So, you’ve got your own place now – congrats! It’s exciting to finally have the freedom to make every room reflect your style. But when it comes to bathroom renovations, there’s a big difference between what looks great on Instagram and what actually works in real life.

Young woman taking selfie in bathroom, enjoying a cup of coffee.

Before you dive into the latest trends, let’s talk about a few popular choices that might seem cool at first but could leave you with some serious regret down the road. It’s important to be mindful of these potential pitfalls to ensure your bathroom renovation is a long-lasting success.

1. The Peel-and-Place Stick-On Tile Problem

Stick-on tiles are all over social media right now – they’re quick, they’re easy, and they come in all sorts of funky patterns. At first, they seem like the perfect way to give your bathroom a trendy facelift without shelling out tons of money. But here’s the reality check: bathrooms are full of steam and moisture, and those sticky tiles are notorious for peeling up at the edges or bubbling after a few months. Before you know it, you’re left with a patchy, tatty-looking wall that screams, “I took a shortcut.”

Rather, consider something like porcelain tiles. Yes, they take more effort to install, and they aren’t as cheap as stick-on, but they’re designed to handle water, steam, and everything else your bathroom throws at them. Natural stone tiles are another solid option – they’ve got that luxurious, timeless vibe, and they won’t start curling away from the wall when you turn on the shower. If you’re in this for the long haul, it’s worth investing in something that won’t have you doing repairs in a few months.

2. Linoleum Flooring is Not the Retro Comeback You Think It Is

Linoleum might be making a comeback, and we get it – it’s retro, affordable, and comes in plenty of colours. But here’s the catch: your bathroom is one of the wettest, most humid spots in the house, and linoleum is basically a sponge when it comes to moisture. It starts to warp, bubble, and peel, turning from ‘vintage chic’ to ‘vintage disaster’ pretty quickly.

If you want a floor that’s going to last, think about stone or porcelain tiles instead. They’re water-resistant, durable, and – let’s be honest – they just look better. Imagine stepping out of the shower onto a smooth, cool piece of stone rather than watching your floor slowly turn into a warped mess. And if you’re worried about cost, keep in mind that these materials will save you money in the long run because you won’t be ripping them up and starting over in a year.

3. When ‘Fun’ Bold Colour Schemes Turn into ‘Oh No’

Bright, bold colours can make a big impact. Who wouldn’t want a neon pink bathroom that says, “I’m not afraid to stand out!”? The problem is that these bold shades have a tendency to get old – fast. What feels quirky and unique today might feel like a headache-inducing eyesore in a year or two, especially when trends shift as quickly as they do. Trust us; repainting your bathroom every time your colour tastes change is way less fun than it sounds.

Paris, France - May 30, 2020: Woman painting with Farrow and Ball sample pot new colour on her wall during reconstruciton of the house apartment

Go for something neutral from the Farrow and Ball paint collection that won’t make you cringe every time you walk in there after a rough day. Soft greys, whites, or even a muted blue – these shades won’t demand constant attention but will still look great with any accessories or funky towels you want to swap in and out. It’s a blank canvas that lets you play around with trendy colours without being stuck with them forever, providing a sense of versatility and confidence in your design choices.

4. The All-White Clean and Crisp Bathroom, Until It’s Not

We get it: an all-white bathroom looks clean, crisp, and so minimalist-chic. It’s the kind of bathroom that makes you feel like you’re in a fancy spa. But let’s be real – unless you’re a professional cleaner, maintaining that pristine, spotless look isn’t going to be easy. Water spots, dust, hair… they all show up like neon signs against those white surfaces, turning your ‘serene escape’ into an endless cleaning project.

Modern bathroom interior with stylish mirror, eucalyptus branches, vessel sink and wooden vanity

If you want a bathroom that’s a bit more forgiving, mix in some warmer tones or textures. A light wood vanity, a black-framed mirror, or even some patterned tiles can break up the stark white and make your bathroom feel lived-in without looking messy. Plus, a bit of contrast gives the space more character and helps hide those inevitable little bits of dirt and dust.

5. When ‘Wow’ Trendy Lighting Turns into ‘Why’

Statement lighting is huge right now – think big pendant lights, funky shapes, and all the brass you can handle. But the thing about trendy lighting is that it tends to go out of style just as fast as it came in. And, more often than not, these fixtures don’t give you the practical light you need to get ready in the morning or wind down at night.

Sony ALpha 7 III, 35mm.

Instead, think about lighting that’s going to work for you long-term. Recessed lights offer great overall illumination, and classic sconces on either side of your mirror provide the perfect task lighting for all your daily routines. You can always add a bit of flair with your bulbs or finishes, but keeping the core lighting setup simple and practical means you won’t be swapping out fixtures every time the trends shift. This approach ensures your bathroom is not just stylish but also functional, providing a sense of security in your design decisions.

Trends Come and Go, but Functionality Is Forever

Look, it’s your home – you should absolutely make it your own. But if you’re going to spend time and money on a bathroom renovation, it’s worth thinking about how these choices will hold up in the real world. Trends can be fun, but they’re not always built to last, and nothing’s more frustrating than putting in all that work to realise it doesn’t actually fit your lifestyle.

At Rockform, we’re here to help you. Visit our bathroom showroom to find that sweet spot between style and practicality so you end up with a bathroom you genuinely love – not just one that looks good in a picture. Ready to create a space that’s more than just a trend?  Reach out to us, and let’s make it happen.