The Hottest Bathroom Remodeling Trend

Part of our Saturday Construction Series

May 31, 2025

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Editors Note: Our editorial team is split on whether this is a legitimate trend or a future regret waiting to happen. Judge for yourself. If it helps you sell a home, then perhaps it's a keeper. We would LOVE to know your thoughts.

Why Wet Rooms Are the Hottest Bathroom Trend of 2025

In the world of modern renovations, few spaces are getting as much attention as the bathroom—and the wet room is stealing the spotlight in 2025.

But don’t confuse this with the glorified mop sink of post-Soviet hotel design. Today’s wet rooms are luxury spa environments, and savvy investors are starting to take notice.

💡 What Is a Wet Room?

A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom space where the shower (and sometimes tub) area is not enclosed by a traditional curtain or door. Instead, the entire room is designed to handle moisture, with:

Curbless, walk-in showers
Seamless floor tiling with center drains
Wall-mounted fixtures and floating vanities
Minimal glass or obstruction
Often integrated with soaking tubs for a “spa-at-home” vibe

Basically: it’s a high-end hotel spa vibe... at home.

1. Universal Design Appeal

No thresholds or steps = safer for aging homeowners and easier for kids.
ADA-friendly without looking clinical.

2. Luxe Lifestyle Upgrade

Buyers are craving at-home spa features post-pandemic.
Wet rooms pair beautifully with heated floors, towel warmers, and rainfall showers.

3. Space Optimization

Especially great for small bathrooms—less clutter, no bulky glass doors.
Creates an open, airy look in tight quarters.

4. Easier Maintenance (When Done Right)

Fewer joints and materials = fewer places for mold to hide.
Waterproofing is baked into the design, not slapped on afterward.

📈 Investor Angle: ROI or Just Razzle-Dazzle?

Wet rooms won’t be for every rental—but for mid-to-high-end flips or Airbnb properties, they can absolutely add perceived luxury and market differentiation.

They:

Photograph beautifully for listings
Appeal to downsizing boomers and style-conscious millennials
Can be installed at relatively modest cost if integrated during a full reno

🚫 Just avoid installing one in a home where it would feel out of place—like a 1960s ranch with shag carpet in the hallways. Context matters.

🧱 Pro Tip: Design Matters More Than Budget

If you slap a rain head over a cheap tile floor and forget the slope? You’ll end up with a fancy way to ruin your drywall. Wet rooms must:

Be properly waterproofed (Schluter system, cement board, etc.)
Have the right pitch to the drain (1/4" per foot minimum)
Use non-slip tiles (polished porcelain = a lawsuit in the making)

A well-designed wet room looks simple but is technically complex. Use a licensed contractor who knows their stuff—or be ready to re-do it in six months.

💬 Bottom Line

Wet rooms are more than a design fad—they reflect a shift in how people think about home wellness, aging in place, and daily luxury.

For real estate investors, this is a renovation that offers:

Big wow factor
Broad appeal in the right market
A touch of sophistication that sets your property apart

Just make sure you're delivering a spa—not a splash zone.

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