Modern, functional bathrooms enhance the value of your home. Even if selling isn’t on your agenda, having a well-designed and aesthetically pleasing space significantly boosts your enjoyment of it. While the basic structure of your bathroom might remain intact, small decor updates can swiftly align the room with the styles trending in the new year, even if your budget is limited or your DIY skills aren’t top-notch. In this Onions Australia exclusive, we consulted leading designers, contractors, and home sale brokers to identify the bathroom decor elements that will appear severely outdated in 2025 and beyond.
These professionals are attuned to the latest trends, and they don’t dismiss items as outdated without reason. Each recommendation is supported by extensive industry experience, offering valid reasons for every suggestion. Moreover, their proposed changes will improve the look, feel, and functionality of your bathroom. It will be easier to maintain cleanliness and feel much fresher — all without overspending or renovating just for the sake of change.
Overly coordinated bath sets are out – try mixing things up instead
In previous years, a matching bath set was considered a coveted aesthetic. However, our designers suggest that by 2025 and beyond, such decorating styles will appear kitschy rather than charming. “The issue with excessive uniformity in bathroom decor is that it can make the space feel overly staged,” Lior Kahana, operations manager at 123 Remodeling, explains in an exclusive interview with Onions Australia. “If everything from the toilet brush to the soap dispenser matches, it resembles more of a hotel giveaway set than a curated home.” You don’t want your space to look like you purchased everything in one go, even if you did.
For a refreshed look in 2025, aim for a space that appears lived in. If you’re concerned that minimalism might seem too dull, or if you prefer louder and bolder styles, that’s perfectly fine — just be sure to mix and match colors and materials to avoid a sterile appearance. “I recommend blending textures and materials for a more natural look,” Kahana continues. A great example is combining “a ceramic soap dish with a brass toothbrush holder.” This toothbrush holder from iDesign could pair well with this soap dish from mDesign. If mixing materials isn’t your preference, Kahana suggests using a complementary color scheme instead. Different shades of the same hue layered together work better as a cohesive team than items that match exactly.
Generic word art should be swapped with minimalist art
Incorporating art into the bathroom is a fun way to inject some personality; however, trends for bathroom wall decor are quickly becoming outdated. “Posters with words are already outdated or sometimes even seem inappropriate,” Evelina Juzėnaitė, Principal Interior Designer at Planner 5D, shares exclusively with Onions Australia. “It’s better to replace them with abstract prints, minimalist photos, or sculptural decor.”
Word art has become overused, Juzėnaitė suggests, and now feels outdated. However, if you still want to include some modern, trendy word art in your bathroom decor, there are ways to do so. Consider shopping for something more unique by exploring typography art that catches your eye on platforms like Etsy, for example. It’s also easy to customize art when you purchase from such places, so have fun with fonts and color schemes that best suit your bathroom. Having a piece custom-made with your children’s names or a quote from your favorite book adds a particularly personal touch.
Plastic shower caddies are for college kids – opt for a built-in niche
When designing your first home, it can be challenging to part with items from your roommate days, especially if you’re trying to save money. But you can still have an on-trend space without overspending. “People often buy a hanging rack to go over the showerhead or a plastic caddy as a temporary space-saving solution. But these temporary solutions often become permanent,” Kahana notes. While they might function adequately, they tend to scream “unfinished” from a decor perspective, and Kahana warns that they often encourage clutter and grime, which is never a good look.
If your budget allows for a bathroom remodel, consider upgrading the shower with custom storage. “A built-in shower niche is the best solution here. It keeps all your essentials within reach without adding visual clutter,” Kahana advises. However, a renovation isn’t feasible for everyone, but there’s still a great solution: swap the plastic for glass or metal. These materials are sturdier and appear more polished than flimsy plastic. “For renters, a minimalist teak shower bench is a great option. It doubles as storage and adds warmth to the space,” Kahana adds for those who don’t yet own. This waterproof option from EcoDecors is a fan-favorite, with a weight limit of up to 300 pounds, making it functional as a seat as well.
