Bathrooms may be smaller than kitchens or living rooms, but they have an outsized impact on how a home feels. When a bathroom looks dated, it can make the entire house feel older than it actually is—even if everything else has been updated. Many of the design choices that age bathrooms were once considered upgrades, but tastes and expectations have shifted.
The good news is that fixing an outdated bathroom doesn’t always require a full renovation. In many cases, targeted updates can dramatically improve how the space looks, feels, and functions. Here are seven common bathroom design issues that make homes feel dated—and what to do instead.
1. Outdated Fixtures and Hardware
Old faucets, showerheads, and towel bars instantly date a bathroom. Polished brass, overly ornate designs, or worn chrome finishes tend to signal an earlier era.
Swapping in modern fixtures with clean lines—such as matte black, brushed nickel, or simple chrome—can quickly modernize the space. These updates are relatively affordable and often improve water efficiency at the same time.
2. Heavy or Dated Color Schemes
Bathrooms dominated by beige tile, dark colors, or busy patterns can feel closed-in and old-fashioned. While these palettes were once popular, they now make spaces feel smaller and less inviting.
Light, neutral tones like warm whites, soft grays, or subtle earth tones create a cleaner, more timeless look. Neutral colors also make it easier to update décor over time without redoing the entire room.
3. Poor or Outdated Lighting
Bathrooms with dim lighting, single overhead fixtures, or yellow-toned bulbs often feel unwelcoming and impractical. Lighting plays a major role in how modern a bathroom feels.
Layered lighting—such as vanity lighting paired with recessed or overhead fixtures—creates a brighter, more functional space. Switching to energy-efficient LED lighting can also improve clarity while lowering energy costs.
4. Worn or Outdated Tubs and Showers
Stained tubs, outdated surrounds, or bulky shower doors immediately age a bathroom. Even if they’re still functional, they can dominate the room visually.
Modern tubs and showers with simple lines, frameless glass, or streamlined surrounds make bathrooms feel cleaner and more contemporary. Updating this area also tends to deliver a strong return in both usability and home value.
5. Cluttered Counters and Limited Storage
Too many items on the counter—products, appliances, or mismatched containers—can make a bathroom feel chaotic and cramped. Clutter often distracts from the design itself.
Improving storage with drawer organizers, shelves, or closed cabinetry helps the space feel calmer and more intentional. A well-organized bathroom almost always feels newer, regardless of its age.
6. Lack of Natural or Organic Elements
Bathrooms filled entirely with hard surfaces—tile, metal, glass—can feel cold and dated. Modern design trends favor balance and warmth.
Incorporating natural elements like wood accents, greenery, or textured materials softens the space and adds visual interest. Even small touches can make a bathroom feel more current and inviting.
7. Low-Quality or Mismatched Materials
Bathrooms often show their age through mismatched finishes or materials that haven’t held up well over time. Cheap flooring, peeling surfaces, or inconsistent updates can undermine the entire room.
When updating, prioritizing quality materials—even in small areas—makes a noticeable difference. Durable tile, solid countertops, and cohesive finishes help bathrooms age gracefully and reduce the need for constant refreshes.
Final Thoughts
An outdated bathroom doesn’t mean your home is beyond saving—it usually means a few design choices haven’t kept up with modern expectations. Thoughtful updates, even small ones, can dramatically change how the space feels and how the rest of the home is perceived.
By focusing on function, simplicity, and timeless materials, it’s possible to create a bathroom that feels fresh, comfortable, and aligned with today’s design standards—without losing character or overspending.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
