When you think of pure relaxation, what comes to mind? I’ll bet that high on your list is a long, relaxing soak in the tub. Maybe add in a few lit candles, or some bubbles. But, almost universally, men and women alike love baths. So much, in fact, that the art of the bath is becoming a big trend in retail, and consequently affecting design trends in bathrooms in our homes - and that's something homeowners remodeling a bathroom need to know attention if their planning to sell a home sometime soon. More than just the trend, it's necessary to look at the longevity and if it's a bathroom design trend worth investing in during your bathroom remodel.

Bathroom Design Trends in 2018

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer: “A March survey by Rescue Spa showed 63 percent of 2,000 respondents took baths. At Lush Cosmetics, bath bomb sales in North America have increased 71 percent, or $50 million, since 2015. In 2017 alone, Lush sold 17 million handmade bath bombs. There are even burgeoning hemp products for baths.”

In an increasingly-hectic world where we are plugged in at what seems like every moment and many adults have jobs that don’t conform to a fixed 9-5 schedule, the topic of self-care is emerging as a big focus, especially with younger adults. Bath oils, bath bombs, salts, crystals, and flower petals are all additional additives, which claim to help relax, detox, rejuvenate, and promote energy in the body. 

Luxe hotels have jumped ahead of this trend, says the Inquirer, installing posh tubs that can fit two adults comfortable, sometimes in front of a wide window overlooking the cityscape. Mandatory add-ons are a place to set a glass of wine, and preferably a perch for a phone or tablet if you want to watch something while you get clean. The savvy ones are also sticking a phone dock in the bathroom so that relaxing bathers can listen to some calming music with their suds. 

Trends for Homeowners Remodeling a Bathroom

What does this mean for homeowners remodeling their bathrooms nowadays? The trend is towards a larger bathroom, with a deep, roomy tub as the focus. Gone is the trend of the whirlpool tub, as homeowners have discovered that these are hard to keep clean and sanitized properly. Forget a simple built-in tub unit that comes with an attached shower. What’s hot is the soaking tub, which is freestanding and sculptural in style. 

As per a 2017-18 study, tubs have jumped in popularity by 26 percent since 2015. Of special interest to those doing a remodel are metal tubs, which help keep water temperature consistent. Tub manufacturers offer a variety of stock and custom finishes, so that you can match your bathtub to virtually any type of decor. 

If you are planning a bathroom remodel, what element are you making the highlight of the room?