5 Trends To Avoid When Renovating Your Bathroom

There are so many reasons people choose to renovate their homes. Maybe they want something new, want to increase their home's value, or can't afford to move to a new place. No matter the reason, there's an endless supply of information on how to renovate and what to include in an upgrade. According to U.S. News, renovating in a recession is a good move, but specific projects will be more valuable than others. The good news is that a bathroom remodel is one of them!

Trying to emulate all the trends taking the décor world by storm during a renovation is tempting. New colors, patterns, pieces, and accessories always come out and make you feel like you must have them in your home. However, you need to remember that trends come and go, but the significant changes you make to your house will stay with you for a while. Here are trends to avoid when renovating your bathroom.

1. All-white

Having an all-white bathroom is a trend that has taken over in recent years, but you might want to skip this one when renovating. White is a favorite in the bathroom because it is timeless and classy, but it can be seen as boring as well as taxing since it will require a lot of maintenance. The all-white concept can also be tough to get right. This is because white comes in so many forms, and it's easy to get lost in the sea of off-white, cream, true white, and other shades. You will need a lot of time, patience, and attention to detail when sourcing your materials.

Another issue is that it can be hard to match all the whites you're bringing in, from the walls to the surfaces. You might be dissatisfied when you're finished and see how it all works together, so it's best to welcome the variety offered by colors. According to Maria Killam, the best solution for this problem would be to add some decorations that can distract from the inconsistency, so embrace fun colors and textures from the beginning!

2. Ocean themes

The ocean-themed bathroom has become so popular because it creates a feeling of being connected to the sea and nature. Accessories with boats, anchors, sand, coral, and starfish are standard in this theme since they make one feel like they're at the coast, via wikiHow. Aquatic palettes with colors like light blue, sea green, or sandy beige are also used. However, this trend can get old quickly because of how specific it is, and there are better ways to implement the theme of nature when decorating.

Nature as a whole is a trend in home décor that doesn't seem to be going anywhere, so adopt a more broad nature theme when renovating. Instead of the limited theme of the beach, you can embrace the wide variety that nature offers in your bathroom. From branches and rocks to flowers and plants, decorating with nature is a trend that you can be sure won't go out of style.

3. Extreme colors and patterns

Taking risks in decorating with bold colors and patterns can be fun since they show personality and make our homes stand out. Those strong statements communicate energy and courage and lift the mood. However, you should avoid this trend when renovating your bathroom because it can go overboard in a space that should feel calm and comfortable. According to Modo Bath, a bathroom should be uncomplicated with effortless shapes, natural light, simple décor, and neutral colors. These elements make the space feel relaxing and, sometimes, like a spa.

However, the whole space can feel overwhelming when there are extremes in colors, wallpaper patterns, or tiles. Bright, bold tiling is tricky because that is one element that is hard to modify if you change your mind or want to hop on a different trend, per Eakman Construction. Like tiles, overpowering wallpapers and paint colors can get tiring. Keeping things neutral is great for longevity and switching things up later because it's easier to add on to what you already have.

4. Freestanding tubs

A freestanding tub is one of those things that can make your bathroom instantly feel like a spa. Like its name, it is a tub that can stand alone and be placed virtually anywhere in a bathroom. It became trendy because it feels luxurious and different and adds a simple touch. Don't be carried away with this trend when renovating your bathroom. While it is elegant, it might not fit your current home setup.

If you're battling with space and how to arrange things in your bathroom, this tub isn't the right choice because it works best in areas with ample space. Moen says you should also consider who will use the bathroom: children, grandparents, multiple adults, or pets. Will it be spacious enough? How easy will it be to get them in and out? The strength of your flooring is another factor to consider because freestanding tubs are heavier than other types. If you realize this isn't the most convenient option long-term, and you might not be able to get the full value out of it, skip this trend.

5. Elaborate lights

From the big marquee vanity light bulbs to those fancy chandeliers, elaborate lights are one trend you should avoid when remodeling your bathroom. They gained popularity because they add personality to the space and communicate some elegance. Instead of the usual lights, elaborate vanity light fixtures can transform the bathroom into a luxurious relaxation experience. However, there are various reasons to leave this out of your new bathroom.

According to Stewart Lighting, these fixtures usually cast light on you from above or below, creating an unflattering reflection in the mirror as you get ready. Chandeliers have strict regulations concerning different aspects of your bathroom, from the ceiling height to the electrical system, and you will need to do your research to ensure you're within the rules. Elaborate vanity lighting types also usually take up space, which isn't suitable for a small bathroom. Opt for recessed or can lights, as they can save space and light up the room evenly.