6 Bathroom Styles That Are Going Out of Style, Designers Warn

If you want to design a modern bathroom, you’ll want to stay away from the following six features, as experts say they’ll instantly make the space look dated.

Here, they’ll cover the colors, finishes, and other elements you should avoid to ensure your bathroom looks as sophisticated and stylish as possible.

All white bathroom

While all-white bathrooms were certainly trendy at one point, they’re no longer appealing, says Amr Samaha, founder of Samaha Studio. Samaha explains why they often feel sterile and uninviting.

“The lack of color and texture can make these spaces feel cold and lifeless,” says Samaha.

Alexis Warren, founder of Alexis Warren Interior Design, shares a similar sentiment, saying that playing it safe is no longer a trend in bathrooms, and that vibrant is all the rage.

“I use more wallpaper, bold colors for cabinets, tiles in lots of fun colors and quirky shapes, and handmade zellige tiles everywhere,” she says.

Also, keep in mind that even if you prefer neutrals, an all-white bathroom isn’t the most practical choice from a maintenance standpoint. Samaha explains that even the smallest stain or speck of dust will stand out to the naked eye.

Skip the all-gray bathroom, says Heather French, founder of French & French Interiors. French explains that an all-gray bathroom can feel monochromatic and cold, lacking the warmth and variety people are looking for these days.

Brown and beige are also off-limits as they can look bland and lifeless, says Samaha.

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Minimalist design

In this regard, French shares that minimalist bathroom designs are becoming less popular in general.

“The heavy use of glass and chrome feels too stark and is being replaced by more organic materials like wood and stone – vibrant finishes with patinas as well as matte finishes,” she says.

Jacuzzi or hot tub

These types of bathtubs are becoming less common in bathrooms today.

Once considered a symbol of luxury, hot tubs and large whirlpools have lost their appeal, says Samaha.

He attributes this to the fact that they require a lot of water as well as maintenance.

Homeowners today are drawn to more practical and space-saving designs, Samaha says, citing walk-in showers equipped with jets and other features. These options are a better alternative because they still provide a spa-like experience without the need for a large tub.

Themed Bathrooms

Sahama notes that while cute for kids, adult-themed bathrooms are outdated.

“Heavily themed bathrooms, like nautical or jungle prints, used to be popular for their fun, personalized touch,” he says. “However, these can quickly become overdone and cheesy.”

These days, it’s better to opt for subtle, subtle nods to themes if you want to acknowledge a theme, he comments. This way, you can create a timeless bathroom that can evolve with changing tastes, Sahama explains.

Carpeted bathroom

Nowadays, rugs are no longer popular in bathrooms even though they were once considered a luxurious comfort item.

Samaha points out that carpet is not a wise choice because of its ability to retain moisture. In today’s bathrooms, you’ll see tile, vinyl, or stone instead, materials that are both stylish and practical, Samaha says.

Mary Clair, founder of Cumbaa Design Co., agrees, saying wood floors have been used in many bathroom spaces.

Tiled table top

These days, you won’t see many tiled bathroom countertops anymore.

Instead, homeowners are gravitating toward marble, quartz and white quartz finishes, Clair says.

Barry Goralnick, founder of a company of the same name, explains to keep in mind that tile is generally expensive and difficult to replace.

“If you keep colors and patterns simple, it’s easier to resell your home,” says Goralnick. “You can go big on paint, paper, and accessories, but you shouldn’t use tile.”

Plus, tile isn’t the best choice when it comes to hygiene. The grout between tiles can easily trap dirt and bacteria, making it difficult to clean and maintain, says Samaha.

“Today’s homeowners and designers want kitchen countertops that are both stylish and functional without the maintenance,” says Samaha.