According to designers, these bathroom trends will be huge in 2023

Driven by a desire to freshen up outdated bathrooms while improving functionality and design, the overwhelming majority of homeowners will continue with their plans to renovate their bathroom in 2023, despite inflation woes. In the market to remodel a bathroom this year? Find out what’s trending in bathroom design.

What’s new with bathroom vanities?

While white vanities and countertops have reign supreme for years now, there’s a new king in town, now, with wooden vanities quickly rising to rival white as the most popular choice for vanities.

In HOUZZ’s latest bathroom trends report, 32% of homeowners opted for white toned vanities, while 30% of those remodeling their bathroom last year selected wooden vanities. Gray is also popular with 14% of homeowners choosing the popular hue, followed by blue-colored vanities, which were selected 7% of the time.

Another growing trend with vanities is to add another one to a primary bathroom if space permits. With more homeowners opting to increase the square footage of their primary bathroom, dueling vanities are majorly trending.

Freestanding tubs

Round or square flat-bottomed tubs have been rising in popularity over the years and are now firmly planted at the top of most homeowners’ wishlists, with 58% of those renovating their bathroom opting for them. Those choosing to get rid of their oversized tub that was put in during the 80s and 90s are finding they now have extra square footage to add to the shower, vanity, storage areas.

Tile trends

Classic subway tile is still the most widely used tile in the bathroom, but one newcomer–Zellige tiles– has been giving the subway look a run for it’s money for a few years now. Zellige tiles are constructed by hand and then placed in a kiln where uneven heat distribution gives a unique look to each tile, making this tile truly one-of-a-kind.

Another popular trend that has been growing for a while and is expected to be big in 2023 is stacking tile vertically, rather than horizontally. Designers describe this as a fun, new approach to stacking subway tile.

Marble, marble and more marble

While this pretty stone is no where close to replacing porcelain in the bathroom, marble is on the rise and will be a very popular choice for shower and bathroom floors and walls and in the coming years. Statement marble is also gaining popularity and can even act as art or wallpaper it’s so eye catching.

The rise of the curbless shower

In an effort to create a more streamlined look without breaking up the flow of tile, the curbless shower is quickly gaining ground in popularity. As more and more homeowners choose to age in place, the curbless shower will prove to be both fashionable and functional!

Wet Rooms

Creating a spa-like atmosphere, wet rooms are on the rise. Typically enclosed by curbless and frameless glass shower doors, wet rooms contain both the shower and tub. These luxurious spaces create a visual separation within the bathroom, almost giving the appearance of two completely different rooms.

Bold colors and patterns

Love it or hate it, wallpaper is back again, and many homeowners and designers are embracing this (old) new trend for the bathroom. Opting for bright, colorful prints and patterns, blah is out and bold is in. Beyond wallpaper, homeowners are also getting creative when it comes to tile selection, selecting greens, blues and other vibrant hues to dress up their space.

Should you hire a pro for your bathroom remodel?

The latest data shows us 4 out of 5 homeowners choosing to hire professionals to help them renovate the bathroom of their dreams. Most homeowners hire general contractors or bathroom remodeler. About 13% of homeowners choose to work with an interior designer.

Keep reading: 6 most common mistakes homeowners make when hiring a General Contractor

How much does a bathroom remodel cost in 2023?

As with any project, homeowners are always curious about cost. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, the latest studies show that the average spend for a midrange bathroom renovation project to be about $27,000. Return on investment is always something to think about, especially if you’re planning to sell soon, and homeowners who upgraded their bathroom can typically expect to get about 59% of that cost back when they sell.

An upscale bathroom remodel can cost homeowners upwards of $73,000, and homeowners can expect to see about 51% of that cost back when then sell their home.

As with any project, the cost range can be quite broad and will vary depending on whether or not you hire a professional or do the work yourself, the materials you use, and the size of the bathroom.

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About the Author
Carin Miller


About Carin Miller, REALTOR®

Founder, The Charlotte Life Team at Real • Serving North & South Carolina • Charlotte Metro & Luxury Relocation Specialist


Your Trusted Charlotte REALTOR®

Carin Miller, REALTOR® and founder of The Charlotte Life Team at Real, ranks among the top 3% of agents in the Charlotte metro area. Licensed in both North and South Carolina, Carin brings over a decade of real estate experience and a proven track record of $66 million in closed sales across 150+ successful transactions.

She specializes in luxury homes, relocation, new construction, and move-up or downsizing clients throughout Ballantyne, Weddington, Marvin, South Park, Indian Land, and Fort Mill. Carin’s approach blends data-driven strategy with authentic connection, making every client experience seamless, transparent, and personalized.

Recognized for Excellence

  • Charlotte Real Producers Top 500 Agent
  • FastExpert’s 2025 Top Agent in Waxhaw, NC
  • Allen Tate Chairman’s Circle (Individual)
  • Allen Tate Presidents Circle (Team) — multiple years
  • Allen Tate Client Relations Associate of the Year — Ballantyne
  • Red Penguin Quality Service Award
  • Designations: Real Luxury, Real Elite, Real Military

These honors reflect not just production volume but a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and exceptional client service.

What Clients Say

With 150+ verified reviews across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and FastExpert, Carin has built her business on trust and referrals. Clients consistently describe her as:

“Honest, strategic, and incredibly organized.”

“Always one step ahead.”

“A true advocate who makes the process simple, even from out of state.”

She combines AI-powered market tools, strong negotiation, and clear communication to deliver standout results in Charlotte’s competitive market.

Rooted in Charlotte, Focused on You

Originally from Florida, Carin has called Charlotte home for more than a decade—and she’s passionate about helping others find their place here. Her deep local insight, paired with her own relocation experience, gives clients an edge when moving into or within the Carolinas. When she’s not serving clients, Carin enjoys exploring new restaurants, supporting local businesses, and spending time with her Golden Retrievers.

A Personal Note

“Real estate isn’t just about buying or selling a home—it’s about life transitions, opportunities, and the people we meet along the way. My goal is to make every move strategic, transparent, and stress-free.”

Carin Miller, REALTOR® | The Charlotte Life Team at Real

Charlotte Real Estate Expertise

Service Areas: Charlotte, Waxhaw, Weddington, Marvin, South Park, Fort Mill, Indian Land, Rock Hill, Ballantyne, SouthEnd, Palisades, Belmont, and surrounding communities.
Specialties: Luxury homes, relocation, new construction, move-up and downsizing clients.
Production: $66M+ closed sales • Top 3% Charlotte MLS • 10+ years licensed.