Every year, we see shifts in what Chicago homeowners want from their bathroom remodels. Some trends come and go, but others reflect genuine improvements in how bathrooms are designed and built. Here's what we're seeing the most demand for in 2025.
Warm, Natural Materials Are In
The all-white, cold, clinical bathroom is falling out of favor. Chicago homeowners are gravitating toward:
- Warm-toned tile: think taupe, sand, warm gray, and terracotta-inspired palettes
- Natural stone looks: marble and travertine remain popular, but in warmer tones rather than stark white Carrara
- Wood-look porcelain on floors for warmth without the moisture risk of real wood
- Matte finishes over high-gloss on everything from tile to fixtures
This shift makes bathrooms feel more like a retreat and less like a sterile space.
Frameless Glass Showers Dominate
The shower enclosure is the centerpiece of most bathroom remodels we do. The clear winner:
- Frameless glass panels (fixed or hinged, not sliding)
- Larger shower footprints: homeowners are choosing bigger showers over bathtubs
- Curbless/barrier-free entries for a seamless, modern look
- Linear drains instead of center drains for cleaner aesthetics
Many of our clients in Lakeview, Wicker Park, and Lincoln Park are removing tubs entirely in favor of a spacious walk-in shower.
Statement Vanities
The vanity is the furniture piece of the bathroom now:
- Floating vanities continue to dominate for their clean, modern look
- Double vanities are standard in primary bathrooms, even in moderately sized spaces
- Integrated or vessel sinks in concrete, stone, or matte white
- Warm wood tones (walnut, white oak) mixed with stone countertops
Fixture Trends
- Brushed gold and champagne bronze remain the most requested finishes, replacing the chrome and brushed nickel of years past
- Matte black is still popular but trending slightly down in favor of warmer metallics
- Rainfall showerheads paired with a handheld wand
- Touchless faucets are moving from commercial into residential
Heated Floors Are Now Standard
This used to be a luxury add-on. Now it's practically expected in any mid-range or higher remodel in Chicago. Electric radiant floor heating makes a massive difference during Chicago winters. We install them under tile and program them with a thermostat so the floor is warm when you step out of the shower.
What's Fading Out
- Subway tile (still fine, just no longer the default choice)
- Gray-on-gray color schemes
- Barn door-style shower entrances
- Overly ornate fixtures
- Freestanding tubs in small bathrooms (they look great in photos but aren't practical for most Chicago spaces)
Our Recommendation
Don't chase every trend. Focus on materials and design choices that you'll still love in 10 years. Warm tones, quality tile, frameless glass, and good lighting are timeless upgrades that also happen to be on-trend right now.
If you're planning a remodel and want to talk through which trends make sense for your space and budget, we're here to help.
