Wet Rooms Are Still Trending For Bathroom Renovations In 2023

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The open floor plan first gained popularity by combining the kitchen, living, and dining areas into one cohesive space. Now the open concept is making its way into full baths with wet rooms, a spa-like renovation that supports a wellness-based design .

In its simplest form, a wet room is what it sounds like, which is a room designed to get wet. Specifically, a wet room does not have a separation between the shower and the rest of the bathroom floor. Both shower height and partitions are seamless throughout the space, creating a water-resistant space. Using tiles and other materials makes more efficient use of space and also designs a relaxing experience for bathing. If you are considering installing a wet room, read the pros and cons of this open-concept bathroom.

Installing White Subway Tile
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Pros of Wet Rooms

Your Bathroom Feels Larger

Less is more, and this trend is proof. Taking down barriers like extra walls smooths traffic flow. It increases efficiency while abandoning elements like mats and curtains, cutting down on visual clutter. The point? Removing all these physical distractions creates more space, no matter the actual size of your bathroom.

The Floorplan Is Accessible

Did you know that the bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in any residence? Whether due to aging or disability, we all reach a point when tasks like bathing become more time-consuming and difficult. Because the shower is level with the rest of the bathroom, there's nothing to step over. Having fewer things in general also helps keep movement uncomplicated through the years. Tip: Since you're renovating anyway, if you're in your forever home, this may be time to consider other accessible elements like grab bars or motion sensor lights.

Cleaning Is Easy

One significant benefit of a wet room setup is that you can direct all the water into a single drain, so no one's stopping you if you take your handheld showerhead to the soaped-up floor (or maybe even the tiled walls). Given the minimalist design, there's less stuff to clean, and sleeker lines are easier to maintain.

It's Safer

Those hot, steamy showers you love create the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and water decay. But with a wet room, there's not as much humidity because the bathing area isn't enclosed (though in a larger bathroom, this does mean you may feel a little colder). Another perk is because wet rooms are technically one oversized shower, the space is entirely waterproof, ensuring leaks and water damage are nonexistent.

Your Property Value Increases

A wet room is hard to say goodbye to, but you can expect to recoup 56-64% of the renovation costs if you ever sell your house. While this data refers to all well-renovated bathrooms , between the style, functionality, and minimal maintenance, any buyer will consider a wet room a win.

Cons of Wet Rooms

Large Bathrooms are Loud and Messy

With the minimalist design and materials, the acoustics are likely louder than usual. Also, dry areas like bathroom storage must be water-resistant as shower splashes occur. Things like towels, toilet paper, makeup, or other items usually stored in a bathroom need proper storage.

More Tile, More Renovation Costs

While tiled walls are a traditional wet room element, they increase renovation costs. In addition to extra tile, more ventilation is necessary when the entire room is susceptible to moisture. Fans will help ensure the moisture stays in the bathroom and does not make the floor slippery.

Wet Floors

As previously described, the shower is level with the flooring. The openness creates opportunities for water and moisture to stay on the floor, possibly making it easier to slip and fall. Proper drainage and ventilation are essential, but extra caution is necessary when adjusting to this new flooring construction.

More 2023 Renovation Trends

Home renovations are opportunities to design a space that fits your lifestyle and needs. In 2023, predictions for an increase in specific renovations match the heightened awareness of sustainable living, a renewed interest in multi-purpose spaces, and an infusion of personality in design choices. Here are some 2023 trends predicted to take over home renovations:

Bold Colors

Whether it's a funky wallpaper or new paint color that adds a pop of color to your interior design, a comeback of bold colors is predicted. Wallpaper adds an extra dimension to any space by increasing visual interest and incorporating a personal flair into any space. If you are still deciding whether to dive into an extensive renovation project like wallpaper or paint, try switching your room's color palette by adding a few key accessories like throw pillows or new lamp shades.

A second bold color trend for 2023 is monochromatic design . Try complementing pieces with various textures in the same hue. This change works particularly well in earth tones like wood, clay, or earthy green.

Sustainable and Wellness-Based Design

Wellness is a phrase used in many industries and varies based on each individual's definition. A wellness-based design has been increasingly prevalent in home renovation and will continue to be for homeowners. Particularly, designing a retreat for your hobbies or activities that promotes good mental and emotional health will be one way homeowners reinvent their living spaces.

Home renovations will focus on creating a sanctuary for the individuals living in the home, from designing a spa-like bathroom to installing equipment to monitor air quality, water filtration, and sustainable materials.

Decorative elements will also have sustainable and eco-friendly characteristics . Earthy color palettes, rock gardens, and natural materials will be prominent. Find ways to incorporate recycled materials or reclaimed wood to support this aesthetic.

Multifunctional Spaces

The line between home and work life continues to blur. Homeowners are repurposing spaces in their homes to fit their current needs. This renovation is an opportunity to customize the rooms in your house to fit your lifestyle instead the other way.

Efficient use of space will be a key indicator of how homeowners choose to renovate. From repurposing mudrooms into multi-purpose rooms to transforming a corner in the kitchen into a second office, there are ways to improve your home's functionality to meet the demands of the changing work-life balance.

Upgrading the kitchen island to meet this demand will also be a trending renovation. The kitchen island is no longer just a space for dinner preparation but can now function as a storage-saving solution for dishwashers, trash pullouts, or customized kitchen appliance storage.

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