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4 Fixtures That Instantly Date Your Bathroom

This blog post addresses common bathroom lighting fixtures that can make a bathroom appear outdated and offers modern alternatives, drawing insights from interior design experts. The article identifies four specific lighting styles to avoid to ensure a bathroom remains contemporary and stylish. It emphasizes that certain practical and simple lighting solutions, while functional, may lack aesthetic appeal and sophistication in current design trends. Exposed bare-bulb vanity lights are highlighted as a primary culprit for dating a bathroom. These fixtures, often placed directly above mirrors, are described as uninspired despite their ability to provide direct illumination. Christine Carney, Director of Design at Blackberry Farm Design, notes that while they offer forward fill light, more chic alternatives exist. Laura Lubin, founder of Ellerslie Interiors, concurs, suggesting wall sconces on either side of the mirror or sleek backlit mirrors as more elegant and flattering options. Brad Ramsey of Brad Ramsey Interiors advises combining side sconces with recessed ceiling lights above the sink for balanced facial illumination, recommending against placing sconces directly above mirrors. The article also advises against using multiple lights, particularly when they exceed three fixtures. Kelly Emerson, Senior Designer at Aidan Design, explains that an excessive number of lights can appear repetitive and overwhelming, especially in builder-grade homes. While newer versions of such fixtures exist, she believes they can still date a bathroom unless they possess unique visual interest or are specifically chosen for a particular period or theme. Overhead fluorescent panels are another fixture identified as contributing to an outdated aesthetic. Lubin describes these bulky, flush-mounted lights as giving a bathroom a sterile, office-like feel, reminiscent of 1980s and 1990s designs. She recommends replacing them with recessed LED lights or a sculptural pendant for a more modern and inviting ambiance. Mary Gordon, Vice President at InSite Builders & Remodeling, advocates for LED lighting due to its energy efficiency, longevity, and adjustable brightness and warmth, with an ideal Kelvin range of 2700 to 4000. Finally, the combination of frosted glass and brushed nickel lighting is singled out as a distinctly early 2000s trend that no longer holds contemporary appeal. Lubin characterizes this style as uninspired. Current design preferences lean towards clear or opal glass, often paired with mixed metals such as aged brass, matte black, or polished nickel, to introduce depth and character into bathroom aesthetics. These material and finish choices contribute to a more sophisticated and up-to-date bathroom environment. #BathroomDesign #HomeDecor #LightingFixtures #InteriorDesign #ModernBathroom #DatedFixtures #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #BathroomDesign #HomeDecor #LightingFixtures #InteriorDesign #ModernBathroom #DatedFixtures #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends
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Timeless bathroom trends that won't date in a hurry | loveproperty.com
Timeless bathroom trends that won't date in a hurry | loveproperty.com
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