Thinking of doing some home remodeling in 2015? A great place for Chicago homeowners to start is the bathroom — and not just because you’ve always dreamed of having a luxury space to get ready for the day. Consider this: according to U.S. News and World Report, a renovated bathroom can bring back as much as 62 percent of your investment when it comes time to resell. This means it’s as financially smart as it is personally desirable to renovate bathrooms in Chicago homes like yours. In fact, outdated bathrooms can have a negative impact on the impression your home makes to potential buyers, steering them away completely. So whether your property is located in Old Town or River North, if it still has retro bathrooms, it might be time for a switch. If you’re hoping to update a bathroom this year, what do you need to know? What is the Chicago homebuyer looking for in a new bathroom? What are the latest bathroom trends? To help answer these questions, consider the following list of bathroom trend predictions for 2015. If you want to know what the experts say will be hot, here’s where to start:
Eye-Catching Floor Tiles Forget neutral floor tiles that nobody notices. In 2015, bold bathroom flooring is in. Bathroom floors can make a statement, set the tone for a design and be one of the finest features of the room. Attractive floor tiling can make a wonderful focal point, whether the bathroom itself is small or large, almost like a permanent rug.
Luxury Tubs and Showers It’s hard to say which will be bigger in 2015, freestanding tubs or larger showers. Regardless, one thing’s pretty certain: luxury features are a trend we can count on in the bathroom this year. They’re a surefire way to add value and a true wow factor to a space.
Custom Master Baths Keeping with the same theme of updated bathrooms, the experts at Bob Vila predict custom master baths will be the biggest remodeling project in this coming year. They suggest, consumers will want “an upscale, contemporary look and interesting accessories.” Other niceties like heated floors and/or towel racks are also expected to stay popular.
Darker Colors The new year is bringing more of a push toward darker colors, in and outside the bathrooms of homes. This could mean deep hues like eggplant and indigo, but it could also mean more black, particularly when it comes to accessories. Expect this year’s trends to include sleeker black fixtures and trim and hardware.
Eco-Friendly Features Sustainability and cost-saving features will likely stay big in 2015. From energy-efficient solutions like low-flow toilets to the ever-popular LED lighting, options that will cut costs and be environmentally friendly are sticking around. Greater Investment: According to an Angie’s List survey of more than 1,000 remodeling professionals, 2015 will see an increase in what customers are willing to pay for bathroom remodels. “For years, homeowners wanted a bathroom remodel to cost $15,000,” the article quotes a development company president for saying, “but now the starting point is $20,000.” Other contractors say it’s not unusual for costs to be as high as $50,000 for a new bathroom. What does this mean for you? Expect the remodel to be a large upfront investment, especially if you have luxurious, on-trend desires. Remodeling a bathroom is a big decision — but a valuable one. By updating one or more bathrooms in your Chicago home, you add instant value, not to mention more enjoyment for years to come. So if you’re planning to renovate this year, use the above list of top trends to guide your decisions and make the most of your investment!