10 Outdated Bathroom Trends Interior Designers Are Tired of Seeing
Make your bathroom a more inviting space by swapping these design clichés for something fresher.
Bathrooms are equal parts sanctuary and utility. They're simultaneously a room where you can light a candle and send the day's thoughts away and a practical space for getting ready, grooming, and bathing the kids. Aesthetically speaking, bathrooms should feel welcoming, serene, and functional. When a décor choice works against any of the above, it's a recipe for a space that doesn't feel quite right.
While everyone has their own style—including color palettes that speak to them or unique features that enhance their bathroom experience—certain design fixtures and motifs have overstayed their welcome. We asked interior design pros to help us pinpoint the outdated bathroom trends that are best to retire—and what you should do instead to create a space you'll feel excited to enter time and again.
Related: 50 Small Bathroom Ideas That Make a Huge Impact
Exposed Bulb 'Hollywood' Vanity Lights
Exposed bulb vanity lights are fun in concept, but Rachel Atkins, interior designer for Dwellify, argues that this old-school trend reads as outdated. It actually rose to popularity in the '80s and early '90s as a nod to old glamour.
"While they effectively provided good forward-facing light for grooming tasks, they are not an attractive design choice as they bring nothing to the party," says Atkins. "The bare bulbs can come across as utilitarian and uninspired, contributing little to the overall design and ambiance of the bathroom."
Instead, try modern alternatives such as sconces, hanging fixtures, backlit mirrors, and integrated LED mirrors.
Related: 3 Types of Home Lighting and How to Layer Them to Create a Beautiful and Functional Room
Clunky Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks with a bowl on top of the counter are another one of those bathroom design features that might feel like a trendy and bold choice in the moment, but that you might come to regret later due to their inefficiency.
"I can't express enough how much I dislike these sinks," says interior designer Jennifer Fisher. "Functionally, not only are they messy, but it's also rare that the faucet fits correctly over it to be able to fit your hands under it. And trend-wise? They are just overdone."
To create a wow-worthy design moment via your bathroom sink, Fisher recommends choosing a custom-carved sink from a block of high-quality stone. Make sure it’s fitted well to the space and is easy to use, as well.
Brass and Copper Fixtures
Over the last five to 10 years, it’s become the norm to replace existing bathroom fixtures with warm-toned metals such as brass or copper (or faux alternatives).
"Taps, mirror frames, hooks, shower heads, and everything in between were swapped," says Sofia Vyshnevska, co-founder of NewHomesMate, which specializes in home construction. She says that "the rust is now starting to show," literally and figuratively.
These metals are considered staples of industrial design, but given the huge influx over a short period of time, they're now viewed as "of an era"—though others may argue that these fixtures are indeed timeless.
Related: 11 Mistakes to Avoid During Your Bathroom Renovation, According to Interior Designers
Flat Frameless Mirrors
The trend of using flat, frameless mirrors to cover an entire wall was once an easy and common choice in many bathrooms. However, these often lack personality and give off builder-grade vibes.
"This look lacks character and fails to contribute to the overall design and personality of the bathroom," says Atkins. "To update the bathroom and make the mirror a standout element, consider framed mirrors, mirrors in different shapes, backlit mirrors, or even antique mirrors. These alternatives provide opportunities for creativity and personal expression in bathroom design."
All-White Everything
The recent all-white bathroom trend was predicated on the idea that bright white equals squeaky clean. With a creamy backdrop (and wall color and tile shade), you'd be able to see dirty spots more easily, so they could be tended to swiftly. The downside of all that white? It requires vigilant, expert-level upkeep—or else it really does look dirty.
Tanya Smith-Shiflett, an interior designer and the founder of Unique Kitchens & Baths, adds that it can also "come off as harsh, cold, or fragile," which isn't exactly welcoming. "We love designing with colors and textures to help bring new life to a bathroom," she says. "White is still a color that you can incorporate, but bringing in another color choice really elevates the space."
If you like that neutral, clean look, try weaving in earth tones and textures, which can provide a feeling of comfort. Think stone-colored linens, marble trays, a rich, earthy accent wall, or textured wallpaper.
Oversized Bathtubs
Oversized tubs make a bold statement in the bathroom, but they often take up critical real estate. "For most people, the idea of the oversized tub is more appealing than the reality of taking the time to use and clean it," says Smith-Shiflett. It's also an unsustainable and expensive option in terms of water consumption.
If you want to make your bathtub the focal point, "try a traditional size tub with a pop of color—perhaps matte black or white with unique hardware," says Heather Caine, a former HGTV designer and the co-founder of KW Style to Design. "[Alternatively], try a strong botanical wallpaper behind the tub."
Related: 15 Incredible Shower Ideas That Will Make You Forget About a Soaking Tub
Ornate Vanities
Interior designer Mary Patton recommends rethinking any bathroom vanities and cabinets with overly ornate millwork. "Unless you have a historical home, ornate millwork in the bathroom can read as '90s Tuscan," she says. If that's not what you want, then it's best to swap in something more streamlined. "I recommend a shaker style or flat front vanity—or completely hidden cabinetry."
Curbless Showers
Curbless showers—or walk-in showers without a lip separating the floor tile from the bathing space—are a relatively new bathroom trend in the United States that began with good intentions. It does look sleek when incorporated into the right area, so what's the catch? "Yes, it offers advantages, such as easier access, but people tend to forget that having a linear drain presents other problems," says Janette Mallory, a Los Angeles-based interior designer. "I've had so many calls from clients saying that the drains clog easily and overflow into the bathroom, which can lead to accidents."
If you love the look of a curbless shower, consider opting for one that's quasi-curbless—or at least prioritize excellent drainage.
Ceilings With Wooden Beams
Wooden beams and ceilings add cozy, earthy warmth to a space, but they're not the most practical choice for a bathroom. Wood loves to absorb moisture, which causes it to swell and could become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. You can seal and treat wooden ceilings, but keep in mind that this requires upkeep over the years. You'll also need top-notch ventilation.
"If you feel you need a wooden element in your bathroom, try a teak bench in the shower," Caine says. "It offers a home spa feel and provides space for your shower essentials such as a loofah, soap, and brushes. Teak wood is also waterproof and mold resistant and offers a long lifespan of 10-plus years."
Related: 12 Renovation Ideas That Will Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa
Large, Rectangular Wall Tiles
Large, rectangular wall tiling has remained the default go-to for decades. While it might have once felt "trendy"—particularly in the '90s and early aughts—it now feels a little more predictable and "model-home." Instead of going with the expected shapes, turn to tiles with a sense of personality.
"We love using handcrafted, zellige-style tiles—or tiles that offer variety in shapes, prints, and textures," says Smith-Shiflett. "You can even try installing these types of tiles in different patterns, which adds a hint of character and creates a sense of uniqueness in a space."
Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
