As we start to consider our own plans for a refresh, we turned to some of our favorite designers to find out what bathroom trends are they ready to say goodbye to, once and for all.
All White Everything
Amy Youngblood, the founder and lead designer of Amy Youngblood Interiors, says that she’s had enough of the all-white bathroom. “All white bathrooms are on their way out in 2023,” says Youngblood. “All white is hard to keep clean, and it’s honestly a little boring. People are leaning towards more unique, colorful, and textured spaces that don’t feel so sterile.” Olivia Wahler of Hearth Homes Interiors wholeheartedly agrees, noting that the updated version is far more welcoming and zen. “All-white bathrooms have been on their way out for a while now, but we think they might be officially kicked out of the design world in 2023 to make room for more warm, organic wood tones and more comfortable, approachable dimensional spaces.”
Sinks and Suites in Certain Hues
Paula Taylor, the head stylist at Graham and Brown, agrees that all-white is out in 2023, but that doesn’t mean we should revert back to monochromatic pastel bathrooms, either. “Despite there being a rise in colored sinks and suites, something I don’t want to come back into fashion is the avocado bathroom,” Taylor says. “These iconic ’70s bathrooms had their moment but I don’t think they need to make a return." Brightly-hued bathroom suites can quickly become dated and are often not worth the investment, according to Taylor, as you might long to change them when the trend ends. Try out something more warm and timeless, instead.
Dated Tilework
There was a period of time when everything was chevroned. In recent years, that’s been relegated more to the bathrooms—but Youngblood says that’s over now. “The classic chevron tile screams the 2010s and does not fit the organic and calming vibe currently trending,” she tells us. “I hope to see it disappear for a while.” Similarly, Wahler sees white subway tiles making an exit. “White subway tile with black grout and geometric graphic tiles both had their time in the spotlight, but we feel that softer and more seamless tile work is on the horizon.” Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors agrees. “I am ready for standard white subway tile to take a back seat. We will look back on it and wish we had more innovation versus a boring, white rectangle. There are so many textures, colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns that settling for a white subway tile should be a thing of the past.”
Jacuzzi and Jetted Tubs
April Gandy, the principal designer at Alluring Designs Chicago, says she’s sure jetted bathtubs are over for good. “Jacuzzi tubs are a thing of the past,” Gandy tells us. “People are no longer interested in the maintenance or cleaning involved with jetted bathtubs. Freestanding soaker tubs are low maintenance, cost much less, and don’t require nearly the amount of space." Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN agrees. “Bulky, oversized tubs are impractical, and new technology features offer many new conveniences.”
Hollywood Glam Lights
Gandy also notes that it’s time to say goodbye to vintage vanity lights. Though she says Hollywood glam light fixtures scream ‘dated,’ luckily, these are one of the easiest and most high-impact fixes for a bathroom that needs a refresh. “Light fixtures are such an easy piece to replace," she shares. “Swapping this fixture can instantly provide a little update to a bathroom.”
Accent Walls
Hayley English of Hayley English Interiors tells us that bathroom accent walls are over. “It’s hard to accomplish a finished, cohesive design with an accent wall,” she says. “If you love a wall tile, paint color, or wallpaper, put it on all four walls and make a statement.”
Angular Storage
Taylor tells us that he sees a change in storage solutions for 2023—which means we’ll all say goodbye to the traditional, angular look from recent years. “Maximizing space is a high priority for bathroom designs,” Taylor says. “Rather than the traditional, angular bathroom storage units, we expect to see more mounted vanity units with curved lines that help to create a cleaner, modern appearance.” Malek Barney agrees, noting that in general, storage will be more thoughtful moving forward. “I wish people would give more thought to the storage they need," Barney says. “Instead of cluttered countertops and floors, be thoughtful in how you will live in the space and how you can keep it clean and chaos free.” English had a similar feeling, noting that sleek, angular storage can often be a missed opportunity. “Hardware-free vanities are over and can be enhanced in even the smallest of ways, particularly through hardware. Lean in and treat it like jewelry for the space.”
