Frosted Glass Shower Doors: A Faded Trend
Frosted glass shower doors once screamed “luxury” in the ’90s, but today, designers agree they feel dated and blocky. According to a 2024 report from Houzz, over 67% of homeowners now prefer clear, frameless glass for a more open, airy vibe. The opaque look of frosted glass tends to shrink the room visually and traps light, which goes against the current trend of maximizing brightness. Designer Katie Hodges told a recent Elle Decor interview that “frosted glass is like a privacy curtain you forgot to take down.” Modern bathrooms lean toward transparency and clean lines, using low-iron glass for a crystal-clear view that helps small spaces feel bigger. If privacy is a must, designers now suggest textured or fluted glass instead of fully frosted panels. These options feel more contemporary and less heavy-handed, giving your bathroom a fresh edge.
Hollywood-Style Vanity Lights: Outshined and Outdated
Those iconic rows of big, round bulbs above the mirror—think movie dressing rooms—are officially over. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2024 Trends Report, only 8% of bathroom remodels include these fixtures now. Designers say the look is harsh, unflattering, and reminiscent of a bygone era. “They cast shadows and make every morning feel like you’re prepping for a 1980s soap opera,” says designer Brian Patrick Flynn. Instead, people are opting for soft, diffuse sconces or integrated LED mirrors that offer even, natural light. The focus is on functionality and style, with layered lighting schemes that flatter the face and create a spa-like atmosphere.
Heavy Ornate Mirrors: Weighed Down by the Past
Chunky, gold-framed mirrors or anything with a heavy ornamental border are on the outs. Recent surveys from Apartment Therapy show that minimalist, clean-lined frames or even frameless mirrors are preferred by 74% of remodelers. Heavy frames can make a bathroom feel smaller and more formal, which clashes with the relaxed, modern vibe most people want now. “Outdated mirrors act like old jewelry on a fresh outfit—they ruin the look,” says interior stylist Emily Henderson. The newer trend is for round, pill-shaped, or asymmetrical mirrors that feel light and playful, making the space seem brighter and more open.
Matching Everything: Monotone Overload
Bathrooms where every fixture, tile, and accessory matches perfectly used to be the gold standard, but designers now call this approach “flat and uninspired.” The 2025 Zillow Home Trends survey revealed that 61% of designers recommend mixing metals, finishes, and textures to create visual interest. “It’s like wearing a suit where the jacket, shirt, tie, and socks are all the same color—there’s no personality,” says designer Amber Lewis. Today’s looks blend brass faucets with matte black towel bars or mix stone counters with wood vanities. This layered design feels richer and more inviting, giving the bathroom a curated, lived-in feel.
Wall-to-Wall Carpet: A Hygienic Horror Story
Wall-to-wall carpet in bathrooms might have been cozy in the past, but in 2025, it’s considered a major design faux pas. According to the American Institute of Architects, less than 2% of new builds include carpet in bathrooms, citing hygiene concerns and moisture issues. Designers argue that carpet traps moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and lasting odors. “A bathroom carpet is like a kitchen sponge—no one wants to step on last week’s bathwater,” says architect Jonathan Adler. The modern move is toward easy-to-clean porcelain tiles, luxury vinyl planks, or even radiant-heated concrete for warmth without the mess.
Over-the-Top Tuscan Style: A Relic of the Early 2000s
Bathrooms drenched in faux finishes, heavy stone, dark woods, and ornate ironwork were a hit in the early 2000s, drawing inspiration from old-world Italian villas. But today, designers see this look as fussy and outdated. The American Society of Interior Designers notes that requests for Tuscan-style bathrooms have dropped by over 80% since 2018. These spaces can feel dark and cluttered, especially in smaller homes. “Tuscan bathrooms are like a costume party nobody wants to attend anymore,” says designer Jeremiah Brent. Light, neutral palettes and simple, natural materials are the new favorites, creating a serene, spa-like retreat.
Glass Block Walls: A Trend That’s Lost Its Shine
Glass blocks were once the go-to for adding privacy and light, but now designers say they look clunky and institutional. According to a 2024 DecorPad poll, less than 9% of respondents like glass block in modern bathrooms. The chunky seams and grid pattern make even the most updated bathrooms feel like a relic from the ’80s or ’90s. “They’re the mullet of bathroom design—business in the front, party in the back, but not in a good way,” jokes designer Leanne Ford. Sleeker options like frosted glass panels or even reeded glass are taking their place, offering privacy without the baggage of outdated style.
Pedestal Sinks with No Storage: Beauty Without Brains
Pedestal sinks were celebrated for their classic charm, but today’s designers say they lack the storage necessary for modern life. The National Association of Home Builders reports that 74% of buyers now look for vanities with ample storage in their bathrooms. “A pedestal sink looks lovely in a photo, but in reality, it’s a nightmare when you have toiletries, makeup, and cleaning supplies to stash,” says designer Shea McGee. The shift is toward floating vanities, built-ins, or even wall-hung cabinets that maximize both style and practicality, especially in small spaces.
Overuse of Beige and Bone: Bland and Forgettable
A sea of beige tiles, bone-colored fixtures, and almond everything once felt safe and timeless, but now it’s seen as uninspired. The 2025 Home Design Forecast by Sherwin-Williams shows a dramatic drop in beige and bone finishes, with bold colors and dark neutrals gaining traction. “Beige is to bathrooms as white bread is to sandwiches—fine, but you can do so much better,” says designer Justina Blakeney. Designers are now encouraging pops of color, statement walls, and rich, earthy tones to give bathrooms more personality and energy.
Built-In Jacuzzi Tubs: Bulky and Unnecessary
Massive, built-in Jacuzzi tubs were a must-have in luxury bathrooms of the past, but designers say they’re rarely used and take up precious space. The latest Houzz Bathroom Trends Study found that 69% of remodelers are replacing tubs with spacious, walk-in showers. “Most people realize they hardly ever use their big tub—it’s just collecting dust and taking up room,” says designer Nate Berkus. Freestanding tubs or sleek shower enclosures are the new dream, offering a more flexible and functional layout for busy households.
