This bathroom looks very 2023
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One of the most important rooms in the house is the bathroom. Because who doesn't enjoy a spa-like shower or a nice soak in the tub? While an updated bathroom is a luxury, it can also increase the value of a home. So you want to make sure you choose the most current finishes and styles to maximize your investment. From tiles to bathtubs and sinks, here are ten bathroom design trends that will disappear in 2024.
Bathrooms that don't match the rest of the house
One of the worst trends of recent years is bathrooms whose style doesn't match the rest of the house. A traditional style house should never have a modern bathroom and vice versa. “Home buyers are really looking for authenticity in every element of the home, so the bathroom design should match the overall feel of the home,” says real estate agent Lori Levine Harris of Brock and Lori in Los Angeles. “People are rebelling against those who take over houses with traditional architecture – be they Tudor, Craftsman or Spanish – and make inappropriate renovations. In 2024 (and hopefully the rest of time) it’s about staying true to the home and doing research to restore and create a timeless appearance.”
The completely white bathroom
It's over
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Similar to the all-white kitchen, the all-white bathroom is also over. Naomi Neilson, founder and CEO of Native Trails, tells me that over the last decade, homeowners have consistently embraced the timeless and clean aesthetic of all-white bathrooms. However, like all trends, it is cyclical. “We are now seeing a resurgence in the acceptance of color and texture. Whether it’s the warmth of natural wood, the shine of copper or nickel, or the introduction of sinks and bathtubs in shades of blue and green, homeowners want to add pops of color and tactile elements to their spaces.”
The “Pinball Special”
The “Pinball Special”
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“Our measure of design trends that are disappearing is whether cheap pinball machines are taking advantage of them,” says Harris. “As they say, charm attracts money, which destroys charm.”
Levine noticed that the all-white bathroom was replaced last year with an aesthetic she calls “The Flipper Special,” with graphic cement tile flooring, blue cabinets and matte black finishes. “We’re so over it. It honestly looks cheap and overdone.”
Vessel and console sinks
Say goodbye to sinking ships
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Interior designer Ryan Saghian tells me he's had numerous clients requesting countertop and console sinks, but in 2024, those options are falling out of favor. “They are considered impractical because they take up valuable counter space and provide no storage functionality.”
Levine tells me that the ship sinks were replaced with the carved out basin. “The chicest design trend we host is here to stay. A marble countertop with an integrated sink is a trend you'll find in every luxury home these days, and we love it! So minimalist and beautiful.”
On the other hand, when it comes to more traditional aesthetics, interior designers Jennifer Hunter tells me that plain, boring sinks are going out of style. “Say goodbye to sterility. We see vanities that look like pieces of furniture with extraordinary details, or even vanities made from materials like cane or natural wood.”
Frameless glass showers
There is more creativity than that
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“Instead of frameless glass shower enclosures, we are seeing a trend toward more private, cozy showers that are framed and drywalled to have an interesting opening like an arch,” says designer Audrey Scheck. “Glass doors can certainly still waterproof these openings, but we are seeing a shift toward sturdier materials and much less glass in bathrooms.”
Built-in bathtubs
Do not order this combination
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Built-in bathtub and shower combinations have long been increasingly popular. By 2024 they will look dramatically outdated.
“Today we are experiencing a major shift towards the freestanding bathtub and it is becoming the focal point of the bathroom. It's an opportunity to place a piece in the bathroom that feels almost like a work of art while also serving an important wellness function. Many of these modern tubs are made from durable, eco-friendly materials like concrete mixes and copper that are long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. They can transform a dreary bathroom into a sanctuary,” says Neilson.
Part of the reason for this change is not only that bathrooms today are larger and more elevated than ever before, but also the popularity of open floor plans. “This focus on materiality and the pursuit of open floor plans has led to a significant increase in freestanding bath installations, displacing the outdated built-in bathroom designs,” explains Neilson.
Standard toilets
Simple toilets are out
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Why use a regular toilet when you can use a luxurious toilet? From simple built-in bidets to heated seats, homeowners are significantly upgrading their toilets, Saghian explains. “Initially, smart toilets were a luxury that most people could not afford due to their high price. However, the landscape has changed and various companies are offering affordable smart toilet options to make them available to a wider audience.”
Subway tile
Keep subway tiles underground
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Subway tiles have become ubiquitous in recent years. From classic white with white grout to larger tiles and vertical subway ties, everyone is tired of this look. “The subway tile is finished. “It's affordable and can suit any style, but people are using tiles more decoratively now,” says Chelsea Marks, owner of furniture and decor retailer Paynes Gray.
So what replaces it? According to Marks, anything that is more interesting. “We've found that fun tile shapes, colors, patterns and textures really take over the bathroom.”
Neutral aesthetic
Bathrooms will have more color in 2024
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Very few people are neutral about the neutral aesthetic. By 2024, these bathrooms will look dated, says Marks. “No more dreary, neutral bathrooms. We are seeing more color overall, including in our bathrooms. White walls and neutral tiles are replaced with bold wallpaper and patterned tiles. People are mixing metals more, so the days of matching hardware, faucets and mirrors are over. The all-brass or all-bronze cutter has evolved to perfect your personal metal mix.”
People view bathrooms, and especially powder rooms, as places to be bold with design.
Artificial materials
Of course, 2024 is best
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Man-made stones like quartz were very big from 2019 to 2023. But according to Tald designer Jessica Reynaud, things are changing this year. “Designers prefer more natural materials and less artificial ones. Consider greater use of zellige, stone and terracotta tiles.”
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I'm an author, design expert, host of the Bougie Adjacent podcast, and comedic performer. I also created an online course called Pitch Please that teaches small businesses how to pitch writers.
I'm originally from the Upper East Side of Manhattan and currently live in the Hanco*ck Park area of Los Angeles, but spend summers in the Hamptons. I am absolutely fascinated by all aspects of decor and design. It once took me six months to choose a soap dispenser and I can't even remember what it looked like. I like bright prints, southern exposure and any place that can be described as a “village or town”. There are currently over 100 episodes of House Hunters on my DVR.
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