12 Bathroom Trends That Simply Scream Millennial

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Millennials have been found guilty of several design crimes, and bathrooms are no exception. While they've also popularized several still-trendy styles — see: biophilia — there are others that should undoubtedly be left in the past. Now that Gen Z has entered the design world, millennial trends are often seen as "cringe." If your goal is to curate a bathroom that will stand the test of time, you might want to rethink some of these design choices.

We've rounded up the top 12 bathroom trends that look like a millennial was in charge of the design, and highlighted some more modern ways to adjust those methods. From gray color schemes to certain overused surfaces, you might want to rethink these trends before you commit. Your bathroom should feel fresh, intentional, and true to you. The key is knowing which trends are worth updating and which are better left in the past.

Arguably the most notorious millennial trend is the overuse of gray. While it used to be seen as clean and modern, an all-gray bathroom is now synonymous with millennials' first foray into home renovations, and younger generations are now trying to "undo" the gray cabinets, tiles, and wall paint that millennials once loved. Millennial gray bathrooms usually incorporated surfaces and decor in a flat, medium-gray color.

If you have a rental that is already doused in millennial gray, don't fret. The solution to getting rid of millennial gray is switching to this warm, earthy design trend. All you need to do is balance the cool tones with organic touches. For example, consider adding wooden accessories, woven baskets, natural stone, or plenty of greenery. Instead of trying to conceal the gray, earthy decor actually works with it and makes it look intentional. The key is to make the gray look more like stone rather than an industrial palette. Even a few warm accents can make an otherwise cold bathroom feel more inviting.

There are several big differences between Gen Z and millennial home decor trends. One of the most significant is Gen Z's aversion to minimalism. Although minimalism will never completely go out of style for bathrooms, Gen Z believes that millennials took minimalism a step too far. Bathrooms should feel clean but not stark, and millennial bathrooms crossed over that line. Think too-sleek surfaces, nothing on display, and no color whatsoever.

The millennial gray fix is also applicable here, but you can even take it a step further. In addition to adding earthy decor like the accessories mentioned above, you can also incorporate splashes of personality through elements like colorful hardware, textural shower curtains, or patterned tiles. The good news is, a minimalist bathroom provides the perfect base for adding character. You don't have to renovate your entire bathroom as long as you add pops of color and dimensional decor. A few other additions to consider are artwork, vintage accessories, sculptural lighting, or a colorful bath mat.

A mirrored makeup tray could be seen in every millennial's bathroom tour. Although it can be a cute way to display toiletries and knick-knacks, it can also look a little juvenile or dated. The problem doesn't lie so much in the visible products as it does in cramming them into a small, designated area. When everything is technically on display but still corralled into one tiny space, it can look like you haven't quite decided whether you want to show off your products or hide them away.

Don't be afraid to set your favorite products directly on your bathroom countertop! If they are unsightly, you can decant them into more aesthetically-pleasing containers. For example, this pack of Tbwind Amber Glass Bottles is versatile and cohesive. If you're worried about your countertop display looking chaotic, you can choose three to five products to keep on display and store the rest in a medicine cabinet or drawer. A tray isn't necessary, and it can actually backfire when it comes to visual organization.

Marble was all the rage over the last decade, and millennials fell in love with the bright white stone with subtle veining. Although certain variations of marble are still popular, the overused white, Carrara-style marble is no longer the go-to. However, this doesn't mean stone is out altogether. The tides are shifting towards more unique patterns, colors, and striations. Countertops can be a statement piece, rather than just a sleek surface.

Marble and marble-style surfaces are also available in striking shades like deep brown Emperador or Portoro Black. For the ultimate, daring look, consider Lemurian Blue Granite with reflective blue flecks that will make your bathroom look like a grown-up mermaid's grotto. All of these options are ideal for a powder room or guest bathroom if you want to experiment with a bold surface without committing to it throughout your entire home. If you want to explore even more daring surface concepts, check out these stone countertop ideas for a luxe-looking bathroom.

The millennial gray trend continues with one very specific material: large, rectangular gray floor tiles. Once popular for their clean, seamless look, they're now being phased out as people look for more character, texture, and visual interest in their bathrooms rather than another variation of the same gray-on-gray palette. Classic shapes like squares are also currently overtaking rectangles.

While large-format tiles can be practical for cleaning purposes, you don't have to use them throughout your entire bathroom. Areas like backsplashes and shower niches can benefit from small, decorative tiles. Another alternative is to opt for large-format tiles with surface texture for visual variation. Natural, imperfect finishes are currently trending and it's easy to see why. Any tiles that appear handmade and artisanal are more desirable than anything builder-grade and cookie-cutter.

Another shade that millennials have historically loved is pink — more specifically, the warm-toned, candy-colored "millennial pink." Floor-to-ceiling pink tilework was especially popular in bathrooms. Although pink isn't out altogether, trends are moving away from cotton candy colors specifically. Just like the other trends mentioned above, earthy tones are taking over and clay pink is a much more preferable variation of the shade.

Instead of covering every wall in pink, try using a clay-toned tile as an accent in a shower, backsplash, or vanity wall. You can also bring in the shade through smaller elements like towels, artwork, or a bath mat for a more subtle approach. If you do opt for tile in the millennial pink shade, pair it with natural materials like wood or stone to keep the color from feeling overly sweet. Clay pink pairs also beautifully with terra-cotta, and other warm, nature-inspired shades.

