“In 2025, bathroom remodels are all about merging style with practicality,” says Linda Sweeney, Vice President and Design Consultant at Sweeney Design Remodel. “Our homeowners are looking to create spaces that not only look good, but also function well. So we’re seeing a shift towards designs that prioritize comfort and convenience, whether that’s through advanced technology, sustainable materials or maximizing space.”
Into 2025, homeowners in Madison, Wisconsin are embracing innovative bathroom remodeling trends blending functionality with modern aesthetics with a focus on creating spaces that are not only efficient, but reflect personal style and comfort. Understanding those trends can help you make informed decisions that align with your current and future needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top bathroom remodeling trends set to define the Madison market in this coming year.
Related: Read our Ultimate Guide to Luxury Bathroom Remodeling
Spa-Like Luxury at Home
“People are no longer content with just a bathroom—they’re looking for a sanctuary,” Sweeney explains. Madison homeowners are increasingly looking for spa-like retreats complete with luxurious features that elevate the bathing and grooming experience. These spa-inspired elements bring a sense of relaxation and tranquility, offering a sanctuary within your home where you can unwind and rejuvenate after a long day:
Heated floors, with radiant heat to provide consistent warmth underfoot. It pairs well with popular bathroom flooring materials like tile and stone.- Soaking tubs for deep relaxation. Freestanding models, especially those with ergonomic designs to offer a luxurious bathing experience.
- Rain showers with wider showerheads and ceiling-mounted options to mimic the rainfall sensation.
- Steam showers that integrate into enclosed shower units.
- Soft, layered lighting, with dimmable LED lights, under-cabinet strips and wall sconces. Natural light can be added through skylights or larger windows.
- Natural materials like stone, wood and bamboo to bring warmth and texture. Include stone tiles, wooden vanities and accents like pebble shower floors connect to nature and add a spa-like vibe.
- Smart features (see section on Smart Bathrooms)
Heated floors, with radiant heat to provide consistent warmth underfoot. It pairs well with popular bathroom flooring materials like tile and stone.Visit Our Project
View two projects including spa-inspired features:
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Upgrades
As environmental awareness grows, more Madison homeowners are focusing on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions, making a shift towards resources that minimize environmental impact while still offering durability and style. Trends include some of these features:
- Water-saving fixtures like low-flow showerheads, faucets and dual-flush toilets.
- A switch to energy-efficient LED lighting, along with motion sensors and dimmer switches to allow lighting control.
- Recycled or sustainably-sourced materials like recycled glass tiles, reclaimed wood vanities and countertops, or sustainably-harvested bamboo.
- Low-VOC paints and sealants to minimize harmful chemical emissions to improve indoor air quality.
- Tankless water heaters to eliminate the need to store and constantly heat water.
- Natural ventilation through larger windows or operable skylights.
- Smart water monitoring systems that track water consumption and detect leaks.
Bold Statement Tiles
Tile continues to be a standout feature in 2025, with bold statement-making options taking center stage. “We’re seeing homeowners incorporate unique tiles in unexpected places—from the floor to the walls and even as accents around mirrors or on backsplashes,” Sweeney says. “Bold design choices help create a bathroom that reflects the homeowner’s personality and style, making the space uniquely theirs.”
These bold choices can completely transform your bathroom’s look and feel while adding character:
- Vibrant colors in deep blues, emerald greens and terracotta tones used on an accent wall, shower backsplash or flooring.
- Geometric patterns such as hexagons, diamonds and intricate mosaics. For a cohesive, yet bold, look, choose neutral tones like black, white or gray.
- Statement tiles such as Moroccan, encaustic or hand-painted styles. Use them as a focal point on a shower wall, behind a vanity or as a dramatic floor design. They work best when paired with simple, understated fixtures.
- Textured tiles such as 3D or relief designs to add depth and dimension to bathroom walls. Choose materials like ceramic and porcelain to achieve these effects that can range from subtle ripples to more pronounced sculptural patterns. These are especially popular in neutral tones that don’t overwhelm the space.
