BATHROOMS EVOLVE INTO WELLNESS SANCTUARIES FOR AUSSIES

Australians are dreaming big when it comes to their bathrooms, but cost-of-living pressures mean many are hitting the pause button on their plans.

According to the latest Future Bathroom Report from Reece Bathrooms, 49% of would-be renovators have delayed work in the past year, while 28% have reduced the scope.

Yet despite the economic crunch, there’s no shortage of ambition: 43% of people plan to renovate in 2025, up from 30% in 2024, signalling growing confidence as interest rates are expected to ease.

So what do Australians want? In short: a spa at home. The survey of over 1,000 Australians reveals a clear shift in what people expect from their bathrooms.

The once purely functional space is transforming into a personal wellness sanctuary, with demand for steam stations, experiential showers, and muted, nature-inspired palettes.

Reece’s Merchandising Leader, Daniella Santilli, says the bathroom of the future will be “smart, hyper-personalised and sustainable,” with technology ranging from touchless taps and germ-resistant coatings to health-monitoring systems that track hydration and analyse waste in real-time.

But there’s a catch. While 61% prioritise energy efficiency and 62% water-saving features, cost is the elephant in the room, stifling the uptake of broader sustainable options.

Meanwhile, family dynamics are reshaping design needs. Households with kids are leading the charge for major renovations, with demand for child-friendly features, dual-user layouts, and in some cases, multiple toilets—because apparently, one throne is no longer enough for the modern Australian family.

Bathroom design is also evolving to match the changing lifestyles of its users. From AI-powered mirrors offering skincare analysis and guided wellness routines, to tapware with customisable finishes and organic, tactile forms, the sector is leaning into personalisation in a big way.

It’s not all scented candles and aspirational mood boards, though. The report doesn’t shy away from reality: almost 90% of respondents flagged cost of living as their top concern, making many renovations an exercise in dreaming now and doing later.