Design Vogue

Let's face it: a home renovation is a lot of work, and making sure every project is worth the time, effort, and investment is important. The bathroom can be easy to overlook in favor of larger rooms, but it's actually a make-or-break space for future buyers.

So whether you're getting ready to sell your home or simply want a big bathroom refresh, these are five outdated features to keep an eye out for that could be decreasing your home's value—and how to fix them, directly from a realtor.

Bold Colors and Busy Wallpapers

Whether it's through an accent wall or all over a powder room, bathroom wallpaper has been a big decorating trend for a while—but according to real estate broker Sunita Thaker, it's best to dial back down to a more timeless look before you put your house on the market.

"Thanks to the rise of dopamine decor, many of us want to inject more personality into our design choices, but it's important to make sure a potential buyer can really picture themselves feeling relaxed and at home in a space," she says. "That becomes hard to do when there are distracting bold colors and wild wallpapers in the bathroom."

A trend Thaker encourages her clients to explore instead when looking to increase the value of their homes is a spa-inspired bathroom, thanks to its universal appeal and soothing nature.

"The bathroom is usually the first and last place you'll be each day, so why not make it a tranquil space where you can unwind?" she says.

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Jacuzzis and Jetted Tubs

In keeping with the spa sanctuary theme, the next feature Thaker recommends looking at is the tub. Although you might think the built-in Jacuzzi in your primary bathroom is building appeal, she shares that its high-maintenance nature is actually doing the exact opposite.

"Builders started adding tiled-in, jetted tubs in the 1980s," she explains. "These jets are difficult to clean and harbor germs, and the tiles often need to be broken if there's any issues—which no new homeowner wants to deal with."

So if you're taking on a bathroom remodel and have the budget, Thaker advises replacing a jet tub or shower-tub combinations with a walk-in, tiled shower (or a steam shower, if you're willing to splurge) and placing a statement freestanding soaking tub in front of the window for maximum value.

Carpet, Wood, and Vinyl Floors

When it comes to bathroom flooring, Thaker says there's only a few ways to go: stone slabs, tiles, or luxury vinyl planks. Anything else, especially carpet, wood floors, and retro-style patterned vinyl, is decreasing your home's value and needs to go.

"In the 1950s, carpet was considered a luxury and builders put it everywhere—including bathrooms," Thaker says. "Carpet may seem warm and cozy, but over time, it actually creates a damp environment for mold, mildew and odor." 

So why not wood?

"Wooden floors are prone to similar issues," she says. "Plus, if water isn't wiped up immediately, the wood will start warping and will need to be replaced by ripping out the floors."

Single-Sink Vanities

Another primary bathroom feature worth upgrading is the sink. Although a single-sink vanity won't necessarily decrease your home's value, Thaker says a double basin will instantly earn major points with potential buyers—and make your own morning routine much easier in the meantime.

"Whether it's a partner getting ready for work at the same time as you or a kid wanting to brush their teeth in your bathroom, a second sink is always helpful," she syas. "Plus, having two sinks also means more storage space underneath and more counter space."

Making sure your new double basin bathroom vanity also features modern cabinets, open shelving, or spacious drawers will make investing in this project even more worthwhile.

Tiled Countertops

The classic tile-and-grout look may get the seal of approval from Thaker when it comes to bathroom floors, but having them on a countertop is another story entirely.

Between spilled toothpaste and makeup staining between the grout and getting-ready essentials struggling to stay upright when placed between the grooves, a vanity with this look can instantly deter a buyer.

"Tiled countertops mean grout lines that are impossible to clean," she says. "Choose stone slabs instead; they're durable, lower-maintenance, and they offer a level surface for you to use."

For a chic, luxurious-feeling surface that will also help make the bathroom appear bigger, Thaker's top pick (and a hit amongst her clients) is a subtly veined white quartz countertop with a hint of shimmer.