Faux plants should be swapped for real ones
If you lack a green thumb, you might be tempted to avoid real plants in your bathroom, but in 2025, this isn’t advisable. Our experts argue that fake plants detract from the space rather than enhance it. “Faux ivy and plastic leaves usually collect dust and fade over time,” Kahana cautions. “They can make the whole bathroom look outdated and neglected. In my opinion, faux plants also just lack the vibrancy of real foliage.” Instead of creating a lush oasis, fake plants often make a space appear more like a 2000s office building — a look that has been out of style for years.
Since bathrooms are naturally moist environments, they can be a great place for real plants, even for those who aren’t adept at caring for them. “Pothos, snake plants, and peace lilies are all good low-maintenance options for bathrooms with natural light,” Kahana advises, understanding that everyone needs a good starting point. If your bathroom lacks natural light, “place dried botanicals like eucalyptus and pampas grass. It instantly elevates the space with minimal upkeep.” Remember, even though the plants are in the bathroom, they still need to be watered — but not daily. A useful rule of thumb is to stick your actual thumb into the soil. If it feels wet, skip watering; if it’s dry, add a little.
Plastic storage options should be swapped for something sturdier
Our experts couldn’t be clearer: Plastic is out for 2025. “Anything plastic is anything but fantastic in the bathrooms of 2025,” Daniela Gottschalk, interior designer at Tinzeltown, quips to Onions Australia exclusively. “The plastic toilet brush…gross, the plastic shower curtain with chalk stains on it… gosh, no.” She further explains that even toothbrush cups shouldn’t be plastic, as they resemble yogurt cups more than anything. Of course, Gottschalk acknowledges that these items are still necessary in your space. Just consider a different material for a more elevated yet functional experience.
Fortunately, she breaks down the swaps into a few straightforward categories. For any type of brush, whether it’s for teeth or toilets, she recommends brass or marble containers. These are easy to clean, and their chic appearance often allows them to double as decor, reducing the need for additional clutter. For the shower curtain, opt for “a more textile shower curtain that, in the worst case, could hang in the living room.” If you’re concerned about mildew buildup, simply take the curtain down and wash it whenever you swap out your towels to keep things fresh. You can also use an eco-friendly shower curtain liner. For a trendy look, install this beige boho curtain from MitoVilla over your bathtub or shower. “And don’t forget the small bins for all your hygienic waste, which are available in many versions beyond a plastic bin that looks like it came from a Dutch breakfast table from 1975,” Gottschalk concludes.
Fuzzy bath mats shed like a pet. Try something woven instead
Cute bath mats can truly tie a space together, but our experts are also concerned about functionality, not just aesthetics. Prior to 2025, many might have recommended the cozy feel of a bath mat that resembles a blanket, but following this trend will instantly date your home — and make maintaining a clean bathroom more challenging. “A plush bathmat feels great underfoot, but they don’t always hold up well. The synthetic fibers trap moisture and create a breeding ground for mildew,” Kahana warns. “In many cases, they also start to look tired and worn out after just a few washes.”
To get more value for your money and avoid a mat that sheds like an animal, Kahana recommends opting for a woven bath mat instead. This swap is a simple trick to make your bathroom look more high-end. “It brings texture and personality to the space and it’s going to last a lot longer,” he says. “I’d recommend flat-weave cotton or Turkish rugs as they tend to handle moisture better than standard bath mats.” Yet these aren’t the only benefits of choosing these styles, as bathrooms are high-use spaces that require frequent cleaning. “They also wash beautifully,” he adds. Try this machine-washable option from Amazon Basics.
Builder-grade light fixtures are too commercial. Try alternative vanity lighting.
