Tampa Bay homeowners opt for spa-like bathroom upgrades

Some Tampa Bay homeowners are prioritizing the look and feel of their home bathrooms, which are getting back to their original purpose: a place conducive to rest and relaxation.

Why it matters: As more people make home design choices in the name of wellness, bathrooms are getting more spa-like, which could have mental health benefits.

By the numbers: Compared to the previous year, 2022 saw 73% more Taskrabbit bookings in Tampa/St. Petersburg for bathroom cleanings, while bathroom painting jobs were up 77%.

Most local renovators are looking to change or add everything from plumbing fixtures to shower stalls, according to 2022 Houzz survey data shared with Axios.

When removing a bathtub, 78% of U.S. homeowners enlarge the shower, according to a national Houzz report.

• And "larger walk-in showers" tops the list of desired bathroom features — with 60% of respondents interested — per a national survey by The American Institute of Architects.

During a bathroom renovation, more than three in four homeowners incorporate premium features, per Houzz, such as:

• Rainfall shower heads (52%)
• Dual showers (19%)
• Body sprayers (16%)
• Thermostatic mixers (13%)
• Mood lighting (8%)

This Sarasota bathroom in a modern-farmhouse setting has taken tranquil to the next level with a walk-in shower and multiple sprayers.

What they're saying: "I believe that our home represents an oasis — a place in this world that reflects our inner self," says Ryan Perrone, builder and president of Nautilus Homes.

• His company built the bathroom pictured above, while Angela Rodriguez Interiors and the homeowner did the interior detailing.
• "This client is a very cozy person, and her space reflects just that," Perrone told Axios.

Details: Nickel-gap siding flows from the outside of the shower to inside, Perrone says.

• And steel frames for the glass enclosures were custom made "to be reminiscent of the old factory windows."

Go deeper: New home trend: Spa-like showers