The Rise Of The Gentrified Luxury Bathroom

Luxury bathrooms are no longer the preserve of the ultra-wealthy. Instead, they are increasingly making their way into modern homes. 

Many property owners want them as status symbols and to show how far they’ve come. Others are simply using them to create spa-like experiences in their interiors, without the constant need to travel to commercial alternatives. 

Previously, bathrooms were purely functional spaces. Family members would use them to wash and get dressed in privacy. By 2000, most were inside homes (even affordable accommodation), with only a handful of outhouses remaining. 

However, today the emphasis is changing. Many homeowners in gentrified spots are wondering how they can improve these rooms further, blending aesthetics with functionality and technology. 

“Luxury bathrooms are becoming more popular because of the desire for aesthetic excellence,” explains the Bathroom Design Center, which sells luxurious bathtubs. “Many property owners in the affluent classes want bathrooms made of opulent materials with designer-inspired sinks and vanities.” 

Because of these changes, the industry is witnessing a shift in materials. Marble and gold fixtures are becoming almost commonplace, with laminates and vinyls taking a backseat. Many owners believe these materials improve looks and boost their wellness. Solid, high-quality rock on the wall imparts a deep sense of well-being for a lot of people. 

Furthermore, many affluent owners enjoy the spa-like experience these new bathrooms offer, including soaking tubs and aromatherapy systems. These allow them to slip into a deep sense of relaxation after a busy day or when they have nothing to do at the weekend. 

“Of course, it’d be naive to suggest that status didn’t appeal, too,” says the Bathroom Design Center. “People want bathrooms that increase their status and appeal to other affluent buyers who might be able to purchase their properties in the future. A well-designed bathroom with the right features is often irreplaceable.” 

What constitutes a luxury bathroom remains a topic of contention, and standards continue to shift. Over time, it’s clear that the threshold is increasing.

Most luxury bathrooms start with rare woods, natural stone, and some of the high-end materials discussed above. These immediately set them apart from the majority of bathrooms that use cheap, budget materials to keep costs down. 

However, a lot of owners are going beyond this. For example, many affluent individuals in gentrified areas are equipping their homes with smart technology, including heated floors and smart mirrors. These provide them with a more customised environment that doesn’t feel as unwelcoming. Voice-activated lighting and automated toilets are also playing a role, though these are less advertised in general. 

For some affluent individuals, sustainability is taking a central role. Many are demanding luxurious bathrooms that meet their ecological requirements, especially in terms of energy and material usage. Most want spa-like areas that reduce overall impact on the planet while impressing everyone around them. 

Spa-like elements are naturally making an appearance in these luxury bathrooms. Many wealthy people want to emulate the experience developed by spas over many years, allowing them to experience the benefits in their homes instead of having to travel outside of the home and pay high fees.

For example, much-touted rainfall showers are now exceptionally common. These differ from conventional versions and are supposed to feel like rain, with water droplets failing under the weight of gravity. 

Sauna rooms are also making an appearance. Most of these are infrared, dry heat saunas that raise air temperatures extremely high. Many wealthy people like these because they are convenient, invigorating, and improve health biomarkers substantially. Steam saunas are an alternative, often incorporated into the shower unit, offering a sauna-like effect, making users feel refreshed. 

Customisation is also playing a significant role in modern bathroom setups. Owners are seeking things like personalised storage for their towels and layouts that meet their requirements. These often require extensive building work or even knocking through into unused bedrooms to create more space. 

“The sheer range of bathroom options available to most owners is mind-boggling these days,” explains the Bathroom Design Center. “This level of choice means that a lot of people are more willing than ever before to make significant home modifications if it means getting the look and features they want.” 

These changes mean that many homeowners are options for things like handcrafted furniture and custom crown molding. These elements give bathrooms a traditional feel but also more of a sense of luxury. 

Market trends and consumer demand seem set to continue. Luxury bathroom renovations are part and parcel of many wealthy people’s spending plans, with high-net-worth individuals and millennials spearheading the movement. The bathroom is an opportunity for people to luxuriate themselves and their guests. 

Social media is also playing a critical role in this process. As more designers put their work online, more people are getting a sense of what’s possible with the right budget. 

“Social media has been a significant boon for us because it means more exposure to our products,” explains the Bathroom Design Center. “More people are becoming interested in what’s out there and seeing products for the first time in context, without just scrolling through images on retailer websites. The fact that people can shop for items on social media is driving the trend into overdrive. If someone wants a brand new solid onyx bathtub, they can click it on Pinterest and go to the website of a company that actually installs them.”

Of course, while luxury bathrooms might be aspirational, they also come with a high price tag. Financing options are available for many installations, but even these are often out of reach for the average person. 

Space constraints are also a problem. Many older homes and townhouses simply don’t have sufficient space to accommodate a luxury bathroom. Even with home extensions, many projects are impossible to build to a sufficient spec. 

“The future of bathroom transformation is likely to revolve around materials and technology,” says the Bathroom Design Center. “Customers will want the electronics to blend into the background so they can focus on the beauty of the interior design.”

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