These 16 Bathroom Design Choices Have Illinois Homeowners Second-Guessing Themselves

Remodeling your bathroom can feel exciting, but some design decisions don’t always turn out as planned. Many Illinois homeowners are discovering that trendy features and bold choices sometimes lead to frustration instead of satisfaction.

Whether it’s a layout that doesn’t work or fixtures that look great but cause problems, these regrets are more common than you might think. Let’s explore the bathroom design choices that have people wishing they’d made different decisions.

1. Open-Concept Layouts

When you remove walls and barriers, your bathroom might look bigger and more modern. However, privacy becomes a real issue that many didn’t anticipate.

Open layouts often mean cold drafts sweeping through while you’re trying to shower or get ready. Sound travels freely too, which can be awkward when sharing your home with family or guests. The trendy look might impress visitors initially, but living with it daily tells a different story.

If you value comfort and privacy during your daily routine, this design might leave you feeling exposed. Many Illinois homeowners now wish they’d kept some traditional separation for a cozier, more intimate bathroom experience.

2. Bold Statement Wallpapers

Bright patterns and wild designs can transform a plain bathroom into something eye-catching. Yet what feels fresh and exciting today might make you cringe tomorrow.

Trends change faster than you can repaint, and bold wallpaper choices often clash with future updates. That tropical print or geometric pattern that seemed perfect during installation can quickly become tiresome. Removing wallpaper is also messy and time-consuming, adding extra work when you finally decide to change it.

It’s smarter to choose neutral backgrounds and add personality through towels, rugs, and accessories. These elements are easy to swap out when your taste evolves, saving you money and hassle down the road.

3. Double Vanities

Having two sinks sounds perfect for couples who get ready at the same time. But in smaller bathrooms, double vanities can gobble up valuable space you didn’t realize you’d miss.

Counter space disappears quickly, leaving nowhere to set your morning coffee or beauty products. Storage shrinks too, since accommodating two sinks means fewer drawers and cabinets underneath. The bathroom starts feeling tight and cluttered instead of functional.

Are both sinks actually used daily, or does one collect dust while the other handles all the action? Many Illinois homeowners admit they would’ve preferred a single, spacious vanity with plenty of storage over the double setup they rarely fully utilize.

4. Wet Room Showers

Wet rooms eliminate shower doors and create a sleek, European-style bathing area. Unfortunately, water doesn’t always stay where you want it to.

Splashing becomes a constant problem, soaking floors, rugs, and anything nearby. Cleaning takes longer since water spreads everywhere, and drafts make showers uncomfortably chilly during Illinois winters. Privacy also suffers without proper barriers separating the shower from the rest of the space.

Did you consider how cold that open design would feel on January mornings? Most people discover too late that traditional shower enclosures offer warmth, containment, and comfort that wet rooms simply can’t match. The minimalist aesthetic loses its appeal when you’re mopping floors daily.

5. Jet Tubs

Imagine soaking in a luxurious tub with massaging jets after a long day. Sounds amazing, right? But how often does that fantasy actually happen in real life?

Jet tubs cost significantly more than standard tubs and require regular maintenance to prevent mold buildup in the plumbing. They take up enormous space that could be used for storage or a larger shower. Cleaning all those jets properly becomes another tedious chore on your to-do list.

Most Illinois homeowners admit they use their expensive jet tubs maybe twice a year, if that. The investment rarely pays off when a simple soaking tub or upgraded shower would’ve been more practical and enjoyable.

6. Polished Floor Tiles

Shiny, polished tiles look stunning in showroom photos and give bathrooms an upscale appearance. However, beauty doesn’t matter much when you’re slipping and sliding across the floor.

Water and polished surfaces create dangerously slick conditions, especially for children and elderly family members. Even small splashes turn your bathroom into an ice rink. The risk of falls and injuries increases dramatically compared to textured or honed tiles.

How confident do you feel stepping out of the shower onto a glossy surface? Safety should always trump aesthetics, and many homeowners now regret choosing style over substance. Textured tiles provide traction without sacrificing good looks, making them the smarter choice.

7. Cheap Fixtures

Cutting costs on toilets, faucets, and showerheads seems like a smart way to save money during renovation. But those savings vanish quickly when fixtures break, leak, or look terrible.

Budget fixtures often malfunction within months, requiring repairs or complete replacement. They cheapen the entire bathroom’s appearance, making even expensive tile and countertops look less impressive. Poor water pressure, constant drips, and wobbly handles become daily annoyances.

Quality fixtures last decades and actually improve your bathroom experience every single day. When you calculate the true cost of replacing cheap items multiple times, investing in durable, well-made fixtures from the start makes perfect financial sense. Your future self will thank you.

8. Barn Doors

Barn doors bring farmhouse charm and save space since they slide along the wall instead of swinging open. But bathrooms need privacy, and barn doors have serious gaps around all edges.

Light, sound, and even air flow freely through those openings, making private moments feel uncomfortably public. Guests especially notice this lack of soundproofing and proper sealing. The rustic aesthetic that looked so appealing on Pinterest becomes awkward in actual daily use.

