The biggest kitchen and bathroom remodeling trends right now are warmer, more natural materials, color returning to cabinetry, practical storage over showpiece features, and bathrooms designed for comfort and aging in place, such as curbless showers and heated floors. Stark all-white, all-gray rooms have given way to wood tones, earthy greens and blues, mixed metals and textured tile. Below you will find the trends worth considering, what remodels typically cost, how to choose updates that add value, and how to vet a contractor before you sign.
Kitchen remodeling trends
Warm wood and color on cabinets
White shaker cabinets are still a safe choice, but many homeowners now choose natural oak or walnut, painted cabinetry in sage, olive, navy or deep blue-green, or a two-tone look with a colored island and lighter perimeter cabinets. Wood tones and muted colors feel warmer and tend to hide everyday wear better than bright white.
Durable, low-maintenance counters
Quartz remains the most popular countertop for its consistency and low upkeep. Porcelain slab counters are gaining ground because they resist heat and stains and can mimic marble convincingly. Natural stone like quartzite appeals to people who want real stone that is tougher than marble. Many designers now run the same slab up the wall as a full-height backsplash for a clean look.
Smarter storage
- Deep drawers in place of lower cabinets, so pots and dishes are easy to reach.
- Walk-in or cabinet pantries with pull-out shelves.
- Appliance garages that hide toasters and coffee machines behind doors.
- Integrated trash and recycling pull-outs.
Induction cooking and quieter tech
Induction cooktops heat fast, are easy to clean and do not burn gas indoors, which is why they are showing up in more remodels. Panel-ready refrigerators and dishwashers that blend into the cabinetry are popular in open-plan homes. Smart features such as app-controlled ovens are available, but most buyers value reliability and simple controls more than gadgets.
Statement lighting and hoods
Layered lighting, with recessed lights for general light, under-cabinet strips for tasks and pendants over the island, makes a kitchen more usable. Plaster or wood-clad range hoods have become a focal point in place of stainless chimney hoods. For more inspiration, see our collection of kitchen remodeling ideas.
Bathroom remodeling trends
Curbless showers and wet rooms
Walk-in showers with no curb or step, often with a linear drain and a fixed glass panel, look open and are easier to use at any age. Some larger bathrooms combine a tub and shower inside one waterproofed “wet room.” These need careful waterproofing and floor sloping, so they are a job for an experienced installer.
Texture, pattern and color
Handmade-look zellige tile, vertical stacked subway tile, fluted vanities and patterned floor tile add character. Large-format porcelain tiles reduce grout lines and cleaning. Colored vanities and painted walls in earthy tones are replacing the all-white spa look. If you are repainting, our guide to the best paint for a bathroom ceiling explains which finishes stand up to moisture.
Comfort upgrades
- Electric radiant floor heating under tile.
- Bidet seats or smart toilets.
- Lighted, anti-fog mirrors and quiet, humidity-sensing exhaust fans.
- Floating vanities that make small rooms feel bigger and are easy to clean under.
Vanity height and placement make a big difference to comfort, and our guide on how high a freestanding vanity should be covers standard measurements.
Aging in place
Grab bars that look like towel bars, comfort-height toilets, wider doorways, slip-resistant tile, handheld shower heads and built-in shower benches help people stay in their homes longer. Adding them during a remodel costs far less than retrofitting later.
Efficiency and sustainability
Many remodels now include upgrades that lower running costs as well as improving looks:
- WaterSense-labeled faucets, shower heads and toilets, which use less water without feeling weak.
- ENERGY STAR appliances, especially refrigerators and dishwashers, which run for many hours a year.
- LED lighting on dimmers for lower energy use and better mood control.
- Durable, repairable materials such as solid wood, porcelain tile and quality hardware that last longer than trend-driven finishes.
- Low-VOC paints and finishes, which reduce odors and indoor air pollutants during and after the work.
Some utilities and local programs offer rebates on efficient appliances or fixtures, so check before you buy.
Trends that are fading
- All-gray kitchens and gray wood-look flooring.
- Built-in kitchen desks, which most people no longer use.
- Large corner jetted tubs that take up space and are hard to clean.
- Busy glass mosaic backsplashes, replaced by slab or simpler tile.
What kitchen and bathroom remodels cost
Costs depend heavily on region, room size, material choices and whether plumbing or walls move. These US ranges are broad guides only:
| Project | Typical scope | Rough cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen refresh | Paint or reface cabinets, new counters, hardware, lighting | Around $10,000 to $35,000 |
| Mid-range kitchen remodel | New cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring, same layout | Around $35,000 to $80,000 |
| Major or upscale kitchen | Layout changes, custom cabinetry, premium appliances | $80,000 to well over $150,000 |
| Bathroom refresh | Vanity, toilet, fixtures, paint, lighting | Around $5,000 to $15,000 |
| Full bathroom remodel | New tile, shower or tub, vanity, fixtures | Around $15,000 to $40,000 |
| Primary suite bath, upscale | Layout change, curbless shower, heated floors, custom work | $50,000 and up |
Set aside a contingency of about 10 to 20 percent for surprises such as hidden water damage, old wiring or permit requirements. Moving plumbing and gas lines is one of the fastest ways to raise the budget, so keeping the existing layout saves money.
Cost vs. value
Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report estimates how much of a project’s cost is recovered at resale. In recent editions, minor kitchen remodels and mid-range bathroom updates have tended to recoup a larger share of their cost than upscale, high-end remodels. Treat these figures as national averages, not promises. If you plan to stay for many years, how much you will enjoy the space matters as much as resale.
How to choose and vet a contractor
- Get three written bids with the same scope so you can compare fairly.
- Verify licensing and insurance with your state or local licensing board, and ask for certificates of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Call recent references and, if possible, visit a finished project.
- Read reviews from customers and staff. Customer reviews show workmanship, while employee feedback, such as AGM Renovations reviews for the Ontario renovation firm, can hint at how well a company is organized and how it treats its crews.
- Insist on a detailed contract with scope, materials, timeline, payment schedule, change-order process and warranty.
- Avoid large upfront payments. Tie payments to completed milestones, and check whether your state caps deposits.
- Confirm who pulls permits. Plumbing, electrical and structural work usually needs them.
Planning tips before you start
Make a list of what does not work in the current room, such as too little counter space, poor lighting or a cramped shower, and design around fixing those. Choose materials and order long-lead items like cabinets and custom glass before demolition, since delays often come from backordered products. Plan for living without a kitchen for several weeks by setting up a temporary station with a microwave and a coffee maker. And pick one or two trends that suit your home’s style rather than chasing every new look, so the room still feels right in ten years. Small touches like floating shelves above the toilet can add storage without a full remodel. You can find more projects in our Home Improvement category.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular kitchen trend right now?
Warm, natural materials are leading, especially wood cabinetry or colored cabinets in greens and blues, paired with quartz or porcelain counters and practical storage like deep drawers and pantries.
Are all-white kitchens out of style?
Not entirely. White kitchens remain a classic, but many people now warm them up with wood accents, colored islands, brass or bronze hardware and textured tile.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
A basic refresh often costs around $5,000 to $15,000, a full remodel around $15,000 to $40,000, and upscale primary baths $50,000 or more, depending on location and materials.
Which remodel adds the most value?
Minor kitchen remodels and mid-range bathroom updates tend to recover a larger share of their cost at resale than upscale remodels, according to recent Cost vs. Value reports.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Construction for a mid-range kitchen often takes about 6 to 12 weeks, plus planning and ordering time beforehand. Layout changes and custom cabinetry can extend that.
