When you remodel your bathroom, it’s about more than just making the space look good — it should feel good, too. When it comes to bathroom remodeling, comfort is key. So, if you’re looking for the hottest luxury bathroom trends for your upcoming remodel, look no further.
Our team at Lamont Bros. works with homeowners across the Portland area to help them create a bathroom space that perfectly fits their lifestyle. We’ve done bathroom projects ranging from a simple half-bathroom refresh to a $200,000 custom master bathroom remodel.
In this article, we’ll cover some of our favorite luxury upgrades for bathroom remodel projects. After reading through, you should have a better understanding of some of the current bathroom design trends and be able to identify a few features that speak to your taste. The specific luxury features we’ll discuss include:
Heated Tile Floor — $3,000 – $4,000
Nobody likes getting up in the morning to walk across a cold tile floor to your shower. Though not a new concept, heated tile flooring has been increasing in popularity in recent years.
The principle of it is simple enough: a heating element underneath the tiles radiates warmth into the floor at the flip of a switch. You can even connect the switch to a smart timer so the floor turns on before you wake up and is heated by the time you get to the bathroom in the morning.
The cost of adding a heater element to a tile floor is generally between $3,000 and $4,000, not including the floor tiles. It’s a relatively modular upgrade that can be done without affecting the cost or installation of other bathroom fixtures.
The greatest challenge with a heated tile floor is that it requires its own electrical circuit. Depending on how much rewiring is required, the electrical work may end up being the most expensive part. Once the circuit is ready, a skilled installer can put in the heating system in less than a day.
Towel Warming Rack — $1,000 – $2,500
There’s something especially soothing about using a towel fresh out of the dryer. But what if you could experience that same feeling every day without needing to throw your towel in the dryer before you shower?
Towel warming racks are bathroom fixtures designed to keep towels warm and dry, providing a comfortable and luxurious feeling after a bath or shower. Typically made of metal, these racks can be wall-mounted or freestanding.
The warming rack uses an electrical heating element to warm the metal bars on which the towel hangs. When a towel is placed on the rack, the heat is transferred to the towel, warming it up and helping it to dry quickly.
Towel warming racks come in several design options, with some able to hold multiple towels at once. Aside from their practical uses, they can also add a stylish flair to your bathroom decor.
While the rack fixture itself may only cost between $500-$800, towel warmers also require their own dedicated circuit. Like heated tile floors, a lot of the cost goes into the electrical work and installation.
Sauna — $25,000 – $40,000
Saunas have long been the norm in Scandinavian cultures, beloved for their relaxation and health benefits. As they become more popular in the United States, many homeowners are considering adding them to their next bathroom remodel.
Having a sauna in your home can be a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize their well-being. Saunas can improve cardiovascular health, detoxify the body, relieve stress, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. Additionally, saunas can help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Installing a sauna can present a set of unique challenges from a design perspective. For starters, you have to find the right location in the home. Most people want their sauna in or near the bathroom to maintain some privacy during use.
The space must also be vented and vapor sealed to prevent moisture and heat from leaking out and damaging your home. Cedar cladding, known for its aromatic qualities and strength in moist climates, is the most popular choice for interior siding in saunas.
In full, installing a sauna in your home can cost upwards of $40,000 or more depending on its size and complexity. But if you plan to use it frequently, having a sauna in your home makes a lot more sense than paying for a gym membership just to use theirs.
Steam Shower — $10,000 – $15,000
A steam shower is the perfect luxury bathroom feature for those who want to add some comfort to their shower remodel. Think of a steam shower as the lovechild of a shower and a sauna.
It features a sealed shower enclosure connected to a steam generator which can be activated by a digital control panel. To engage the steam generator, the user can simply press a button, which will cause the generator to boil water and provide a steady supply of steam to a set of vents in the shower enclosure.
Steam showers not only add a sense of luxury to your bathroom, but they can also provide several health benefits. Research suggests that steam showers can improve skin health, enhance cardiovascular function, and boost immune health.
Installing a steam shower can be expensive due to the amount of technical work and planning that goes into it. The steam generator itself can run $2,000-$3,000 alone and takes up a lot of space. The shower must also be sealed and ventilated in order to retain its steam and prevent water damage to other areas of the home.
Smart Toilet — $3,000 – $8,000
Just like filet mignon will ruin every other steak in comparison, a smart toilet will ruin every other toilet you ever use. A relatively new feature in the luxury bathroom world, the smart toilet is a brilliant blend of practicality and creature comforts for your next remodel.
Smart toilets like the electronically controlled Kohler Veil are high-tech fixtures that combine several practical features into one unit. They are designed to maximize comfort.
Motorized seats with foot sensors make it easy to open and close the toilet without needing to touch it. Heated seats keep the surface at a comfortable temperature before and during use. A built-in bidet makes cleaning and hygiene easier with thermostat-controlled water temperatures.
Installing a smart toilet is relatively simple, and most of the associated cost comes from purchasing the actual unit. The only additional expenditure is that the toilet requires electricity for some of the onboard features to work. Some smart toilets may require a dedicated circuit for heated seat features.
Japanese Soaking Tub — $2,000 – $5,000
Working on designing a bathroom remodel, but struggling to select a bathtub? If you’re looking for something unique, luxurious, and space-saving, a Japanese soaking tub might be the solution you’re looking for.
Unlike traditional bathtubs where the user reclines, a Japanese soaking tub is smaller and deeper, allowing the user to sit upright and soak up to their neck. This creates a feeling of weightlessness and can help to relieve tension in the muscles and joints.
Also called ofuro tubs, these bathtubs are often made from cedar, hinoki, or other types of wood that are prized for their natural beauty and aroma. Tubs made of porcelain, acrylic, and even metals such as brass or iron are also common.
Want to learn more about bathroom remodeling?
Now that you have some inspiration for luxury features for your bathroom remodel, are you ready to find out more? If so, continue research by reading our Ultimate Bathroom Remodel Guide. It covers everything you need to know to transform your bathroom into your own private oasis.
Need a professional designer to help you plan your bathroom remodel? If so, click the link below to schedule a free design consultation with a member of our award-winning design team. We’ll work with you to design a luxury bathroom space that speaks to your style and needs.