8 Biggest Bathroom Design Mistakes To Avoid

Bathroom renovation on the cards? Planning the perfect bathroom design is your first step… and with it comes important decisions like choosing the right bathroom fixtures and accessories, understanding different bathroom layout options, and what type of materials to us.

The decisions seem endless... so to give you a leg up designing your new bathroom, we're sharing the biggest Bathroom Design mistakes you’ll want to avoid ✔️ #ready?

Zephyr and Stone Studio • Resort House Ensuite

1. Poor Layout

A bathroom layout that's awkward, cramped or poorly planned will affect functionality and aesthetics, and can negatively affect the value and appeal of your home. Before you start sourcing a bathroom vanity, mirror, feature tiles and everything in between, it's vital to plan the best possible bathroom layout for your space!

If you're your existing layout works well, keeping fixtures and fittings where they are will save you the cost of moving plumbing. However, where a bathroom doesn't flow or feel right, re-designing and bathroom remodelling should be on the agenda! Fixing a compromised layout is critical to the success of your project — and could even include adding a window or moving the entry door location.

Z+S Tip • Maximising your layout is critical to the success of your bathroom design, as even the most expensive and beautiful fixtures and finishes won't conceal or fix a bathroom layout that simply doesn't work.

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Bathrooms are expensive to build and expensive to replace, so not the place to experiment with finishes that could look outdated before your grout dries.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

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.

Keep reading? Here’s how to Choose The Perfect Basin For Your New Bathroom…