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5 Bathroom Trends That Will Be Everywhere in 2025 (And One We're Definitely Saying Goodbye To)

From burl wood vanities to alcove tubs

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Studio Duggan/Il Granito

What’s trending in design can feel as fickle as TikTok fashion—one minute, it’s sleek, oversized showers and all-white everything, and the next, it’s jewel-toned vanities and mural walls straight out of an art gallery. But trends, like people, rarely change on a whim. They’re shaped by our moods, the stories we want to tell, and, of course, what’s trending on Houzz. And according to its latest report, bathrooms are having a major personality overhaul.

This year, practicality is colliding with expression. Alcove tubs are making a cozy comeback, burl wood vanities are stealing the show and Calacatta Viola marble is turning everyday surfaces into high-impact art. Not to mention that the motivation of making the bathroom more accommodating has grown, rising from 23 percent in 2023 to 27 percent in 2024 (per the report). So below, find five bathroom trends that will define 2025—and one that’s fading faster than a Pinterest board from 2016.

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1. Burl Wood Vanities

If 2025’s bathroom has one MVP, it’s the burl wood vanity. Known for its intricate, swirling grain patterns formed from stress-induced tree growths, this finish offers a bespoke appeal that perfectly aligns with Houzz’s findings: 74 percent of homeowners are opting for furniture-style vanities. Veneers crafted from poplar, walnut or elm burl are particularly suited for bathrooms (where high humidity can be a challenge)—veneers resist warping better than solid wood while still delivering that show-stopping visual impact. I’m seeing it paired with everything from veined stone countertops to brass hardware, all coming together for a look that feels layered, inviting and effortlessly elevated.

2. Alcove Showers + Bath Tubs

Alcove showers and bathtubs are making a strong return, combining practicality with understated luxury. Defined by their recessed design—where three walls frame the tub or shower—alcoves are a smart solution for maximizing space while still delivering on style. Plus, Houzz listed this as a major trend for 2025 and I’m seeing alcove showers and bathrooms pop all all over my feed lately. Their growing popularity ties to the rise of enclosed wet rooms and arches, as more homeowners seek cozy, spa-like bathing areas without overhauling their entire layout. Alcove designs are also perfect for smaller bathrooms, keeping everything compact and easy to maintain, while offering endless opportunities to layer in tilework, fixtures and lighting. It’s a practical choice with undeniable charm, proving that small spaces can still feel indulgent.

3. Eclectic Details

Bathrooms are breaking free from sterile, minimalist molds, ushering in a new wave of eclectic design. Take this stunning powder room, for example, where a mural-style wallpaper creates a dreamy, immersive backdrop, paired with a fluted marble sink and gold accents that exude vintage glamour. This shift toward eclecticism reflects our desire for spaces that tell a story, blending personal style with bold, artistic choices. In fact, 42 percent of renovators are opting for accent walls (often with bold wallpapers), while gold finishes continue to surge in popularity for fixtures and decor. Even lighting is being elevated, with 45 percent of renovators upgrading wall-mounted lights—a detail perfectly captured by the retro-modern sconces above. It’s all about creating a gallery of curated, unexpected elements where function meets flair, proving that bathrooms can be as unique as the people who use them.

4. Calacatta Viola Marble

Perhaps my favorite trend on this list? Calacatta Viola marble (as showcased above from Il Granito’s Alexis Collection.) With its creamy base and bold veining in deep burgundy and plum, it’s a striking alternative to more traditional Carrara or Calacatta Gold marbles. (The veining is also thicker and more dramatic, often resembling brushstrokes or abstract art.) It doesn’t come cheap, though—and for good reason. Quarried in limited regions of Italy, this marble is prized for its rarity and high demand, making it a go-to for designers aiming to create bespoke, high-end interiors. For a less costly alternative, porcelain or laminate options can mimic its look while offering added durability. Still, price aside, the data says this is what renovators want: 63 percent are opting for natural stone materials, with many leaning into statement-making design elements that elevate everyday spaces. Think: vanities, backsplashes, or even shower walls that double as art.

5. Jewel Box Tones

Rich emeralds, deep sapphires and velvety amethysts are turning bathrooms into treasure troves this year—and the vanity setup above is the perfect example. The ruby-striped flooring grounds the space in warm drama, the emerald glass vase adds a vibrant pop, and the gold hardware ties everything together with a touch of opulence. And while the report signaled a clear shift toward bolder palettes—37 percent of homeowners want colored vanities and 32 percent are opting for colorful cabinetry—you don’t need paint to pull off this look. Jewel box tones shine just as brightly in smaller details, where you can try adding a sapphire mirror, amethyst tray or crystal knobs to introduce richness without the full commitment. Pair these accents with glossy lacquer and polished metals for a curated, sophisticated and undeniably striking finish.

What’s Out: Oversized Showers

The reign of the sprawling, oversized shower is officially over in 2025. While they were once the ultimate status symbol, their appeal is waning—only 41 percent of renovators are increasing shower size, down from 51 percent the previous year. Instead, homeowners are prioritizing more efficient layouts like alcove showers and wet rooms, which offer space-saving designs and cozy, spa-like atmospheres. Oversized showers not only hog square footage, but also feel out of step with the growing focus on intentional design and sustainability. While they may still work for expansive master bathrooms, for most renovators, it’s time to rethink oversized showers and embrace layouts that feel just as stylish but far more practical.


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