Designers Say Almost All Homeowners Regret These Bathroom Upgrades
Bathroom upgrades often start with good intentions. You see something beautiful online, imagine how it will feel every day, and want it in your house. But designers say many homeowners come back years later wishing they had made different choices. The problem usually isn’t the quality of the upgrade, it’s practicality. Bathrooms work hard, and trends can’t always keep up. Here are the upgrades designers hear the most regret about, along with why they tend to disappoint once the novelty wears off.
Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks are beautiful in photographs, but designers say they can get frustrating for homeowners over time. Water splashes out more easily, cleaning around the base is awkward, and finding the right faucet height can be tricky. Many people also underestimate how much counter space they lose when switching to a vessel sink. What feels stylish at first can quickly feel impractical when it comes to daily use. Designers often recommend undermount or integrated sinks instead, which blend seamlessly and are easier to maintain.
Open Shelving
Open shelves promise a spa-like look, but bathrooms are full of items that don’t always look pretty. Toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies pile up fast and can make your bathroom look cluttered. Designers say homeowners often regret the constant effort required to keep shelves looking clean and organized. And dust and moisture just add to that challenge. Closed cabinetry hides mess and protects contents, making the bathroom feel calmer without the pressure of keeping every shelf display-ready.
Tiny Mosaic Tiles That Are Hard to Clean
Small tiles add texture and interest to any bathroom, but they come with a lot of grout. And designers say grout lines are one of the most common sources of regret. They stain, discolor, and need to be cleaned frequently. Over time, what once looked intricate starts to just feel high maintenance. Larger format tiles offer a similar visual impact with fewer grout lines and far less work to keep clean.
Trend-Driven Colors
Bold bathroom colors can feel exciting, but designers warn they often age faster than homeowners expect. What feels fresh today can feel overwhelming or outdated in just a few years. And repainting a bathroom isn’t always simple, especially in more humid areas. Designers suggest keeping permanent elements (like the color of your walls) neutral and bringing color in through accessories, which are easier to update when your tastes change.
Fancy Fixtures That Are Hard to Repair
High-end faucets and fixtures with unique finishes or complicated mechanisms can be beautiful, but designers say they often cause frustration later. Replacement parts can be hard to find or expensive, and repairs may require special parts to be ordered, making the job take longer. Homeowners sometimes regret choosing style over simplicity. Well-made, classic fixtures tend to age better and are easier to maintain in the long term.
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Designers aren’t against beautiful bathrooms. They just see firsthand what lasts and what doesn’t. The upgrades people regret most usually ask too much of everyday life. When planning a bathroom, thinking about cleaning, maintenance, and how you actually use the space pays off. The best upgrades are the ones you don’t even need to think about because they simply work.
Bliss Donahue-Power
