5 Outdated Bathroom Designs Designers Can't Stand Anymore

Key Points

• All white, gray, or beige bathrooms feel cold and outdated; color and texture add warmth and personality.
• Jacuzzi tubs, carpeted floors, and themes are out because they’re impractical and age poorly.
• There is a trend toward timeless, low-maintenance designs that offer comfort and a custom feel.

If you're aiming to design a contemporary looking bathroom, you will want to make an effort to steer clear of the five following features, which professionals say will instantly make the space look dated.

Here, they touch on colors, finishes, and other elements that you are better off avoiding in an effort to ensure that your bathroom appears as sophisticated and stylish as possible.

Meet the Expert

• Amr Samaha is the founder and principal designer of Samaha Studio.
• Alexis Warren is the founder of Alexis Warren Interior Design.
• Barry Goralnick is the founder and principal of Goralnick Architecture Design Studio.

All-White Bathrooms

While all-white bathrooms were most definitely trending at one point in time, they're not so captivating today, says designer Amr Samaha; they can often feel sterile and uninviting.

"The absence of color and texture can make these spaces seem cold and impersonal," Samaha says.

Designer Alexis Warren shares similar views, saying that playing it safe is no longer a bathroom trend and that going vibrant is very much 'in'.

"I am using more wallpaper, bold colors on cabinetry, tile in more fun colors and funky shapes, and handmade zellige tiles are everywhere," she says.

Plus, keep in mind that even if you're drawn to neutrals, an all-white bathroom isn't the most practical from a maintenance perspective; even the smallest stain or speck of dirt will stand out to the naked eye.

Skip the all-gray bathrooms, too; they can feel monochromatic and cold which can lack the warmth and variety people are seeking nowadays. Samaha also says that brown and beige can look bland and uninspired.

Jacuzzi or Whirlpool Tubs

These types of tubs are becoming less and less common in today's bathrooms.

"Once seen as the epitome of luxury, large jacuzzis and whirlpool tubs have lost their appeal," Samaha says.

He attributes this to the large amount of water they require as well as the maintenance involved.

Today's homeowners are instead drawn to more practical and space-saving designs like walk-in showers equipped with jets and other features. These options are better alternatives because they still provide a spa-like experience without a large tub.

Themed Bathrooms

While cute for children, themed bathrooms for adults are a thing of the past.

"Bathrooms with heavy theming—such as nautical or jungle motifs—were once popular for their fun, personalized touch. However, these can quickly become overwhelming and kitschy," Samaha says.

These days, it's better to opt for subtle and sophisticated nods to themes if choosing to acknowledge one at all. This way, you can create a timeless bathroom that can evolve with changing tastes, Samaha explains.

Carpeted Bathrooms

These days, carpeting simply does not have a place in the bathroom although it used to be considered a luxurious comfort feature.

Samaha points out that carpet is not a wise choice due to its ability to trap moisture. In today's bathrooms, you'll see tile, vinyl, stone, or wood flooring instead—materials that offer both style and practicality.

Tiled Countertops

You will not be coming across many tiled bathroom countertops these days. Instead, homeowners are gravitating towards marble, quartz, and quartzite finishes.

Tile is expensive and hard to change, designer and architect Barry Goralnick explains.

"If you have simple colors and patterns, it makes it easier to resell your home. You can go crazy with paint, paper, and accessories, but not the tile," he says.

Plus, from a cleanliness perspective, tile isn't the best choice. The grout lines between tiles can easily trap dirt and bacteria which can make it difficult to clean and maintain.

"Today's homeowners and designers prefer countertops that offer both style and functionality without the upkeep," Samaha says.