Ah, bathrooms. Not only of the most used rooms in a house, they’re also some of the most susceptible to trends.

Some timeless styles prevail in our ensuites and powder rooms, but many are not quite as visually desirable (or practical!). These are the signs your bathroom looks like it belongs to another era—and what to do instead.

1. Oversized vanity

Photo courtesy Alex Lukey (left)/Janet Kimber (right)

Clunky vanities are telltale signs of ‘90s or early 2000s design. Designers are opting for furniture-style vanities that look more intentional. Plus, these styles tend to be more timeless. 

2. Hollywood lighting 

Photo courtesy Alex Lukey (left)/Stephani Buchman (right)

Old Hollywood-style bulb light fixtures—whether surrounding or above the vanity mirror—were once a sign of glamour. Today, they’re reminiscent of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Opt for softer sconces or dainty pendants to add a contemporary touch. 

3. Flat frameless mirrors

Photo courtesy Alex Lukey (left)/Stacey Brandford (right)

Builder-grade frameless mirrors are hallmark signs of an outdated bathroom. That said, mirrors are one of the easiest fixtures to swap out. Not only can they be affordable, but they also instantly change the vibe of a space. This is also a great opportunity to invest in an antique with a unique frame.

4. Large porcelain tiles

Photo courtesy Patrick Biller (left)/Janis Nicolay (right)

Oversized porcelain tiles, particularly on the walls, was once a go-to for designers. These days, experts gravitate towards smaller, less cookie-cutter styles. Think zellige tiles, or eclectic patterns. 

5. Dark cabinetry 

Photo courtesy Lauren Miller

Dark wood cabinetry is an easy way to date your space. For a more modern look, go for lighter hued wood. If you prefer dark tones, invite moodier colours onto your walls with paint or wallpaper, or choose darker accents, to complement your light cabinets.

6. Carpet

Photo courtesy Alex Lukey (left)/Carolina Andrade (right)

We still can’t believe this used to be a trend either. Not only is bathroom carpeting stuffy looking, it’s deeply impractical. Opt for tiles (see #4) for easy cleaning. 

7. All-white everything

Photo courtesy Stacey Brandford (left)/Tracey Ayton  (right)

All-white everything had its heyday in the early aughts, but now it just looks outdated. If you don’t want to fully replace your cabinets, go for a wood paint or stain to modernize the hue.
 

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