Bathroom Remodel Secrets

What We're Really Installing These Days

We’ve remodeled enough bathrooms over the last 30 years to see trends come and go and even come back around! .

And right on queue for summer 2025 we are seeing some new patterns in what homeowners are asking for and what actually gets installed. The choices are based on budgets, materials, and your home's unique situation. If you’re thinking about a bathroom remodel in Central Texas, here’s what’s hot, what’s smart, and what’s saving folks money without cutting corners.

Tile that looks like something else

In Kyle and Buda, we’re seeing a lot of folks choose porcelain tile that looks like natural stone or even wood. Why? Simply, it holds up better to moisture, it’s easier to clean, and it’s way more affordable than real travertine or hardwood.

We just finished a job in San Marcos where the homeowner wanted a rustic, spa-like look. We installed a wood-look plank tile on the floor and 12x24 stone-look tiles in the shower, giving it a high-end feel without the high-end price.

💡 Local tip: If you live out near Wimberley, keep in mind water quality and well systems — some natural stone reacts to minerals and needs sealing. Porcelain avoids that hassle.

Walk-In Showers with Minimal Framing

In Austin especially, we’ve noticed more clients moving away from tubs and toward curbless walk-in showers. We build these with low-slope shower pans, often using linear drains, and tile the whole space for a seamless look.

Budget-wise, some folks go with a simple white subway tile all around with a band of accent tile, while others go for oversized slabs or vertical stack tiles to stretch the room visually. Frameless glass is still popular, but some budget-conscious folks are opting for fixed glass panels instead of full enclosures.

🚿 Pro insight: We’re seeing more demand for grab bars and shower benches, even for younger homeowners. Future-proofing your remodel is smart and it doesn’t have to look like a hospital.

Quartz Over Granite (And Over Marble)

Let’s talk about countertops. Back in the day, everyone wanted granite. But nowadays, more Central TX homeowners are asking for quartz. It’s low maintenance, doesn’t stain like marble, and comes in cleaner colors that match those popular greige and soft green palettes.

We installed a light quartz top on a custom vanity in Buda last month, paired it with white oak cabinets and black fixtures. Simple. Sharp. Easy to keep clean with two toddlers running around.

💵 Money tip: Some folks are skipping custom vanities altogether and letting us install a ready-made one from Floor & Decor or Lowe’s. Saves time and labor.

LVT Flooring in the Bathroom? You Bet

Now I know what you're thinking: vinyl in the bathroom? But hear me out. We’ve been installing Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or SPC flooring in the older bathrooms on the east side of Kyle, especially in rental properties and budget-conscious homeowners doing remodels.

Why? It’s waterproof, durable, and faster to install. It’s not right for every job, but if the slab is level and the customer needs something that looks good and holds up, this is a solid option.

🛠 Installer’s note: We always seal the perimeter and check moisture levels before laying vinyl. Done right, it holds up just fine.

Black Fixtures, But Brushed Nickel's Not Dead

Yes, black faucets, shower trim, and cabinet pulls are still trending hard, especially in Austin remodels and new builds. But in Wimberley and outlying rural areas, brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze still have a strong following.

We like to help homeowners choose fixture finishes that match the rest of their home’s hardware, no sense installing a matte black bathroom when the kitchen is all bronze.

🔧 Contractor perspective: We always double-check availability before you fall in love with a finish. Black hardware can have longer lead times or backorders.

Final Thoughts: Trends Should Work for You

Whether you’re dreaming up a spa bathroom in San Marcos or upgrading a powder room in Kyle, we’re here to help you figure out what makes the most sense for your space, your style, and your budget.

At Kellett Norris, we’re not just chasing trends — we’re building bathrooms that look great and last. If you’re in Central Texas and thinking about remodeling, give us a shout. We’ll walk you through your options, show you what materials work best, and make sure you feel confident before we ever swing a hammer.

📍 Proudly serving Kyle, Buda, Austin, San Marcos, Wimberley, and all of Central TX.

Ready to start your bathroom remodel?