- Natural stone tiles such as marble, slate or travertine. Choose from a range of colors and finishes, from polished to honed to marble tiles with dramatic veining.
- Large-format tiles are gaining traction for a sleek, seamless appearance. They reduce grout lines, making the bathroom look more spacious and are easier to clean. Popular materials include porcelain and ceramic in both bold and subtle finishes.
- Combining different tile materials and styles as another bold trend. For example, pair matte and glossy tiles, or mix metallic accents with natural stone.
Visit Our Project
View two projects highlighting bold tile work:
Smart Bathrooms
The 2025 bathroom is becoming smarter with the integration of cutting-edge technology. These innovations not only enhance your user experience, they contribute to energy savings:
- Smart toilets offering advanced features like self-cleaning functions, heated seats, customizable bidet settings, automatic lid opening and flushing, and nightlights.
- Touchless faucets that use motion sensors to control water flow. Many models allow for temperature presets.
- Smart mirrors with built-in LED lighting to provide even illumination for grooming tasks. Some also include anti-fog technology, integrated Bluetooth speakers and touch controls for adjusting brightness and color temperature.
- Bluetooth connectivity through waterproof Bluetooth speakers, smart mirrors with audio systems and even bathtubs with built-in sound systems.
- Smart thermostats to control the temperature of heated floors, towel warmers and the overall bathroom environment—controllable through smartphone apps.
- Radiant floor heating systems with smart controls that can even learn your daily habits and adjust settings automatically to ensure the floor is warm when it’s needed most.
- Smart showers with features like programmable water temperature, preset water pressure settings and voice-activated controls. Integrate them with your digital assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for voice commands.
ADA-Compliant Bathrooms
As the demand for accessible home design continues to grow, ADA-compliant bathroom features are becoming a must-have in 2025 for Madison homeowners. These upgrades not only cater to individuals with mobility challenges, they enhance the overall comfort and safety for all users:
- Walk-in tubs designed with a low-entry threshold, built-in-seats, slip-resistant floors and grab bars.
- Zero-entry or barrier-free showers with a smooth transition from the bathroom floor to the shower area. Include a built-in bench and handheld showerheads for added convenience.
- Grab bars are an essential feature to provide support for standing, sitting or moving about the bathroom. Install them near the toilet, shower or bathtub.
- Adjustable vanities that can be raised or lowered to add accessibility. Some are designed with extra space underneath to accommodate a wheelchair.
- Raised or comfort-height toilets, with some having elongated toilet bowls for added comfort and accessibility.
- Non-slip flooring with materials like textured tiles, rubber or vinyl to provide a secure surface even when wet.
- Wider doorways to allow easier access for wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids. ADA guidelines recommend a minimum of 36 inches.
- Lever handles to replace round doorknobs.
Visit our Project
Aging-in-Place Bathrooms
Aging-in-place designs are tailored to each homeowner’s unique needs, offering flexibility rather than strictly following ADA codes. These spaces are thoughtfully designed for long-term usability and future-proofing, allowing homeowners to maintain their independence as they age.
Unlike ADA-compliant spaces, aging-in-place bathrooms prioritize safety, convenience, and comfort while blending seamlessly with the home’s aesthetics. Common features include:
- Curbless (zero-threshold) showers for easy entry
- Comfort-height toilets (taller than standard toilets for easier sitting and standing)
- Non-slip flooring to prevent falls
- Wider doorways and hallways to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs
- Lever-style faucets and handles for easier grip
Maximizing Small Spaces
“Space is always a top priority in bathroom remodeling, especially in homes where square footage is limited and every inch counts,” Sweeney says. “Our goal is to create a space that feels open and inviting, even in smaller bathrooms.” Here are a number of ways to create the illusion of a larger, more open bathroom while keeping it organized and efficient:
- Frameless shower enclosures.
- Innovative storage options like custom-built shelves, recessed niches and floating vanities. Use vertical space with tall cabinets or wall-mounted shelves, or pull-out or pull-down organizers in cabinets.
