Boomers Can't Stand This Modern Bathroom Trend

Renovating a bathroom is a smart way to clean up on the housing market, with a 2022 study by the National Association of Realtors showing that a remodel can provide a substantial return on investment. But if you ask homeowners over the age of 60, not all upgrades are created equal. "One modern bathroom trend many boomer clients tend to dislike is the ultra minimal 'wet room' look," Cara Woodhouse, founder and principal designer of Cara Woodhouse Interiors, told House Digest in an exclusive interview, "where everything feels extremely stark, open, and almost clinical."

A way to maximize space in small bathrooms, the wet room features a curbless shower that's open to the rest of the room with the flooring slanting toward a large drain, rather than having it in a confined enclosure. The sleek design is a minimalist's dream, presents a luxurious vibe, and, notes Woodhouse, photographs beautifully. But this bathroom design may be falling out of favor. Older generations, Woodhouse explained, tend to "associate that aesthetic with cold luxury hotels rather than a comfortable home environment."

As nice as luxury travel feels, when it comes to their own space, most homeowners over the age of 60 prefer something that feels a bit more like home. As designer Cara Woodhouse explained in an exclusive interview with House Digest, "They often want bathrooms to feel softer, more grounded, and emotionally warm instead of overly architectural." As such, they're more likely to opt for timeless bathroom styles rather than chasing anything that's of the moment.

Boomers seem to be largely unconcerned with what younger generations might find cringeworthy, so "they tend to appreciate bathrooms that feel timeless and layered rather than highly trend-driven," Woodhouse explained of their preference for more classic detailing. A sense of separation between spaces — i.e. a door or other barrier to enclose the shower — are important, she noted. And other elements rank high on older clients' wish lists, including features like framed mirrors, warm stone accents, and polished nickel hardware.

The ideal bathroom sets the stage for that all-necessary self-care, creating a place that makes you want to sink into a bubble bath. "Personally, I think the most timeless bathrooms strike a balance between modern simplicity and warmth," designer Cara Woodhouse told House Digest in an exclusive interview. And her strategies for adding that dose of hygge to a washroom include classic countertop materials and spa-like lighting that creates a cozy ambiance. As Woodhouse noted, "A beautifully veined stone, warm lighting, tactile materials, and subtle detailing will always outlast anything overly severe or sterile."

But if the streamlined aesthetic appeals to you, there's no need to flush your wet room dreams. There are ways to make the design feel less clinical and far more comfortable. Woodhouse's strategy includes installing that all-important ambient lighting (i.e. ditch those overhead fluorescents) and choosing materials thoughtfully. "To make modern wet room concepts feel more approachable for boomers," shared Woodhouse, "I like incorporating warmer materials such as walnut cabinetry, textured plaster walls, softer lighting, or antique inspired accents." And if you're looking to heat up a wet room space without a hefty remodeling investment, the solution can be as simple as a can of paint or fresh tiling.