms. As labor costs rise, prefab options have become more appealing, especially for projects where budget and time are big considerations. Prefab bathrooms come with everything ready to install, making the process faster and often more affordable.

Why Prefab is On the Rise

True, prefab is mostly a new-build game, but it can be a smart choice in renovation too, especially for commercial spaces. These solutions allow businesses to upgrade or add bathrooms quickly without the long wait times of traditional builds. Prefab bathrooms are built to fit mid-range budgets, but manufacturers have put effort into making them look and feel high-quality, giving them a polished finish without a premium price tag.

High Recycled Content

Prefab bathrooms are also responding to the push for sustainability. Many options are now made with materials that have a high percentage of recycled content, making them an environmentally friendly choice without a heavy impact on the wallet. Prefab’s ease of installation, combined with sustainable materials, make it a growing choice for consumers and businesses alike.

How the Professional Market is Rebounding Post-COVID

The pandemic took a toll on industries like hospitality and healthcare, where regular upgrades, renovations or maintenance are in high demand. With travel restrictions and lockdowns, these sectors shut down any type of revamping but, post-pandemic, things are shifting and the usual operations are starting to hold their ground again.

Fast Solutions for a Fast-Paced Market

Think hotels. As they look to get back to a stabilized business flow, prefab has become an attractive option. These prefabricated solutions can be installed in a fraction of the time, helping them refresh their spaces without too much downtime. By choosing options that look good and can be installed quickly, businesses are keeping up with the high demand for modern, comfortable spaces.

Commercial Bathrooms Going Green

With more travellers and guests expecting eco-friendly accommodations, we’re seeing that more and more hotels and hospitals are prioritizing sustainability too. High-quality, water-saving fixtures, as well as materials with recycled content, allow them to meet customer expectations while reducing water usage and waste.

Consumer Preferences and Highlights

Today’s bathrooms are becoming a place to retreat, recharge and make a statement. With a blend of wellness-focused upgrades, innovative technology and expressive design choices, they’re all about comfort, personalization and efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of what’s capturing the attention of customers.

Smart Tech

Smart home features are making their way into the bathroom, with innovations that bring convenience, customization and luxury. Smart toilets, showers and voice controls are on the rise, offering a level of personalization that can simplify routines and make daily tasks more enjoyable.

Wellness-Oriented Bathrooms

Spa-like upgrades – like steam showers, rain showers and heated floors – are getting a lot of traction in online searches, meaning more and more customers are looking to turn bathrooms into spaces that support relaxation and self-care. Homeowners are embracing elements that go beyond aesthetics, creating spaces where they can unwind and recharge.

Colors and Patterns

Both are making a strong comeback in bathroom design. Bold bathroom covers, patterned tiles and custom vanities show that homeowners are embracing more expressive and personalized aesthetics. The shift from plain neutrals to striking hues make the bathroom a space for bold expression, allowing homeowners to break away from tradition and bring more personality in.

Design Hacks for Small Spaces

Working with limited bathroom space, efficient layouts that maximize space without sacrificing style are another focus. Clever solutions like corner showers and floating vanities are allowing even small bathrooms to feel open and organized. By choosing multifunctional fixtures and smart storage options, people are transforming compact bathrooms into streamlined, practical and inviting spaces.

What’s Next for Bathroom Designs?

In 2024, bathrooms are evolving into multi-functional spaces that blend comfort, smart innovation and expressive design, and these transformations reflect our desire to enhance our homes in practical, meaningful ways. For those interested in staying updated on the latest in bathroom design or exploring specific projects, we offer a range of resources; from informative webinars to in-depth blog posts, we’re here to guide you through the latest innovations. Get in touch and discover how to make the most of these trends.