2023 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study Reveals Growing Emphasis on Universal Design, Aging, and Safety

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In the ever-evolving realm of bathroom renovation, homeowners are now placing a significant focus on factors like aging gracefully and ensuring safety within their living spaces. The key takeaway from the latest 2023 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study is that they’re also integrating universal design elements that cater to both present needs and future considerations, catering to individuals of all ages and abilities.

This development holds particular promise, given that bathrooms tend to be one of the most perilous areas within a home for seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury-related fatalities among adults aged 65 and above.

The Houzz study indicates a noteworthy increase in homeowners addressing special needs during bathroom renovations, with 66% doing so, up from 54% in 2021. Furthermore, nearly half (44%) of homeowners anticipate the emergence of special needs within the next five years.

To enhance safety, homeowners are incorporating an array of features, including:

– Grab bars (58%)
– Nonslip flooring (58%)
– Curbless showers (43%)
– Additional lighting (33%)
– ADA-compliant toilets (26%)
– Wheelchair-accessible doorways (21%)
– Lower vanity height (3%)
– Lower fixtures (2%)

Flooring, while not solely driven by safety concerns, remains a significant focus. The study reveals that 83% of homeowners upgrade their bathroom flooring during renovations, with a third opting for nonslip flooring outside the shower.

Primary bathrooms are also seeing expansions, with 22% of homeowners enlarging their primary bathrooms by repurposing square footage from closets (44%), bedrooms (24%), and hallways (7%). Post-renovation, almost 3 in 5 bathrooms (59%) measure 100 square feet or more.

Additionally, 26% of homeowners remove their tubs during renovation, and the majority (77%) opt for larger shower spaces. For one in five, the new shower is a whopping 50% larger than the old one.

Low-curb (43%) entries have gained popularity since the previous year, experiencing a 1% increase. Curbless entries are the preference for 24% of homeowners, marking a 3% uptick from last year.

Sustainability is another notable trend, with 87% of homeowners incorporating environmental features such as:

– LED lightbulbs (62%)
– Water-efficient fixtures (46%)
– Timeless design (44%)
– Energy-efficient fixtures (34%)
– Light dimmers (34%)

For 69% of homeowners, long-term cost-effectiveness drives these choices, while 54% prioritize their environmental friendliness.

Other highlights from the study include:

– Median spending on all bathroom remodels has surged by 50%, from $9,000 in 2021 to $13,500 in 2022. Median expenditure on major and minor remodels has risen by 33% and 60%, respectively.
– Wood has surpassed white and grey vanities as the top choice for 33% of homeowners.
– A significant 86% of homeowners opt for style changes in their bathrooms, with transitional styling (23%) reigning as the most popular choice for the second consecutive year, followed by contemporary (16%), modern (15%), traditional (11%), and farmhouse (5%).

In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights into the evolving trends in bathroom design, with an increasing emphasis on universal design, aging considerations, and safety enhancements. Stay informed about the latest developments and keep your home a safe and stylish haven.

Learn more about fall prevention through these resources:

– Centers for Disease Control
– Mayo Clinic
– National Institute on Aging

And remember, Medicare open enrollment ends on December 7th. Don’t delay in reviewing your options to ensure the best care and cost savings for 2024. Explore the resources below to make informed decisions:

– Medicare – call 1-800-633-4227, TTY users call 1-877-486-2048
– National Council on Aging
– The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – SHIP provides unbiased advice on Medicare choices. Use the site’s “Find Your Local SHIP” feature to locate one-on-one assistance in choosing a Medicare plan.
– USA Today’s 2024 Medicare open enrollment date and how to prepare.