Blogs I published 08 November 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
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.
Read more
22 November 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
European Garden Monitor – Trends and Outlooks
31 October 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
Roofing Trends for a Better Future: From Shelter to Sustainability
16 October 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
Home Improvement Brands and Private Labels vs. A-Brands
09 October 2024 I Dirk Hoogenboom
Most Required Services in the Installation Industry
Fresh Insights Await
Our relevant reports
Delve into the newest findings across various market segments, crafted for a cutting-edge overview. Explore our insightful reports, brimming with up-to-date data, trend analyses, and in-depth examinations, all tailored to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the current market dynamics.
Construction
Home Improvement
Installation
Special reports
Construction
Decision making process Q3 2024
2024 87 pages
Unveil the decision-making processes in the construction industry through the lens of European architects. Discover the factors that influence crucial decisions and the interplay among different stakeholders.
1,850 Euro
Construction
Prefab H1 2024
2024 63 pages
Discover the adoption rate and benefits of prefabrication technology among European contractors in H1 2024. Understand the driving forces behind prefab usage and its impact on project efficiency and cost-saving.
6,300 Euro
Construction
Sustainability 2024
2024 72 pages
Painter Insight Monitor 2024 will focus on understanding the specific needs, preferences, and challenges faced by painters when it comes to sustainable products.
10,815 Euro
Construction
Importance of branding & branding funnels 2024
2024 62 pages
This report offers a comprehensive overview of importance of branding and branding funnels with a specific focus on European handymen. Brand behaviour is covered for each country, showing purchasing power, differences regarding quality, sustainability, online shopping, innovation-habit and private labels,
8,400 Euro
Construction
Future of construction Q2 2024
2024 82 pages
Explore the evolving future in construction sector among European architects in Q2 2024. Delve into the factors driving material preferences and the impact on construction aesthetics and sustainability.
1,850 Euro
Construction
Trends in material usage Q1 2024
2024 102 pages
Explore the evolving trends in material usage among European architects in Q1 2024. Delve into the factors driving material preferences and the impact on construction aesthetics and sustainability.
1,850 Euro
Home Improvement
European Garden Monitor
2023 43 pages
Explore the European Garden Monitor, a comprehensive platform dedicated to garden health monitoring in Europe. Access valuable resources and expert advice today.
12,000 Euro
Home Improvement
Purchase channels Q2 2024
2024 90 pages
The European Home Improvement Monitor offers valuable insights on purchase channels in the European home improvement industry, examining the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers across traditional retail and emerging online platforms.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
Sustainability Q1 2024
2024 81 pages
Delve into sustainability trends in the home improvement sector in Q1 2024. Discover consumer preferences and the shift towards eco-friendly home improvement solutions.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
DIY versus DIFM Q4 2021
2024 113 pages
This report is a must-have if you’re in the home improvement industry. It provides a wealth of information on the behaviour of DIY and DIFM consumers, their motivations, and the factors that influence their purchasing decisions.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
DIY or DIFM Q4 2023
2024 70
Explore the prevailing trends between DIY and DIFM in Q4 2023. Understand consumer preferences and the factors influencing their choice between DIY and DIFM.
3,150 Euro
Home Improvement
Branding Q3 2023
2023 93 pages
This report offers an extensive overview of the home improvement industry, with a focus on branding and the most popular brands within different categories. Within this report, you will gain insights into how customers perceive home improvement brands and what motivates them to buy certain products.
3,150 Euro
Installation
Prefab Q3 2024
2024 110 pages
Uncover the adoption of prefabricated products in HVAC installations during Q2 2022. Delve into the benefits and challenges associated with prefabrication in HVAC.
2,650 Euro
Installation
Branding Q3 2024
2024 74 pages
Discover the power of branding in the home improvement sector. Explore how strong branding influences consumer preferences and purchase decisions.
3,150 Euro
Installation
Prefab Q3 2024
2024 119 pages
This report offers a comprehensive view of the installers’ involvement and needs regarding prefabricated electrical installations.
3,150 Euro
Installation
Smart & Connected Products Q2 2024
2024 120 pages
This report provides a comprehensive view of the attitudes of installers toward smart building solutions, specifically among electrical installers and their clients. In the report, you will find insights into the installers' experiences with installing smart products and the willingness of end users to invest in such solutions, as well as their motivations and pain points.
3,150 Euro
Installation
Smart and connected products Q2 2024
2024 129
This report provides a comprehensive view of the attitudes of installers toward smart building solutions, specifically among HVAC installers, plumbers and their clients. In the report, you will find insights into the installers' experiences with installing smart products and the willingness of end users to invest in such solutions, as well as their motivations and pain points.
3,150 Euro
Installation
BIM Q1 2024
2024 84 pages
The European Mechanical Installation Monitor report provides a detailed analysis of the plumbing and HVAC industry. This report specifically focuses on BIM adaptation in the industry.
2,650 Euro
Special reports
European Sustainability Report 2024
2024 51 pages
This report provides in-depth insights based on triangulation of key market information and data as well as data from USP Marketing Consultancy’s key monitors that are carried out year in, year out. The focus of this report is on the most important stakeholders within the construction industry, namely architects, contractors, electrical and HVAC installers within The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, France, Italy, and Spain.
3,950 Euro