5 Bathroom Upgrades Homeowners Regret Most, According to Designers

Interior designers are often brought in to remedy so-so spaces that don’t live up to their full potential and are well-versed in the features that take any room from good to great. When it comes to bathrooms in particular, pros are easily able to recall key features that their clients long for and wish they had incorporated from the beginning when doing their initial reno.

About to kick off a bathroom renovation of your own? Take a look at some common regrets below and be sure to carefully consider whether you, too, should include these elements into your space.

Skipping—or Skimping on—the Shower Niche

People who opt for too small of a shower niche—or forgo one entirely—often come to regret it, explains Molly Torres Portnof, the founder of DATE Interiors. “Mark my words, you will always, always need more storage space than you think, especially in your shower,” she says. “Install the largest niche that you can, while keeping the look and style of your shower in mind.” Really want to cover your bases? Portnof isn’t opposed to installing two niches for maximum benefits.

Opting for Bold Tile

Skip the bold statement tile in the bathroom, urges Bradie Fisher, the founder of Bradie Fisher Interiors, who has been called in to help clients simplify their space. Sure, the aesthetic “looks amazing in a square on Instagram, but clients get tired of it fast,” she says. Not to mention, you’re not going to want to spend the money to redo your bathroom after a short period. “Swapping tile is a pricey endeavor—demo, waterproofing, re-tile, the whole thing,” Fisher says.

Removing the Tub

Eager to say bye-bye to the bath tub? Don’t do it, Fisher stresses, noting that the lack of a tub is almost always evident when it comes time to list your home for sale. “Families notice, buyers with little kids (or dogs) notice,” she says. “Appraisal feedback almost always reflects it.” Rather than nixing this feature altogether, the designer recommends opting for a freestanding tub that’s nice and sleek.

Overlooking Proper Storage

Storage is essential all throughout your bathroom—not just in the shower! “Homeowners often realize after the fact that they should have added more than just standard vanity drawers or a linen closet,” says Stephanie Brown, the co-founder of Saint Louise Design. “Custom options like pull-out drawers with built-in outlets for hair styling tools or recessed medicine cabinets designed to keep daily essentials neat and handy make a world of difference.”

Not Installing Heated Floors

One little luxury that can make a world of difference in the bathroom? Heated floors, which many homeowners later wish they had selected from the get go. “Radiant heat floors can feel like an ‘optional luxury’ during planning, but once the bathroom is finished, many clients regret not adding them,” Brown says. This is especially beneficial if you live in a colder weather climate. “In certain spaces, it’s a really practical upgrade,” the designer adds.