Trends in Bathroom Plumbing

If you are looking to install a whirlpool jet tub in your bathroom, you might want to reconsider. The Home Innovation Research Labs (HIRL) is reporting that bathroom plumbing design trends have been changing since the real-estate bubble in 2008. Luxury bathrooms set the trend for all other bathroom plumbing designs and the trends are shifting away from whirlpool jet tubs and bidets.
 

Shifting Trends in Bathroom Styles

The report from HIRL state that whirlpool tub installation has fallen nearly 10 percent in the last six years. Bidet installations have dropped almost 35 percent during the same time period. These numbers reflect the changes that have been happening to luxury homes as homeowners are reconsidering their expenses as well as the sizes of their homes. Along with changes in the bathrooms, even the square footage of luxury homes has changed, as the size dropped nearly 150 square feet. Since an average bathroom is about 100 square feet, the extra bathroom is often one of the first rooms to go when designing new homes.
 

Spa-Like Bathrooms for Daily Luxury

The latest trends involve making the master suite a place of refuge. Instead of adding guest rooms, extra bathrooms, or other extras, homeowners are deciding to make their home their castles instead of someone else’s occasional hotel. Since whirlpool tubs are used so infrequently and can be difficult to clean, the latest bathroom trends are moving to deep soaking tubs and special shower stalls.
 

Contemporary Design Trumping Ornate Style

Even the ornate decor that tends to define luxury living is changing. Homeowners are looking more towards contemporary and transitional design styles. Instead of adding tchotchkes and

busy trims, bathrooms are being loaded with computerized control systems, heated floors with heated lamps, and hot shower stalls that can be used as steam showers. These plumbing choices are enjoyed on a daily basis and can make the home feel like a spa.
 

Dreamy Showers in Extra-Large Sizes

Showers are going big. Luxury home builders are installing dream showers that include a variety of details that can only be put in extra-large showers. The details include shower heads and body sprays that hit the body in several places. The other big trend includes adding two shower heads so he and she can use the shower at the same time. Along with these details, the controls for the showers are moved into the shower via waterproof touchpads. The his-and-her showers often have two entrances because they are so large. While younger homeowners are enjoying their extra-large showers, older homeowners are asking their plumbers to install separate showers, but still with the bells and whistles.
 

Reusing Water for Sustainability

Another popular trend is to reuse water. While no one wants to shower or brush their teeth with gray water, this reused water can be used in the toilet. New trends in bathroom plumbing fixtures allow shower water and hand-washing water to be sent directly to the toilet. This might not seem as luxurious as a heated floor, but the idea of saving water each time you flush the toilet is quite appealing. As these sustainable plumbing fixtures appear more often in luxury home magazines and design studios, they will become more popular with the middle class homeowners, who tend to add luxury products as they become less expensive.
 

Environmentally Friendly Bath Fixtures

Environmentally safe bathroom fixtures are also gaining ground. While luxury homeowners are installing keypads for shower controls, those who still want traditional fixtures are able to add them without having to worry about lead. Popular brass fixtures that once contained lead no longer do. Even low-flow toilets are working better and using less water, as little as 1.2 gallons for every flush.

When you are looking for the latest trends in plumbing for a new build or a remodel, give Scott English Plumbing a call at 714-987-9801 or 949-462-9773.