Kitchens are the most popular renovation project in the home but bathrooms run a close second. So whether you are remodeling your bathroom to increase the resale value of your home or it just makes sense to remodel to increase the function and efficiency of the space to fit your lifestyle needs you can reap some long-term benefits by taking a look at the current bathroom trend styles and fixtures and plan accordingly.

Transitional and Contemporary styles are being specified more often than traditional bathroom design these days with contemporary, transitional and shaker (in this order) trending in preference in 2015 and beyond. Traditional bathroom design will continue to hold a steady preference over 50 percent of the time.

Bath Color Schemes are predicted to be dominated by white and gray color hues with more than 70 percent of designers specifying this choice. Gray color hues are anticipated to grow in 2015 with whites and off-whites running a close second. Bieges and bone color schemes run a close third.

Bath Fixture Color of choice is white fixtures, the choice of 84 percent of designers who specified fixtures in 2014 and are expected to retain dominance and growth in 2015. Beige, bisque, bone or almond run a close second in preference. When changing out a fixture one at a time choose your color with a long-term view and not necessarily to match existing fixtures.

Bath Faucet Finishes: Polished chrome was used by 80 percent of bath designers last year. A very popular choice, polished chrome is expected to grow in 2015 with polished and brushed nickel gaining momentum and rounding out the top three finishes of choice. Surprisingly, bronze and oil-rubbed bronze finishes are expected to decline.

Under-mounted Bath Sinks are predicted to experience strong growth in 2015 and is preferred 90 percent of the time by designers. Vessel sinks are a distant second with integrated sinks and counter tops coming in third.

Wood Vanities remain the primary choice with no major changes predicted for the future. However, floating vanities are gaining popularity according to Homeworks Cabinetry + Design based in Tuscon, AZ. Expect savvy buyers to look for linen storage cabinets and open shelving however if your remodel has resale in mind.

Bath Vanity Tops are finished in quartz or granite which remain the most popular material choice. Solid surface materials round out the top three but is not a favorite as well as cultured marble. Quartz is expected to see growth in 2015 and beyond.

Tubs and Showers. Tubs are becoming more intimate and showers are increasing in size and with more amenities. Shower seats and benches were specified by 74 percent of bath designers last year. Walk-in showers are increasing with no-threshold showers becoming very popular. Expect free-standing soaking tubs request to grow while jetted tubs become less popular but still an option of choice for 25 percent of bath designers. Other options for shower lovers include: body sprays and jets, thermostatic values, pressure-balanced valves (slower growth than thermostatic values), lighting in showers and programmable controls.

Bath Flooring of choice is ceramic or porcelain tile. Used by 90 percent of NKBA designers last year ceramic/porcelain tile is predicted to retain its dominance in bath flooring. Natural stone tile places second and is expected to increase this year.

As you can see, bathroom styles and trends are transforming with the consumer in mind. I hope this brief summary of highlights and trends will help you make choices that not only fit your lifestyle and family needs but also position your bath design to take on an ageless look to be enjoyed for years to come.

Source: NKBA 2015 Kitchen & Bath Style Report