A new survey of 2,000 UK adults by bathroom manufacturer, nuielux, reveals nearly half (47 per cent) of Brits are disgusted by the return of the avocado bathroom suite. The same number admit to hating the grandma-core design style, which sees deliberately “ugly”, chintzy styles take the spotlight.
Last year, the avocado suite made a comeback with homeowners, with striking green baths and sinks dominating the renovation scene. But its revival was short-lived, with many Brits now saying they’re not a fan of the 70s-inspired look.
Boomers are the biggest avocado-suite haters with over half (57 per cent) admitting the design makes them feel green – perhaps they’re put off by memories of the trend in its original incarnation, paired with outdated bathroom carpets. With that said, they’re the generation hardest to please and are resistant to modern trends too, with over a third (37 per cent) expressing a dislike for matte black fixtures and 28 per cent stating they are against freestanding baths.
Gen Z, on the other hand, are much more put off by the rise of “earthy bathrooms” with 54 per cent criticising the trend, and 46 per cent not taking well to wall hanging furniture. Instead, they see fitted storage as a marker of a premium bathroom experience, while 38 per cent point to countertop sinks and brushed brass finishes as the epitome of luxury.
Millennials are the easiest to please, with 14 per cent saying they don’t dislike any particular bathroom trend.
When it comes to the features and styles all generations can agree on, the rainfall shower is a true crowd pleaser – with over a third (37 per cent) agreeing it’s the true hallmark of bathroom luxury.
Most Brits’ bathroom design choices are motivated by practicality first, followed by appearance – ease of cleaning and maintenance was chosen by 65 per cent, the overall look by 34 per cent, and ease of use by 32 per cent.
The nation’s most hated bathroom design choices
- The return of the avocado suite – 47%
- ‘Ugly décor’ and grandma-core – 47%
- Bright colours – 26%
- Fully tiled walls – 23%
- Open shelving – 18%
“At nuielux, we love hearing Brits’ real opinions about bathrooms. While social media is full of people telling us what’s on-trend, that doesn’t necessarily reflect what real British homeowners want for their own bathroom space,” said Marcus Pearson, Head of Design at nuielux.
“Trends are a great place to look for inspiration, but we always advise choosing products that are timeless and future-proof.”