Let’s be honest: bathrooms used to be an afterthought. But in 2025, they’re finally stepping into the spotlight—and luxury homes are leading the charge. Designers and homeowners alike are treating bathrooms less like utilitarian spaces and more like mini wellness suites. From spa-level tech to art-worthy materials, here are the trends that are quietly (and not-so-quietly) changing the game.
1. Installing Wet Rooms With Integrated Drains
Luxury bathrooms are going barrier-free, and wet rooms are at the center of this transformation. According to House Beautiful, the integrated drains, seamless floors, and frameless glass give these spaces a clean, gallery-like quality. More importantly, they’re future-proofed for aging in place and wheelchair accessibility.
What sets them apart in luxury homes is the way they’re finished—with large-format stone tiles, rainfall fixtures, and linear LED lighting. These aren’t just utilitarian shower rooms; they’re immersive, Instagrammable sanctuaries. The design helps eliminate visual clutter and makes even a modest-sized space feel expansive. And because water flows naturally toward discreet trench drains, cleanup is minimal.
2. Adding Smart Showers With Personalized Settings
Forbes recently noted that smart tech in the bathroom is one of the fastest-growing luxury features in home design. Smart showers let you set exact water temperatures, customize spray zones, and even save preferences for different household members. Some even sync with your phone to start warming up the water as your morning alarm goes off. These systems might have seemed like overkill a few years ago—but now, they’re setting the new standard.
Luxury buyers are especially interested in their eco-conscious edge. Many smart showers include timers, water usage tracking, and pause functions to conserve water. When paired with spa-like finishes, the high-tech controls feel less like gadgets and more like indulgence with a conscience. Plus, the seamless touchscreens and voice activation options feel straight out of a luxury car.
3. Introducing Statement Lighting (Beyond Just Vanity Bulbs)
Statement lighting is moving into the bathroom in a big way, and designers are treating it like jewelry for the space. As reported by Apartment Therapy, adding layered lighting—including overhead chandeliers and wall sconces—is trending in higher-end listings. Luxury bathrooms are embracing sculptural fixtures and mood-setting illumination to create ambiance beyond utility. The goal isn’t just to light the space, but to elevate it.
Whether it’s a smoky-glass pendant or a sleek backlit mirror, these choices add drama and sophistication. Many high-end bathrooms now feature dimmable settings to switch between “wake-up bright” and “relaxing low light.” The difference it makes is striking: the room becomes part boudoir, part wellness retreat. And lighting, done well, can completely shift how you feel walking into the space.
4. Swapping Out Traditional Tubs for Soaking or Japanese-Style Baths
According to Architectural Digest, there’s a major move away from jetted tubs in favor of deep soaking models. In luxury homes, we’re seeing an explosion of freestanding, sculptural bathtubs—especially Japanese-style soakers that offer a deeper, more meditative experience. These tubs are more water-efficient, easier to clean, and surprisingly comfortable. And because they take up less space than traditional drop-ins, they work well even in compact luxury baths.
Designers love them because they can be placed anywhere—next to a window, near a fireplace, or even on an open platform. Materials range from volcanic stone to hammered copper, adding even more character. Many are being paired with ceiling-mounted tub fillers or wall niches for candles and tea trays. It’s part of a broader trend toward ritualizing self-care in the home.
5. Incorporating Heated Floors and Towel Racks
Let’s face it—no one enjoys stepping onto cold tile after a steamy shower. That’s why heated floors and towel racks are now considered essentials in luxury bathroom design. They’re relatively easy to install during remodels and make a massive difference in daily comfort. For homes in colder climates especially, they feel like a small act of daily luxury.
Heated floors also work with various surface materials, including porcelain, stone, and engineered wood. Paired with programmable thermostats, they’re energy efficient and surprisingly low-maintenance. Heated towel bars now come in sleek matte black and brushed brass finishes, doubling as design elements. It’s the kind of feature that once you’ve experienced, you’ll never want to live without.
6. Choosing Wall-Mounted Toilets for a Sleeker Look
Wall-mounted toilets are on the rise, especially in minimalist and modern luxury homes. By concealing the tank inside the wall, these toilets create more visible floor space and a cleaner overall silhouette. They’re easier to clean around, and many models come with dual-flush capabilities for water savings. While installation is more complex, the aesthetic payoff is significant.
Designers also love the flexibility they offer in terms of height and placement. You can customize the installation to your comfort level, which is a game changer for accessibility. When paired with smart bidet seats, wall-mounted toilets can feel more like spa tech than plumbing. And since they blend in visually, they let other design elements shine.
7. Using Natural Stone and Wood for a Spa-Like Atmosphere
Natural textures are taking center stage in 2025 bathroom design. Think warm-toned travertine, sandblasted marble, and rich walnut cabinetry. These materials add a tactile, grounded feel that helps the space feel more like a spa than a sterile washroom. In luxury homes, it’s all about balancing softness with sophistication.
Designers are even using wood on walls and ceilings now—treated properly, of course—to create warmth and depth. Paired with indirect lighting, the effect is cocoon-like and calming. These choices reflect a broader push toward wellness-focused interiors. They also age beautifully, unlike trendy tiles that might feel dated in a few years.
8. Upgrading to Floating Vanities With Underlighting
Floating vanities are no longer just a modernist quirk—they’re now a go-to in luxury bathroom design. The open space beneath them creates an airy, uncluttered look while still offering plenty of drawer storage. Add in under-cabinet LED lighting, and you’ve got both a mood enhancer and a night-light. This combo makes the space feel more custom and high-end.
They’re especially useful in smaller bathrooms, where maximizing visual space is key. And when paired with bold countertop materials like quartzite or fluted stone, they become a design focal point. Expect to see even more creative variations this year, including vanities with built-in charging drawers or integrated towel shelves. It’s form, function, and finesse all in one.
9. Designing “His and Hers” Water Closets
Separate water closets are back in luxury homes—but with a modern twist. Rather than sharing a single toilet behind a door, couples are opting for two private spaces, sometimes on either side of the room. It’s a subtle upgrade that can make morning routines more pleasant and less hurried. And in larger homes, it’s a smart use of available square footage.
These mini rooms are often finished just as beautifully as the rest of the bathroom. Think wallpaper, high-end hardware, and even small art installations. Designers say clients love the sense of privacy and personal control it gives. It’s a luxurious little boundary that keeps everyone’s day running more smoothly.
10. Bringing in Plants and Natural Light
Bathrooms are embracing the biophilic design movement, with greenery and natural light becoming must-haves. Skylights, high clerestory windows, or frosted glass walls let in light without sacrificing privacy. And moisture-loving plants like ferns, orchids, and peace lilies thrive in these environments. The result is a space that feels alive and vibrant.
Many luxury bathrooms now include plant walls or built-in planters as architectural features. The greenery softens the hard edges of tile and stone, adding warmth and texture. Some homeowners are even including hydroponic setups or aromatherapy herbs for added benefits. It’s all about turning your bathroom into an ecosystem of calm.
11. Creating Lounge Areas Inside the Bathroom
Why rush out of your bathroom when you can unwind a little longer? More luxury homeowners are building lounge nooks—think velvet chairs, small tables, and even reading lamps—into their bathrooms. These areas let you cool down post-shower, apply skincare, or sip a glass of wine in comfort. It’s a natural extension of the spa-at-home trend.
When there’s enough square footage, these setups feel indulgent but totally practical. And they also add visual interest, breaking up the space so it doesn’t feel too sterile. It’s a small change that speaks volumes about how people want to live in their homes now. Function meets pleasure—and the result is a bathroom that truly feels designed.
