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Photo: Onzeg/Getty ImagesMaintaining cleanliness and order in the bathroom is a well-known challenge. Whether it’s removing tough soap residue or organizing your medicine cabinet, keeping this space tidy can seem like a never-ending task. However, more space doesn’t necessarily mean less clutter. “The more room we have, the more we tend to fill it,” explains professional organizer Mary Cornetta. A spotless bathroom relies heavily on its design.
Similar to other areas in your home, specific design elements can significantly impact a bathroom’s practicality. While a design might look stunning initially, it doesn’t guarantee ease of upkeep. From insufficient storage solutions to difficult-to-clean surfaces, here are some design pitfalls to steer clear of for a more manageable bathroom, as advised by organizing experts.
Vessel Sinks
Although vessel sinks can be stunning architectural pieces, they are notoriously difficult to maintain. “Anything placed on top of the countertop tends to accumulate dirt, especially around the edges where the sink meets the surface,” explains interior designer Jessica Nelson. “That’s why we usually recommend undermount sinks, as they allow for effortless cleaning with a simple wipe.”
Counter Mount Faucets
“For clients prioritizing cleanliness, we often suggest wall-mounted faucets over counter-mounted ones, as the latter tends to collect grime,” Nelson notes. By positioning the faucet on the wall instead of the sink, you can easily clean it whenever residue starts to form.
Metal-Coated Fixtures
Similar to jewelry, fixtures that are merely metal-coated, rather than crafted from high-quality metals, often have a limited lifespan. “Certain metals age gracefully, while others deteriorate poorly,” Nelson explains. “Opting for a higher-quality faucet, such as unlacquered brass, ensures it will age beautifully. In contrast, cheaper polished brass may flake and degrade over time. Genuine brass, however, remains durable and problem-free.” Investing in premium plumbing fixtures not only preserves your bathroom’s aesthetic appeal but also proves cost-effective in the long term.
Small Tiles
“For clients concerned about their bathroom accumulating grime, we typically steer clear of small tiles,” Nelson advises. Designs like penny tiles or porcelain mosaics are challenging to clean due to their numerous grout lines, which attract dirt and dust. “Minimizing grout lines is always preferable,” she adds.
Natural Stones
While natural stones are celebrated for their elegant and refined appearance, they are equally notorious for being prone to stains. “Natural stones are less risky in bathrooms compared to kitchens, but they can still stain easily, especially from makeup,” Nelson notes. “If you enjoy red wine in the bathtub, avoid marble in that area to prevent potential spills from causing permanent marks.” Nelson suggests avoiding marble and cement if staining is a concern and instead recommends exploring ceramic or porcelain alternatives.
Glass Showers
To avoid constant smudges, consider replacing a glass shower door with a more practical shower curtain. “Many of my clients with young children prefer shower curtains over glass because they’re easier to maintain and more convenient for kids,” Nelson explains. Even without children, shower curtains offer simpler cleaning options—many can be machine-washed or quickly wiped down. Glass doors, though stylish, are harder to clean, particularly sliding ones that trap dirt and mildew in their tracks.
Overly Specialized Built-ins
While organizing products is essential for a tidy bathroom, overly specific built-in organizers can backfire. “Bathroom items are usually small, but excessive customization can lead to disorganization,” says professional organizer Kayleen Kelly. “This is a common issue I encounter. I always advise keeping organization systems general, as highly specific built-ins are difficult to adapt later on.”
Shallow Drawers
“Shallow drawers work well for the top drawer, which should hold everyday essentials,” Kelly advises. “However, as you move to lower drawers, they should be deeper to accommodate bulkier items.” This prevents larger products from being squeezed into shallow spaces. To optimize deep drawers, Kelly suggests using store-bought organizers like acrylic bins to maintain order.
Open Shelving
Although floating shelves appear to be a smart storage solution, they can often make a space feel more cluttered. “Unless you carefully curate open shelves, they can easily look messy,” Nelson explains. Concealing items in an organized manner is crucial for achieving a serene aesthetic. Otherwise, open shelves can quickly become an eyesore.
Poorly Utilized Cabinets
“If given the choice between drawers or cabinets, I’d always pick drawers,” says professional organizer Emily Mass. “Many people only use the bottom of cabinets and overlook the potential of stacking organizers or adding drawers inside.” As a result, cabinets often waste valuable storage space. “With drawers, you can effectively categorize your products,” Mass adds.
Shower Walls Without Storage
When renovating a shower, incorporating storage solutions is essential. “I highly recommend adding niches in showers or tubs to create dedicated spaces for items like shampoo and conditioner,” Nelson suggests. “To ensure these niches blend seamlessly, we use the same tile or stone as the rest of the shower.” By including one or more niches, you can prevent products from cluttering the corners of your shower or bathtub and eliminate the need for bulky organizers. Say farewell to cumbersome shower caddies once and for all.
Open Concept Designs
Although minimalist bathrooms are trending in interior design, their sleek, open-concept layouts often lack sufficient storage. “Open designs can create numerous issues,” Kelly notes. “The stripped-down aesthetic removes storage options, leaving no space for your essentials or even a closet that could have provided additional storage.”
Floor Vanities
“When designing a custom vanity, I suggest opting for a floating style,” Mass recommends. A wall-mounted vanity that doesn’t touch the floor offers a modern, clean aesthetic while still allowing room for store-bought organizers. “I find the space underneath perfect for storing items, often using bins to keep cleaning supplies neatly contained,” she adds.
Too Much Counter Space
Contrary to common assumptions, “Excessive counter space can also be an issue,” Cornetta explains. “The more surface area available, the more people tend to clutter it with unnecessary items out of convenience. To prevent countertop chaos, avoid oversized surfaces and prioritize vertical storage solutions.”
