Bathrooms Become the New ‘Wellness Hubs’ in the Modern Home

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Bathrooms are getting makeovers as “Re-Rooms”—places to renew, re-center, and reinvigorate, according to the 2025 Bath Trends Report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association. The demand for spa-inspired features is growing to counter the stresses of modern life, says Bill Darcy, global president and CEO of NKBA.

Nearly two-thirds of designers surveyed by NKBA say they expect spa and retreat-inspired elements to become dominant themes over the next few years. It’s even influencing home staging and renovations to better connect with today’s home buyers. Here are some of the wellness trends showing up in bathroom designs.

Bringing the Spa Home

Luxury features once reserved for high-end resorts are making their way into private residences and may increasingly be touted in real estate listings. Wellness has emerged as a primary theme in bathroom design, cited by 79% of surveyed professionals by NKBA. For example, features in demand include rehabilitative showers, with 72% of designers reporting demand for steam, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy capabilities. Also, 70% report an uptick in interest in soaking tubs that promote physical recovery and relaxation.

Lighting for Health, Not Just Looks

Lighting is no longer just about visibility—it’s being used as a wellness tool, too. Designers surveyed identified lighting that supports circadian rhythms and mood enhancement as a top trend. To that end, designs are incorporating skylights, large windows, and frosted glass doors to boost natural light, along with modern lighting systems that can even adjust throughout the day.

A Return to Natural Materials

Wellness in design also means creating a sensory connection to nature. Earthy textures and colors—like warm wood finishes, soft greens, and muted browns—are trending, even reminiscent of the color palettes of the 1970s.

Top trending colors for 2025, according to NKBA, are:

• White (still dominant)
• Green
• Blue
• Gray
• Brown

Smarter Bathrooms, Seamlessly Integrated

Smart technology continues to make inroads into high-end bathroom design. Programmable showers, motion-activated lights, and heated floors are becoming must-haves. However, homeowners want tech that blends in—not stands out. About 83% of designers report clients prefer solutions that are subtle and personalized—like power outlets hidden in drawers or voice-activated lighting scenes.

Low Maintenance, High Impact

Well-being also means minimizing daily stress—and that includes cleaning. Surfaces that are easy to maintain are gaining favor, including large-format tiles with ultra-thin grout lines, self-cleaning toilets, and durable countertop materials that resist stains and wear.

Whether it's a full remodel or just thoughtful upgrades, homeowners are reimagining the bathroom as a space that prioritizes both design and daily well-being. With spa-quality features, natural aesthetics, and smart tech touches, the modern bathroom isn’t just about function—but also a spot in the home designed to make you feel good.

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