I’m an interior decorator. Here are 15 things I’d never add to my own bathroom.

After years of designing bathrooms, I’ve learned that some choices can make or break a space. While certain trends may look appealing at first, they often lead to cluttered, impractical, or even uncomfortable environments.

So, what are the design mistakes I’d never make in my own bathroom? In this post, I’ll share 15 things that won’t make the cut, helping you create a space that’s stylish, functional, and truly relaxing.

Ready to rethink your bathroom design?

1. Carpet Flooring

Carpet in the bathroom? It’s a design misstep that can lead to a multitude of problems. Imagine stepping out of the shower onto a soggy, damp carpet.

Not only is it unpleasant, but it also fosters an environment ripe for mold and mildew. Why risk it when water-resistant alternatives like tiles or vinyl exist? These options provide style and practicality without the worry of moisture damage.

Consider how easily carpets can trap dirt and dust, making them a poor choice for a fresh and clean bathroom. In a space meant for hygiene, carpets simply don’t belong.

2. Overly Ornate Fixtures

Ornate fixtures might exude luxury, but in a bathroom, they can quickly become overpowering. Picture intricate gold faucets paired with modern tiling. The mix is jarring rather than harmonious. Simple, sleek fixtures create a timeless appeal that complements any decor style.

In a small space, overly decorative elements can make the room feel cramped and cluttered. Instead, opt for minimalistic designs that offer elegance without overwhelming the senses.

Functionality should never be sacrificed for ornamentation in a bathroom, where simplicity often reigns supreme.

3. Open Shelving for Toiletries

Open shelving might be trendy, but in the bathroom, it can lead to chaos. Visualize shelves lined with mismatched bottles, each competing for attention. It’s cluttered and stressful rather than organized and serene.

Closed cabinets keep everything neatly tucked away, offering a calm and clean aesthetic. Open shelves require constant maintenance to look tidy, a challenge in fast-paced life.

Instead of displaying every product, prioritize essential items and store the rest out of sight. This approach fosters a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.

4. Dark Color Palette

Dark colors can be sophisticated, but they often make bathrooms seem smaller and more confined. Imagine a small bathroom painted in deep blues or blacks. The space feels tight and uninviting, especially without ample natural light.

Lighter shades reflect more light, making the room appear bigger and more welcoming. Consider how airy whites and soft pastels create an open, fresh environment.

In a space where you begin and end your day, the goal should be warmth and brightness, not gloom. Let light lead the way.

5. Wall-to-Wall Mirrors

Mirrors can enlarge a space, but wall-to-wall mirrors in a bathroom? It’s overwhelming. Visualize every wall reflecting every move, creating a dizzying effect. A single statement mirror suffices to add depth and style without confusion.

Wall-to-wall mirrors also require constant cleaning to keep them sparkling. Instead, choose strategically placed mirrors that enhance the space without overpowering it.

In a sanctuary of privacy, less reflective surface offers more comfort and ease.

6. Overpowering Scents

Fragrance infuses personality, but overpowering scents in a bathroom can be suffocating. Picture a bathroom overwhelmed by intense aromas from candles and diffusers. It’s more pungent than pleasant.

A subtle scent can refresh the space without overwhelming the senses. Choose a single signature fragrance to maintain a nuanced, inviting aroma.

In a room intended for refreshment, overwhelming scents detract from relaxation. A gentle fragrance enhances the experience, rather than disrupting it.

7. Exposed Pipes

Exposed pipes may suit industrial styles, but in most bathrooms, they’re unsightly. Imagine stepping into a bathroom where exposed plumbing distracts from the decor. It’s more unfinished than chic.

Concealed plumbing fosters a clean, polished appearance. Cabinets and vanities efficiently hide unsightly pipes, contributing to a cohesive design.

Bathrooms thrive on seamless aesthetics, where distractions like exposed pipes have no place in a serene setting. Elegance comes from thoughtful concealment.

8. Plastic Shower Curtains

Plastic shower curtains can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Picture a curtain lined with unsightly stains that no amount of scrubbing can erase. Fabric liners, on the other hand, offer a touch of luxury while being easier to clean.

In a bathroom, where cleanliness is paramount, plastic simply doesn’t cut it. Upgrade to glass doors or fabric curtains for a fresh, hygienic approach.

A well-chosen shower curtain or door transforms the shower area, adding elegance and functionality, unlike their plastic counterparts.

9. Bulky Vanities

Bulky vanities may offer storage, but they can overwhelm a bathroom’s layout. Envision a small space with an imposing vanity that leaves little room to maneuver. It’s cramped and impractical.

Opt for sleek, space-saving designs that amplify functionality without sacrificing style. Consider wall-mounted vanities that free up floor space and create an airy feel.

In a bathroom, where space is often limited, maximizing every inch is essential. A vanity should enhance, not hinder, the room’s flow.

10. Clashing Tile Patterns

Variety in tile patterns can add interest, but clashing designs lead to chaos. Imagine a bathroom floor with mismatched tiles, each vying for attention. It’s visually exhausting.

A cohesive tile scheme fosters harmony and elegance. Choose complementary patterns or a single style to maintain visual clarity.

In a room where relaxation is key, simplicity in design translates to serenity in experience. Unnecessary complexity in tiles detracts from the desired peaceful ambiance.

11. Artificial Plants

Artificial plants might seem low-maintenance, but they rarely capture the vibrancy of real greenery. Picture a bathroom strewn with dusty fake foliage. It’s more lifeless than lively.

Real plants thrive in bathroom environments, adding freshness and life. Consider easy-care options like succulents or ferns that flourish in humidity.

In the pursuit of authenticity, real plants offer a dynamic aesthetic that enhances the bathroom experience. They provide a genuine touch of nature that artificial varieties lack.

12. Over-sized Jacuzzis

Luxe as they seem, oversized Jacuzzis can overwhelm a bathroom’s footprint. Picture a small space dominated by a massive tub with little room for anything else. It’s indulgent yet impractical.

Compact, efficient designs make better use of limited space, offering comfort without compromise. Consider soaking tubs or walk-in showers as stylish alternatives.

Choosing practical solutions ensures your space works for you, without feeling overcrowded or messy. Could this approach be the key to creating your ideal bathroom?

13. Opaque Shower Enclosures

Opaque shower enclosures can make a bathroom feel enclosed and dark. Imagine stepping into a space where light struggles to penetrate, obscured by frosted glass. It feels confined rather than open.

Clear glass enclosures invite light, expanding the room visually. They create an open, airy feel that enhances the overall design.

In a bathroom, light is a valuable asset. Embracing transparency with your fixtures opens up the space, creating a more inviting environment.

14. Loud Patterns

Bold patterns might seem fun, but in bathrooms, they can quickly become overwhelming. Imagine walls and floors clashing with loud designs, it’s more chaos than comfort.

Opt for subtle patterns or solid colors instead. They provide a calm backdrop, letting other elements take the spotlight while maintaining balance in the space.

Bathrooms should be a sanctuary for relaxation, and loud patterns can disrupt that peaceful vibe. Embrace simplicity for a more serene and stylish environment.

15. Inefficient Lighting

Lighting can truly transform a bathroom, and inefficient setups can leave it feeling dark and unwelcoming. Imagine struggling with poorly placed bulbs, leaving corners dim and visibility lacking—frustrating, right?

Layering lighting is the key. Task, ambient, and accent lighting come together to create a well-lit, functional space. Thoughtfully placed fixtures ensure no corner is left in the dark.

When it comes to grooming, good lighting isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. The right lighting enhances both function and style, making your bathroom a more enjoyable space to be in.