These 5 Bathroom Trends Are So Outdated, According to Interior Designers

While your bathroom is a primarily utilitarian space, there is no reason it can’t reflect your design preferences at the same time. Perhaps your bathroom is due for a bit of an upgrade style-wise; maybe it hasn’t been touched since the last century or features elements that no longer speak to your personal aesthetic and therefore look a bit out of date.

Wondering what should stay and what should go? Here, three interior designers speak to five bathroom features that they consider to be majorly outdated and provide suggestions for what to do instead.

Three-Light Vanity Sconces

No bathroom is complete without accent lighting, and many bathrooms feature three-light sconces above the vanity mirror. However, Rebecca Plumb, the founder of Studio Plumb, just isn’t into this lighting solution because it can often cast a weird shadow or feel basic.

While you’ll need bathroom lighting aside from your overhead fixture, the designer recommends opting for two sconces, one on either side of the mirror, instead.

“Bringing light down to face level is so much more flattering and gives the space a more designed look,” she says. “Plus, it’s a great way to add warmth and personality to all the hard surfaces in a bathroom.”

Furthermore, there’s no limit on what type of sconce style you can use–go coastal with rattan sconces, keep it contemporary and sleek with metal ones, or add some art deco flair with a funky glass shade. You can easily experiment with lighting options since they can be swapped out whenever you need a refresh.

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All-White or White and Gray Bathrooms

Who says you can’t have a bit of fun with color in your bathroom? At the very least, even if you do not wish to go all out with funky, vibrant hues, think beyond all-white or white and gray bathrooms, Sarah Storms, the founder of Styled by Storms, urges.

“These cold sterile rooms are just boring and uninviting,” Storms explains. “Don’t be afraid to add some color and interest, whether is through wall paint or art.”

If your walls are almost fully tiled and painting isn’t an option, you can still get creative and add personality to your bathroom in other ways. Storms suggests swapping out your mirrors for something with interest or texture to further elevate the space.

All-Black Plumbing Fixtures

You will also want to pay close attention to color as it pertains to your bathroom plumbing fixtures.

Black, modern plumbing fixtures no longer reign supreme, Maureen Dana, the founder of XOMO Studio, explains.

“The heyday of black and white homes has peaked and has passed, and along with that are their bathroom counterparts,” she says. “While the trend had its clean and simple moment, it now feels very much like a time capsule of a specific time.”

Instead, do not be afraid to welcome some more current finishes into your bathroom, the designer shares. Consider mixing metals like polished nickel or unlacquered brass for a more timeless and curated look, Dana says.

Contrasting Trim

These days, color-drenched spaces are truly having a moment, Dana explains how bathrooms with colored walls and contrasting trim can feel boring and look dated.

Instead, embrace a uniform look by painting your trim and ceilings the same color as your walls, the designer suggests. This will help make your space feel cohesive and timeless.

Early ’00s Features

Shiplap rose in popular during the early 21st century, but not every designer remains wild about this classic component of farmhouse design, particularly when it comes to the bathroom.

“All things shiplap and farmhouse are done,” Storms says.

With that, you will want to say goodbye to word art, another fixture of the early 2000s, as well, Dana notes. Dana emphasizes the importance of curating artwork that feels fresh and fun without the tacky signs and slogans, mantras, and quotes.