As we start the new year, we find that bathroom remodeling continues to be one of the most popular home improvement projects, with homeowners in the Santa Cruz County, CA area looking to update their spaces with designs that blend style, functionality and sustainability. So, what’s trending? In this post, we’ll tag-team our own Talmadge Construction designers Dave Neighoff and Wilhelm Ventner to get their insights on the bathroom remodeling trends for 2025.

Spa-Inspired Spaces in Aptos

Primary Bath - After

“I’m thrilled to help clients design spaces that serve as both practical and indulgent, so I’m excited to see that one of the biggest trends is the desire for bathrooms offering a spa-like experience. Homeowners want a luxurious sanctuary where they can unwind and escape from the stresses of daily life. To meet that desire, we’re incorporating a lot of sumptuous elements to create an environment that feels like a retreat,” says David Neighoff.

Key features in a spa-inspired bathroom can include the following:

  • Luxurious shower with rainfall showerheads, body jet and steam functions
  • Freestanding soaking tubs
  • Heated flooring
  • Towel warmers
  • Soft, ambient lighting
  • Built-in shelving or niches
  • Natural materials like stone and wood
  • Plants and greenery to enhance the space with a touch of nature

See our Scotts Valley spa-inspired bathroom project featuring a jetted soaking tub and open shower with multiple showerheads.

Space-Saving Solutions for Clutter-Free Bathrooms

Primary Bathroom Remodel in Soquel, CA

“One of the biggest challenges in bathroom remodeling is maximizing space, especially in smaller bathrooms,” Wilhelm Ventner says. “For 2025 projects we’re seeing an interest in space-saving solutions—features that help open up the space, create a more streamlined look and provide additional storage without making the room feel cramped. It’s all about finding ways to make bathrooms feel bigger and more organized, and there are so many ways to do that without sacrificing style.”

Key features of space-saving bathrooms can include:

  • Built-in storage options like recessed shelving, medicine cabinets and shower wall niches
  • Vanity cabinets with pull-out drawers and organizers
  • Wall-mounted sinks and toilets
  • Multi-functional furniture such as storage benches or mirrors with hidden compartments
  • Floating vanities
  • Slim-profile fixtures like compact vanities and pedestal sinks
  • Over-the-door or wall-mounted hooks and racks
  • Pocket doors

See our Soquel, CA bathroom remodeling project featuring a floating vanity and custom storage solutions.

Natural and Sustainable Bathroom Materials

Santa Cruz Westlake Primary Bathroom RemodelSustainability will be a major driving force behind bathroom remodels in 2025, and it’s a trend I’m really excited about,” Neighoff forecasts. “People are becoming more conscious of the materials they’re using in their homes, and it’s not just about being eco-friendly—it’s about making choices that will last and have a smaller environmental footprint.”

“We’re also seeing a lot more interest in natural materials. These materials not only have a beautiful, timeless look, they are also durable and sustainable. It’s great to see more homeowners considering the long-term benefits of their design choices, and of course, we’re happy to guide them in making environmentally-responsible decisions.”

Features that align with natural and sustainable materials can include:

  • Countertops, vanities and tile made from sustainable materials like recycled glass, bamboo, teak or reclaimed wood. Teak, known for its natural resistance to moisture, is ideal for humid bathroom environments.
  • Natural stone such as granite, marble, slate or travertine to add character to countertops and flooring
  • Recycled materials such as reclaimed wood or recycled glass tiles for shelving, accent walls or decorative features
  • Water-efficient fixtures like low-flow faucets and showerheads
  • Earthy tones and textures, with woodgrain finishes and matte stone surfaces
  • Accessories such as woven baskets or linen textiles

See our Santa Cruz Westlake primary bathroom remodel featuring natural materials.

