There’s one thing that all homes are going to have in common and that is the dreaded bathroom. Yes, the place you need to go to clean, relax and do your business. While this isn’t the most glorified place in the home, there are some things that you may want to do that you just shouldn’t.

If you don’t know what the heck I’m talking about, here are eight things that you should never do with your bathroom –

Watch the Entry Way

A bathroom is a small room as it is and if you have items plastered all over the place; you don’t want to risk something being knocked over when you open the door. So if you want to place a portable toilet paper holder or a cutesy magazine rack near the door, make sure that the door can open all the way before doing so.

Exposed Cables

Since a bathroom deals with water, you don’t really want to have anything exposed, such as cables. Whether it’s a trickling fountain or an electric toothbrush, always make sure that these items are stored away properly. Also, always make sure that your outlets are covered as well to prevent water or moisture from getting in.

Outdated and expired fixtures and products

The last thing that I want to see on your bathroom counter is a liquid soap bottle from 1988. If you’re that cheap, maybe it’s best that you hide the soap in a decorative container. While there’s nothing wrong with getting these decorative pieces at the dollar store, just make sure that you cater to the guest. This means new soap, toiletries if they are staying the night and good toilet paper.

Where are the rugs?

Chances are your floors are made of something besides carpet. If you are using carpet, shame on you! See #5 then. Since these floors can get awfully warm, it’s best to lay down a rug in front of the sink and at the toilet. The last thing that someone wants to do is wake up in the morning, head to the bathroom and feel like they are walking on a block of ice.

Using carpet

I don’t know why people do this but having carpet in your bathroom is absolutely disgusting. I only know one person that has carpet in their bathroom and the smell is atrocious. Just think of every time that a guy uses the bathroom and has a little backsplash. Well, that is going to go somewhere and that’s the carpet. Unless you’re going to steam clean your carpet every day (which I’m sure you won’t,) it’s so important that you just stick to tile or linoleum. Trust me, upgrading your carpet or flooring isn’t expensive.

Too many colors

A bathroom isn’t designed to become the centerpiece of a home. Most people just want to do their business and go on with their merry way. So as tempting as it may be, just stick with the neutral colors. You don’t have to throw in thirty colors, a few pictures and a big pot of potpourri. This isn’t necessary!

Improper lighting

Depending on the size of your bathroom, always make sure that your bathroom is well lit. At night, be sure to include a night light because you know yourself or a guest may have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. While you don’t want to have too much light, you don’t want too little either. Try to find the right mix that lights up the room just the way you want it too.

Knick knack overload

Going on the design angle again, it’s best that you avoid those tacky knick knacks that your grandma could have had. While it’s tempting to keep your bathroom looking good, again, it’s best to keep it simple. Trust me, people will thank you for it!