8 Biggest Bathroom Design Mistakes To Avoid
Designing a bathroom? It will likely end up one of three ways…
The well-designed bathroom: you’ve optimised the floor plan, ventilation, bathroom storage and lighting, and carefully curated tiles, bathroom fixtures and colours. Your bathroom has day spa vibes and bathroom colour scheme is pretty close to perfection. The result: a bathroom design that significantly enhances daily bathing rituals, and importantly, the appeal and dollar value of your home… aka #dreambathroom or #bathroomgoals
The standard bathroom: you’ve chosen neutral bathroom finishes and replaced old for new, but you lacked either knowledge, failed to plan or were simply too time-poor to give your bathroom project the attention needed. The result: a bathroom that feels new, bright and functional, but lacks any WOW FACTOR, and if or when you come to sell or re-value your home — it will adequately meet buyer expectations.
The disappointment bathroom: you lacked knowledge, failed to plan, DIYed things you shouldn’t and made bathroom design mistakes that are too costly to fix. The result: a bathroom design that’s compromised, dysfunctional and lacks appeal, and which sadly, potential home buyers may consider needing re-design and renovation #ouch…
But don’t sweat… we know the 2-step formula to a well-designed bathroom —
Hire professionals + gain knowledge where you need it, and plan and balance your design for functionality and aesthetics.
Don’t make the common bathroom design mistakes that turn dream bathrooms into a nightmare.
…and you’re in the right place, because we’ve covered the 8 biggest bathroom design mistakes to avoid, so your bathroom design project gets an A+. #ready?
Zephyr and Stone Studio • Resort House Ensuite
1. Poor Layout
Lack of Functional Flow
One of the most critical aspects of bathroom design is ensuring functional flow.
Functional flow refers to the ease with which you can move and use different elements in the bathroom without obstruction or inconvenience. Lack of functional flow will make your bathroom inconvenient, awkward and uncomfortable to use.
For example, placing the toilet too close to the shower or having the door swing into the sink area can disrupt the flow. A well-planned layout takes into consideration the placement of fixtures and ensures that there is enough space for movement.
Top Tip: Before you start sourcing a bathroom vanity, mirror, feature tiles and everything in between, it's vital to plan the best possible layout for your space! To achieve a functional layout, consider hiring a professional designer or using tools like a Bathroom Layout Planner + Dimensions Cheat Sheet to plan your space effectively.
2. Following Trends
In love with a bold colour combination, pattern or the home trend that's big right now? Save it for your painted feature walls, furniture, Art or accessories - that are easier and more cost-effective to replace!
Bathrooms are expensive to build and expensive to replace, so not the place to experiment with finishes that could look outdated before your grout dries. Opting for a neutral bathroom colour scheme and finishes will ensure a timeless bathroom design that still appeals to the majority of buyers if you come to sell 5-10 years down the track. #thankuslater
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Ensuite
Zephyr and Stone Studio • Coral House Ensuite
3. Poor Lighting
Bathrooms were historically dark and dingy rooms, but contemporary designs are usually warm and welcoming with an abundance of natural light. Windows or skylights both have their benefits when it comes to adding natural light to your bathroom and should be paired with good artificial lighting - especially around any bathroom vanity mirrors.
Installing a combination of solutions including ceiling and wall lights plus integrated LED strip lighting will result in a functional space that WOWs users. A backlit vanity mirror is one of our favourite bathroom lighting features as it creates a STUNNING ambience by night and doubles as fabulous lighting for mirror close-ups.
4. Budget Tapware
'Saving money' and purchasing cheap or budget bathroom tapware is not saving, but a ticking timebomb that will cost more in the long run - especially if taps leak while you're away on holiday and result in water damage to bathroom cabinetry.
Budget tapware will show wear, is likely to leak and malfunction, plus will cost considerably more when you take into account replacing it! Invest in quality tapware which will add to the value and appeal of your bathroom design and be a pleasure to use.
Zephyr and Stone • Retreat House Powder Room
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Bathroom
5. No Hand Shower
A hand shower is absolutely essential if you want to make light work of cleaning your shower! If you've opted for a rail showerhead, then this will also double as a hand shower.
For fixed shower head solutions like horizontal or ceiling showers, the addition of a hand shower will make cleaning a breeze. A hand shower can also be installed alongside a bath to make washing and rinsing hair, kids or pets #easyas
6. Shower Mixer Position
Have you ever used a shower where you can't avoid the spray of cold water as you're switching on and adjusting the water temperature? You don't want to replicate this design flaw in your new bathroom!
By positioning your shower mixer on the wall before you enter the shower, you can stay dry until the water warms up and the temperature is just right. Just be sure the mixer is also close enough to the shower so you can reach it to adjust the temperature during your shower.
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite Bathroom Design
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Bathroom
7. Lack of Storage
A bathroom that looks stylish but has insufficient bathroom storage will get OLD... Plus it's near impossible to keep the benchtop and bathroom vanity tidy, clutter-free and organised if there's simply nowhere to put all the things. Planning ample bathroom storage so items can be stored neatly out of sight is KEY to ensuring an organised space. In a powder room, you can somewhat prioritise aesthetics over practicality, but in your bathroom or ensuite, the goal should always be ample storage solutions.
Start by working out what essentials you'll need to store and plan solutions accordingly. Combining multiple solutions is the ultimate - like a vanity with drawers and cupboard space, a mirror cabinet, a shower niche or shelf for in-shower storage, floating shelves for spare towels or products, towel rails for drying towels plus hooks for extra towels or robes. The options are endless and will result in #messbegone!
8. Incorrect Heights + Spacing
Installing mixer taps, shower heads and bathroom vanities at the incorrect height, positioning mirrors too high or leaving too small an opening in your shower will affect functionality and use. All fixtures should be installed at optimal heights, to avoid having to awkwardly reach or move around the bathroom and to ensure easy and effortless use and ergonomics. Positioning bathroom fixtures correctly will also help achieve visual balance and that interior design look for your space.
Z+S Tip: We have got you covered. Download our comprehensive Bathroom Layout Planner + Dimensions Cheat Sheet.
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Ensuite
Designing your DREAM bathroom couldn’t be easier with our all-in-one Bathroom Design Bundle. It equips you with all our top-selling bathroom plans, colour schemes, interior design ideas, tips and products, so you can create your own designer bathroom space.
Don’t forget to download your FREE Small Bathroom Planning Tip Sheet.
