19 Jun 5 Common Bathroom Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

By Emerald House Design Co.

Hi there! I’m so glad you’re here. I’m the founder and lead designer of Emerald House Design Co., based right here in Broken Arrow, OK. I’ve been designing and remodeling bathrooms for years, and let me tell you—while these small spaces can make a big impact, they can also be full of surprises. Over time, I’ve seen a handful of common mistakes homeowners make during bathroom renovations, and I’d love to help you avoid them.

Here are five bathroom renovation mistakes I often see—and how you can avoid them with confidence (and style).

---

1. Ignoring the Home’s Original Character

One of the biggest mistakes I see is when a new bathroom design doesn’t flow with the rest of the house. I’m a big believer in honoring the original character of your home. Whether your house was built in the ’60s, the ’90s, or just a few years ago, it has a story—and your bathroom should complement it, not clash with it.

How to avoid it:

Take note of existing architectural features, finishes, and color palettes. A modern farmhouse bathroom may look stunning in a magazine, but it might feel out of place in a mid-century ranch. Instead, find ways to bring in timeless upgrades that enhance your home’s personality, not erase it.

---

2. Focusing Too Much on Trends

Trendy designs might look exciting right now, but they can date quickly—and trust me, nobody wants to re-renovate a bathroom two years later. As much as I love a good Instagram scroll, not every trend is worth following.

How to avoid it:

Invest in quality materials and a classic foundation—neutral tiles, clean lines, and well-made fixtures. You can still have fun with décor, hardware, or paint colors (those are easy to swap later), but keep your main choices timeless.

---

3. Skimping on Lighting

Bathrooms often get the leftover lighting plan in a home—and that’s a shame. Good lighting is everything, especially in a space where you’re getting ready for the day.

How to avoid it:

Include a layered lighting plan: ambient (ceiling), task (vanity), and even accent lighting when possible. Choose fixtures that not only match your style but provide enough brightness. And yes, natural light is always a win when you can get it!

---

4. Not Thinking About Storage

Pretty is great, but practical is better. A beautiful bathroom with nowhere to put towels or toiletries just doesn’t work for daily life. Trust me—your future self will thank you for planning ahead.

How to avoid it:

Consider built-in storage like niches in the shower, custom vanities with drawers (drawers > doors, always!), and shelving that feels integrated, not added as an afterthought. Even in small bathrooms, smart storage solutions make a world of difference.

---

5. Cutting Corners on Quality

I totally understand the temptation to cut costs where you can—but be careful. Bathrooms take a lot of wear and tear. When clients use budget fixtures or try to DIY tricky installs, they often end up paying more in the long run.

How to avoid it:

Spend your budget where it counts: plumbing, waterproofing, tile installation, and ventilation. If you’re going to splurge, do it on the things you use every day—like a great shower head or a durable countertop. These are the details that elevate your space and last for years.

---

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, bathroom renovations don’t have to be overwhelming. With the right planning and a thoughtful approach, they can be one of the most rewarding updates you make to your home. I always encourage my clients to design with intention—keep functionality at the core, respect the history of the house, and make choices that will still feel good ten years from now.

If you’re in the Broken Arrow or Tulsa area and thinking about a bathroom renovation, I’d love to chat. At Emerald House Design Co., we specialize in creating spaces that feel like they’ve always belonged in your home—just elevated, updated, and uniquely you.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy renovating!

Warmly,
Natalie Langley
Founder & Lead Designer, Emerald House Design Co.
https://emeraldhousedesignco.com