Bathroom Remodel Regrets? Let’s Talk About the #1 Pain Point (and How to Avoid It)

Bathroom remodel regrets… Let’s be real: bathrooms might be the smallest rooms in your home, but when something’s off, they become the biggest daily annoyance.

You’ve been dreaming of that spa-like retreat — heated floors, rainfall shower, maybe a cheeky wine shelf in the tub corner? But months later, you’re side-shuffling around a vanity that’s too big, your knees bump the toilet when you close the door, and the shampoo shelf is… just out of reach.

So, what’s the biggest bathroom remodel regret?

It’s Not the Tile. Not the Bath. It’s the Layout!

That’s right. The number 1 pain point for homeowners after a bathroom renovation is:

“I wish I had a better layout.”

Why?

Because no matter how high quality your finishes, if your bathroom doesn’t flow well, it can feel just as cramped, frustrating, or dysfunctional as before. It’s beautiful… but it’s just not functional.

That one sentence sums up the regret of thousands of homeowners who focused on looks over layout — and are now paying for it with daily frustration.

Real Layout Fails We See All the Time

Let’s paint the (sometimes tragic) picture:

• Door swings in and hits the toilet. Every. Single. Time.
• Nowhere to store towels or toiletries, even though the new vanity looks like it belongs in a magazine.
• Too close for comfort: Standing at the sink means bumping elbows with your partner every morning.
• Shower design is stunning, but the water pressure? Sad trickle.
• Toilet paper holder in Narnia. Who put it there?

And the worst part? These aren’t design disasters you can fix with a cute bath mat or some eucalyptus.

So…How Does This Happen?

Here’s the truth: Most people dive into bathroom renovations thinking about style, not flow. When planning a renovation, people tend to focus or obsess over:

• Picking beautiful tiles
• Choosing the right fixtures
• Matching colours and textures
• Marble vs. matte black fixtures
• Floating vanities
• Instagrammable LED mirrors

But they often skip a critical step: reimagining how the space actually functions. A good bathroom doesn’t just look pretty — it works with you.

Crucial elements like:

• Clearances
• Walking space
• Plumbing access
• Where the heck to put the rubbish!

How to Avoid the #1 Bathroom Remodelling Regret

Here’s how to make sure your future bathroom is functional, flowing, and frustration-free:

1. Think in Zones

Divide your bathroom into:

• Wet zone (shower/bath)
• Dry zone (vanity, toilet)
• Storage zone (closet, built-ins)

Make sure each has the space and access it needs.

2. Visualize Your Routine

Brush your teeth, shave, grab a towel, do your skincare routine. Are you constantly moving back and forth or spinning like a confused Sims character?

If yes — rethink the placement.

3. Don’t Skip the Expert

A bathroom designer or space planner can spot red flags before they’re built into your walls. Even one consultation can save you thousands in future “oops.”

4. Measure More Than Once

Measure clearances between:

• Toilet and walls
• Sink and opposing doors
• Shower entrance and nearby fixtures

Trust us — a few inches can make or break the space.

Bonus: Other Top Complaints to Watch For

Once you’ve nailed the layout, don’t overlook these common bathroom buzzkills:

• Bad ventilation = mouldy ceilings and fogged-up mirrors.
• Dim or mismatched lighting = can’t see your face (or your beard line).
• No storage = countertop clutter chaos.
• Low-quality finishes = premature wear and tear.

Final Thoughts

Your bathroom is where you start and end each day. It’s where you shake off a bad morning or soak in a good one. So don’t settle for just nice-looking. Make it work for you, feel intuitive, and function beautifully.

Because the only thing worse than a bad layout… is realising it after you’ve installed that £6,000 freestanding bath you never have time to use.

Want help mapping your dream bathroom layout? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get a layout that works as beautifully as it looks — no bathroom remodel regrets, no awkward door swings, no towel-hanging crises. Let’s chat — your knees (and sanity) will thank you!

• Book a FREE Design Consultation. https://www.paintersanddecorators.co/contact-us/
• Avoid the thousands of pounds “oops.”
• Love your bathroom every day.