Bathrooms, once overlooked in the home design process, have evolved into sanctuaries for relaxation, rejuvenation, and personal expression. With so many design trends emerging, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of what’s new and stylish. However, while certain design features may seem like the height of luxury or trendiness at first, some don’t always stand the test of time or practicality. In this article, we dive into 13 trendy bathroom design features that people often come to regret later on. If you’re in the midst of a remodel or just contemplating a design update, consider these 13 insights before taking the plunge.

1. Open Shelving

Open shelving can feel like a stylish, modern choice, perfect for showing off plush towels, vibrant plants, and decorative pieces. However, many homeowners soon find it can be more trouble than it’s worth. Without the protection of doors, dust and moisture can quickly accumulate, causing once-beautiful items to look dingy and unappealing. The constant need to keep everything organized and perfectly arranged becomes a never-ending chore, especially in high-traffic areas like the bathroom. What starts as a clean, airy aesthetic can soon turn into a frustrating struggle to maintain order and cleanliness.

2. Wall-mounted Faucets

Wall-mounted faucets are a great way to elevate the look of any bathroom, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic that feels like something you’d find in a luxury hotel. The clean lines and minimalistic design can instantly make a space feel more elegant. However, this style comes with some practical challenges. Installing a wall-mounted faucet can be tricky and often requires more work than a traditional setup. Over time, issues like leaks or maintenance problems behind the wall can be a real headache, as repairs are not as straightforward.

3. Freestanding Bathtubs

Freestanding tubs undoubtedly add a touch of elegance and luxury to any bathroom, creating a spa-like atmosphere that invites relaxation. However, for everyday use, they can quickly become less practical. In smaller bathrooms, they can take up precious floor space, making the room feel cramped. Cleaning around them also becomes a hassle, as the gaps between the tub and surrounding walls are harder to reach. Moreover, many freestanding tubs tend to be less deep than built-in models, which may not offer the same comfort for a long, luxurious soak, leaving some homeowners longing for a more indulgent experience.

4. Dark-Colored Walls

Dark colors are a popular choice for creating a dramatic, sophisticated, and moody atmosphere in bathrooms. However, in smaller spaces, these deep tones can make the room feel even more confined and closed off. The lack of natural light can intensify this effect. Additionally, dark-colored walls are prone to showing water spots, soap scum, and dirt more easily, which means more frequent cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking fresh. Over time, this can become a hassle. While dark hues can be stunning, they may not always be the most practical choice for everyday living, especially in smaller, high-moisture areas.

5. Marble Surfaces

Marble is often synonymous with elegance, luxury, and timeless beauty, making it a popular choice for interiors. Its natural veining and smooth texture add a sophisticated touch to any space, especially bathrooms and kitchens. However, while marble’s allure is undeniable, it comes with its own set of challenges. Due to its porous nature, it’s prone to staining, particularly in high-moisture areas. Spills from cosmetics, soaps, or acidic cleaners can leave permanent marks if not cleaned immediately.

6. Excessive Use of Glass Shower Walls

While glass shower walls can give your bathroom a sleek, modern aesthetic, they often come with their own set of challenges. Over time, soap scum, water spots, and grime can build up, making regular cleaning feel like a never-ending task. Even with regular maintenance, it can be frustrating trying to keep the glass spotless. Additionally, glass panels can sometimes create a cold, sterile feeling in the bathroom, lacking the cozy, welcoming warmth that materials like wood or tile provide. This contrast can make the space feel less inviting, despite its visually appealing design.

7. Bidets

Bidets have gained popularity in recent years, especially as people become more conscious about hygiene and eco-friendliness. They offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to toilet paper, and many see them as a step toward a more modern bathroom experience. However, for some, the novelty can quickly wear off. The idea of using a bidet may initially seem appealing, but after the novelty fades, it can feel awkward or uncomfortable. Installation can also be costly, particularly in older homes where plumbing may not easily support the addition of a bidet.

8. High-Tech Toilets

Toilets with built-in features like heated seats, automatic lids, and bidet functions might seem like the ultimate luxury at first, but for many homeowners, they end up being more trouble than they’re worth. These high-tech models can be prone to frequent repairs, especially with all the added electronics. What starts as a cool upgrade can quickly become a headache when things malfunction. Additionally, many find that the specialized features don’t get as much use as they thought they would, making the hefty price tag feel less justified.

9. Matte Black Fixtures

Matte black fixtures can bring a sleek, modern, and edgy vibe to a bathroom, creating a striking contrast with lighter tones. However, this bold aesthetic comes with a few challenges. Over time, matte black finishes tend to show scratches, water spots, and fingerprints more prominently than other materials, which can detract from its pristine look. Additionally, these fixtures may not offer as much flexibility for future design changes compared to versatile finishes like chrome or brushed nickel, making it harder and more expensive to update the space without replacing the fixtures altogether.

10. Large Mirrors

Big mirrors are a great way to make small spaces feel bigger, reflecting light and adding an air of sophistication to a room. They can also give a touch of glamour to any space, enhancing its overall aesthetic. However, large mirrors can sometimes dominate a wall, making the room feel unbalanced or overwhelming. They also take up valuable space, leaving less room for artwork or other decor. If not cleaned regularly, mirrors can quickly show smudges and fingerprints, which is especially noticeable in high-traffic areas like bathrooms.

11. High-End Lighting

While statement lighting can elevate a bathroom’s aesthetic, many homeowners regret choosing high-end fixtures once they realize the unique lighting needs of the space. Overly ornate chandeliers or pendant lights might be too harsh, casting unflattering shadows or making the bathroom feel more like a formal dining room than a relaxing retreat. The key to bathroom lighting is balancing style with practicality. Soft, ambient lighting, combined with task and accent lights, can create a warm, inviting atmosphere while still serving the space’s functional needs.

12. Statement Tiles

Bold, colorful, or patterned tiles can definitely bring a fresh, fun vibe to your bathroom, but they come with a catch. What feels exciting and trendy now may quickly start to feel overwhelming or even outdated in a few years. You might find that what was once a unique design choice becomes a source of frustration. Plus, intricate tile designs can be tough and pricey to replace if you change your mind down the line. The grout lines, which are often hard to keep clean, can stain easily, adding to the maintenance hassle. Ultimately, it’s something to think about before diving into a bold design.

13. Floating Vanities

Floating vanities bring a sleek, modern aesthetic to any bathroom, creating a sense of openness and making the room feel larger. Their minimalist design enhances the overall look of the space by leaving the floor visible, which is great for making the room appear more airy. However, they can sometimes feel less sturdy compared to traditional vanities, especially if the installation is not done correctly. The space underneath can easily collect dust, dirt, and other debris, which might be hard to clean.

This article was created with the assistance of AI but thoroughly edited by a human being.