What’s hot in bathrooms: 2025 trends you’ll love

Planning a bathroom renovation?

Your bathroom is one of the hardest-working rooms in your home. And one of the most rewarding to get right. 

Today’s bathroom trends aren’t just about what looks good now. They’re about helping you make smart, sustainable choices that feel good for years to come.

Here are four bathroom trends worth considering — and how to make them work in your renovation.

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1. Sustainable bathroom choices that save you money

From energy-efficient fittings to natural materials, sustainability is one of the biggest drivers in bathroom design right now. Not just because it’s better for the planet but because it’s better for your budget too.

How to make sustainable bathroom choices work in your renovation:

• Go low-flow: Dual-flush toilets are pretty standard here in NZ and are a good choice to reduce water usage. But did you also know you can get water-saving taps and showerheads that can further reduce the amount of water you use (and get charged for)?
• Choose natural or recycled materials: More people are choosing reclaimed timber, recycled tiles, and stone-look surfaces to use in their bathroom renovation. What we love is that using innovative materials doesn’t just reduce waste but also adds a unique beauty and style to your bathroom renovation. You have to be careful which products to choose - so have a chat with your local MTP home renovation specialists.
• Invest in quality: Buying well-made fittings means less replacing down the track and less going to landfill. Spending a bit more at the beginning of your renovation on fixtures and fittings that are well-made, fit for purpose and are recommended by your MTP team mean you’re less likely to have to spend money replacing fixtures frequently because they’re not up to the job. So, you end up spending less and producing less waste for the lifetime of that bathroom.  
• Ventilate well: Mould in the bathroom is not good for anyone or anything. Apart from all the health concerns, mould can stain your bathroom and increase cleaning and renovation costs.  Good ventilation keeps mould at bay and extends the life of your bathroom. 
• Light it smart: There’s nothing worse than a dark, gloomy bathroom. We recommend choosing LED lighting and motion sensors to reduce electricity use over time. Again, saving you dollars well after your renovation has been completed.

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2. Smart tech that makes life easier

Tech in the bathroom isn’t just about luxury anymore , it’s about making life easier, cleaner, and more comfortable. You don’t need a full ‘smart home’ setup to benefit from clever upgrades that improve your daily routine.

• Hands-free tapware and flushing systems: These are a great choice for families or anyone wanting a more hygienic bathroom. Touchless fixtures reduce germ transfer and help save water, too — a win-win.
• Mirror demisters and LED lighting: Ever stood around waiting for the mirror to clear after a shower? Integrated demisters and LED lighting built into your mirror make your morning routine smoother and quicker. And mean you’re not trying to shave or apply make-up through a streaky lens!
• Underfloor heating: This one’s a game-changer in colder parts of the country. Pair underfloor heating with a programmable thermostat so you can warm the floor before you even get out of bed. No more cold tiles underfoot!
• App-based controls: Some smart systems let you control things like lighting, temperature, or even music from your phone or tablet. These are ideal for families with different preferences,  and for anyone who loves convenience.
• Keep it sleek: The beauty of smart tech these days is that it doesn’t need to look high-tech. Most fittings are designed to blend in seamlessly with modern bathroom styles.

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3. Seamless, barrier-free design

Open, flowing bathrooms are in — and for good reason. Barrier-free design not only looks great but also makes your bathroom easier to use and clean. It’s a smart move for growing families, guests, or future-proofing your home.

• Walk-in showers: Ditch the step-up shower trays and go for a level-entry design with continuous floor tiling. It looks modern, makes the room feel bigger, and is safer for kids, older adults, and everyone in between.
• Consistent floor tiles: Using the same tile across the whole bathroom creates a seamless, expansive feel. It’s a subtle design choice that makes a big difference visually.
• Wall-mounted fittings: Vanities and toilets that are mounted to the wall make your floor space feel larger and simplify cleaning. It’s a small upgrade that offers long-term ease of use.
• Linear drains: These sleek, elongated drains are ideal for barrier-free showers. Not only do they look tidy, but they’re also highly effective at directing water away.
• Design with the future in mind: Even if accessibility isn’t top of mind now, barrier-free design gives you flexibility down the track for ageing in place, multigenerational-living spaces, guests, or resale value.

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4. Multi-sensory bathroom experiences

Your bathroom should be more than just functional. It should feel good to be in. 

A bathroom renovation should be all about engaging the senses to create a relaxing space that helps you start and end the day feeling calm and clear.

• Layered lighting: There’s more to lighting than a single ceiling bulb. Combine overhead lighting with LED strips under vanities or behind mirrors, and wall sconces near the vanity. It helps set the tone especially in the early morning or at night.
• Sound options: Whether it’s relaxing background music or a podcast while you get ready, sound can enhance your experience. Bluetooth mirrors or discreet waterproof speakers are easy to add and elevate the space without clutter.
• Tactile finishes: Soft towels, smooth tiles, ribbed timber, and natural stone all invite touch and comfort. Mixing these textures makes your bathroom feel thoughtful and indulgent.
• Add comfort touches: Heated towel rails, a rainfall showerhead, or a bath ledge for candles and a book can go a long way in creating a retreat you’ll look forward to using every day.

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Planning your bathroom renovation? Here’s a quick checklist:

• Have you considered how your bathroom will be used now and in a few years time?
• Do your chosen materials and fittings support long-term sustainability?
• Are you including features that improve comfort, efficiency and safety?
• Does the layout support barrier-free or accessible use?
• Have you created a space that feels calm, comfortable and uniquely yours?

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Let’s chat about your bathroom renovation

Our expert home renovation team can help you with their wealth of information and experiences. We’re here to make the process easy, transparent and stress-free. 

Get in touch with us today – and let’s build a bathroom you’ll love for years to come.

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