Long gone are the days when every residential bathroom looks the same. No longer are bathrooms overlooked during the home design and renovation process. Oftentimes, bathrooms become the focal point of an entire home, creating a relaxing oasis, rather than a place to handle business.

In fact, bathroom remodels are the second-most-common household project, after kitchen remodels. It’s safe to say homeowners want nicer, more comfortable, and more unique places to freshen up each day.

And there are many different types of bathrooms and remodel options to choose from. Everyone wants something different, with a big emphasis on clean, modern design, and spacious bathroom layouts.

If you’re a smart homeowner who knows that an updated bathroom will also increase the value of your home, then read on below for some of the most popular ideas for your home renovation project today.

What Makes a Full Bathroom?

Most homes have at least one full bathroom, along with a half bathroom. Full bathrooms are those that contain a toilet, sink, shower, and tub.

The more full-bathrooms in a home, the more family members the house can accommodate at any given time. One full bathroom is usually enough for a family of four, but more than that, and you’ll want at least two full bathrooms. 

And technically, if a bathroom has a sink, toilet, and standup shower, but no tub, it’s considered a three-quarter bathroom, since there’s nowhere for kids to take a bath. If there’s space for a tub and a walk-in shower, that’s the best and most sought-after bathroom layout.

Types of Bathrooms

There are five main types of bathrooms; the master bathroom, full bathroom, three-quarter bathroom, half bath, and quarter bath. But three are more common than the rest, which we detail below. 

Master Bathroom

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, most homeowners first focus on the master bathroom. These are the bathrooms attached to the main bedroom or master bedroom.

These are sometimes referred to as an en-suite bathroom. Entry to this bathroom is only available through the master bedroom, providing the most privacy. 

As most home buyers want an updated master bathroom, this is an area worth renovating. You can choose either a full bathroom or a three-quarter bathroom in your en-suite. Three-quarter bathrooms are common since tubs aren’t used very frequently and they take up a lot of space. 

Without a tub, a master bathroom can accommodate a larger shower, dual sink vanity, and plenty of storage space. 

Full Bathroom

Full-bathrooms are those that have both a tub and a shower, or a combo tub and shower. These allow kids of all ages to get cleaned, and are often located in the middle of all the smaller bedrooms. 

Sometimes full bathrooms sit between two bedrooms, with a door entering the bathroom on either side. Other times, only one door from the hallway is available. 

These are usually small, as they need to fit the four major components into a compact space. Old bathroom designs are very inefficient. Updating a full bathroom with a smaller vanity can create more room in the bathroom, as long as additional storage is added elsewhere. 

Half Bathrooms

Larger homes will have half-bathrooms along with a master and/or full bathrooms. These are typically found near the kitchen and living rooms, and allow for guests to use the restroom without needing to enter your personal bathrooms. 

Without a tub or shower, these are often referred to as powder rooms. Space is often limited, even in larger homes, since only a toilet and sink are needed. Since storage is often necessary, modern half bath designs remove the vanity altogether for a space-saving, standalone sink. 

The Best Bathroom Features

So what are homeowners looking for when remodeling a bathroom? Here are some of the most trending features and layout choices available today. 

Spacious, Walk-In Showers

A cramped shower makes these daily tasks an unenjoyable hassle. But when your shower has plenty of room, getting clean becomes a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. 

Walk-in showers, without curbs, and preferably glass enclosures, create openness in your bathroom. With a modern showerhead, and with clean, modern tile, you’ll feel like you’re at a high-end resort every single day. And that feeling is priceless. 

Unique Flooring

Bathrooms of the past all used the same, bland tile flooring. Today’s bathrooms put a huge emphasis on unique, eye-catching flooring.

Hexagon-style tile is very popular, creating an energetic look and feel. White and light gray tiles are also popular, as opposed to the brownish-colored tile that was common for decades in older homes. 

But dark gray or even black floor tiles aren’t uncommon, which can create a cool, sophisticated look as well. While some homeowners prefer a simple, calm tile, others prefer those with vibrant patterns, like starbursts.

Floating Vanities

For master and full bathrooms, double sinks are ideal. Both kids and adults would prefer to use their own sink if the space is available.

But to boost the look and feel of your bathroom, consider adding a floating vanity, as opposed to one sitting on the ground. While you lose a small amount of storage space, by removing the bottom section of the vanity, the luxurious appearance is worth the sacrifice. 

Cool Toilets

No one talks about toilets. But we use them all day, every day. Spend a little extra money and get a toilet that looks good, saves money with efficient flushing, and preferably has a bidet.

Yes, bidets are in style right now. They are more effective than toilet paper. Once you learn to appreciate them, you’ll never go back. 

Built-In Storage

The problem with old bathroom designs is that storage space was limited to big, bulky vanities. But in order to create more space, and a relaxing environment, storage needs to be built in elsewhere, such as recessed wall storage, behind-mirror storage, or open shelving above the toilet. 

Fully Enjoy Your Bathroom

With different types of bathrooms to remodel or convert, and many different features to incorporate, bathrooms are becoming a unique expression of homeowners.

And while they cost a decent amount of money to update, the expense is worth it. You use bathrooms all day, every day. A nice bathroom will lower stress and help you enjoy your home more fully. Plus, they add value to your home and can draw in buyers. It’s a win-win.

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