The overhyped bathroom upgrades have the potential to backfire down the road.
Bathroom Upgrades That Aren’t Worth the Hype, and What To Do Instead
Published on Jun. 05, 2025
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Overhyped Bathroom Upgrades
Trendy Doors
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a trendy bathroom. But avoid using trends in structural items like the doors, because when they eventually go out of style, replacement will be costly. “A trend that has reached its peak is the barn door,” says interior designer Natalie Howe. “During the modern farmhouse era, they were all the craze, but have now overstayed their welcome. While they added charm, they were never truly functional, offering little privacy and poor sound control.”
What to do instead: “Replace doors with something more tailored, architectural, and practical. Great design is in the details—and that includes the doors,” says Howe.
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Wall-Mounted Toilet
Floating or wall-mounted toilets have seen a resurgence in popularity, but think twice before installing one. “They’re difficult and expensive to install, and if you or a future buyer ever wants to switch back to a standard floor-mounted toilet, it can require major plumbing changes and wall repairs,” says general contractor Peter Andra.
What to do instead: Choose a floor-mounted toilet with a skirted or concealed trapway for a sleek, easy-to-clean look.
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All-White Design
To avoid trends that might look outdated in a few years, you might be tempted to go with an all-white or “safe” bathroom design. But that can quickly backfire. “A flat, all-white room with no contrast can quickly feel more clinical than calming,” says Howe.
What to do instead: “Whether you love neutrals or want to go bold, depth is key. Vary the tones and mix the textures,” says Howe. “A spa-like experience isn’t created through sameness; it’s built through thoughtful layering.”
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Open Concept
“One of the most overrated bathroom upgrades is the open-concept layout, where there’s no clear separation between the shower and the rest of the space,” says Andra. “While it may look modern, it often leads to constant water splashing, slippery floors, and humidity issues if the waterproofing isn’t flawless.”
What to do instead: Make sure the shower glass is sufficiently sized to block splashing, and use a frameless design to still achieve that seamless look.
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Vessel Sinks
Both Howe and Andra agree that vessel sinks (bowl-shaped sinks that sit on top of the counter) are overhyped bathroom upgrades and on their way out. “They may look trendy, but they’re far from timeless,” says Andra. “Vessel sinks often require custom installation, and if you ever want to swap it out for a different style, you’ll have to replace the entire countertop as well.”
What to do instead: A classic rectangular or oval under-mounted sink will stand the test of time.
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Patterned Tile
“Bright geometric patterns or strong colors might be trendy now, but they age poorly,” says interior designer Anton Liakhov. “Tile is expensive and time-consuming to replace, so what is in vogue now can be a resale headache in three years time.”
What to do instead: Avoid trendy patterns, but you can still play with the color, layout, sheen and texture of your bathroom tile. Natural stone like marble is a timeless choice.
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Freestanding Bathtub
A freestanding bathtub looks great in a large bathroom, but you might want to skip it in a smaller space where dust and mildew can get trapped in the gaps between the wall and the tub. In fact, you might want to skip the bathtub altogether says Liakhov, “Unless baths are an integral part of your lifestyle, don’t put in a tub for resale value—especially if it requires sacrificing the design.”
What to do instead: “Most buyers actually prefer a large, nicely done walk-in shower over a tiny tub,” says Liakhov.
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Built-In Makeup Vanity
A built-in makeup vanity might not be worth the extra cost or the space it takes up. “While it sounds indulgent, they often sit unused and take up valuable space—especially in shared or smaller bathrooms,” says Liakhov.
What to do instead: If you have your heart set on a sit-down vanity area, “a freestanding vanity table in the bedroom would be more functional and practical,” says Liakhov.
About the Experts
- Natalie Howe is an interior designer and owner of Natalie Howe Design, her work has been featured in MSN.com, the HGTV Design blog, Austin Home and Living, and MarthaStewart.com.
- Peter Andra is a general contractor and owner of Kalispell Contracting, he has over 25 years of building and renovation experience.
- Anton Liakhov is an interior designer and founder of roomtery, a room decor shopping brand.
