Luxury isn’t just for the spa; it’s now made its way into home bathrooms. It’s all about creating a calming space, with a focus on the overall design and the necessary luxury features. For the latest trends in bathroom design, we consulted a few of our colleagues at Long & Foster l Christie’s to find out what they’re seeing in the market.

Cabinets: Bathroom cabinets in white or shades of pewter with clean simple lines are trending now, according to Stephen Vardas, a real estate agent in Long & Foster’s Georgetown office in Washington, D.C. Painted furniture or antiques are also being retrofitted with square sinks (rather than traditional round sinks) to create statement vanities.

Tubs and Showers: Many of today’s master bathrooms have either a freestanding tub, which provides a fresher look than the oversized built-in tubs of earlier decades, or no tub at all. Doorless showers continue to top the list for in-demand features, especially among the age-in-place demographic, shared Pauline Dent, director of builder and developer services for Long & Foster New Homes. Multiple showerheads, linear drains, stone floors and built-in seating are also prevalent choices.

Faucets: Gold fixtures are back in style, but they are now offered in muted, rubbed brass shades, also known as “champagne,” according to Sherry Beran, a real estate agent with Long & Foster’s Village of Midlothian office in Midlothian, Virginia. Brushed nickel and chrome still remain as attractive options.

Countertops: Italian Carrera marble, with its white and blue-grey tones, is becoming the preferred choice for vanities, as well as showers.

Paint Colors: Coastal colors, such as soft greens and blues, create a fresh and serene feel in the bathroom. “The ‘new neutrals’ have expanded from white and cream to the pale earthy shades of blue, green and pink which work well in smaller bath spaces with a few key dark accents to add depth,” said Dent.

Tile: No longer just blending into the background, tile is now a focal point. Patterned tile is back with a renewed focus on craftsmanship in tile design. Beran added that oversized tiles, which can range from 12 inches by 24 inches to 18 inches by 36 inches, are more widely used on floors these days. Ceramic tiles that look like wood are gaining in popularity as well.  

Where else can you get design ideas for your bathroom? HGTV or Houzz are good resources, offering a wide range of bathroom ideas for everyone’s tastes. Your local real estate agent can also share insight on trends they are seeing in the market.