Clean, simple, and chic—try out a modern style in your bathroom
Modern design is rooted in minimalism, clean lines, and open and unadorned spaces to create a look that’s simple and sleek. Keep in mind that this style isn’t a one-size-fits-all model, and you can achieve the look by putting your own spin on your modern bathroom design. Check out some different modern bathroom ideas to give your space a chic overhaul.
Learn about how bathtubs, showers, and vanities can be used to take on the modern style in your bathroom.
Stately yet simple, this large walk-in shower captures the modern aesthetic perfectly. The full glass-paneled doors provide a seamless transition throughout the room, and the handheld shower head extends the length of the shower. Consider converting your tub into a walk-in shower if you already have a full bath in another bathroom.
If the space allows, a double vanity looks elegant and adds more functionality to the room, especially if it’s shared with another person. A double vanity provides more countertop and storage space while providing your own designated spot in the bathroom. A double vanity can also work in a shared sibling bathroom, giving children their own separate area to get ready.
Jump on the standalone bathtub trend to give an element of “chic yet cozy” to the room. Many prefer this option when remodeling their bathroom because compared to traditional bathtubs, freestanding tubs can be placed anywhere in the room. While a soaking tub can fit any interior design style, it works particularly well for modernism, as the clean uninterrupted lines of the tub become a focal point in the room.
Make the bathroom feel airier by opting for a floating vanity instead of a traditional unit. Suspending the vanity from the wall opens up the floor space underneath to make the room feel bigger and opens up the room to add storage bins or folded towels.
A seated shower is part utility and part style. It’s not just ideal for people with mobility issues; it can also give a spa-like feel to an otherwise standard walk-in shower—especially if the seat is built in. Add features like a steam shower for extra luxury.
Check out some different decorating ideas and accents to add to the bathroom to enhance the modern design of the space.
Perfect your morning routine with an illuminated mirror that’s sure to inspire the rest of your day. A hidden LED light strip built directly into the mirror’s frame brings a luxurious feel to the space, and can tie together the modern styling of the bathroom. For a less subtle bathroom mirror idea, add a mirror with an illuminated border.
Bring modernity to your bathroom by opting for matching brushed aluminum hardware. From the door handle to the faucets to the shower rod, the sleek matching hardware ties the room together to promote cohesion within the space.
An easy way to update the look of your bathroom is to swap out existing hardware with black drawer pulls and handles to the cabinets. Modern and sophisticated, matte black handles give the space a trendy refresh.
Add a visual point of interest by hanging a drop pendant light fixture in the bathroom. Suspend it over the vanity to add more visibility to the area, while using up empty vertical space.
Modern bathrooms have sleek lines, which allows texture to take center stage. For this reason, adding a metallic backsplash can make a big impact. It’s also a relatively straightforward project that can keep bathroom remodel costs low. Mix metals to ground neutral accent colors across your space.
Wood doesn’t have to feel rustic. If you choose a sleek finish, your modern bathroom could evoke the luxury of a Finnish spa. Wood flooring does require waterproof finishing. If you prefer tile floors, add wood in a vanity, accent wall, bathroom wainscotting at the right height, or accessories like a bath tray.
Glass blocks were once a defining feature of 1980s style, but we don’t have to leave this look among the too-large shoulder pads and teased out hair. Glass blocks are actually ideal in a bathroom because they let in natural light without sacrificing your privacy. To keep it looking modern, avoid gray and opt for a warm-toned palette or other earth tones. Call a local bathroom design pro if you would like recommendations or help putting your vision together.
If you’re budgeting for a bathroom remodel or adding a new bathroom, here are a few bigger-picture concepts and aesthetics to consider.
Take a minimalist approach when designing your bathroom and let the natural beauty of the architecture be the focal point. Stock only the necessities to minimize clutter and opt for simple fixtures and colors to stay true to the look. This concept can work in a small bathroom remodel or a large bathroom and open up the space for a bright and airy feel.
Give the room an overhaul by tiling the walls and floors. The ceramic tile in this space covers every surface for a seamless transition between all the areas in the room. The continuation of the white tiles makes the area feel larger than it actually is for a contemporary bathroom feel.
