Skip to main content

Bathroom design: Experts reveal how to create a space you’ll love for decades

Use this advice and never redesign your bathroom again

Modern bathroom with round mirror
New Africa / Shutterstock

When it comes to home design, the bathroom is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. A well-designed bathroom can be a sanctuary, a place of relaxation and rejuvenation. And if you want this space to stand the test of time, it’s important to incorporate timeless bathroom design elements that won’t go out of style. Let’s dive into expert tips for designing a bathroom that you’ll love for decades!

Black and white bathroom design
Photographee.eu / Adobe Stock

Incorporate classic materials instead of trendy ones

Samantha Odo, Real Estate Sales Representative & Montreal Division Manager at Precondo, says we can expect to see a continued push toward colors, designs, and materials that have been and will remain in style for a long time.

Recommended Videos

“Consumers can expect to see an increased popularity in spaces that feel truly timeless,” she says. “This trend is driven by homeowners aiming to stay in their homes for a longer duration of time—perhaps well into retirement.”

While trendy materials and styles may be tempting, they often become outdated quickly. Classic materials, on the other hand, stand the test of time. We recommend incorporating the clean lines and simplicity of subway tile, the ageless beauty of marble, and traditional-styled hardware like brass or bronze fixtures.

By selecting classic materials, your bathroom will remain stylish and relevant for decades to come.

bathroom lights and mirror
Joseph Hendrickson / Shutterstock

Keep energy efficiency in mind

Energy efficiency is not just a passing trend; it’s a fundamental aspect of modern living that’s here to stay.

As we become increasingly eco-conscious, energy-efficient features in bathrooms are more important than ever. Here are some elements Odo says to consider:

  • Water- and energy-efficient fixtures: Low-flow toilets, efficient showerheads, and motion-activated faucets not only conserve resources but also reduce utility bills.
  • LED lightbulbs: Highly energy-efficient and long-lasting, and provide bright and consistent illumination while saving you money on electricity bills.
  • Dimmers: Allow you to adjust the lighting intensity to your needs, reducing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of light bulbs.
Luxury oversized marble shower
Matus Labanc / Shutterstock

Aging-in-place features are on the rise

Thomas Borcherding, lead designer and owner of Homestar Design Remodel, says that with a growing aging population, homeowners are increasingly interested in creating spaces that allow them to age in place comfortably. This trend has extended to bathroom design, where accessibility and safety are paramount.

“The bathroom is the perfect candidate for aging-in-place features,” he says. “This is due to its frequent use and water surfaces that act as fall hazards.”

Borcherding says to consider the following aging-in-place bathroom features:

  • Curbless showers: Walk-in showers not only add a touch of luxury to your bathroom but also provide accessibility for individuals with mobility issues. They eliminate tripping hazards and create a seamless transition from the bathroom floor to the shower area.
  • Grab bars: These bars provide support and stability, ensuring that the bathroom remains a secure space for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
  • Built-in shower benches: Built-in shower benches are not only a luxurious addition to your bathroom but also serve as an aging-in-place feature, providing a convenient and stable seating option for those who may need it, ensuring comfort and safety for years to come.

Creating a timeless bathroom design involves a thoughtful combination of classic materials, energy-efficient features, and aging-in-place considerations. By incorporating timeless styles, as well as prioritizing energy-efficient and accessibility features, you can design a bathroom that will remain stylish and functional for years to come. Remember, a well-designed bathroom is not only a space you’ll love, but also a valuable investment in your home’s long-term appeal and comfort.

Veronica Sparks
Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s…
You deserve an upgrade: 20 gorgeous master bathroom decor ideas
Your master bath doesn't have to just be functional — it can be stunning
Bathroom with aqua vanity

A bathroom remodel is one of the most expensive home renovations, but it also gives you one of the biggest returns on investments. The good news is no matter your budget, there are tons of master bathroom ideas that will look gorgeous. It's a room where you spend a lot of time getting ready, hiding from your kids (kidding -- sort of), and relaxing, so you want to invest in it. Here are some ideas to get the most out of your new bathroom design.
What adds value to a master bathroom?

A master bathroom gains significant value through thoughtful design and high-end features. Incorporating a spacious walk-in shower with multiple showerheads, a luxurious soaking tub, and double vanities can create a spa-like retreat.

Read more
11 designer-approved coffee table decor ideas you’ll want to borrow
Here are interior designer-endorsed ways to accent your coffee table
Coffee table decor

When redecorating or sprucing up a living room, consider getting a coffee table. It is one of the most noticed -- as well as used -- pieces of furniture in that area. Coffee tables come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, so the sky is the limit when finding one that fits your personal style. They can also make a big statement in a neutral space and draw your eye in.

“Using decorative accents on your coffee table is a simple yet impactful way to add style to a room,” Gavin Brodin of Brodin Design Build explains to 21Oak. He points out that once you style a coffee table, you can easily restyle it to reset the overall mood of the space -- seasonally or any time of the year! Here are eleven interior designer-endorsed coffee table decor ideas, and we love them all.
Coffee table decor ideas you'll love

Read more
You’ll absolutely want to steal these cozy boho bedroom ideas
Check out these Instagram-worthy boho bedroom ideas to inspire your design
Boho-inspired bedroom

Boho chic has been around for decades. It first appeared in the late 1960s and '70s, when the idea of "peace and love" made its way into the home's interior via earthy tones, natural elements, and an "anything goes" mentality when it came to decor. Boho-inspired looks include a lot of vintage pieces, pictures from travels abroad, and an inviting, lived-in look that can make a space feel cozy and warm. Nowhere is this more important than in a bedroom — a space where you want to relax and unwind at the end of a long day.

Achieving a cozy boho bedroom is easier than you think, because it incorporates all the things you love mixed together in one space. Whether you're drawn to more modern bohemian bedroom decor, farmhouse-inspired furniture, or coastal boho, these Instagram users nailed the look. Here's how you can, too!
Bringing nature indoors

Read more