Are you comfortable with everyone hearing everything that happens in your bathroom? Traditional doors with proper seals offer the privacy and discretion that barn doors simply cannot provide, no matter how trendy they appear in home magazines.

9. Overly Themed Decor

Creating a cohesive theme sounds fun when you’re planning your bathroom makeover. Beach vibes, farmhouse style, or spa-inspired elements can work beautifully in moderation.

But going overboard with matching accessories, themed tiles, and coordinated colors quickly becomes overwhelming. What felt cute and clever during installation now feels childish and dated. Themes also limit your decorating options and make future updates challenging since everything coordinates so specifically.

How will that seashell motif look in five years when trends shift completely? Subtle nods to your favorite style work better than heavy-handed themes. Timeless design with personality sprinkled throughout ages gracefully and appeals to more people if you ever sell your home.

10. Excessive Dark Colors

Dark, moody bathrooms create drama and sophistication in magazine spreads. In reality, especially in smaller Illinois bathrooms without abundant natural light, they feel like caves.

Black, navy, or charcoal walls absorb light and make spaces feel significantly smaller and more oppressive. Getting ready in a dark bathroom affects your mood and makes tasks like applying makeup or shaving more difficult. Cleaning also shows every water spot and soap residue more obviously on dark surfaces.

Balance is key when working with bold colors. Accent walls or dark vanities paired with lighter walls and good lighting prevent that claustrophobic feeling while still delivering visual interest and modern style.

11. Ignoring Ventilation Needs

Proper airflow might not seem exciting compared to choosing beautiful tiles and fixtures. Yet inadequate ventilation causes serious problems that affect your health and wallet.

Moisture builds up quickly in bathrooms, leading to mold, mildew, and peeling paint. These issues damage your home’s structure and create respiratory problems for your family. Mirrors fog constantly, and that musty smell never quite disappears no matter how much you clean.

Installing a quality exhaust fan or improving existing ventilation prevents thousands of dollars in future repairs. It’s one of those unsexy upgrades that makes a massive difference in how your bathroom functions and how healthy your home environment stays long-term.

12. Overly Trendy Features

Following the latest design trends feels exciting and ensures your bathroom looks current and stylish. But trends fade remarkably fast, leaving you stuck with yesterday’s hot look.

Remember when everything was shabby chic or industrial? Those once-popular styles now scream outdated to anyone who sees them. Trendy fixtures, unique tile patterns, and fashionable color schemes lose their appeal as new trends emerge. Updating becomes necessary much sooner than if you’d chosen timeless designs.

Classic styles with modern touches offer the best of both worlds. Clean lines, neutral palettes, and quality materials never go out of fashion, while small trendy accessories keep things fresh without requiring expensive overhauls every few years.

13. Mismatched Fixtures

Mixing metals and styles can create an eclectic, collected look when done intentionally by skilled designers. For most people, though, it just looks confused and unfinished.

Chrome faucets, brass towel bars, and nickel cabinet pulls fighting for attention create visual chaos instead of harmony. The bathroom lacks cohesion, making even expensive elements look cheap and poorly planned. Guests notice the inconsistency, and it bothers you more each day.

Coordinating finishes throughout your bathroom creates polish and professionalism that elevates the entire space. Sticking to one or two complementary metal finishes ties everything together beautifully. This simple decision makes your bathroom look intentional and well-designed rather than thrown together randomly.

14. Neglecting Lighting

One overhead light might seem sufficient when you’re focused on tiles and paint colors. But lighting dramatically affects how your bathroom looks and functions every single day.

Insufficient lighting creates shadows that make grooming tasks frustrating and dangerous. Your bathroom feels uninviting and dreary instead of refreshing and energizing. Poor lighting also makes colors look different than intended and highlights flaws you’d rather not notice.

Layering different light sources transforms the entire space. Bright task lighting around mirrors, ambient overhead lighting, and even accent lights near the tub create versatility and atmosphere. Dimmer switches let you adjust brightness for different needs, from energizing morning routines to relaxing evening baths.

15. Overlooking Storage Solutions

Beautiful design means nothing when your counters overflow with toiletries, towels pile up, and cleaning supplies have nowhere to go. Storage often gets overlooked until you’re living with the consequences.

Clutter makes even the most gorgeous bathroom look messy and stressful. You waste time searching for items and feel frustrated by the constant disorganization. Lack of storage also forces you to keep things in other rooms, which defeats the purpose of a functional bathroom.

Built-in shelving, medicine cabinets, vanities with deep drawers, and creative solutions like recessed niches maximize storage without sacrificing style. Planning storage from the beginning ensures everything has a home and your beautiful bathroom stays beautiful.

16. Ignoring Future Resale Value

Your bathroom should reflect your personality and meet your needs perfectly. However, extremely personal choices might alienate future buyers if you ever sell your home.

Bright purple walls, unusual fixtures, or highly specific design themes appeal to limited audiences. Potential buyers struggle to see past your personal taste, which can reduce offers or extend time on the market. Real estate agents consistently warn against overly customized bathrooms that require immediate renovation.

Finding balance between personal expression and broad appeal protects your investment. Neutral foundations with personality added through changeable elements give you style now while maintaining value later. Even if you never plan to move, keeping resale considerations in mind ensures smart financial decisions.