New Data Shows Designers Are Skipping This Bathroom Feature (Here’s Why)

How often have you found yourself going to town on your bathroom’s grout lines with a scrub brush and some sort of promised miracle cleaner? Yeah, it’s not fun. And that might be part of the reason why these plaster lines are deliberately being phased out. According to a new Bath trends forecast from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), grouted tile in bathrooms is slowly falling out of fashion in home design — and the reason why makes so much sense.

According to a recently published NKBA study, 89% of industry experts and designers surveyed stated that homeowners are seeking bathroom flooring alternatives that feature smaller or no grout lines. They’re opting for full holistic slabs rather than tiles because these floors are just so much easier to care for. 

In fact, almost all of the survey’s respondents said that durability and practicality are the two most important factors homeowners consider when choosing flooring for their bathrooms. No one wants to scrub grout anymore (and I don’t blame them!).

Armed with this knowledge, 80% of designers, architects, contractors, and other industry professionals surveyed by the organization shared they believe large-format flooring will dominate the bathroom remodel space over the next three years. That trend doesn’t end with the floors, though. 

In fact, 75% of those who participated in the survey said that homeowners are adding floor-to-ceiling tiles on their primary bathroom walls. 

If a dramatic bathroom overhaul isn’t on the to-do list this year, you could also opt for regrouting your tiles with a darker color (or vibrant shade!) that doesn’t show staining as badly. For a quick way to achieve this, consider a $9 grout pen that makes a dramatic difference.

If you’re looking to make a significant change, opt for a large-format tile with minimal grout lines. Leave scrubbing on your hands and knees in the past — your back will thank you!