Transform Your '70s Bathroom From Total Eyesore To Spa Heaven

While there are plenty of home decor trends from the '70s that look even cooler today, a room completely set in the bygone era might stand out like an eyesore. For example, think of a bathroom in your grandparents' home or an older house you recently purchased. Bilal Rehman, CEO and principal designer of Bilal Rehman Studio and founder of Bilal Rehman Gallery, agrees in his House Digest exclusive and tells us, "A typical 1970s bathroom is very color-heavy and visually busy." Elaborating on the issues, he says, "The biggest issues tend to come down to excess and lack of restraint. Bold, outdated colors like avocado green or mustard yellow often dominate the space and feel visually heavy." Plus, you'll often see fixtures in matching shades, which tends to overwhelm the eye, according to our expert.

These aren't the only issues, either. "Small, busy tiles with too many grout lines add clutter rather than cohesion, while laminate finishes lack depth and feel inexpensive by today's standards." Additionally, he mentions that the overhead lighting tends to be unflattering and can seem too jarring at times. The countertops or storage options aren't any better. He adds, "Bulky vanities with poor proportions can make the room feel cramped, and harsh, direct lighting creates an uninviting, almost clinical atmosphere." So, if you'd rather the space not feel cluttered or cramped, our design expert has a few tips to help you turn it into a spa-like retreat.

Sharing ways you can turn your outdated bathroom into a spa heaven, Bilal Rehman opens up in his exclusive chat with House Digest and reveals, "I would immediately start paring back, removing outdated materials and stripping everything to create a clean foundation." This means removing old border wallpaper, taking down large medicine cabinets, and getting rid of dated carpeting. "From there, introducing a neutral palette with warm, calming tones helps set the mood. Upgrading to more tactile, natural materials like stone or wood adds depth, while simplifying the tile selection with larger formats reduces visual noise," he recommends.

Once you have the basics in place, focus on the lighting. Rehman opines, "Lighting should be soft and layered to create a more relaxed atmosphere, and fixtures should feel minimal and timeless." So, have ambient lighting for general brightness, task lighting near the vanity or shower for concentrated activities like shaving, and accent lighting to bring a little depth to your revamped bathroom. You can even play around with the fixtures and their placement to add a little dose of drama. "Finally, incorporating small, thoughtful details like niches, benches, or styled surfaces helps bring in a sense of daily ritual," proposes our design expert. If budget isn't a concern, check out a few master bathroom ideas to make your space feel like a luxury oasis.

Outlining common mistakes, Bilal Rehman explains in his exclusive sit-down with House Digest, "One of the most common mistakes is going too minimal and ending up with a space that feels cold rather than calming." While you may want to remove dated wallpaper and bold paint, consider keeping a few character pieces, like an antique cabinet or small decor accents. "Ignoring layout and proportions can also undermine even the best material choices, while following short-term trends can quickly date the space again." This is why it's always better to follow a few rules when designing your bathroom.

"Lighting is often treated as an afterthought, but it plays a critical role in how the room feels," insists Rehman. As such, don't ignore this aspect while upgrading your bathroom. Add contemporary touches, such as updated mirrors or fixtures, to modernize the space. "Lastly, overlooking practical storage can lead to clutter, which ultimately disrupts the clean, spa-like environment you're trying to achieve." Since ample storage is one of the most-wanted bathroom features that can boost your home's value, you don't want to ignore this. Concluding his interview with us, Rehman advises, "Focus on how the space feels, not just how it looks. Keep it simple, use quality materials, and aim for a calm, well-balanced environment rather than something overly designed or following trends."