Gold and brass hardware overthrew the cool-toned hardware that was previously popular, so much so that gilded faucets and finishes became basically inescapable. The pendulum has swung once again towards cool-toned hardware like chrome, making gold look very "millennial-coded" and quintessentially 2010s. If you can't get behind silver shades, don't fret. Warm-toned hardware isn't completely out, but brushed finishes and aged finishes are much more popular than shiny gold.

To avoid a dated look, one simple solution is to mix different hardware — both warm and cool. In fact, we have proof that your bathroom features don't have to be a single type of metal. Imagine a chrome sink faucet paired with brushed bronze shower hardware. Matchy-matchy looks are out, and current trends are all about a character-filled, collected look. You can also introduce a third finish through smaller details like cabinet knobs, lighting, or a mirror frame. The goal isn't to match every metal, but to create enough variation that the finishes feel intentionally layered rather than all purchased together in a set.

Pampas grass was once popular everywhere. This feather-like, dried plant took over every room in millennial interiors. In particular, millennials loved putting potted pampas grass on their bathroom countertops or in a large vase on the floor. The design world eventually got pampas grass fatigue, leading to a very vehement rejection of the once-loved dried decor. Another problem was the dust the grass collected.

Instead of pampas grass, live plants are a timeless alternative. Although millennials also historically love turning their bathroom into a jungle, this millennial trend hasn't entirely fallen by the wayside. As long as the plants are alive, thriving, and not dried up in a vase, you can still incorporate plenty of greenery into a modern bathroom without making it feel dated. Even if you have no experience with houseplants, there are certain species that are very difficult to kill — even in an environment with low natural light. Consider snake plants or spider plants that love bathroom humidity.

"Live, Laugh, Love" isn't the only phrase that's out of style. Any wall art with words screams millennial these days. If you're looking for wall art, stray away from any kind of typography unless you want that unmistakably millennial look. This now extends to things like neon signs, cheeky bathroom quotes, and informative wall plaques. In fact, the entire era of wall art that plays on bathroom humor is officially out.

Replacing your wordy wall art is simple, but finding the right alternative can feel overwhelming. Picking wall decor for a bathroom can be particularly tricky, as it's sometimes a space that gets overlooked completely. Sourcing artwork from secondhand stores and vintage sources has become super popular, and there are a few reasons why you may want to thrift your wall art instead of buying from home decor stores. Thrifting also allows you to find more original pieces that won't look like everyone else's. It can help you avoid falling into the trap of short-lived trends, while also giving you the opportunity to find quality artwork at a more affordable price.

Subway tiles were trendy for a long time, but they're finally making their way out. These underground-inspired, white rectangular tiles flooded kitchens and bathrooms over the last couple of decades. Countless millennial bathrooms were filled with subway tiles from wall to wall, while now tiles with more texture are taking over. Subway tiles will instantly date your bathroom, unless you have a pre-war home in the tri-state area, and they are a part of your traditional architecture.

The past few years have seen more dynamic variations of subway tiles popping up. Rather than glossy surfaces, matte finishes are much less millennial. You can also explore rectangular tiles in different colors. Even a slight variation from white, like sand or taupe, can make your bathroom look less generic. You can also install rectangular tiles in a more unexpected pattern, straight stacked or vertically. HGTV star Erin Napier suggests ditching the subway tile for more unique ideas.

Although navy blue is often considered a timeless color, it's not as loved as it once was in bathrooms. Millennials overused navy blue cabinets, particularly with traditional touches and bright gold hardware. Subway tiles were also a part of this overdone scheme, as well as wainscoting. This look was nearly-nautical with a contemporary touch, which didn't look harmonious with most interiors and architectural styles. The biggest problem is that the combination was copied throughout so many interiors.

Younger generations are currently approaching interior design differently. It's no longer about copying images from Pinterest or magazines, but about taking pieces of inspiration and putting them together to create a space that is truly your own. That doesn't mean you have to forgo navy blue altogether, but consider adding it in smaller doses or pairing it with unexpected colors and materials. For example, a navy vanity can still work beautifully when balanced with natural wood, unlacquered hardware, or earthy stone, rather than the predictable subway tile-and-gold hardware combination. Wainscoting, for example, can still work in a bathroom when it complements the architecture of the space, such as in a traditional or historic home where the added detail feels authentic rather than forced.

Last but not least is the infamous farmhouse trend. The results are in, and it may finally be time to transition away from modern farmhouse decor. This trend was quintessentially millennial and is now considered cringe. Unless you have a rustic space to begin with, stray away from shabby-chic finishes, distressed wood, barn-doors, and overly rustic signs. Shiplap is another contributor to this countryside style.

There are a few exceptions to the "no-farmhouse" rule, but you have to approach the design from a specific perspective. Authentic vintage items will never go out of style, and these include cast iron tubs, vintage mirrors, pedestal sinks, and thrifted light fixtures. Aged hardware and faucets are another feature that could be considered farmhouse, but will look timeless in the right space. The key is to let these pieces complement the existing character of your bathroom rather than piling on multiple farmhouse elements at once.