In Portland, where your neighbor’s backyard chicken coop might just have better design than your living room, the bathroom is no exception to our city’s quirky-meets-classic vibe. When it comes to remodeling, the eternal debate is this: do you go trendy and bold, or keep things timeless and lasting? Spoiler alert—there’s room for both, as long as you know where to draw the line (preferably not with neon grout).

Here are a few ways Portland homeowners can navigate the balance between trend-driven style and timeless bathroom design:

1. Go Neutral with a Pop (Like a Food Cart Pod)

Think of your bathroom as a base menu item and your trendy accents as the seasonal special. Neutral tiles, simple vanities, and classic finishes create a backdrop that won’t look outdated in five years. Then, sprinkle in trendy pieces—like funky mirrors or colorful accessories—that can be swapped out as styles change. Just like trying that new vegan sushi cart downtown, you can experiment without committing forever.

2. Invest in Quality Fixtures (Because They Outlast Fads)

Trends come and go faster than Portland rain showers, but durable plumbing fixtures and solid countertops stand the test of time. Brushed nickel, matte black, or even brass fixtures add a touch of personality while still keeping a classic edge. Think of them like Powell’s Books—always stylish, never out of date.

3. Play with Lighting (Ambiance is Everything)

If you’ve ever walked into a dimly lit coffee shop on Hawthorne, you know lighting sets the tone. In bathrooms, layered lighting—task, ambient, and accent—ensures functionality while offering a design upgrade. A statement pendant or quirky sconce nods to current trends, but the foundational lighting remains reliable and timeless.

4. Mind the Materials (Eco-Friendly is Always in Style)

Here in Portland, sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle. Choosing recycled tiles, reclaimed wood accents, or water-saving fixtures ensures your design has a timeless eco-conscious backbone. Plus, it’s a design choice that feels right at home in a city where even your coffee comes with a side of compostable packaging.

5. Personalize with Portland Personality

Your bathroom doesn’t need to look like a cookie-cutter showroom. Infuse it with touches that reflect your style—whether that’s a nod to the Columbia River Gorge with natural stone or a mural that screams “Keep Portland Weird.” Trends are fun, but individuality is what makes your space truly timeless.

At the end of the day, striking a balance between trendy and timeless is about creating a bathroom that works for you. You want a space that feels current but won’t send you scrambling for another remodel the moment avocado green tiles cycle back into fashion.

If you’re ready to find that perfect middle ground for your Portland home, the pros at Lazy Susan Design & Remodeling can help guide your vision. Call 971 983 7207 to apply and bring your bathroom design dreams—trendy, timeless, or a little bit of both—into reality.