Designing a bathroom is an exciting part of creating or renovating your home. It’s a space where functionality meets comfort, and the choices you make can significantly impact both your daily routine and the long-term value of your home. However, while there are many exciting bathroom design trends that can add style and personality to your space, there are also some trends that can quickly become impractical, outdated, or even costly. Bathroom design trends to avoid. Find out from construction experts what bathroom trends to avoid for a variety of reasons. Get the facts.
To help you avoid potential pitfalls, here are several bathroom design trends that may seem appealing at first but are better avoided for both practicality and long-term satisfaction.
1. Overly Trendy Tiles
Bold, colorful, or intricate tile designs may look stunning in magazines or showrooms, but they can quickly become overwhelming or dated in a bathroom. While patterned tiles or bold colors can create a focal point, too much can be visually exhausting and difficult to change later. Additionally, intricate patterns or textures in tiles may require more maintenance to keep clean, especially in a space prone to moisture like a bathroom.
Instead of committing to a trendy tile design that could become outdated, consider neutral or timeless options for the main surfaces. You can always add a pop of color or pattern through accents like towels, rugs, or artwork, which are easy and affordable to change as trends evolve.
Better option:
Opt for classic subway tiles, neutral tones, or simple geometric designs that stand the test of time. These options provide a clean and versatile backdrop while allowing you to refresh the space with more easily changeable elements.
2. All-White Bathrooms
While all-white bathrooms have long been associated with cleanliness and simplicity, they can also feel cold, sterile, and monotonous. An entirely white bathroom can be difficult to maintain, as every spot, stain, or imperfection is more visible on white surfaces. Additionally, all-white spaces can lack warmth and personality, making them feel less inviting.
To avoid the clinical look, consider incorporating warmer tones, natural textures, or even subtle pops of color. You can still maintain the brightness and airiness that white provides while adding depth and interest to the space.
Better option:
Mix white elements with natural materials like wood, stone, or soft grays and beiges. Adding warmer tones or textures will create a more welcoming atmosphere without sacrificing the clean, minimalist aesthetic.
3. Open Shelving
Open shelving has been a popular trend in kitchens and bathrooms alike, often chosen for its ability to make small spaces feel more open. However, in a bathroom, open shelves can quickly become cluttered and impractical. Bathrooms are filled with items like toiletries, towels, and cleaning products that aren’t always aesthetically pleasing when displayed openly. Additionally, the high-moisture environment in a bathroom can lead to dust buildup on open shelves, making them more challenging to maintain.
Rather than exposing everything on display, consider closed cabinetry that offers plenty of storage while keeping personal items out of sight. This approach not only reduces visual clutter but also protects your items from moisture and dust.
Better option:
Opt for closed cabinets or a combination of open and closed storage. A mix allows you to display decorative items while keeping everyday essentials hidden for a more organized and clean look.
4. Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks—those bowl-like sinks that sit on top of the vanity—are a stylish and artistic addition to many bathrooms. However, while they may be visually striking, they can be quite impractical for everyday use. Vessel sinks tend to sit higher than traditional sinks, which can be awkward or uncomfortable, especially for children or shorter individuals. Additionally, they often lack counter space and are more prone to splashing, which can leave the surrounding area messy.
While vessel sinks can work well in a powder room or guest bathroom where they are used less frequently, they may not be the best choice for a primary or family bathroom.
Better option:
Consider an undermount or integrated sink that blends seamlessly with the countertop. These options are more functional for daily use and provide a clean, modern look while maximizing counter space.
5. Trendy Fixtures and Finishes
Brass, gold, rose gold, and matte black fixtures have gained popularity in recent years for their unique and trendy look. While these finishes can make a bold statement, they are also prone to fading in popularity. What feels stylish today may feel dated a few years down the road. Additionally, certain trendy finishes, like matte black, may show water spots, soap scum, or fingerprints more easily, requiring constant cleaning.
When it comes to fixtures and hardware, it’s better to choose finishes that have stood the test of time and offer flexibility with different design styles.
Better option:
Opt for timeless finishes like polished chrome, brushed nickel, or stainless steel. These finishes are durable, easy to clean, and versatile enough to work with a variety of design styles. If you want a trendy look, consider adding it through easily replaceable accessories like towel bars or drawer pulls.
6. Overly Large Bathtubs
While a large, freestanding bathtub can look luxurious in a bathroom, it’s important to consider whether it will be practical for everyday use. Oversized tubs take up a significant amount of space, making the bathroom feel cramped, especially in smaller areas. They also require more water to fill, which can lead to higher utility bills and longer wait times for the bath to reach the desired temperature.
If you rarely take baths, you might find that a large tub is more of a waste of space than a useful feature. In some cases, it’s better to prioritize a spacious shower or additional storage over a bathtub that will rarely be used.
Better option:
Consider the size and layout of your bathroom carefully before committing to a large tub. If you enjoy baths but have limited space, a smaller soaking tub or a combined tub-shower might be a better option. This ensures you have more functional space without sacrificing comfort.
7. Too Much Industrial Design
Industrial design elements like exposed pipes, concrete surfaces, and raw materials have become trendy in bathroom design, especially in modern or urban homes. However, while these features may offer an edgy, minimalist look, they can also make a bathroom feel cold and uninviting. Industrial materials like concrete or metal surfaces can also be difficult to clean and maintain, especially in a bathroom environment prone to moisture and humidity.
Too much industrial design can also be polarizing for future buyers, limiting the home’s appeal to a broader audience.
Better option:
If you like the industrial aesthetic, use it sparingly and balance it with warmer materials like wood or soft textiles. Incorporate industrial elements through lighting fixtures or small accents rather than making it the dominant style. This will help soften the overall look while still achieving a modern feel.
8. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
While carpet may feel cozy and warm underfoot, it’s one of the worst choices for bathroom flooring. Bathrooms are high-moisture areas, and carpet can absorb water and humidity, leading to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. Additionally, carpet is difficult to clean and maintain in a space where water spills, soap, and other products are common.
Instead, opt for materials that are water-resistant, easy to clean, and durable enough to withstand daily use in a bathroom.
Better option:
Choose durable, water-resistant flooring like porcelain tiles, vinyl, or natural stone. These materials provide a clean, polished look and are designed to withstand the moisture and humidity typical in bathrooms.
Conclusion
When designing your bathroom, it’s easy to be tempted by trendy features or bold design choices. However, it’s important to prioritize practicality, timelessness, and functionality in this essential space. By avoiding overly trendy or impractical design elements, you can create a bathroom that not only looks stylish but also serves your needs and stands the test of time. Keep these design trends in mind, and focus on creating a space that will remain beautiful, comfortable, and functional for years to come. Bathroom design trends to avoid. Find out from construction experts what bathroom trends to avoid for a variety of reasons. Get the facts.