- Wall-mounted sinks, toilets and vanities to open the room by making the floor visible.
- Corner sinks that leave the rest of the bathroom open for movement.
- Strategically-placed mirrors: full-wall, mirrored cabinets or mirrored tiles that reflect light to visually expand the room.
- Sliding or pocket doors. These are particularly useful for showers or bathroom entryways.
- Built-in shelving and recessed nooks to store toiletries, towels and other essentials. Recessed shelves in shower walls or above the toilet also help keep everything organized.
- A light color palette such as soft whites, light grays or pastels can make a small bathroom feel more open. Pair light colors with a minimalistic design and simple lines.
Visit Our Project
View these two projects with frameless shower/tub combos:
Organic Shapes and Materials
Bathrooms are moving away from rigid lines and sharp angles to focus on more organic, flowing shapes. These organic elements foster a peaceful environment:
- Curved edges and rounded corners on countertops, mirrors and cabinetry.
- Arched doorways, mirrors or shower enclosures.
- Rounded or circular vanities.
- Oval-shaped bathtubs that have a sculptural quality unlike traditional rectangular tubs.
- Natural materials like wood, stone, bamboo and clay for flooring, vanities and accents.
- Stone materials such as marble, limestone and granite for a variety of applications ranging from countertops to shower walls. Their natural veining, textures and colors contribute to the organic look.
- Bamboo and reclaimed wood for vanities, shelving and flooring.
Visit Our Project
Dual-Purpose Spaces
In 2025, dual purpose features are becoming increasingly popular. These thoughtful design choice maximize efficiency while adding extra convenience:
- Walk-in closets to offer both practical storage and a sense of luxury. Incorporate custom shelving, hanging racks and drawers.
- Dressing rooms, separate yet adjacent to the bathroom. Use these as a designated space for dressing and personal grooming to eliminate the need to use the bathroom for this purpose. Include full-length mirrors, built-in lighting and ample storage.
- A combined shelving and wardrobe system to maximize space by serving as both closet space and display areas.
- Stylish lighting to illuminate and enhance the overall bathroom aesthetic. Options include ambient overhead lights paired with task lighting around mirrors, accent lighting in walk-in closets or dressing rooms, and dimmers or color-changing LED lights.
- Mirrored walls to make the room feel larger while reflecting light.
- Multi-functional furniture pieces such as benches with hidden storage, fold-out vanity stations, or ottomans that serve as towel holders.
Visit Our Project
View these two projects designed for dual-purpose spaces:
- Craftsman bungalow remodel to create a wet room and an en suite primary bathroom in Verona
- Walk-in closet with custom cabinetry/primary bathroom remodel
“The future of bathroom design is all about personalization, and that’s something we’re passionate about at Sweeney Design Remodel,” Sweeney says. “Our clients today want their bathrooms to be a true reflection of their style and needs, and we’re helping them achieve that by focusing on custom designs that cater to their preferences. We work closely with each client to create a bathroom that feels like it was made just for them—because it was.”
Get Started on Your 2025 Bathroom Remodel in Madison, WI with Sweeney Design Remodel
Choosing the right design build professionals to guide you through your bathroom remodel is key to ensuring a successful transformation. That’s why Sweeney Design Remodel is the right choice for your 2025 bathroom remodel due to our combination of experience, expertise and commitment to quality craftsmanship. We have years of experience in remodeling and understand the latest bathroom design trends in order to help you navigate your many options.
See our related post titled 10 Common Bathroom Design Mistakes to Avoid
We pride ourselves on delivering personalized service. We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and vision for your bathroom remodels and ensure through our collaborative approach that your project will be tailored to meet both your aesthetic and practical goals. You’ll appreciate our clear timelines and budgets that keep you informed and involved every step of the way—which is reflected in our track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
Contact Sweeney Design Remodel
Now is the perfect time to make your bathroom into a space that reflects your personal taste while embracing the exciting possibilities of 2025. To learn more or to set your initial consultation, contact Sweeney Design Remodel at 608-257-3034.
Want more information about bathroom remodeling?
