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Bathroom Design Trends 2023: Are You Ready for an Upgrade?

Whether you’re an owner looking to improve a New York City condo or co-op or a property manager investigating upgrades that are popular now, the bath is a key room to explore. Here are the top bathroom design trends for 2023. They’ll make homes more comfortable for those who want to stay a while and increase value for owners thinking about listing their properties. And, of course, improvements that involve upgrading the plumbing always make life better for property managers and staff who have to respond to calls to fix pre-war pipes and fixtures.

Colorful Tile

Bold and beautiful

While monochromatic looks were popular a few years ago, 2023 is all about color in the bath. Whether you like the soothing hues of oceany blues, a burst of sunshine yellow, or muted retro peach or olive green, there’s something for everyone.

Tile showers are particularly in style, and the walls don’t necessarily need to match the floor. Not sure if you’re ready to tile a large area? Try a small nook or even a backsplash behind the vanity.

Geometric Tile Floors

Patterned perfection

Tile on the floor outside the shower area is in focus now, too. Geometric patterns are all the rage, but not the old-fashioned black and white floors of the 1930s and ‘40s. Instead, designers are using more sizeable patterns that often blend into one solid color for an asymmetrical look.

Pro tip: replacing your bathroom floor is the best time to add radiant floor heating. There are several kinds of tubing that provide heat under your floor, including both electric and hot water heating options.

Luxurious Powder Rooms

Special guest accommodations

Guest baths are getting the royal treatment with powder rooms that rival the primary bath. Don’t shy away from using dark colors or large wallpaper patterns even in a small space. Other powder room trends include:

• Tiny sinks to fit into corners
• Floating toilets that take up no floor space
• Pedestal sinks that give the impression of more room versus a full vanity
• Backlit mirrors
• Antique crystal and one-of-a-kind art chandeliers

Unlacquered Brass Fixtures

Timeless matte finishes

Gold-toned bathroom fixtures are gaining ground right now. But rather than being the shiny brass models of years past, matte finishes are popular. They go with a greater range of styles, including more natural and country decor. You can carry over the same unlacquered hues throughout the bath, including sink faucets, shower valves, drawer pulls, knobs, and light fixtures.

Open-Spout Mixers

Waterfall feeling

If you’re replacing a faucet, it’s time to get away from two handles and conventional spigots. Open-spout mixers controlled by one handle are seen everywhere now. They lend any bath a spa-like ambiance, evoking the look and sound of old-time garden fountains in Japan.

Freestanding Bathtubs

Retro and modern

Bathtubs are dominating bathroom designs in 2023, but they’re not the big jetted tubs of the early 21st century. Rather, you’ll find a range of medium-sized freestanding tubs, from modern sculptural designs to English country home styles. Many architectural plans are further highlighting tubs by placing them on elevated platforms or framed inside archways.

Walk-In Showers

Spa-like atmosphere

Those who love showers don’t have to sacrifice them to bathtub trends. Most luxury residences today include both beautiful tubs and huge walk-in showers. You’ll feel like you’re at a retreat with these Zen-inspired elements, which often feature:

• Two-person shower heads
• Overhead and side shower nozzles
• Thermostatic valves for consistent temperature and pressure
• Steam therapy
• Built-in nooks for bath products
• Carved benches for seating
• Windows for natural light and city views
• Sound systems for shower entertainment

Bespoke Vanities

Custom creations

If you don’t like the vanities on the market today, or if you have space considerations, a bespoke or custom vanity is an ideal solution. Specialty vanities are perfect for dealing with a range of common plumbing issues, including trying to fit an extra-large or odd-shaped sink or cover large traps beneath the basin.

While having a vanity made just for you may be out of your price range, you can try converting another piece of furniture, such as a dresser, sideboard, or even a mid-Century hi-fi cabinet previously used for stereo equipment and LPs.

Floating vanities, like floating toilets that are mounted on the wall instead of the floor, give the illusion of having more space. They also make cleaning a breeze, as there is no seam between the floor and the vanity where dirt and germs can gather.

Continued Focus on Sustainability

Green trends

Green bathrooms are still very much on trend in 2023. This shows up in many ways:

• Low-flow showers
• Reduced-volume toilet tanks or flush mechanisms
• Upcycled or repurposed items from architectural salvage yards
• Sustainable materials (renewable, local, or created with a low carbon footprint)

In New York City, it may be hard to recycle gray water in the garden or use a composting toilet, but there are other ways to appreciate luxury and protect the environment simultaneously.

Dual Primary Baths

Beyond double sinks

Around the 1990s, luxury primary bathrooms began to add two sinks for partners to get ready together with no waiting for the other to finish. Today’s ensuite baths are going far past that, with double everything for ultra-efficient living. It’s not unusual to see two separate showers and two water closets alongside the dual vanity now.

The easiest way to achieve this is to break through from an adjacent bathroom, as bathrooms are often built next to each other for plumbing convenience. Some couples have found that they’d rather have a larger, more luxurious primary bath than an extra full bath that goes unused most of the time.

Whether you’re ready for a remodel or simply want to update your plumbing fixtures, Sanitary Plumbing is here to help. Call us at 212-734-5000 today to schedule a consultation and see some of these bathroom design trends for 2023 come alive in your property.