When thinking about bathroom remodel ideas, many people focus primarily on luxury amenities and modern designs. Things like spa features, high-end materials, and spacious showers are on everyone’s dream bathroom wishlist, and they tend to take the forefront. But could your next bathroom remodel do more for you than just look amazing? Your new space could be both gorgeous and functional, and not just for today — but for years to come. This is where the concept of a future-proof bathroom steals the show. For those planning to age in place, bring aging parents into their home, or those who just want a wise long-term investment, creating a bathroom that adapts with time has become a popular option.

So, what is a future-proof bathroom? Well, it’s one that’s designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind. And if you think these forward-thinking bathrooms are just for retirees, think again. While future-proof bathrooms are popular among those with goals of aging in place, they’re also great for people in all stages of life who want their home to be safe, comfortable, and functional for their family both now and in the future. The rising trend is all about planning for future changes in family, mobility, or health without sacrificing your style or comfort. Are you ready to blend thoughtful functionality with gorgeous design to create a timeless bathroom that works for you both today and tomorrow?

One of the easiest ways to future-proof your bathroom with the goal of universal design is to swap a standard shower/tub combo for a walk-in shower — preferably a curbless design. This ensures that the shower area is easy to enter for people of all ages and mobile capabilities. You can also consider adding a wet room to your space. These bathrooms are open-concept and completely waterproof, with no shower doors or curbs between spaces in the bathroom. Not only are wet rooms easily accessible for those with limited mobility, but they also create more space in the bathroom, look sleek and modern, and are much easier to clean.

Another area of the bathroom to think about future-proofing is the vanity and sink space. Visibility is a key factor when future-proofing, and layered lighting can help you achieve either bright or soft lighting at any time. For example, dimmable overhead lighting paired with bright vanity lights can help those with impaired vision to see better while still allowing for softer moods in the bathroom. Movable magnification mirrors can also help when shaving or putting makeup on at the vanity. You should also think about faucet fixtures in both the shower and sink, opting for easier operation styles like levers instead of twist knobs. Levers are easier to operate for both children and senior occupants.

So, who should consider this kind of upgrade? A future-proof bathroom isn’t just for those aging in place, and there are many homes and family situations that would benefit from this type of bathroom design. Those who are living in their forever home would benefit from a future-proof bathroom at any age. Multi-generational or growing families can also take advantage of even more future-proofing features. Those planning for small children or welcoming aging parents into the home, for example, could consider slip-resistant shower tiles and toilets with adjustable heights.

Cost is a big consideration when you’re planning a bathroom remodel, and there are some additional costs to some future-proofing bathroom features. For example, walk-in showers with curbs can cost up to $5,000, and curbless styles add up to $700 to that cost. While future-proofing designs increase the cost of large bathroom renovations, they add long-term value and reduce the need for future upgrades, especially as your household changes. A future-proof bathroom is a smart choice for most households, and it means you’ll be better prepared for whatever the future holds.