When it comes to bathroom design, what’s hot today can feel dated tomorrow. For homeowners buying or selling, staying ahead of the curve makes a difference. The team at Empower Home Team has seen how bathroom updates impact resale appeal. Here are the trends you may want to avoid, plus the smarter alternatives gaining traction.
1. Floating Sinks
Once popular with ultra‐minimal modern interiors, floating vanities often sacrifice storage and practicality. Many homeowners regret losing drawer space and countertop flexibility.
What’s replacing it: Wall‐mounted vanities with full cabinetry or semi-floating units that maintain a clean look while offering better storage. For sellers, full functional cabinetry gives buyers confidence in usability.
2. All-White Bathrooms
All-white bathrooms dominated for years, offering a crisp, clean look. But the aesthetic is becoming overused and bland, especially in today’s more personalized home-design landscape.
What’s replacing it: Soft neutrals with texture (e.g., warm greys, muted taupes), mixed materials (tile with natural stone, wood accents) or bold accent zones (shower niches or vanity backsplashes in deep color). This allows buyers to imagine personality without full customization.
3. Chevron Patterns
Chevron tile floors and backsplashes had a strong run, but they’re now showing up so frequently that they feel predictable.
What’s replacing it: Subtle geometric patterns or large format tiles with fewer grout lines create a cleaner, less busy look. Also trending: coordinating tile sizes and formats throughout the bathroom for a cohesive feel.
4. Removing The Bathtub Entirely
The “luxury shower only” approach may appeal to singles or couples today, but for families or resale properties, missing a bathtub can be a liability.
What’s replacing it: A tub‐shower combo or a separate standalone tub + shower setup in master baths. If space is limited, a deep soaker tub integrated into a shower zone lets families feel catered to while offering the spa feel many buyers still want.
5. Traditional Subway Tiles (in Plain Stacked Layouts)
Classic subway tile (8×4 stacked) has been everywhere, which means it’s losing its “designer” edge.
What’s replacing it: Subway tile used in a herringbone, vertical stack, or oversized format; or moving to banked rectangular tiles, hexagons, inserts of accent tile. The goal: add subtle interest without going trendy in a way that will date quickly.
6. Copper and Rose Metal Finishes
Copper/rose-gold finishes had a moment, but now many homes are transitioning away from them due to their bold undertone and maintenance demands.
What’s replacing it: Brushed nickel, satin brass, matte black, these finishes offer more modern staying power. Mixing metals (e.g., matte black hardware + satin brass accents) is becoming an accepted, intentional choice rather than a mistake.
7. Double Sinks in Every Vanity
Yes, dual sinks can be great for couples—but in many bathrooms they eat up valuable counter and storage space. With smaller master baths and more smart-use space, single well‐designed vanities are trending.
What’s replacing it: A single wider sink (or two sinks separated by a drawer in between) that gives more usable counter and unified cabinetry. For resale properties: fewer sinks + more functional layout = better appeal.
8. Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks (bowl‐on‐top of the counter) were very stylish, but they come with cleaning issues, less durability, and higher risk of splashing.
What’s replacing it: Undermount or integrated sinks that offer a sleek look plus better functionality and easier maintenance—strong selling points when buyers inspect a home.
9. Freestanding Bathtubs (When Space Doesn’t Support Them)
Freestanding tubs look luxurious, but in many cases they’re ill‐fitting: they may require reinforced floors, complicated plumbing, and awkward placement in smaller bathrooms.
What’s replacing it: Alcove tubs with quality upgrades (torque jets, soaker shape) or tub-shower combos that maximize space. In larger luxury baths, freestanding tubs still work—but only where the floorplan supports them comfortably.
10. Doorless (Open) Showers
Open, doorless showers create a sleek, walk-in spa feel, but in practice they can lead to issues with water splashing, humidity containment, heating, and resale concerns.
What’s replacing it: Frameless glass shower enclosures with minimal hardware or partial glass walls plus a solid door. These provide the clean aesthetic plus better performance and easier maintenance.
New Trends to Add — What’s Gaining Popularity
Beyond what’s going out, here are a few additional shifts worth noting:
11. Bold Accent Walls & Tile Ceilings
Rather than overtly exotic styles, the newest trend is subtle drama: tile extending up to the ceiling in the shower, or a bold accent tile behind the vanity. These design moves give a focal point without committing to full “theme” decor.
12. Spa-Inspired Features for Functionality
More homeowners are investing in practical spa features: thermostatic shower valves, rainfall + hand-held combo sprays, built-in benches, mood lighting (dimmable, color temperature adjustable), and better ventilation systems. These upgrades appeal to savvy buyers and stand out in the listings.
13. Natural Textures & Organic Elements
Textured tile (hand-crafted look), warm wood-tones (in cabinetry or accents), and matte finishes are increasingly preferred over glossy surfaces. These provide warmth and durability and age well in resale. Integrating plants or green walls is also seeing uptake.
14. Smart Bathroom Technology
It’s no longer about gimmicks, smart features that enhance comfort and sustainability are trending: low-flow high-performance fixtures, digital shower controls, integrated lighting and mirrors with anti-fog and touch controls, and under-floor heating. Especially in higher-end listings, these features raise perceived value.
15. Coordinated Fixture Suites
Rather than selecting faucets, hardware and lighting from wildly different collections, the newer approach is “one line” coordinating finishes and styles throughout the home, including the bathroom. This gives a sense of cohesion that homebuyers appreciate.
Why This Matters for Buyers & Sellers
Whether you’re buying your next home or preparing to list, knowing which bathroom trends are dated vs. which deliver long-term appeal is key. The team at Empower Home Team works with homeowners and agents across the region, helping align remodel choices with what today’s market actually values.
- For sellers: Investing in a bathroom update? Avoid the trends above, they’re easy for savvy buyers to spot and can weaken the perceived value of the space.
- For buyers: When evaluating a home, check the bathroom for design concessions. Older trends might mean future renovation costs.
Empower Home Team can help you prioritize bathroom updates that make sense (for both enjoyment today and resale tomorrow), and evaluate how existing bathroom design will perform in the local listings.
Final Thoughts
Design moves fast, and what felt modern five years ago may feel tired today. By steering clear of trends like floating sinks, all-white everything, overused subway tile, and purely decorative fixtures, and instead embracing functionality, warm materials, and thoughtful coordination, you’ll be ahead of the curve. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply thinking ahead, aligning your bathroom design with smart choices will pay off.
For more guidance and to discuss how your specific bathroom (or entire listing) aligns with current market-smart design, reach out to Empower Home Team. Your home (and the next owner) will thank you.