Bathroom design 2023: Homeowner spending habits and popular trends

Bathroom remodels remain one of the most popular projects among homeowners, but it comes as no surprise that rising costs and shortages will have an impact on the trends moving the bathroom remodeling industry forward. Fixr.com’s annual Bathroom Trends Report analyzes the responses of top design experts on their thoughts and predictions of what’s to come for bathroom remodels and which trends to keep an eye out for in 2023.

As homeowners’ spending habits fluctuate and design trends dictate the current market, we highlight some key factors to consider this year. Here’s a breakdown of what’s to come for the bathroom remodeling industry in 2023.

Homeowners are set to spend more on bathroom remodels

Although labor shortages and inflation have been affecting the industry and homeowners recently, these factors are not likely to slow down the desire to tackle a bathroom remodel. A total of 71% of experts believe that people will be willing to spend more on these projects in 2023. As the costs of remodels fluctuate, homeowners are having to become flexible in their spending habits and prioritize their projects accordingly.

The bathroom remains one of the most frequently renovated spaces in the home. So while the costs to do so may be increasing, the homeowners’ willingness to invest in their bathrooms will likely hold strong as they adapt to a more challenging economic climate. The current housing market may have ruined many people’s plans to move, but they’re now more willing to improve their current homes instead.

Functionality and aesthetics are driving bathroom renovations

When asked about their predictions on the main reasons behind bathroom remodels this year, 52% of experts said functionality and aesthetics will be the biggest factors driving homeowners to invest in their bathrooms in 2023. Improving the functionality of a bathroom makes one of the most frequently used spaces in the home much easier for the whole household to access and enjoy.

Functionality is one of the main aspects of a bathroom, but now, homeowners are even more focused on aesthetics. People are now looking to represent their individual style and improve the way they feel about this functional space as its use for personal well-being increases.

Showers top the list of priorities for homeowners

According to 65% of experts, a shower upgrade will be the biggest homeowner priority in 2023. With the shower being prone to issues such as water damage and mold, homeowners are making sure their shower remains updated in order to lower general maintenance costs while improving the functionality of the bathroom.

Showers are also considered a main feature in terms of design, as homeowners decide to incorporate more visually appealing options that will improve the overall look of the space. In fact, 59% of experts said that shower tiles will be the most popular way to incorporate color into the bathroom this year, making the shower area in general a focal point to showcase homeowners’ personal style.

Cost of materials most likely to halt homeowners’ remodel plans

Homeowners may be willing to spend more on their bathroom remodels this year, but 73% of experts believe that the perpetually rising cost of materials may put projects on hold in 2023. Of all the cost increases we’re seeing, it’s the materials that are most putting homeowners off. 

Increased gas prices are causing higher prices for shipping, which in turn is affecting the cost of materials. Supply shortages are also resulting in cost fluctuations of certain materials such as concrete, wood and steel. These factors will mean a general increase in the cost of a bathroom remodel, making budgeting more important than ever or forcing homeowners to put a stop to their project altogether.

Ceramic tiles are top affordable material alternative

As a solution to the shortages and rising costs of materials, homeowners are looking to opt for more affordable alternatives this year. According to 71% of experts, ceramic tiles will be the best option in terms of affordability for a bathroom remodel in 2023. As a versatile material that can be used on floors, walls and showers, ceramic tile has the potential to lower the overall costs of a bathroom remodel without homeowners having to sacrifice on design.

This trend will not only help homeowners invest more in what is important to them in terms of functionality, but it’ll also allow them to create a design that is suited to their personal taste. Ceramic tiles can incorporate the trend of a visually appealing space while avoiding the downfalls of rising costs and shortages within the bathroom remodeling industry.

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