One of the most popular remodeling projects, a well-done primary bathroom remodel also has one of the highest returns on investment (ROI). According to Zillow, bathroom remodels that focus on aesthetic alterations rather than structural changes "yield the biggest returns [by] boosting your home's resale value." Bathroom remodels not only entice prospective buyers, however. They also benefit the current homeowner by better addressing present and future needs. For example, homeowners aging in place might benefit from new grab bars and a curbless shower alongside a cosmetic update to their primary bath. At VanderBeken Remodel, our team has executed dozens of successful bathroom remodels -- a favorite of which is outlined below. With sleek hardware, a soaking tub and custom walnut cabinetry, this Lake Stevens primary bathroom remodel from early 2022 is absolutely stunning. Both timeless and on-trend, this bathroom is sure to please prospective buyers just as much as it delights the current owners. Take a tour of this gorgeous space below, and collect a few design ideas for your own primary bathroom remodel along the way.
Average ROI for a Primary Bath Remodel
When compared to other home improvements, bathroom remodels offer outsized returns on investment. In his article “Home Renovations with the Best Return on Investment” for This Old House, Carl Vogel elaborates. According to Vogel, both “kitchens and bathrooms [tend to] give you the best return on investment.”
Referencing data from Remodeling Magazine, Vogel notes that adding a bathroom will return an average 81% of your original investment. Remodeling an existing bathroom can actually turn a profit. A 2020 article from HGTV reported a 102% average return at sale for minor bathroom remodels. Major bathroom remodels – which typically involve structural, electrical and plumbing changes – returned an average 93.2 percent.
What Do Buyers Want in a Primary Bath?
In 2022, both prospective buyers and current homeowners want double sinks, soothing color palettes and vintage-inspired features. They also want both a rain shower and a freestanding tub in their primary bathroom. According to EyeOnHousing.org, 74% of prospective home buyers want “both a shower stall and a tub” in their primary bath.
With a greater focus on home health following the COVID-19 pandemic, plants, non VOC paint and air purifiers are becoming more popular as well. In this vein, prospective buyers and current homeowners alike favor natural materials like stone and wood. Seamless architectural details like inset shower niches and curbless showers are requested often due to the streamlined aesthetic and accessibility they offer.
Sleek Details and Warm Tones Wow in This Serene Primary Bath
Over the last few years, interest has shifted from stark minimalism to warm, spa-like spaces with neutral tones and organic elements. Natural and slightly nostalgic, mid-century modern tones, textures and design elements feature heavily in today’s interiors. Our Lake Stevens primary bathroom remodel is an excellent example of a timeless yet on-trend space that reflects contemporary interests while remaining classic. The primary bath’s tranquil atmosphere is underscored by sleek lines, organic materials, warm tones and touches of greenery.
Vanity
The vanity in our Lake Stevens primary bath remodel boasts Euro-style frameless custom walnut cabinetry, soft-close drawers, double sinks and brushed satin nickel hardware. A custom 85 x 40" flat polished mirror with gentle LED backlighting floats above the vanity. Nearby, a Verdera Series Kohler mirrored bathroom cabinet offers extra storage.
A crisp quartzite slab sits atop deep undermount sinks, matching the tone and texture of the primary bath’s freestanding tub. Sleek Delta Trinsic Bathroom Faucets in stainless steel perfectly reflect the architectural detailing of satin nickel bar pulls on the cabinets below. These special details make the space. As Sydney Hirsch notes in “7 Bathroom Trends to Give a Try in 2022” for AD, “bathrooms are only as good as their accessories.”
The double sink vanity was another must-have for our homeowners as it suits their needs while appealing to future buyers. As Margarita Pollock writes in a recent article for House Beautiful, “‘adding a second sink or double sink vanity is extremely appealing.'" This is especially true "'in homes with busy families or couples that only have one bathroom.’”
Shower and Surround
Radiant in-floor heating keeps the bathroom floor’s Statements Jewel Encore porcelain tile warm to the touch. Our team also applied this tile to the shower floor and walls for a seamless transition. Matte finish 3 × 3” Cortina porcelain tile in Pegasus White adds a bit of contrast to the recessed shampoo niche. For help choosing tile for your own primary bath remodel, read through our resource here. In the shower, our team opted for both an overhead rain shower and a body sprayer.
According to Marissa Wu in her article “2022 Bathroom Trends” for Southern Living, no spa bathroom is complete without multiple shower heads. Quoting NOMI's Joseph A. Tsedaka, Wu writes that “‘double showers with rain heads, hand-held features, and multiple faucets…create a truly relaxing experience.’" Tsedaka – whose boutique home building company is based in Dallas-Fort Worth also recommends adding a body sprayer. Our team chose both for this bathroom remodel.
Combining body sprayers with ceiling mount showerheads ensures the shower “accommodates everyone's height.” Our team often works with senior homeowners hoping to age in place, so we consider accessibility at every turn. This space shows that accessibility and luxury need not be at odds with each other! The entire shower package – including plumbing and accessories – is from Delta. Brushed nickel hardware stylistically ties the heavy glass three panel shower enclosure with a wide entry opening to the walnut vanity.
Tub
As mentioned above, the NAHB found that a majority of buyers “insist on both a shower and tub in the primary bath.” Our Lake Stevens homeowners issued the same request for their serene space. We installed a classic white Signature Hardware Boyce 70" Freestanding Acrylic Soaking Tub just opposite the shower. Situated beneath a picture window, the soaking tub has a lovely tree top view. The potted plants strategically placed around the primary bath reinforce the room’s connection with nature.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in biophilic interiors has skyrocketed. From wood paneling and unpainted beams to vertical indoor gardens and hand-hewn furniture, organic interiors are experiencing a resurgence. The walnut cabinetry and leafy green plants in this primary bath add to its tranquility.
In her article “The Top Bathroom Trends to Keep on Your Radar in 2022.” for Good Housekeeping, Monique Valeris agrees. Valeris notes that “incorporating natural and organic elements [creates] spa-like vibes.” Quoting Marie Cloud from Indigo Pruitt, Valeris writes that plants not only have “‘a great finishing-touch appeal.’” Using plants in an otherwise neutral space “‘sparks a sustainable approach, air-purifying benefits, and a beautiful connection with nature.’” For more information about primary bathroom trends we expect to stick around, check out our recent post here.
Planning a Primary Bathroom Remodel of Your Own?
If you are planning a primary bathroom remodel of your own, check out a few of our resources. Our post “10 FAQs About Choosing Bathroom Tile” will help you determine which type of tile best suits your style and needs. Homeowners with accessibility in mind can check out this post. We explain how seniors aging in place can make their spaces safer and more sustainable as they get older.
For inspiration, browse our team’s portfolio of primary bathroom remodels here. Feel free to reach out to our team if your home is located in Camano Island, North Everett or Lake Stevens. Our team also remodels homes in Marysville, Mill Creek, Mukilteo and Snohomish, WA. You can also download our Home Remodel Costs Guide as you prepare to remodel your primary bath in 2022.
