Mary Gordon, co-founder of InSite Builders & Remodeling, www.insiteremodeling.com, shares the latest trends in bathroom design, as well as how the InSite team tackled a recent bathroom renovation.
Q: What are you currently seeing as far as frequently requested finishes in bathroom design, such as cabinet colors, types of tile, counters, and accessories?
MG: There is a clear shift toward calm, timeless palettes accented by a few intentional statement elements. Soft whites, warm neutrals, and light woods are frequently selected for cabinetry, with muted greens and blue grays introduced through a secondary or contrasting vanity, tile accents, or painted walls to provide subtle supporting color. Tile selections are leaning toward natural materials and softly textured surfaces, with larger format tiles chosen for their fewer grout lines and broader surface coverage, creating a clean, seamless look. Quartz remains a preferred countertop material for its durability and stone-like appearance, while warm metal finishes such as brushed brass and champagne bronze continue to define accessories and fixtures.
Q: How can a homeowner incorporate some of the latest finishes in their own bathroom without a total renovation of the space?
MG: A refreshed, updated look can be achieved without a full renovation by focusing on elements that offer high impact with minimal disruption. Replacing hardware, faucets, lighting, or mirrors can quickly modernize a bathroom, while a new vanity top or the addition of a small amount of new tile, such as a backsplash behind the vanity or a reimagined shower niche, allows texture and pattern to be introduced in a controlled, cost-effective way. These updates elevate the space while preserving the existing layout.
Q: Powder rooms are often seen as spaces to take some risks, such as adding wallpaper. Do you agree, and if so, what are some of the ways to make a powder room stand out?
MG: Absolutely! Powder rooms are ideal spaces for taking design risks because they are compact and contained. This makes them an excellent setting for bold wallpaper or dramatic materials such as richly veined stone, patterned tile, high gloss finishes, or dark, moody wall treatments that might feel overwhelming in a larger space. Attention to detail, including thoughtfully layered lighting and distinctive hardware, along with a consistent and well-coordinated selection of materials and colors, ensures the powder room feels intentional, elevated, and memorable.
Q: Tell us about the bathroom you just completed, shown here. What was it before and what did it become? What did the owners ask for?
MG: The homeowners’ original primary bathroom was approximately 25 square feet, with a compartmentalized layout that felt tight and dated. Adjacent to it was an exterior flat roof over a first-floor sunroom, which presented an opportunity to rethink how this portion of the home functioned. A three-sided addition was constructed on top of the existing sunroom, using the original primary bedroom wall as the fourth side. The former bathroom was converted into a walk-in closet, while the new 10-by-16-foot addition expanded the bathroom to approximately 150 square feet.
The homeowners asked for a simple, serene retreat. Their wish list included a soaking tub positioned to take advantage of views of the backyard and surrounding trees, a generously sized shower with a bench and handheld shower, separate his and her vanities, and a private water closet. The finished space is calm and light-filled, resulting in a primary bathroom that feels open, restorative, and thoughtfully connected to the outdoors.
