When scrolling through social media, one is often met with an abundance of luxurious bathroom designs that can be overwhelming for inspiration. To simplify the search for modern bathroom ideas, we’ve curated a collection from top designers to spark creativity in your next renovation project.
01. Turn Stone Into a Sink
06of 26 – Mix the Finishes by Molly Rose
Want a moodier vibe for your washroom? Designers Mollie Ranize and Kim Serani of Dmar Interiors transformed a washroom with a coat of emerald green paint (Roycroft Bottle Green by Sherwin Williams). They wove in brass hardware with the black finish of other materials to prevent the room from feeling too heavy. 07of 26 – Install Tiny Tiles by Molly Rose The main reason this bathroom looks so cool is the teeny-tiny tile! Designers Mollie Ranize and Kim Serani of Dmar Interiors chose 1/2-inch penny round tiles in a blue blend. Ranize says it’s more modern and fun than a standard penny round tile. They opted for an Arabescato marble vanity to prevent the room from looking too busy. 08of 26 – Choose Extra-Long Handles by Bethany Nauert One trick to make your cabinetry look like a million bucks is installing oversized handles. In this bathroom designed by Mollie Ranize and Kim Serani of Dmar Interiors, the brass hardware on the custom walnut vanity imparts a touch of glimmer. The vertically stacked tiles from Heath Ceramics reinforce the modern vibes, and the beige color paired with creamy honed limestone and wood tones add softness. 09of 26 – Hang Halo Mirrors by Jason Varney Designer Ghislaine Viñas nails the retro-meets-modern aesthetic in the Andra Hem Suites hotel bathroom. The pill-shaped mirrors are backlit and match the yellow grout. Modern elements include the custom vanity cabinet and simple black hardware. The tiles tell a story through bees and initials for a more custom feel. 10of 26 – Go With All-Black Finishes by Rory Gardiner Pink is a bold color choice for most people. Australian design firm Studio Bright combined pink with black hardware for a sleek and sophisticated bathroom. A smaller scale tile gives the space a contemporary feel. 11of 26 – Extend the Countertop Material by Daniel Peter A brilliant idea is extending the countertop material to create a semi-backsplash in the bathroom, as Sarah Sherman Samuel did with dedalus marble.This chic feature is further enhanced by the reeded white oak vanity. Use a Full Stone Slab for the Walls: In this bathroom designed by Sarah Sherman Samuel, she chose to apply an Arabescato Corchia (marble) behind the vanity. It’s an alternative to tile and doesn’t require grout cleaning. The highly-veined marble has a traditional feel, while the custom concrete vanity provides a contrast. Build In a Shower Seat: A different angle of the above bathroom shows the shower stall encased in WOW tiles. Sarah Sherman Samuel installed a seat topped with the same Arabescato Corchia stone, which ties the room together. The seat is a nice addition for relaxation and extra storage. Create an Accent Wall: Designer Anne-Marie Barton of AMB Design created a focal point in this bathroom. The smooth, sharp lines of the floating sink offer a pleasant contrast against the textured backsplash tiles. Drench Your Space in Color: One of the latest trends is color-drenching. Australia-based designer Caitlin Parker-Brown had a client who embraced this trend. The variety of textures warm up the bathroom. Leave the Pipes Exposed: This bathroom was designed by Larina Kase. The exposed sink is industrial yet classy and saves on cost. Install Cool Lights on the Mirror: Designer Gretchen Murdock of MODTAGE Design had holes pre-drilled into the vanity mirror for lighting to create a floating effect.
The vanity is a stained oak that pairs well with avocado green Fireclay tiles. According to Murdock, the cabinetmaker used a process with mushrooms to get the stain!18 of 26 Hang Pretty Shower Shelves by Christopher Stark, christopherstark.com. Instead of plastic storage and hooks for your bathroom, consider installing wood shelves for an elevated vibe. Gretchen Murdock of MODTAGE Design hung teak shelving that complements the green ceramic Fireclay tile. Teak is naturally water-resistant!19 of 26 Enclose the Tub by Gina Rachelle Design. Gina Gutierrez created a modern oasis for clients who wanted a soaking tub without breaking the budget. The tub is installed inside a shower stall. She says this was a creative solution to give a true soaking tub without much engineering. It’s similar to an alcove tub/shower set-up but gives the true feel of a soaking tub. Plus, it contains spillage!Bath Versus Shower: A Microbiologist Confirms Which Is Better.20 of 26 Highlight Multiple Tiles by Gina Rachelle Design. This bathroom also features a trio of Fireclay tiles in different styles. It looks clean and modern thanks to the light-colored cabinetry (an Italian laminate). Gina explains that tile is one of her favorite materials and she likes to play with it if the client is open. The different patterns are the standout and the colors are kept fairly neutral and monochromatic. She also details why she chose specific tiles for certain zones. The hand-painted accent tile is the statement and focal point, while the smaller size and matte finish of the floor tile allows for grip.21 of 26 Get a Copper Bathtub by BATH: COPPER BATH COMPANY. If you have the space, a copper bathtub is sleek and timeless and perfect for any modern bathroom. This bathtub was made by the Copper Bath Company, which also offers patinated copper tubs that add a beautiful, rustic touch. Plus, copper bathtubs have natural benefits like being anti-bacterial, anti-corrosion, and environmentally friendly.122 of 26 Don’t Forget a Towel Warmer by Gina Rachelle Design. To enhance the cozy vibes of a bathroom and make it feel more like a spa, include a towel warmer. A client of Gina Gutierrez added it as a finishing touch to this smartly designed space. The silver finish of the rack complements the cool undertones of the vertical, blue Fireclay tiles.23 of 26 Install Wall-Mounted Faucets by Alanna Hale. Wall-mounted faucets are a big trend in the bath space.
Rejuvenation faucets in brass add a touch of tradition to Emily Henderson’s primary bathroom, yet the streamlined white oak vanity keeps the look modern. This combination frees up precious countertop space!
Photo by Jon Friedrich, designed by Larina Kase, presents a bathroom that is full of light and flowing design elements, perfect for a relaxing soak. The unconventional bathtub is the real star, adding drama without detracting from the space’s minimalist design. Cement may not be the first material that comes to mind for luxury, but when used on walls and counters in a modern bathroom, it can be chic and extravagant. Its slightly textured look complements the smooth surfaces and, especially when paired with wood accents, creates an earthy yet elevated setting. Plus, it’s more affordable than marble or stone. This beautiful marble sink is not just functional; it’s eye-catching and special. The shape contrasts with the straight lines of the counter and accentuates the round mirror. The different material makes the basin stand out even more. Painting the right colors can make a small bathroom feel more spacious. Real Simple is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Salah I, Parkin IP, Allan E. Copper as an antimicrobial agent: recent advances. RSC Adv. 11(30):18179-18186. doi:10.1039/d1ra02149d
