As an award-winning local design-build firm, we analyze industry reports like the U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study so we can help San Diego homeowners remodel their bathrooms in alignment with what’s hot now and rising in popularity.
Below, we delve into some of the biggest bathroom trends currently influencing San Diego remodels:
Natural Textures Bring the Outdoors In
There’s a major movement underway toward bringing organic woods, stones, and textures into the bathroom to create a fresh, nature-inspired look. We’re noticing San Diego homeowners gravitate toward:
- Wood vanities in light natural finishes or richer walnut tones
- Porcelain planks mimicking weathered hardwood floors
- Tile patterns featuring natural shapes like stone, leaves, or branches
- River rock designs on walls and floors
- Concrete-look tile for an urban loft vibe
These natural design choices pair seamlessly with San Diego’s laidback, beachy vibe. And they can be mixed with sleek metals, glass, and geometric patterns to add a contemporary edge to your remodeled bathroom.
Not only does the wood and stone trend align with what’s hot right now, but it also has enduring universal appeal. Natural textures help create a soothing, spa-like ambiance that relaxes the senses. The Houzz study found that 33% of homeowners chose wood vanities, compared to 29% opting for white.
Barrier-Free Showers Support Aging in Place
To accommodate San Diego’s growing population of retirees looking to remain at home safely as they age, we are seeing increasing demand for bathrooms designed with universal access in mind.
For aging in place, we’re doing many local remodels involving:
- Removing the tub to allow space for a larger curbless shower
- Installing grab bars, seats, and linear drains for accessibility
- Selecting slip-resistant porcelain tile flooring
- Ensuring adequate lighting and easy-reach storage
- Adding comfort-height toilets and tall seated vanities
These universal design elements allow for safe use by household members of any
age or ability. Planning now for increased accessibility can facilitate an easier transition later if mobility needs change.
The Houzz report found that 38% of renovating homeowners focused on aging-related features now, with 50% planning to address them in the future.
Barrier-free showers align perfectly with the open curbless shower trend, which has widespread appeal for its clean, modern aesthetic. So, designing for accessibility now lets you enjoy ease of use while being on-trend.
Smart Tech for Easier Living
It seems like everything in homes is getting “smarter” lately, and bathrooms are no exception! An increasing number of San Diego homeowners are looking to integrate tech features that add convenience, luxury, and accessibility, including:
- Digital interfaces to control shower temperature, music, lighting, and more from an app
- Motion-activated lights, heated surfaces, and anti-fog mirrors for easy daily routines
- Bidets, deodorizing fans, and overflow drains for comfort and peace of mind
- Voice control assistants to adjust settings hands-free
- High-tech toilets with features like night lights, warmth and self-cleaning
While smart home tech requires an investment up front, over time, it pays dividends through enhanced ease of use, accessibility, and safety. Eco-friendly options like water-saving fixtures and LEDs also help conserve resources.
Once considered ultra-modern, features like digital shower controls and touch-free features are transitioning into the mainstream. Advancing technology offers ever more possibilities for customizing your perfect bath sanctuary.
Linear Drains Boost Clean Style
In contemporary showers, we’re noticing linear drains gaining favor over traditional round drain covers. The long, narrow design blends discreetly with floor tiles for a smoother, more minimalist look.
We love incorporating linear drains into curbless showers and using rectangular porcelain tiles in a herringbone pattern or stacked format. This creates a sharp, clean geometry that pairs well with the modern aesthetic many San Diego homeowners love.
This trend for geometric simplicity aligns with the ongoing popularity of the transitional style, which merges classic and contemporary elements in a streamlined way. Linear drain showers feel fresh yet timeless.
Premium Materials Deliver Spa-Like Luxury
Some of the high-end materials gaining popularity for San Diego bathroom renovations include:
- Natural stone countertops like marble, quartzite and granite
- Sculptural freestanding bathtubs handcrafted from exotic materials
- Radiant heated floors for warmth and comfort underfoot
- Modern matte black hardware atop exquisite wood vanities
Going for premium quality finishes allows you to take your bath remodel to the next level visually and functionally. Though top-tier materials cost more upfront, they also boost your home’s value by elevating the space from ordinary to extraordinary.
If your goal is a showstopper bath that becomes the highlight of your home, investing in quality finishes built to last makes sense. The right high-end choices pay dividends for years to come, both in enjoyment and increased home value.
Water-Saving Features Help Conserve
With drought concerns persisting in California, adding water-efficient fixtures helps conserve our precious resources. Many options not only save water but also slash utility bills.
Some popular water-saving features we recommend include:
- Low-flow toilets using 1.28 gallons per flush or less
- WaterSense labeled sink faucets and showerheads
- Recirculating hot water pumps that reduce water waste while you wait for it to get hot
- Leak detection systems to catch issues before they turn into problems
- Water-off controls that automatically shut off the water if a leak occurs
Small steps like choosing WaterSense fixtures for your bathroom remodel can make a meaningful difference for in-home water use. And keeping utility costs down means more money in your pocket long-term.
The Houzz study found that 46% of renovating homeowners chose water-saving fixtures, with cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness driving decisions.
Hire the Experts for Bathroom Remodeling Success
Even if you’re up on the latest trends, remodeling a bathroom still involves complex plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry work, and more. It pays to have an award-winning local design-build firm like us handle everything from permits to project management and installation.
As a leading San Diego bathroom remodeler, Kanna Construction & Remodeling’s team of designers, project managers, and builders collaborate seamlessly to deliver successful renovations from inspiration to enjoyment. We stay current on the newest trends, products, and code requirements so you can have confidence in creating your contemporary dream bath.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary in-home design consultation. We’ll help you translate the latest San Diego bathroom trends into a comfortable, stylish, and enduring bath sanctuary tailored to your unique lifestyle.
