We Need More Spa Time!

NKBA 2025 Bath Trends Report highlights stress-free environments

Growing stress in our everyday lives is leading to the growing desire for a sanctuary at home. So says the 2025 Bath Trends Report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA | KBIS), the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry.

The report, generated from a survey of 500 members of the NKBA community (roughly 10% being Canadian) suggests the focus over the next three years will largely remain on wellness, with spa-like features, intentional lighting, natural colours and minimal upkeep taking the lead as key aspects for decreasing stress. The report also reveals several emerging trends, including increasing the overall footprint of the primary bath and the rise of personalized design, particularly through technology.

“Thoughtful design elements such as ease of maintenance, optimal lighting and integrated smart technology empower homeowners to craft spaces that not only restore the body and mind but also elevate their sense of well-being,” says Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS.

The full report is available at NKBA. org with free access for NKBA members. Key findings include:

Introducing The “Re-” Room – A Wellness Retreat

Respondents agree the primary bath is an important place to renew, re-centre and reinvigorate, with 90% saying homeowners want their primary bath to be a retreat from the outside world where they can relax and recharge. The two most popular bath themes in the next three years will be relaxed/ retreat-like (66%) and spa-like (64%), further illustrating the increasing emphasis on wellness in the bathroom. In fact, 78% of respondents agree that primary bath design will be inspired by homeowner experiences at hotels/ resorts, demonstrating a desire to bring high-end spa experiences into the home. Other details include:

+ 72% of respondents agree that homeowners are using their showers for rehabilitation, such as steam showers, chromotherapy and aromatherapy.

+ 55% of respondents agree that lighting for health and wellness is a top goal.

+ 70% of respondents agree that soaking tubs for physical healing and recovery will be popular

Let the Light In

Lighting quality continues to be a top consideration for bathroom design, with a strong desire to create both task and mood lighting. In a space where privacy is always a top concern, designers are finding creative ways to fill the bath with natural light as it becomes a priority for clients. Respondents agree that the two most important considerations in bathroom design are lighting quality (96%) and natural light (93%), with 81% agreeing that skylights, windows, and doors are increasingly desired in bathrooms to let in more natural light.

More Real Estate for the Bath

Homeowners are looking to increase bathroom space, primarily by removing bathtubs to increase shower size (53%) and taking down walls to increase the footprint (42%). However, some walls are still wanted: 72% of designers agree that separate water closets for commodes are highly desired by clients. Additionally, respondents agree that homeowners are consistently seeking out sets of two in the bathroom, whether it be vanities (61%), large showers that fit more than one person (59%), or double shower heads (67%—the most popular shower configuration overall).

Natural Colors and Materials Prevail

A strong desire to connect with nature is still top of mind, as 65% of respondents expect organic and natural styles to remain popular. Specifically, 42% expect to see a return to a 1970s colour palette with earthy, neutral colours and natural woodgrain textures for floors, walls and vanities. The top five colours in 2025 will be white (76%), green (71%), blue (55%), gray (44%) and brown (44%). In terms of flooring, respondents agree that warm neutrals (72%), earth tones (55%) and wood tones (53%) will be the most popular options. The numbers were similar for wall coverings.

Custom Experiences for Better Living

Homeowners are seeing more custom solutions in their primary baths, from tech to storage. Storage—particularly where it can be customized to homeowners’ needs—is a priority across the board in vanities and medicine cabinets, as well as additional closet space. Notably, 79% agree that integrated power outlets are becoming the standard. While a high-tech bath is not yet the norm, some features that offer personalized programming solutions and spa experiences are becoming more in-demand, including smart toilets (57%), showers (59%), motioncontrolled lighting (67%), and heated flooring (57%).

Easy-to-Maintain Materials

In order to make living easier, homeowners want to minimize upkeep of their bath space, with respondents agreeing that being easy to clean is the top priority when it comes to showers (55%), flooring (81%), countertops (76%) and sinks (72%). Looking to technology for support, 84% of respondents agree that there will be increased demand for smart-cleaning toilets, leaving more time for relaxation and decreasing overall stress.