Chadwicks reveals Ireland’s current bathroom trends and charts the rise of the ‘boujee bathroom’

·         56% of Irish homeowners see their bathroom as a style statement

·         41% admit to judging the design of others’ bathrooms

·         2 in 5 (40%) escape to the bathroom to get peace and quiet from their partner

·         Dirty tiles (47%) and non-flushing toilets (43%) top the list of bathroom bugbears

·         41% have invested up to €5,000, and 30% have spent more on their bathroom(s) in the last five years

·         Tradespeople say underfloor heating (32%) is the most installed luxury bathroom feature

More than half (56%) of homeowners view their bathroom as a style statement, and 41% admit to judging the layout, design, and colour schemes of other people’s bathrooms. That’s according to new research from Chadwicks, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchant.

The Chadwicks study¹, which surveyed 750 homeowners and 100 tradespeople, examines the growing popularity of the ‘boujee bathroom’ with homeowners investing in making their bathroom a stylish and luxurious space. As well as being a space to show off their style creds, the bathroom is somewhat of a silent sanctuary for many, as 40% of people polled admit to retreating to their bathroom for peace and quiet from their partner!

Beautifying Budgets

Given the trend for luxe bathrooms, it’s perhaps no surprise that Irish homeowners are willing to invest significantly to achieve their ideal bathroom. Over 2 in 5 (41%) have invested up to €5,000 in the past five years, while 30% have spent even more.

The most common upgrades include painting (45%), installing new fixtures like toilets, sinks, and showers (40%), and retiling (36%).

Creating a stylish bathroom sanctuary often starts with choosing a theme. Modern styles (48%) are currently the most popular, followed by minimalist designs (24%). Over a quarter (26%) keep up with trends by updating their décor every three to five years.

For those seeking a ‘boujee’ bathroom makeover, underfloor heating (35%), rainfall showers (27%), and heated towel racks (26%) top the list of most wanted features. Tradespeople polled also say underfloor heating is the luxury feature they install most often.

Bathroom Bugbears

While many homeowners have high end bathroom design tastes, the research reveals that common frustrations persist.

In other people’s bathrooms, the biggest turn-offs are dirty tiles (47%), toilets that won’t flush (43%), and clutter (28%).

Even in their own homes, design gripes remain, with a lack of underfloor heating (35%) and insufficient storage (33%) topping the list.

Enter The Experts

While Irish homeowners have bold ideas for their bathrooms, they’re turning to the experts for advice and execution.

According to the findings:

·         The most requested jobs are adding or updating features (46%), retiling (39%), and replumbing (34%)

·         Plumbing is the area where homeowners invest the most (44%)

·         87% of tradespeople say they would tell a client if the layout or design wasn’t working

Commenting on the research findings, Zoe McGrath, Category Manager at Chadwicks, said: “Bathrooms have become one of the most expressive and personalised spaces in the home, and our research shows that the ‘boujee bathroom’ is very much on trend. From luxurious upgrades like underfloor heating and rainfall showers to solving everyday frustrations such as poor layout and limited storage, Irish homeowners are investing in bathrooms that strike the perfect balance between comfort and style.

At Chadwicks, we’re seeing firsthand how bold design choices and high-end finishes are transforming bathrooms into standout spaces. Whether it’s a full makeover or a simple refresh, our expert teams are ready to help homeowners bring their dream bathrooms to life. Drop into the bathroom showroom in your local branch or visit chadwicks.ie to start your transformation’’.