If you have a newer home, it might still include many cookie-cutter amenities that builders installed during the initial fitting. While these are functional, our experts caution that in 2025 and beyond, they will appear severely outdated. In the bathroom, one major area where this issue manifests is around the vanity. “In many bathrooms, you’ll find builder-grade vanity lights and harsh LED panels that do nothing for the atmosphere,” Kahana warns. “You often get bright, bluish-white lighting that casts unflattering shadows. It makes the space feel like a commercial restroom.” Additionally, harsh light makes it more difficult to see for getting ready.
Fortunately, lighting is an easy feature to swap out, even if you lack extensive DIY experience. “A dimmable LED mirror is a practical and stylish upgrade,” he suggests, like this bold option from LOAAO. The benefit is that the overall light tends to be less harsh, casting fewer shadows and enhancing visibility. It also avoids the harsh glow typical of airport bathrooms because, as Kahana points out, you can easily customize the illumination. “I’d also recommend wall sconces to add warmth and character to the space,” he continues. “In terms of overhead lighting, a sculptural pendant or recessed lighting is a great way to make the bathroom feel more high-end and inviting.”
Swap run-of-the-mill mirrors for something with a twist
Every bathroom needs a mirror, but how you style that mirror determines whether you have a modern, functional space or something stuck in the past. “Traditional mirrors have been the big boys on bathroom walls for years, but they are likely to start to look outdated as more unique and modern styles emerge by the day,” Zach Shepard, principal at Braddock Investment Group Inc, shares exclusively with Onions Australia. A traditional mirror might be one large piece of framed glass that occupies most of the wall, or even two smaller ones in a predictable shape like a rectangle or oval. There’s nothing intriguing or bold about them.
Swapping out a mirror isn’t as costly as renovating your entire bathroom, but it’s a significant enough visual anchor in the space that a new one can make a huge impact. Shepard’s tips for mirror decor are straightforward. “Ideally, it would be better, rather than opting for the common mirror design, to instead get something more modern and unique like the backlit mirror and statement mirror which boasts a fascinating shape or frame.” Consider options like this irregular and asymmetrical mirror from Trahome, or even this golden mirror from the Kelly Millar Store.
Shower curtains with tacky patterns have had their day
Patterns can be a fun way to add personality to a space, but only if executed correctly. Anything that seems too random or tacky, such as computer-generated cowboy hats, goldfish, or the periodic table printed onto plastic shower curtains should be left in the past. “Although patterned shower curtains have always been popular for reviving dull bathrooms, the rising popularity of solid-colored ones will dramatically eliminate them,” Shepard emphasizes.
This doesn’t mean that more traditional or subtle options don’t still have their place. For instance, something soft like gingham or a subtle, fine stripe on a linen curtain with a shower liner are not only still in style but are actually quite popular at the moment — and will continue to be as they are classics. You can also play with large-format patterns and shapes, not just delicate prints. For example, this blush pink scalloped shower curtain from ORTIGIA is a bold, solid color, but has scalloped edges to keep things interesting. Alternatively, this striped option from Awellife offers a subtle way for those who like patterns but want to avoid anything too intense to incorporate them into their space.
Traditional towel bars and rings are boring. Opt for hooks and racks instead
Towel storage is a crucial aspect of any bathroom, but how you store them affects whether the space looks outdated. “Traditional towel bars and rings will not keep up looking modern,” Shepard notes. “The traditional ones have been decorating bathrooms for many years, but their use is not multi-functional, and they are very likely to become dull or get corroded over time.”
Bars typically hold larger bath towels, while rings beside the sink are for hand towels — both need to go. “My suggestion would be [to replace them] with modern towel hooks or racks,” he continues. “Not only do these provide a bathroom with a contemporary look, but they also make extra room for towels to be hung.” Instead of just fitting one or two towels on a rack, hooks allow for multiple towels to be hung in a row — and still get plenty of airflow to dry. However, you should still look for hooks with a modern, streamlined profile, such as these GERZWY Bathroom Matte Black Hooks. Finished options like brushed gold or bronze can also elevate the look, for example, these Newrain Bathroom Towel Hooks could help bring your bathroom out of the past and add a much-needed updated touch.
