Top Remodeling Trends For 2015

Does the impending new year have you thinking about remodeling? There are some of us who never stop thinking about, but this time of the year tends to make people who already had the inkling start looking at trends and making soft plans for a small reno or a complete redo.

Thankfully, its also at this time of the year that trend reports start coming out for the new year. If youve got that itch, give it a little scratch by checking out the home remodeling trends for 2015.

1. Bathrooms are big

"This year, the kitchen as we know it completely changed," said Huffington Post. "Shelving opened up, cabinets went darker and metallic accents moved well beyond cabinet knobs. But come 2015, we can expect to see a major overhaul in a different room of the house -- the bathroom.

Everything from sinks and color schemes to tubs and tiles will see some sort of upgrade, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Associations >

2. Bath, Not Shower

Inside that bathroom, trends are moving away from showers and toward large soaker tubs. "Forget about glass-encased showersthese days its all about the soaking and free-standing tubs, so much so that we can actually expect a decline in standard tubs with shower-surrounds," said the San Antonio Express-News.

3. Not So Fast With That Shower

For those that do want to keep their shower, bigger is better, said Houzz. "Thats certainly the current school of thought when it comes to the showerwith more walk-in showers with oversize panes of glass or solid walls that completely enclose the space, rather than bathrooms with tiny cubicles.

4. Color

As gray continues to invade every aspect of our home, replacing beige as the go-to color, darker hues are starting to make an impact. "Shades of charcoal are finding their way back into our kitchens with a mix of whites and black giving them a sophisticated and refined feel and look," according to Imagineer Remodeling.

For bathrooms, gray is also a growing trend, according to Huffington Post. And all those white tiles on the wall? They may soon be replaced by sleek black.

5. The Sink

If youre remodeling and your kitchen is more than a few years old, youre probably due for a new sink. Those giant two-bowl sinks are on their way out, said Houzz. "Deep, single-bowl sinks are the current trend in kitchen sinks." This >

6. The Healthy Home

According to design-build remodeling firm Neil Kelly Company, remodeling for health reasons is the next frontier. "Remodelers have a critical role to play in helping people make changeslarge and smallto improve their home environments," they said. "Whether its non-offgassing finishes, no-formaldehyde cabinets, or better air filtration systems, homeowners realize a benefit to the family in creating a healthy living space. Take this notion one step or flush further and youll discover Kohlers SanSouci Touchless Toilet. Thats right, to flush this water closet you just wave your hand over the toilet no touching required."

7. Heavy Metal

The metal accessory trend is apparently going nowhere, and its largely focused on one particular shade. "Shades and tones of copper are in the mix," says Neil Kelly Design Companys Heidi Hawk. "For 2015, it has moved from accessories to lighting, sinks, and even countertops."

8. Accent Walls

Yes, theyre back But dont go searching for a sea sponge. Todays accent walls are taking on a natural element in a different way. "Inside and out, homeowners are choosing textures and natural wood accents for walls," said Willamette Living. "Reclaimed and vintage barnwood adds warmth. Chalkboard and faux finishes can be used in any room, from kitchen to office to bedroom."

9. Floor It

Hardwood continues to be the leading trend in floors. However, its engineered hardwood that is showing up as a strong trend for 2015, said HGTV.

For bathrooms, Houzz says to expect an uptick in feature floors. "Statement-making floor tiles proved popular in 2014, and this striking look doesnt appear to be leaving in a hurry," they said. "They are stunning and provide a great design opportunity when working with challenging bathrooms that have no clear walls for a feature wall."