Avocado bathrooms are coming back?! how to give a style that once devalued your home a timeless twist
The seventies are calling
Avocado bathrooms are set to make a comeback amongst millennial homeowners, but how exactly can we make this outdated style timeless instead of tacky?
If you are anything like me, then you’ve probably always got your eye on the latest bathroom colour combinations. But I was taken aback when I saw 27% of millennials (25-34 year olds) picked avocado green as the colour they would most like to use as a bathroom upgrade, according to the new Wickes Great Bathroom Report.
Green bathroom ideas are growing in popularity, but when I think of an avocado bathroom it's outdated and old. Avocado makes me think of something my nan would have in her bathroom - nothing wrong with that of course, but it’s not exactly stylish.
In fact a 2017 study by Bathrooms.com revealed that having an avocado bathroom could devalue your home by £5,000. But now, green as a colour trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere - in fact there has been a 350% increase in searches of ‘Dark green bathroom’ according to Pinterests autumn report.
it may seem far to outdated to bring back, but is it possible to modernise avocado?
Why the surge in popularity?
‘The avocado bathroom trend has regained popularity, over 50 years since it took the interior world by storm. The pale yellow-toned green bathroom suites are now seen as a bold, retro feature in homes rather than an outdated style,’ Alex Woods, Bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing.
Thankfully, the return of avocado hues doesn’t also include lurid coloured toilets - although coloured baths are making a comeback and I would be excited to see how avocado could apply.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
‘Just like everything else, the trend cycle comes back around so that once "out-dated" styles come back into popularity. However with the Avocado bathroom trend in particular, I believe it's likely due to the nostalgia, the current trend of bringing back "retro" style, and also the current trend of bringing back colour into our bathrooms,’ says Lee Trethewey, interiors expert at Sustainable Furniture.
But I have to say, avocado could be on the way to becoming an Instagrammable trend - especially now the younger generation has their hands on it.
But how exactly can we give this trend a timeless twist?
How to modernise the trend
The key is to avoid the avocado bathroom suites, and stick to using the colour in other parts of your kitchen (unless you're really brave).
‘The avocado green trend is returning in a way we haven’t seen before, instead of pairing with pink tiles, and in some cases even carpet, the modern take on the trend sees a combination of the green with neutral and earthy tones,’ says Alex.
‘Combining pale green tiles with a white bathroom suite can give a subtle yet statement look to the room while pairing a green sink or bath with a more neutral cream or terracotta tile can give a modern look to the trend.’
‘Avocado is a lovely shade to work with. It isn't overpowering, it pairs well with popular neutrals, it's generally non gender-associated, and it is a mild, calming way to add colour to your bathroom without it feeling unprofessional and overwhelming. It also gives this feeling of bringing the outside in, with it's light shade of green mirroring shades found outside,’ adds Lee.
Like with all paint trends, we can't tell you how long avacado is going to stick around for. But pairing the colour with crisp neutrals creates a modern twist that is far more timeless.
Are your prepared to say hello to the '70s and welcome avacado to your bathroom?
Get the avocado look
If you're not sure about going bold with avocado paint, small accesseories is a nice way to dip your toe in. This bathmat is subtle but stylish adding a small splash of avocado.
Going for green glass is far less intimidating than bold avacado ceramic. This glass bathroom accessories have a fun, retro vibe without being overwhelming.
Kezia Reynolds joined the Ideal Home team as News Writer in September 2024. After graduating from City, University of London in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Kezia kicked off her career spending two years working on women’s weekly magazines. She is always on the lookout for the latest home news, finding you the best deals and trends - so you don’t miss a thing!
-
Philips' new air fryer uses steam to revolutionise cooking and cleaning – here's what happened when I tried it at home
This dual-basket steam air fryer does the job, but doesn’t knock it out of the park
By Ellen Manning
-
Plywood kitchens are the secret to a Scandi-inspired cooking space
5 ways to embrace the simple kitchen trend in 2025
By Holly Cockburn
-
Green kitchenware will be the ‘it’ trend for dining tables in 2025 - here’s how you can get the look
It can even make your next culinary feast look more enticing
By Kezia Reynolds
-
How to prevent condensation from forming on your toilet cistern - 5 ways to get rid of your sweaty toilet
It's not just unsightly - condensation on your cistern can cause big problems in your bathroom
By Kezia Reynolds
-
8 simple steps to get your bathroom guest ready and spa-like fast ahead of hosting season
Our guide to how to get your bathroom ready for guests will have your friends and family clamouring for invites
By Natasha Brinsmead
-
A garage playroom was completely transformed into vibrant yet calming ensuite bathroom
See how this couple create a dreamy retreat in their home
By Dilly Orme
-
Why Christmas bath towels are this year’s surprise festive hit – and where to find the best options
Deck the halls (or your towel rail!) with the season's latest festive trend
By Kezia Reynolds
-
4 ways to achieve the most flattering light in a bathroom - whether you're getting ready in the morning to winding down for bedtime
Harsh overhead lighting, be gone...
By Hayley Simmons
-
5 bathroom LED lighting ideas for a well-lit, energy-saving space that is anything but clinical
LED lighting is the magic answer for a bright bathroom space - here's how to use it
By Holly Cockburn
-
The 3 bathroom lighting rules you must follow for a safe home – according to an electrician
Make sure your electrics are up tp scratch
By Holly Cockburn
-
The Japandi bathroom trend is the key to creating a spa-like feel at home – 5 ways to bring it into your space
Embrace the simple and calming design trend
By Kezia Reynolds