Bathroom design no‑nos: interior designers warn of trends to avoid

Interior designers cite a range of common bathroom mistakes that can make a space feel outdated or impractical. They advise against placing the toilet as the focal point – “When designing a bathroom, we always avoid having the loo as the focal point when you walk into the room,” – and warn that carpet, black sanitaryware and deck‑mounted basins are hard to keep clean.

Design experts also stress the importance of adequate storage, thoughtful lighting and avoiding overly harsh spotlights. They note that matchy‑matchy schemes, ubiquitous subway tiles, old vanity lights, wooden built‑in jetted tubs and all‑white or all‑beige colour palettes date a bathroom quickly. Instead, they recommend varied textures, freestanding tubs, layered lighting at eye level and neutral patterned tiles to keep the room fresh and functional.