Bold Colors and Unique Finishes

Main Bathroom Remodel in Soquel, CA“Bold colors and unique finishes are making a strong comeback for modern bathroom ideas, and we’re embracing it for 2025,” Ventner says. “People want their bathrooms to feel personal and are moving away from strictly neutral palettes and all-white bathrooms to incorporate things like deep blues, greens and metallic accents can make a statement while still maintaining a sophisticated design. These colors can work well on walls, cabinetry or even as accents to add depth and character to the bathroom. The challenge, however, is to balance bold choices with elements that keep the space feeling calm and inviting.”

Features of bathrooms with bold colors and unique finishes can include:

  • Metallic accents such as brass, gold or matte black fixtures
  • Faucets, light fixtures and mirror frames in metallic finishes
  • Patterned tiles ranging from geometric designs to intricate motifs used on floors, backsplashes or as a shower wall focal point

See our Soquel, CA bathroom remodeling project featuring a blue vanity with matte black accents.

Smart Technology Integration

“Smart technology is rapidly becoming an essential part of a bathroom remodel,” Neighoff explains. “Clients love the convenience, and we’re seeing a lot of interest in features that improve energy efficiency while increasing the overall functionality of the bathroom. It’s an exciting time in the remodeling world as we blend cutting-edge technology with beautiful design.”

Popular smart features can include:

  • Touchless faucets to activate and shut off water flow
  • Smart mirrors with built-in lighting, anti-fog capabilities and even touchscreens for controlling other devices. Some can display weather, news or health data. The integrated lighting can be adjusted for different tasks.
  • Heated floors and towel racks

Why Choose a Design-Build Contractor for Your Bathroom Remodel?

Choosing a design-build contractor for your bathroom remodel simplifies the remodeling process and ensures you will receive a more cohesive result. Design-build firms handle both the design and construction phases under one roof, creating a seamless workflow from start to finish, an approach that eliminates the need to hire separate designers and contractors, reducing miscommunication and delays while providing a single point of accountability for your project.

A key benefit of working with a design-build contractor is their collaborative approach to planning and execution. From the initial consultation, your contractor works closely with you to understand your vision, budget and functional needs. Then the design and construction teams collaborate throughout the project to ensure your design is both practical and achievable. This integration allows for creative solutions, cost-effective and immediate decisions, fewer unexpected changes during construction, and a streamlined timeline. The team can anticipate potential challenges early on to address them proactively.

As we look ahead into the remodeling trends of the new year, it’s clear that homeowners are focused on creating spaces that reflect their personal style while enhancing functionality and sustainability.

“One thing we really focus on is helping our clients find the right balance between modern design and timeless functionality,” Ventner adds. “Trends shift quickly, and we find that homeowners are looking for bathroom remodels that aren’t just trendy, but those that will stand the test of time. We want to help them create spaces that feel relevant now and will still feel great years down the road. That’s one of the beauties of the design-build approach—we’re able to create spaces that blend the best of today’s technology with the long-term needs of our clients.”

Let Talmadge Construction Bring Your Dream Bathroom to Life in Aptos

Homeowners in Santa Cruz County, CA should consider working with Talmadge Construction for their bathroom remodeling projects because of our expertise, clear communication, commitment to quality and focus on customer satisfaction. In addition, we use the latest technology to communicate with our clients—they appreciate our thorough and detailed proposals and efficient digital tools that help facilitate open communication throughout the project.

We have experience with a wide range of popular bathroom styles and trends and we encourage you to use our insights as a design-build contractor to help you make the right decisions on design and brands, whether you are looking for a sleek, modern design or a more traditional, sustainable approach. We can tailor our services to suit your individual needs and preferences.

Working with a trusted remodeler like Talmadge Construction, you will have confidence that your bathroom remodel will be completed to the highest standards, using only the best materials and techniques. Our design-build approach will create a bathroom that not only looks great, it ensures efficient functionality, incorporating modern trends in a way that enhances your home’s overall value.

Contact Us

If you’re considering a bathroom remodel in the new year, reach out today to discuss how we can help you. Contact Talmadge Construction today at 831-689-9133 to schedule your initial consultation.

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