When Hubby and I bought our home in 2021, we knew the kitchen and bathroom would need a refurb. The first thing we did was to use the money saved from stamp duty to fund the kitchen refurbishment. Our family could not survive with a two functioning burner cooker and limited cupboard space. The plan was to save for a few years, then do the bathroom. As fate would have it, we are forced to move up the timescale of the bathroom update due to damp and a possible leak. Part of our Easter weekend was spent looking at small bathroom décor. We have not committed to a particular style. Our mission is to have a cost-effective, modern family bathroom. We have a small family bathroom; a shower is appealing. Would it be expensive to make the switch? Let’s look at the bathroom renovation trends for 2025.
Bathroom Renovations
In the 2024 Houzz & Home Study, research showed that ‘Bathrooms continue to lead as the most commonly renovated interior room (29%), closely followed by kitchens and living rooms (26% each).’ Who’s doing all this work, you might ask. Well, the same study showed that, ‘Gen Xers (40 – 54 yrs) spent the most on renovation projects for the second consecutive year, with their median spend at £22,000.’ Be that as it may, these Gen (me and Hubby) Xers are aiming to spend half that amount.
The current economic and environmental conditions are influencing how some homeowners proceed with their refurbs. One new trend is to switch to a bathroom/wetroom, especially if there’s more than one bathroom to update. We have one family bathroom and toilet, so, we have to be very considered in how we proceed.
Trendy Small Bathroom Themes
In 2025, there’s something for everyone in the bathroom trends. Clive Griffiths, Manager at Grange Design says it’s “considered the most frequently used room in the home which we start and finish the day in, the bathroom has become somewhat of a personal retreat and design style is now the motivating factor behind product selection, material choice, and overall aesthetics.”
Styles range from nature-inspired bringing the outside in, bringing past to present with vintage fixtures and fittings, stone-drenching by covering floors, walls, and shower enclosure with a single, beautiful stone for a seamless, high-end look or textured sculpted tiles, alternatively curved edges, and 3D surfaces can give spa-vibes.
Technology can also help achieve the spa aesthetic.
Sustainability & Tech
I’m sure it’s not just me, the bathroom is probably a mum’s last sanctuary. Even though the odd knock may interrupt our thoughts. Let’s face it, not many of us have regular spa experiences, so why turn our bathroom into one. Starting with smart showers with programmable temperature settings. Our budget version was the showerhead from Lidl that displayed the water temperature with colour code. No chance of being scalded or frozen and help. It’s handy when you have younger ones who are now taking over their bathtimes. I think we had it for about a year, but then decided to get an overhead shower. Additionally, technology has allowed for the development of touchless taps and digital mirrors with built-in LED displays.
I am passionate about not wasting water. After spending one too many summers in my childhood, scouting for water for the family home. Eco-friendly bathrooms would mean allowing us to monitor our usage better and should make their way to savings when the bill comes around. Water-saving technology, from low-flow taps and showers to smart toilets with dual flush systems, would become ever more important.
My Small Bathroom Wish List
My bathroom wish is for a modern monochrome look. Monochrome palettes featuring black and white elements make a statement and can be paired with brushed brass or copper fixtures for added warmth. Although N&C Tiles & Bathrooms’ trend states that green tiles continue to be the go-to colour option for home interiors, as they offer a timeless hue that is both versatile and authentic. I’m thinking perhaps I can get green from bathroom-loving plants, which all at once create a nature-inspired spa-like feel
The jury is still out on whether we will opt for a walk-in shower or update the version while replacing like for like in our small bathroom and keeping the current bathroom layout We are awaiting quotes for the bathroom refurbishment but I’ll take you on the journey with us. Stay tuned.
Lets Get Social
Are you planning any renovations this year? When will you start? Comment below, I’d love to hear from you.
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