Designers are clear: certain bathroom tile patterns are visual red flags. These looks, once popular, now scream outdated and can actively detract from a home’s value. Here’s what experts advise avoiding—and why—to keep your bathroom looking fresh.
The Problem with Stone Mosaic Flooring in Showers
Stone mosaic flooring in showers, often mimicking a spa aesthetic, is a major turnoff for many designers. Ellie Stein, an interior designer, points out it’s both visually dated and impractical. “It looks off and is a pain to clean,” she states bluntly. The pairing with tan wall tiles only exacerbates the problem.
Why Wood-Like Porcelain Falls Short
Attempting to replicate wood with porcelain tile in bathrooms is another mistake. Designers recommend choosing one or the other. “Just go with wood or go with tile—please don’t combine the two,” says Stein. The grout lines betray the imitation, and the cold touch of porcelain undermines the appeal of a wood-like finish.
Pastel Tiles: A Blast from the Past
Pastel-colored tiles (blush pink, mint green, baby blue) are firmly in the “dated” category. Shannon Kadwell of Anthony Wilder Design/Build says these hues feel stuck in the 1950s and clash with modern hardware. Unless you’re intentionally restoring a mid-century bathroom, avoid these shades.
Diagonal Floor Layouts: A Failed Illusion
Diagonal floor tile layouts, once intended to visually expand small bathrooms, now read as outdated. Mary Gordon of InSite Builders & Remodeling explains that today’s homeowners prefer clean lines and minimal grout. “Diagonal tiles now look dated and busy.” Bold wallpaper is now favored over optical illusions.
The Overpowering Effect of Checkerboard Flooring
Black-and-white checkerboard flooring can work in historic settings, but often overwhelms modern bathrooms. It creates visual clutter in smaller spaces. Gordon adds that the high contrast limits other design choices.
Why Decorative Racing Stripes Feel Cheap
Decorative racing stripes, once popular accents, now look dated and low-quality. Gordon notes they disrupt visual flow and are associated with outdated builder-grade finishes. “Buyers associate them with a builder-grade update from decades past.” Simple, continuous tiling is a better option.
The Decline of Subway Tile
Subway tile, once ubiquitous, is losing popularity. Gordon explains that homeowners now have countless options, making subway tile feel predictable. While variations like larger tiles and matte finishes exist, the classic look is fading out. “It now feels predictable and uninspired.”
Ultimately, these tile choices are falling out of favor because modern design prioritizes simplicity, luxury, and timelessness. Avoiding these dated trends ensures your bathroom remains current and appealing.
