Outdated bathroom trends – 6 overdone looks that designers like to avoid, and here's why you should too
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- 27 Feb 2023
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There are both practical and aesthetic reasons as to why bathroom designers are washing their hands of certain looks
It's all too easy to fall foul of outdated bathroom trends, not least because you might not consider them as 'trends' in the first instance. Yet there are certain design directions you can take that are likely to date your bathroom quickly – some glaring, others seemingly harmless.
Perhaps the more obvious bathroom trends trap is to commit to a fashionable feature without factoring in its longevity. That statement tile or sanitaryware might be right for 'right now', but how will it fare in a few years? As Ripples bathroom designer Charlotte Ashfield warns, 'a bathroom generally only gets updated every 10 years, which is a big commitment to something, especially if you are not completely sold on it.'
The second is to eschew character altogether for fear that your bathroom will date. Ironically, avoiding certain trends can age a bathroom, too. The classic tile layout and minimalist looks that have made this list are proof that keeping it simple isn't always a good idea in the long term.
6 Outdated Bathroom Trends To Avoid
When it comes to designing a bathroom, almost anything goes, but our panel of experts advises approaching the following ideas and features with caution.
1. Minimalism
(Image credit: Armelle Habib for KWD/Perrin & Rowe)
The clean lines and white fixtures of a bathroom may lend themselves to a pure, monochrome look, but it's one that designers are increasingly shying away from.
'Few designers now are going for a pure minimalist look,' reveals Emma Joyce, Brand Manager at House of Rohl. 'People are looking for greater comfort and a more personalised approach to bathroom design. If that means mixing styles, being bolder in colour and pattern, and embracing some level of propping, then so be it.'
This is especially true of half bathrooms. In this sensational powder room by Australian interior designer Kate Walker(opens in new tab), Perrin & Rowe(opens in new tab) fittings pop against a dramatic Heron Wallpaper by Gucci.
2. Fussy Tiling
(Image credit: Charlesworth/Colin Poole)
'Over the past couple of years patterned tiles have seen a huge resurgence since first gaining popularity in the '60s and '70s,' observes Ripples(opens in new tab) bathroom designer Charlotte Ashfield. 'Whilst they can make a beautiful statement in any bathroom and are very on-trend now, they could date your scheme in the long term.'
'I usually advise taking elements of the current trends, especially with tiles, but toning them down slightly by picking a neutral colorway, for example. Or choose a more timeless bathroom scheme and incorporating trends through blinds, towels and accessories.'
'If you've completely fallen in love with a heavily-patterned tile, perhaps consider half-tiling the room so you can update the scheme with a new bathroom color scheme to keep the space looking fresh in years to come.'
3. Vessel Basins
(Image credit: Future PLC)
'We are steering away from the use of vessel basins – this is the style of the basin which sits on a countertop, quite often with visible plumbing underneath,' explains Josie Medved, design project manager at Symphony Group. 'They can look a bit untidy with visible plumbing, and they usually require a taller-than-standard tap to reach into the basin.'
Josie also cites vessel basins as being 'are harder to clean', especially around the area where the basin meets the countertop. 'The basin is also vulnerable to knocks.'
So what are the alternatives? Well, if you like the idea of exposed pipework, a wall-mounted option with no vanity beneath, such as the example above, will look less cluttered, and its wall-mounted taps are less restricting, design-wise. A pedestal basin is a timeless classic and is easier to clean thanks to its flowing form. Read More…
