Home renovation trends are continuously evolving, and it’s important to stay current especially when it comes to your bathroom. The bathroom is one of the most frequented spaces in your home and can greatly affect your property’s resale value. Keeping your bathroom updated not only enhances your daily routines but also elevates your home’s overall aesthetic value.
However, not all designs age well. What was once considered chic and stylish can quickly become outdated and unattractive, leading to decreased home value and potential safety issues. Knowing what designs to avoid can save you time, money and regret in the long run. Let’s explore some outdated bathroom designs to avoid.
1. Carpeted Bathrooms
Bathrooms with carpeted floors were a popular choice in the 70s and 80s. The thought of stepping out of the shower onto a warm, soft carpet seemed luxurious at the time. However, many people overlook the significant hygiene and maintenance issues associated with carpeted bathrooms.
Nowadays, carpeted bathrooms are considered unsanitary and outdated due to the moisture and humidity that bathrooms generate. These conditions make the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew growth. Instead, consider modern alternatives like heated tiles for a warm and stylish bathroom floor.
2. Overly Themed Bathrooms
Themed bathrooms were once a fun way to express personal style and interests. From marine life to floral patterns, these themes dominated bathroom designs in the past. People often overlook the limitation of these themes, making it difficult to update the bathroom decor over time.
In the current design era, overly themed bathrooms are seen as tacky and outdated. Minimalistic and versatile designs are now in trend, allowing for easy updates and timeless appeal. Consider neutral color schemes and accent pieces that can be easily swapped out for a more modern look.
3. Hollywood Lighting
Hollywood lighting, characterized by a strip of bright bulbs surrounding the bathroom mirror, was once a popular trend. The allure was to mimic the glamour of a Hollywood dressing room within your own home. However, this style is often harsh on the eyes and not energy efficient.
Today, such lighting is considered outdated and wasteful. Modern bathrooms now feature softer, layered lighting options that are energy efficient and provide a more flattering light. Consider LED lights or sconces for a contemporary and eco-friendly alternative.
4. Colored Bathroom Fixtures
In the past, colored bathroom fixtures like avocado green toilets or pink bathtubs were a fashionable choice. They added a pop of color and personality to the bathroom. However, these bold colors are difficult to match with other elements and are not to everyone’s taste.
Modern bathroom designs now lean towards neutral colors for fixtures. White, black, or grey fixtures are timeless, easy to match with other elements, and appealing to a wider audience. This is particularly important if you’re considering reselling your home in the future.
5. Oversized Jacuzzi Tubs
Once considered a symbol of luxury, oversized Jacuzzi tubs were a common feature in many bathrooms. The appeal was to recreate the spa experience within the comfort of your own home. However, these tubs are space-consuming, energy-draining, and difficult to clean.
Today, the trend has shifted towards smaller, freestanding tubs or spacious showers with rainfall showerheads. These options are more practical, easy to maintain, and offer a sleek, contemporary look. Plus, they allow for more space in the bathroom for other amenities.
6. Wallpaper and Wall Borders
Wallpaper and wall borders were once a go-to option for adding texture and pattern to bathroom walls. However, over time, these can peel away due to the high humidity levels in bathrooms, leading to an unappealing look.
Today, these are considered outdated and impractical. Modern designs favor the use of paint or tiles for bathroom walls. These options are more durable, easy to clean and offer a wide range of design possibilities. Choose from neutral tones to bold colors depending on your aesthetic preference.
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.
