Designers Cringe When They See These 9 Things in a Bathroom
Bathrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, and trends come and go, but there are some bathroom features that will always turn designers off. Some design pros have strong opinions about the way in which a bathroom is laid out, while others are tired of certain stylistic choices, like open shelving and matchy-matchy tile. Because everyone’s preferences are different, these turnoffs aren’t universal — but they can be a helpful guide.
In an attempt to discover what mistakes to avoid when designing a bathroom, I asked interior designers what bathroom features are their biggest icks. Here’s what they reported back. You’ll never look at an over-the-toilet towel bar the same way again!
Vanities Without Drawers
In the eyes of designers, not all bathroom vanities are created equal. Tera Janelle, the founder of Tera Janelle Design, is strongly turned off by styles that only feature doors, not drawers, which she notes can sometime be a cost-saving method. As Janelle explains, there are some products, like cosmetics, toiletries, and brushes, that are better stored in drawers for ease of access.
Kevin Isbell, the founder of Kevin Isbell Interiors, agrees, noting, “Floating vanities with zero drawers are lovely until you’re forced to stash your toiletries in the linen closet across the hall.” So, always look for a vanity with drawers.
Open Shelving Everywhere
Designers dislike open shelving for the same reason they like drawers: Because it’s often nice to conceal your items from view. Isbell is over all of the open shelving setups that often characterize today’s bathrooms. “Some things are better behind closed doors — like toilet paper and your college-era cologne,” he says. Choose closed-door storage instead.
Toilets as Focal Points
If you’re designing a bathroom from scratch, be mindful to not make the toilet the focal point of the space, if possible. A setup with the toilet as the center of attention is something that bothers Jessica Nixon, the founder of JNID Studios. “While a toilet is a necessary fixture, it doesn’t need to be the first thing you see,” she says. Kelly Collier-Clark, the founder of House of Clark Interiors, agrees, noting that “straight-on views of the toilet from the door” will always make her uncomfortable.
A Towel Bar over the Toilet
Speaking of toilet placement, don’t hang your towel bar above it. Andrea Seymour, the co-founder of Springdale Custom Builders, calls this type of arrangement her “number-one bathroom ick.” And you can probably guess why. “Permeable materials over a toilet is a huge no for me because of the germs in that area,” she says. If you’re really tempted to hang something above the toilet, try a piece of art instead, she offers.
White Grout
Completing a bathroom reno? Make a point to skip the white or light-colored grout when installing your tile floors or backsplash, urges Shamika Lynch, the founder of Maximizing Tiny Interiors. Why? “It never stays the color it’s supposed to be,” the designer explains, noting that in many instances, it will appear brown due to all of the grime bathrooms attract. “It’s better to design with intention and pick a grout color that’s not prone to discoloration,” she says.
Matching Tile
On a similar note, don’t opt for matching tile all throughout the bathroom. “When every surface from the floor to the shower walls is covered in the same material, it can feel sterile and unimaginative,” says Shannon Handley, the founder of Handley Home Interiors. “It strips the room of dimension and character, leaving it flat and boring.” Instead, she suggests, layer a variety of materials, which will enhance a smaller space and make it appear more thoughtfully designed.
Fan/Light Combos
If you’ve ever walked into a bathroom with a combination fan/light fixture, you’ll be able to relate to Lynch’s observation. “Why do I have to hear that dreadful sound every time I turn the light on?” she asks. Instead, the designer recommends separating the light fixture and the fan for optimum utility and a more pleasant user experience.
Carpet
You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who’s OK with carpet in the bathroom. As Seymour states, “It traps in moisture from showers and baths, as well as germs.” If you want something soft underfoot, she recommends laying down a smaller bath rug because these can easily be tossed into the washing machine as needed. The designer encourages people to choose an interesting pick — something colorful or patterned will add a fun touch to the bathroom.
Jacuzzi Tubs
Handley is tired of seeing oversized jacuzzi tubs in bathrooms. “They’re the epitome of bulky, outdated luxury that rarely serves anyone’s real lifestyle,” she says. Not only are jacuzzi tubs not super functional, but they also take up a significant amount of precious bathroom square footage, too. “They break up flow and make it harder to create a relaxing, balanced environment,” Handley states, adding that those who like winding down with a soak every evening should opt for a smaller freestanding tub instead: “They provide the same indulgence without swallowing the room.”