Bathroom design in 2023 will continue to build on themes emerging since 2020, including clean lines, easy-maintenance materials, and heavy doses of natural colors. At the same time, an underlying current is shifting our view of bathrooms from task-focused spaces to rooms designed for comfort.
1. Fabulous Walk-in Showers
It seems that everyone agrees 2023 is the year of the shower. Pinterest Predicts identified an “elevated shower routine” among its top trends for the year. Similarly, 2023 Design Trends research by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and 2022 Bathroom Trends research from Houzz both report continued and increasing popularity in shower upgrades. This includes expanding shower sizes—two-person showers are preferred, according to the NKBA–as well as shower seats, multiple showerheads, and zero-entry showers for ageless accessibility.
2. Removing Oversize Tubs
“While modern standalone tubs have been trending for several years, I have clients requesting removal of their large unused built-in tubs and reclaiming that space,” says Youell. Instead, that area is being repurposed for other trending bath design elements, such as expanded showers or bathroom linen closets. Removing a tub can also open a floor plan to create a bath that feels less crowded and more serene.
3. Spa Inspiration
There’s a shifting mindset when it comes to bathroom design: instead of seeing bathrooms as strictly task-focused, consider them as spaces in which to relax and take care of your body. “It can help heal a sore body when you have the flu, or it can even help with sore muscles from skiing,” says Lauren Schulte, NKBA member and owner and designer of Monarch Kitchen Design Studio.
4. Wood Vanities
Painted finishes, especially white, have been the dominant choice for bathroom vanities of all shapes and sizes for years. But in 2023, expect to see a lot more natural wood on bathroom vanities and cabinets.
5. Decorating with Wellness and Sustainability in Mind
“Sustainability trends will continue in the bathroom with the most popular areas being energy efficient lighting, floor heating, paints, and stains,” says Tanna Edler, NKBA-certified interior designer and owner of TANNA BY DESIGN.
6. Bathroom Accents That Pop
Although spa-worthy spaces might be this year’s biggest bathroom trend, the aesthetic doesn’t have to be entirely subdued. “After a series of serene and calm environments that we gravitated to due to the pandemic, we are now looking for fun and bold patterns to add texture and color to our space,” says Jake T. Galang, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD)