Bathroom design trends may not change as rapidly as other interior design styles, but keeping your bathroom feeling fresh and modern is essential. Here are seven reasons why your bathroom might appear outdated and how to update it for a more contemporary look.
1. Outdated Medicine Cabinets According to Robin Baab Olascoaga, owner and principal designer at RMBO Studio, an old-school medicine cabinet can make a bathroom feel dated. Instead, opt for a vanity medicine cabinet or integrate the cabinet into the wall for a sleek and modern look. 2. Solid Square Tiled Walls Chelsea Marks, co-owner of home furniture and decor company Paynes Gray, advises against using solid square tiles. She suggests choosing staggered or patterned tiles for a more modern aesthetic. A herringbone pattern in marble or ceramic tile is a timeless and versatile option. 3. Subway Tiles Subway tiles have become overused and now feel dated. Marks recommends exploring different tile shapes and styles to avoid this outdated look. 4. Outmoded Accent Tiles Amy Switzer, interior designer and founder of Amy Switzer Design, notes that tile borders and accent strips can make a bathroom appear old-fashioned. Instead, consider continuous tiling or statement walls with large tiles or unique patterns for a more modern feel. 5. Monochromatic Bathrooms While it’s important to avoid dated design elements, Switzer also emphasizes the need for contrast in a bathroom. Introducing a pop of color, a bold vanity, or a statement mirror can add life to a monochromatic space. 6. Fuzzy Bathmats Fuzzy bathmats may be comfortable but are considered outdated and unhygienic. Marks advises against using them, comparing them to carpet in a bathroom, which is a no-no. 7. Updating for a Modern Look By addressing these seven design elements, you can transform your bathroom into a space that feels fresh, modern, and stylish.When it comes to bathroom mats, ‘shaggy’ is not the way to go. Not only does it evoke a dated 1978 aesthetic, but the idea of a shaggy rug soaking up water daily is unappealing. If you prefer a soft feeling underfoot, consider a washable memory foam bathmat. It offers a sleeker look and maintains that comfortable touch.
Cabinetry in dark wood was a popular choice for about a decade, but it can make a bathroom feel heavy and outdated. Switzer suggests that lighter tones, floating vanities, or sleek matte finishes are more aligned with modern design trends. If you’re drawn to dark colors in the bathroom, opt for bold, dark tiles or deep-hued wallpapers, but keep the cabinetry light. Light fixtures can significantly impact a bathroom’s look. Swapping them out is one of the easiest ways to modernize a bathroom. Heavy, traditional fixtures with intricate detailing can quickly date a bathroom. Switzer advises re-evaluating your bathroom lighting scheme and replacing outdated fixtures with minimalist, sleek, or matte black designs for a fresh look. She notes that rows of round bulbs are reminiscent of the ’90s, and switching to modern sconces or backlit mirrors can instantly update the space. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit
