2025 Bathroom Design Trends for Arlington Heights and the Chicago Suburbs

Featuring Vicki Rhoadarmer, Architectural Designer for Patrick A. Finn

When it comes to planning a bathroom remodel—especially a primary or master bathroom—most homeowners start with photos: mood boards, trending tiles, or that must-have freestanding tub they saw on Pinterest. But after years of experience designing high-end spaces throughout Arlington Heights and the Northwest Chicago suburbs, we’ve learned that exceptional bathroom design doesn’t begin with images—it begins with asking the right questions.

• Who is this bathroom for?
• How long do you plan to live in this home?
• What about the current layout do you love, and what isn’t working?

These conversations set the foundation for a successful remodel—one that supports your lifestyle, reflects your personal style, and avoids costly design mistakes. Because let’s be honest: no one wants to spend thousands on a bathroom that feels dated in five years or doesn’t function for your specific habits and lifestyle.

Whether you're updating a powder room, planning a full bathroom renovation, or envisioning a luxury bathroom retreat, here’s a look at modern bathroom design ideas, along with the practical insights we bring to every project.

Smart Fixtures & Functional Wellness

Wellness remains a significant interior design driver in today’s bathroom remodels. In 2025, we have seen an increase in homeowners investing in thoughtful, smart bathroom fixtures that simplify daily routines and create a truly spa-like experience.

Key upgrades we’re seeing include:

• LED-backlit mirrors that offer soft, ambient lighting for calm mornings and wind-down evenings.
• Digital plumbing valves that let you pre-set water temperature and pressure for every shower outlet—from rainfall shower heads, jets, or a handheld—with a single touch.
• High-efficiency toilets and bidet-style models for improved hygiene and water savings.
• Radiant heat flooring controlled by a programmable digital thermostat—especially useful in walk-in showers or wet rooms.
• Automated window and skylight shades that let in natural light when you want it and block it when you don’t.
• Speakers or TVs integrated seamlessly into cabinetry or wall units, offering relaxation or entertainment without disrupting your design aesthetic.

These modern upgrades reflect a deeper shift toward wellness, ease of use, and quality of life, making them especially popular in master bathrooms and primary suites.

Texture, Tone & Natural Materials

In both large and small bathrooms, today’s designs are leaning into tactile, nature-inspired materials with warm, grounded finishes. If you want your modern bathroom to feel elevated, these are the finishes worth exploring:

• Natural wood used for bathroom vanities, accent walls, or even ceiling applications
• Waterproof plaster—a smooth, grout-free wall finish that’s ideal for wet zones and available in a variety of textures and tones
• Large-format tile slabs or cut stone, using natural stone like travertine, slate, basalt, and soapstone, that offer a natural, organic look
• Tumbled or leathered surface finishes for a softer, matte texture underfoot
• Wall-mounted faucets and floating vanities that add a clean, minimalist touch
• Trend-forward finishes like matte black, chrome, or brass fixtures to suit any color palette

Pebble shower floors or small-format tile shower floors are recommended because the groutlines increase traction. The larger-format porcelain tiles are ideal for shower walls due to their ease of cleaning. Zellige tile is nice for shower walls or accent walls because they are unique in their design style.

Spa-Level Comfort for the Primary Bathroom

The goal for many homeowners today? A primary bathroom that feels like a luxury retreat customized specifically for you. The good news: today’s design trends make it easier than ever to achieve that luxe experience, no matter the size of your bathroom space.

Trending spa-like features include:

• Freestanding bathtubs placed as sculptural focal points
• Oversized walk-in showers with single-pane glass or full shower enclosures
• Built-in or portable seating for long soaks and steam sessions
• Ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or floor-mounted tub fillers, including waterfall options that elevate the spa experience
• Soaking tubs with optional jets, warmers, aromatherapy, and ergonomic contours
• Multiple showerhead configurations: rainfall, handheld, jets, or digital plumbing presets
• Towel-warming bars and radiant floors to combat cold Chicagoland winters

Bold Walls, Creative Ceilings & Accent Features

In 2025, modern bathroom trends are leaning into bold, expressive design—especially in primary suites and powder rooms. Homeowners are feeling more confident exploring eye-catching materials, bold colors, and dramatic finishes in these spaces. Why? These rooms are often more private and separated from the main living areas of the home.

Unlike a kitchen or family room, your primary bathroom or powder bath is a personal retreat. It doesn’t need to coordinate perfectly with the rest of your home’s decor. That sense of separation gives homeowners creative freedom to experiment with unexpected finishes or statement pieces that reflect their individual taste.

We’re seeing that play out in a variety of ways:

• Colorful wallpaper or 3D installations with large-scale patterns
• Textured tile installations that bring a playful, tactile element to the space
• Wood-clad ceilings or high-gloss painted ceiling treatments
• Backsplashes with handmade, mosaic, or stacked subway tile
• Natural or nature-inspired finishes that bring warmth and serenity to the room
• Lighting with wall-mounted sconces  or pendant fixtures that serve as a design focal point of the space and also function as art

Thoughtful Storage & Smart Layouts

Great bathroom remodels don’t just look good—they should work hard behind the scenes. In both small bathrooms and large master suites, thoughtful storage plays a key role in the success of a design.

Design features we frequently incorporate:

• Double vanities with personalized zones for couples
• Wall-mounted or floating cabinets that open up floor space and make cleaning easier
• Tall linen cabinetry, storage towers, or built-in shelving for easy organization
• Hidden storage solutions like trash rollouts, drawer dividers, or niche storage in showers
• Custom primary suite closets designed with hanging zones, shoe racks, drawers, and jewelry storage—either through our cabinet partners or dedicated closet design services
• Mini fridges for skincare, beverages, or medication

Functionality doesn’t have to come at the expense of luxury—it’s about maximizing space while maintaining a cohesive, elegant design.

Natural Light (Even When You Don’t Have a Window)

The presence—or absence—of natural light can transform both the appearance of a bathroom and the experience of using it. But even if you don’t have the ideal window layout, there are smart ways to brighten your bathroom space.

We often recommend:

• Operable skylights with automated shades for top-down light and ventilation
• Sun tunnels are a cost-effective alternative that channels sunlight through the ceiling and works well in remodels
• Thoughtful window placement and lighting layers—such as sconces, ambient ceiling fixtures, and integrated task lighting for a cohesive bathroom design. 

Built for Chicagoland—Not California

Finally, a word of caution: not every design trend is meant for Chicagoland homes. Certain layouts—such as cantilevered bathroom additions or plumbing installed on exterior walls—can lead to frozen pipes and costly repairs. Other great ideas, like all-marble wall slabs or intricate shower floors, may be stunning online but can be cost-prohibitive or impractical in daily use.

That’s why our design-build team doesn’t just say “yes” to every trend. We delve into the “why” behind your wish list and help you find the most effective way to achieve the look, feel, and function you’re after—without compromising on quality, performance, or longevity.

Ready to Remodel Your Primary or Master Bath?

Whether you're planning a full bathroom renovation or refreshing a small bathroom, our design-build team will walk you through every decision—from layout and materials to fixtures and faucets—to ensure your space meets your goals for comfort, function, and long-term value.

Download our free eBook: The Complete Guide to Building the Ultimate Luxury Primary Suite.