Architectural Cases

When contemplating a bathroom renovation, it's essential to understand that certain design elements can rapidly diminish a space's contemporary appeal. While some outdated features are glaringly obvious, others are more subtle yet equally detrimental to a modern aesthetic. Drawing on insights from leading interior designers and home improvement specialists, this guide identifies nine common bathroom trends that homeowners should steer clear of to ensure their space remains stylish and relevant for years to come. From overly coordinated decor to specific material choices, avoiding these pitfalls is key to achieving a sophisticated and enduring bathroom design.

One of the primary offenders in modern bathroom design is the 'matchy-matchy' look. Interior designer Ashley Ferguson emphasizes that the era of perfectly coordinated wood tones between vanities and mirrors, or identical metal finishes throughout the space, has passed. Contemporary design advocates for a more nuanced approach, where different textures, colors, and materials interact harmoniously to create visual interest rather than uniformity. This shift encourages homeowners to make thoughtful, custom selections that reflect individuality and avoid the generic feel often associated with mass-produced, identical sets.

Another element that has fallen out of favor is the ubiquitous subway tile. Lindye Galloway, a Newport Beach-based interior designer, notes that while subway tiles were once a popular trend, their overuse and minimalist aesthetic have rendered them outdated. She suggests that although they contribute to cohesion, they lack the exciting visual impact provided by the diverse colors, patterns, and textures seen in current tile trends. Replacing these with more distinctive options can significantly elevate the bathroom's design.

Lighting also plays a crucial role in dating a bathroom. Mackenzie Wood, lead designer at Tribe Design Group, advises against the old-fashioned bulbous lights positioned directly above mirrors. She argues that such overhead lighting can be unflattering and proposes using sconces at face height instead, which offer more flattering illumination and a more modern aesthetic. Furthermore, the jetted tubs often found within bulky wooden built-ins from the 1990s are now considered significant eyesores by experts like Maggie Griesbeck of MNG Design. These installations frequently show signs of wear, such as warped wood and chipped hardware. Griesbeck recommends opting for elegant freestanding tubs, which resolve many of these issues while adding a touch of sophistication.

Color palettes are another area where older trends can make a bathroom feel stale. The once-popular all-white or all-beige schemes are now largely shunned. Shamika Lynch of Maximizing Tiny Interiors points out that all-white bathrooms, while initially appearing clean, quickly highlight dirt and grime, making them difficult to maintain and visually uninteresting. Similarly, Ashley Ferguson criticizes beige-on-beige palettes paired with honey-oak vanities, labeling them as remnants of the 90s. Designers now encourage the incorporation of more vibrant colors or patterned neutral tiles to bring life and character to the space.

Specific material choices also contribute to an outdated look. Shiplap, a common feature of the 2010s, is now considered dated unless used in specific contexts like a beach house, according to Mary Flo Ouellette and Steven Santosuosso of Squarehouse Studios. Moreover, acrylic tub-shower combinations, often found in builder-grade homes, and shower tiles that don't extend to the ceiling, instantly cheapen the appearance of a bathroom, advises Brooke Wilbratte of Tribe Design Group. Finally, Sacha Jacq of Sacha Jacq Interiors highlights light, thick grout lines on tiled floors as both unstylish and impractical, as they tend to trap dirt. She recommends darker, more intentionally designed grout lines or mosaic patterns. Gray faux-wood flooring and gray-on-gray palettes are also deemed unfavorable, with natural wood finishes being preferred for their timeless appeal.

Ultimately, modern bathroom design emphasizes thoughtful material selection, varied textures, and purposeful color choices over uniform, mass-produced elements. By moving away from dated aesthetics like matchy-matchy fixtures, subway tiles, unflattering lighting, bulky jetted tubs, and monochromatic palettes, homeowners can create a bathroom that is not only visually appealing but also enduringly chic. Prioritizing elements such as freestanding tubs, face-height sconces, and carefully chosen tile and grout combinations will ensure a contemporary and refreshing transformation.

A recent interior design project on Martha's Vineyard defies traditional coastal aesthetics, opting instead for a more rustic and deeply rooted sense of place. Nina Farmer, a Boston-based designer, transformed a 4,900-square-foot compound in Edgartown for a Harvard professor and longtime friend. The design philosophy was to capture the authentic, understated charm of the island's "up-island" feel, moving away from typical maritime themes and creating a serene, inviting retreat for family and guests.

Farmer drew inspiration from the essence of a New England summer, envisioning scenes of local agricultural fairs, leisurely farmers market strolls, and the simple pleasure of a lobster roll by the shore. These idyllic images guided her approach as she embarked on redesigning her client's vacation home. The homeowners had spent six years renting in their beloved Martha's Vineyard neighborhood, a charming enclave that perfectly blended coastal beauty with rustic character. Their quest for a permanent residence that met their specific desires concluded when they discovered the Edgartown estate. Tucked away amidst mature trees, the property offered both seclusion and convenient access to Main Street and the nearby beach.

Despite the exterior's appealing character, the interior initially lacked warmth and the distinctive "Vineyard feeling" the homeowners desired. Farmer recognized the potential to infuse the space with this missing element. After the first summer living in the home as it was, the family decided to completely overhaul the interior. Farmer initiated the redesign from scratch, removing all existing furnishings to create a fresh canvas for her vision. Her directive was clear: to create a country cottage ambiance rather than a typical beach house. She meticulously selected pieces that were "intentional" and deeply connected to the locale, ensuring every element contributed to an authentic sense of place.

The island's west side, known for its farmhouses, rolling hills, and stone fences, significantly influenced Farmer's design choices. This distinct vernacular, contrasting sharply with Edgartown's more Nantucket-like, maritime-inspired architecture, became the guiding principle for the interior. The design journey involved careful sourcing of vintage and antique furnishings, which introduced layers of subtle patterns and rich wood accents. These elements collectively created an authentic patina, making the home feel established and lived-in rather than newly decorated. The approach avoided any overly ornate or "fussy" details, prioritizing a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

Notable design features include reclaimed oak-clad ceilings from nearby barns and bluestone tile in the front hall that mirrors the exterior stonework, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor aesthetics. Hand-knotted rugs throughout the home further enhance the tactile and natural feel. The color palette draws from the surrounding landscape, incorporating moodier purples, deeper blues, and grounded greens to reflect the hues and saturation of nature. This thoughtful selection of materials and colors contributes to a cohesive design that respects and celebrates the unique character of Martha's Vineyard.

The guest house, featuring two bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a full kitchen, and an office, received similar attention to detail. Connected to the main residence by a winding stone path, it was conceived as a "junior version" of the larger home. The design ensured continuity in style and comfort, making it an ideal space for hosting visitors while also serving as a private sanctuary for the homeowners. The first weekend after moving in, the family shared a relaxed dinner with open doors, marking a moment of profound contentment and a sense of belonging in their newly transformed home.