Homeowners Craving Spa-Inspired Bathrooms, Recent Survey Says

Is it any surprise that Americans are seeking relaxation features for their primary bathroom projects in this time of turmoil and tension? According to the massive home renovation and design platform Houzz, upgrades that create a spa-like atmosphere are scoring up to 68% in a recent 3,000 homeowner survey.

“In the midst of the chaos created by the pandemic, we’re seeing homeowners turn to their bathrooms for respite, creating calming sanctuaries with premium features, hygienic surfaces, and plants and other greenery,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz senior economist.

Bathing Enhancements

For many in Covid-crowded homes, the bathroom represents a parent’s only escape from the hubbub of family living. It’s no wonder that relaxation in a bath rose six points this year (61% of survey respondents), and 79% incorporated premium features in their tubs. Top premium features for the bath include soaking tubs, space for two and silent whirlpools (68%, 19% and 9%, respectively),

Showers also saw premium spa-inspired upgrades, the site says. These include rainfall showerheads (55%), dual showers (23%) and body sprays (16%).

Lighting Enhancements

Enhanced lighting is one of the desired upgrades, the survey says, with homeowners seeking more natural light and better artificial light for functionality (overcoming insufficiency) and atmosphere (adding dimming capability). More than 80% of respondents improved their bathroom lighting this year.

Mirrors also provided lighting improvements for clients, Houzz reports. “Three-quarters of renovating homeowners install mirrors in their renovated bathroom (78 percent), with over half installing more than one mirror (59 percent). Some upgraded mirrors have advanced features, such as LED lighting and anti-fog systems (20 and 18 percent, respectively). Custom medicine cabinets also added to the room’s lighting capability, with interior illumination. 

Toilet Enhancements

Maybe the great toilet paper shortage of 2020 accelerated the trend toward adding bidet functionality, with 20% of homeowners choosing it, but this trend was already manifesting before the pandemic. It offers more thorough, gentle hygiene and increased independent living capability for those with balance and mobility issues.

Self-cleaning toilets, heated seats, built-in nightlights and overflow protection were also desired upgrades this year.