Create a focal point in the space by opting for a mosaic tile backsplash above the bathtub. The different shades of the honeycomb-shaped tiles bring out the natural tones in the marble tiles to promote cohesion in the room. What’s more, the mosaic tile design serves as artwork in the room that’s easy to clean and maintain.
In this bathroom, the black marble provides high contrast against the white marble to create a dramatic effect that’s easy on the eyes. Large-slab size tiles create uninterrupted lines within the space to perfectly capture the modern aesthetic in this bathroom.
Mid-century modern design is characterized by minimal decor, natural elements, and functionality. This aesthetic pairs well with a variety of other interior design styles, too. Try out this look in your bathroom by opting for a teak wood bathroom vanity, geometric-patterned tiling, natural materials, and linear-shaped decor for a tranquil and trendy atmosphere.
Make the bathroom an oasis that you’ll look forward to coming back to after a long day. This space uses high-end finishes and elements, such as herringbone-patterned marble tiling, gold hardware, and a built-in vanity to provide a custom and personalized look.
Combine different elements within the space to add various focal points to the room. A matte black faucet and brass drawer pulls give the room a customized look to take the space from ordinary to personalized. Place easy-to-maintain succulents on shelves and ledges to bring greenery into the room.
Add an accent wall behind the vanity to create symmetry and balance within the room. You can use wood, peel-and-stick wallpaper, or shiplap to adorn the walls and make the area stand out. Hang an oversized mirror in the middle to brighten up the space and let the natural light reflect off of the surface to open up the space even more.
Bring the spa to you by equipping the bathroom with accessories that can put you in the ultimate relaxation mood. This bath caddy is sleek and provides enough surface area to house all of your bath time essentials, such as lotions, candles, and washcloths.
Even though the bathroom tends to be overlooked when designing and decorating the home, there are different ways to add personalization to the room to give it a personalized update. For example, gold accents and geometric-patterned tiles give this room a unique look with a glamorous feel.
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Ramp up the functionality of a shared bathroom by sectioning off the toilet in a modern water closet. This solution works well when paired with a double vanity, offering the space for double the toiletries and toothbrushes and additional privacy.
Let in some natural light by installing large windows in your bathroom. This makes a sleek, modern bathroom feel spacious and even lighter. To maintain your privacy, make sure the windows are out of the line of sight of your shower or toilet. If that’s not possible, go for privacy glass.
If your bathroom has a lot of extra walls, consider adding cut-out windows. This can open up your space, especially if you have a small shower or walls block your natural light.
Light colors are a go-to for modern bathrooms (think: white, gray, or cream). It’s part of the signature minimalism—but it’s not a necessity. Dark colors can actually help accentuate your bathroom’s sleek lines. Dark flooring will ground your room and provide the kind of contrast that makes whites look whiter.
Modern bathrooms don’t have to be minimalist. Though they tend to have muted color palettes, that doesn’t mean they need muted textures. Play with lines by mixing geometric shapes. For example, pair vertical subway tile walls with herringbone cutouts and honeycomb floor tile. When thinking about bathroom remodel ideas, think about the way different shapes make the eye move around the room.
Here are some different color concepts to consider when designing your modern bathroom.
Use contrast to your advantage by opting for a black-and-white color scheme. The sleek black vanity, mirror, and hardware stand out against the bright white paint to bring drama to the room, while still making the area feel spacious. Notice how the black grout against the white subway tiles in the shower elevates the look of plain white tiling.
A modern aesthetic doesn’t always have to feature cool colors. Make the space feel more comfortable by choosing a color palette that features warm tones like cream, beige, and hazelnut. The orange paint color of this bathroom is bold but is balanced with wood accents and modern bathroom vanity and tub to make the space feel modern, even with a homey color scheme.
Gray is a good color choice for those who are looking for an alternative to white, but prefer a neutral tone that creates clean lines within the space. Different shades of gray blend together to create a monochromatic effect that results in a peaceful and calming atmosphere.
Green is an underrated color for modern bathrooms—especially if you’re a fan of mid-century modern home design. This versatile color symbolizes harmony and tranquility, which is exactly the right vibe for a calming soak in the tub. On the flipside, green can add an unexpected and exciting pop of color to an otherwise traditional, modern bathroom.
Kaitlyn Pacheco contributed to this piece.
