6 Bathroom Styles That Are Going Out of Style, According to Designers

If you're aiming to design a contemporary looking bathroom, you will want to make an effort to steer clear of the six 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.

All White Bathrooms

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

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

Alexis Warren, the founder of Alexis Warren Interior Design, shares similar views and says 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. Samaha explains how even the smallest stain or speck of dirt will stand out to the naked eye.

Skip the all-gray bathrooms, too, Heather French, the founder of French & French Interiors, says. French explains how all-gray bathrooms can feel monochromatic and cold which can lack the warmth and variety people are seeking nowadays.

Brown and beige are also no-nos since they can look bland and uninspired, Samaha says.

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Minimalistic Designs

On a related note, minimalistic bathroom designs as a whole are becoming less favorable, French shares.

"A heavy use of glass and chrome come across as too institutional and are being replaced by more organic materials like wood and stone—living finishes that patina as well as matte finishes," she says.

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, Samaha says, citing 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, Samaha notes.

"Bathrooms with heavy theming, such as nautical or jungle motifs, were once popular for their fun, personalized touch," he says. "However, these can quickly become overwhelming and kitschy." These days, it's better to opt for subtle and sophisticated nods to themes if choosing to acknowledge one at all, he comments. 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, or stone instead, materials that offer both style and practicality, Samaha says.

Mary Clair, the founder of Cumbaa Design Co., agrees, stating that wood flooring has taken over many bathroom spaces.

Tiled Countertops

You will not be coming across many tiled bathroom countertops these days.

Instead, homeowners are gravitating towards marble, quartz, and quartzite finishes, Clair says.

Keep in mind that tile in general is expensive and hard to change, Barry Goralnick, the founder of an eponymous firm, 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," Goralnick 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, Samaha says.

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