The bathroom is one of the most used spaces in the home and renovating your bathroom is an investment. So, you’ll want to ensure it’s done right—not only to meet your needs but also to avoid it looking dated by the time it’s completed.
Over the past decade, many bathroom design trends have come and gone, but we’ve now entered a new era for this space. Practicality and style hold equal importance, offering countless opportunities for creative design moments. However, for many once-popular features, their time has officially passed. Here are 12 bathroom design trends that will be going out of style in 2025, according to interior designers and industry experts.
Caulkins points out another major issue with wood tile: it’s often used in places where actual wood would never be installed. “Wood tile on a shower wall instantly dates the space.”
However, she emphasizes that wood can still have a place in bathroom design. “Instead, use wood in other ways, such as a wood vanity or floating shelf.”
Jacuzzi And Whirlpool Tubs
Few bathroom features feel as outdated as a jacuzzi or whirlpool tub. “Jacuzzi or whirlpool tubs were used to create a spa-like experience at home, but over the years, issues like high water usage, maintenance problems, and the difficulty in cleaning them have led homeowners away from these types of tubs,” says Diana Viera, Managing Partner at Italkraft.
Instead, modern bathroom designers are going with walk-in showers to achieve a spa-like ambiance. “They have the added bonus of optimizing the use of space since they require less square footage,” Viera explains.
Tile Countertops
Tile countertops enjoyed a brief resurgence in bathroom design due to their versatility and adaptability to different aesthetics. They also appealed to those renovating on a budget. However, Viera says the trend came and went. “The trend has been overdone, and homeowners are leaning more toward using seamless surfaces like marble, which are easier to clean and maintain.”
Bold Grout
Another factor contributing to the decline of tiled countertops is a general aversion to grout. Allison Bryan, founder and CEO of Open Studio Collective, says her clients are requesting easy-to-clean surfaces and cleaning grout can be a challenge. “Grout can get dirty and even moldy quite easily,” she notes. “I think we’ll see more natural materiality in 2025.”
In 2025, grout lines will get smaller and bold grout will look like a cheap flipped house circa 2018. More sophisticated looks will take center stage.
Color Blocking
Bryan also tells me the color blocking look is very much out of style. “This trend is going the way of high-contrast tile. We’re designing more solid washes of a space in varying textures, such as paint, tile, and stones all in the same color family. This gives variety and texture while maintaining cohesiveness.”
Those who prefer a cohesive look should go with neutrals or two to three complimentary colors.
All-White Bathrooms
Just as all-white kitchens are no longer trending, their counterpart—all-white bathrooms are also looking dated after more than a decade of popularity. Designer Laura Hammett explains why. “While a crisp, white space can certainly feel fresh and clean, true white is the coldest, harshest color, especially on hard finishes like in a bathroom.”
Hammett predicts that the one-tone white look will continue to give way to more colorful and textured options. “More people are embracing color, texture, natural stones, and marble in their bathrooms. I love seeing rich tones, earthy hues, and even moody, deeper colors making their way in, creating more characterful and cozy bathrooms.”
Exposed Bare-Bulb Vanity Lights
Bathrooms benefit greatly from good lighting, but exposed bare-bulb vanity lights are no longer the go-to choice. “We get it—these do provide a nice forward-fill light over the vanity. However, they also look so practical and uninspired,” says Christine Carney, Director of Design at Blackberry Farm Design.
“They can easily be replaced with a much chicer sconce or wall light, avoiding that commonplace look. In general, steer clear of bare bulbs—this trend has come and gone.”
Another option to consider is a grand chandelier or pendant light over a soaking tub. Bathrooms are a great place to experiment with bold and unique lighting, so design risks can really pay off.
Mirrors With LED Backlighting
Faraz Tajik, CEO of Crest Builders notes that backlit mirrors, once a popular choice, are now starting to look dated. “Customers now request more elegant lighting options—like wall sconces alongside a mirror or customized frames with integrated lighting. The aim is to achieve a welcoming feel rather than a modern, tech-inspired look.”
Accent Walls
Once a considered a bold move in bathroom design, accent walls now look like a trend from the past. “Homeowners sometimes use an accent wall to add a touch of color or pattern. However, accent walls are becoming less popular as cohesive, full-room designs replace them,” says Tajik. “The current trend is leaning more toward harmonious and unified aesthetics.”
Gray Bathrooms
Gray is officially out in 2025, and gray-on-gray bathrooms are no exception. Tajik explains, “This look is not only monotonous, it’s cold and uninviting. It also seems a bit dull and lifeless for many homeowners’ tastes. Clients seek warmth and personality in their bathrooms, preferring softer shades like taupe, creamy whites, or even subtle greens. These hues offer a feeling of comfort and peace that gray can no longer deliver as effectively.”
Vessel Sinks
While vessel sinks may work in smaller bathrooms or powder rooms, they’re not a smart choice for primary bathrooms or for anyone with a multi-step skincare routine. “These have been popular for a while, but they can be impractical in terms of cleaning and functionality. Built-in sinks with clean, integrated designs are taking their place,” says Mina Lisanin of ML Interiors.
Cold Metals
From faucets to drawer pulls, hardware plays a key role in bathroom design. While cold finishes like chrome and silver-toned metals made a comeback in 2024, Hammett says warm metals are taking the lead for the coming year.
“Think brass, bronze, and brushed gold—materials that have a natural patina and age beautifully. These metals are not only visually striking but also tactilely engaging, adding richness and character to fixtures.” explains the designer. “Rather than high-shine finishes, we’re seeing more matte or brushed finishes, which feel softer and more refined. Antiqued brass, in particular, is a material I’ve been using a lot lately—it adds a touch of vintage charm while remaining elegant and elevated. These finishes also pair well with a range of materials, from stone to tile to wood, creating a more integrated, cohesive design.”
