Designers Are Begging You to Avoid These 5 Bathroom Design Mistakes (2024)

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When it comes to bathroom design, striking the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics can be a big challenge. Everyone wants their space to look beautiful, but as one of the smallest and most frequently used rooms in the home, practicality plays a huge role too.

So it comes as no surprise that bathroom design mistakes happen pretty regularly—just ask interior designers. These mistakes don’t just make your space less functional, but they can cost you lots of money in the long run too.

Here are five of the top bathroom design mistakes to avoid, according to the professionals.

Lack of Storage

Most interior designers that we spoke to agreed that a lack of proper storage was the top bathroom design mistake they encountered in their client’s homes.

“Nowadays with our 12-step skincare routines and special products for every individual part of the body, we really need to include significant bathroom storage, both for product being used right now and for ‘backstock,’” says Caroline Kopp, founder and principal designer of Caroline Kopp Interior Design.

There are lots of different ways to incorporate storage into your space, regardless of the size of your bathroom. Medicine cabinets are great for above-the-sink storage of essentials you use daily like skincare products, toothbrushes, and more.

Vanities that prioritize functional storage are also great, along with a built-in closet if the space allows, Kopp says. However you decide to configure your space, just remember that the storage should be easy and convenient to use.

Going Too Trendy

It’s no secret that trends come and go, but in the age of social media, we seem to be constantly immersed in a tornado of ever-changing micro-trends and aesthetics that are hard to ignore. While it may be tempting to jump on board the newest flashy trend, when it comes to bathrooms Julia Newman, founder and principal designer of Julia Adele Designs, says that it can be a big mistake.

Bathroom renovations come with a big price tag so when it comes to the fundamentals like the layout, the tile, the shower or bathtub, and the vanity, it's best to go with something that reflects your tastes and will stand the test of time.

That being said, you don’t need to throw in the towel on the fun social media trends entirely if you don’t want to. Textiles and decor are a great way to try out trends in your space without the long-term commitment. If you still love the look several years later, it may be worth incorporating some of that aesthetic into the more permanent aspects of your bathroom design.

Lack of Lighting

Ladina Schöpf, founder of architect firm LS Projects based in Zürich, says that a lack of proper lighting is one of the most common bathroom design mistakes she encounters.

“Many people overlook the importance of proper lighting, which can greatly affect the functionality and ambiance of the space,” she says. Not only is a lack of lighting impractical, making tasks like shaving or applying makeup more difficult, but it can make a space feel gloomy and smaller than it is.

Luckily, this design error doesn't need to be remedied with a total bathroom renovation. Adding new light fixtures such as wall sconces or a second ceiling light can instantly brighten the space. Occasionally, replacing an old fixture with a new, brighter one is all that it takes.

High-Maintenance Materials

Luxurious finishes and materials like natural stone are popular in bathrooms right now, but the maintenance and care that comes along with them aren’t always practical or well-understood.

“A common mistake when it comes to bathroom design is using materials that need special care without realizing or ignoring the steps necessary to maintain its beauty,” says Dawn Bane, interior designer and color expert at Spectrum Design Group.

For example, in the instance of natural stone, you should avoid certain cleaning agents as they can easily scratch or corrode the stone. Even certain hair and body products can cause damage, which is a costly mistake.

“We have seen several instances where the care instructions were not conveyed to the house cleaners and the damage resulted in a tearing out and replacing the material with an easier-to-maintain surface such as porcelain,” Bane says.

Doing your research before picking the finishes and materials for your bathroom will pay off in the long run. Be sure to consider your lifestyle too—the last thing you want is a beautifully designed bathroom that is inconvenient for you to use. There are plenty of affordable alternatives to luxurious finishes and materials that offer less maintenance and still resemble the real thing.

Lack of Ventilation

Lastly, designers say that improper ventilation is a big design mistake that you should avoid in your bathroom.

“Bathrooms are prone to moisture buildup, and without adequate ventilation, this can lead to mold and mildew issues,” says Schöpf.

A lack of adequate ventilation may be a result of a DIY project gone wrong, working with an unqualified professional, or simply an old and outdated bathroom that needs to be brought into the 21st century. Either way, if you are noticing signs of mold or mildew in your bathroom then ensuring your space has proper ventilation is a vital first step.