There is nothing quite like unwinding after a long day with a steaming-hot bath or shower, so it is little surprise that people feel the need to invest in their bathrooms. However, according to an interior designer, some popular bathroom upgrades will likely fail to stand the test of time.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jordana Ashkenazi, founder and design director of Element One House, said: 'The problem is people often see something on Pinterest or social media, fall in love with the aesthetic and forget to think about how it functions day to day. Good bathroom design is all about balance. If you are sacrificing storage, practicality or functionality in one area, you need to make up for it elsewhere in the design. The bathrooms that work best are the ones that not only look good in photos, but still function properly long after the Pinterest trend has passed.'
Built-in Bluetooth Speakers
It might be tempting to opt for the latest Bluetooth speakers when upgrading your bathroom, but according to Jordana, a portable option might be best. Jordana: 'Built-in Bluetooth speakers feel futuristic until the tech dates in three years, and replacing them suddenly involves opening ceilings and calling electricians.'
Non Steam-Proof Mirrors
Opting for a vintage mirror or everyday option from the high street might seem easy, but it will only cause problems later on. Jordana: 'Non-steam-proof mirrors are one of those things people do not think about until they are wiping them down every single morning with a towel sleeve. If you are not going steam-proof, you need good ventilation, a strong extractor fan or to be happy opening windows constantly, even in winter.'
Pedestal Sinks
They might look elegant, but when you are stuck for storage, pedestal sinks might be a regret. Jordana: 'Pedestal sinks look chic until you realise you have got nowhere to hide the 14 half-used beauty products, spare loo rolls and hairdryer. Pretty? Yes. Practical? Not always. If you are going to have a pedestal sink, you really need to make sure you have got good alternative storage elsewhere, otherwise where is everything actually going to go?'
Accent Lighting
Pretty lighting will always look aesthetically pleasing, but when you need bright light for shaving or makeup application, it becomes a bother. Jordana: 'Accent lighting gives boutique hotel vibes… right up until you are trying to do eyeliner or shave and can barely see your own face. Ambient lighting is lovely, but bathrooms still need proper functional lighting too, so make sure you combine accent lighting with good standard lighting as well.'
Clawfoot Bathtubs
For those going for a vintage look, a clawfoot tub can be the perfect addition, but beware of the drawbacks. Jordana: 'Clawfoot tubs absolutely have character, but cleaning around those tiny feet and awkward gaps underneath is enough to test anyone's patience.'
Bold Tiles
Bold is not always better, according to Jordana, especially when it comes to bathroom tiles. Jordana: 'Bold tiles can look amazing for a season, but trend-led bathrooms date faster than almost anything else. They also show every watermark, splash and bit of dust.'
Wet Rooms with No Enclosure
If you have got the clean gene, avoid wet rooms with no enclosure at all costs, says Jordana. Jordana: 'Wet rooms with no enclosure look sleek on Pinterest, but in real life the entire bathroom often ends up soaked. Nobody wants wet toilet roll energy. A lot of people try to squeeze wet rooms into bathrooms that simply are not big enough. If you are doing it in a compact space, you have to accept there will probably be splashes everywhere unless you are prepared to have soggy bath mats constantly, or have underfloor heating installed and running regularly so everything dries up quickly.'
Jacuzzi Baths
Jacuzzi baths sound fun and different, but they might be best saved for a holiday rather than in your home. Jordana: 'Jacuzzi baths sound like a brilliant idea for about five minutes. Then reality kicks in: maintenance, cleaning and the fact that most people end up using them twice a year.'
Double Showers
Showering with your children or significant other might sound better with a double showerhead, but they are not as practical as they might seem. Jordana: 'Double showers feel very luxurious, spa-like, but they take up a huge amount of space and can turn into a cold, drafty experience if not done properly. They really need careful planning from both a spatial and plumbing perspective.'
Shower Caddies
When shower storage becomes a second thought, homeowners often go for trendy caddies, but soon enough, mould will form. Jordana: 'Fancy shower caddies always start off looking organised and aesthetic… then slowly become mouldy little clutter stations hanging in the corner of the shower.'
Single Glass Shower Panels
Showers with a single glass panel have become all the rage in recent times, but they are not always the best idea. Jordana: 'Single glass shower panels may look minimal and elegant, but keeping them spotless is basically a part-time job once hard water gets involved. You also need to be realistic about water splashing beyond the panel and whether one screen is actually enough for the space.'
