9 modern bathroom ideas for a spa-like oasis experience
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Below, interior designers reveal their top tips for transforming your bathroom into a stylish, contemporary sanctuary. Shower inspiration, low-effort updates, and a trending design boom—we’ve got it all. Check out the modern bathroom designs below, and start dreaming about the scent of your favorite candle, a bundle of cheerful newspaper, and a non-stop zen evening near you.
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1. Forget about bathrooms, try a “wet room”
A curb-free entry from the shower into the bath adds to the serene quality of this bathroom.
Ah, how modern bathroom designs put you into a more rational state of mind when creating a shower and bathtub of some sort. says Gina Caulkins, founder and lead designer at California Daydreams located in Marin County, California. Caulkins calls the concept a “refreshing and luxurious bathtub blend” that creates a spa-like atmosphere. “It’s also best to create a barrier-free entrance to the wet room, for a seamless visual flow,” says the designer.
2. Get creative with wallpapers
Don’t shy away from bold print. Wallpaper is back in vogue, Janet LoRusso, principal of JRL Interiors in Acton, Massachusetts, shares, “and bathrooms are one place where they can make a big impact.” As the designer notes, “After a decade of gray and white being ubiquitous, color and personality are the biggest trend in bathroom design right now.” Wallpaper is the easiest way to embrace the trend, and less permanent than colorful plumbing fixtures or tile.” suggests Lorusso Also add colorful cabinetry or tile, statement hardware, and even a painted ceiling for a unique and dramatic statement.
Also read: See inside the most beautiful public baths in the world
3. Embrace physical monogamy
Anastasia Harrison, owner and creative director of architectural and interior design firm AHD & Co., located in Westfield, New Jersey, comments that the trend of using a single material throughout an entire bathroom is worth considering. Recently, Harrison’s team used white marble to “create a cohesive design that really highlights the natural beauty of the stone.” By incorporating different patterns and textures, Harrison says, they were able to create a look that was elegant and sophisticated. “One of the standout features of this design is the oversized shower, which includes a walk-in shower that provides ample space for a comfortable, luxurious shower,” she adds.
4. Or mixing several materials
If you can’t decide on one material, it’s okay if you choose a few. This bathroom showcases a variety of natural textures, colors, and materials.
If you don’t like the mono-material look, consider this: “In a modern bathroom, don’t be afraid to combine sleek materials, earthy textures, and natural products to create a beautiful spa aesthetic,” says Melissa Fingestein, interior designer at New Age Interiors at Syosset. , New York. Here, says Fenigstein, the textured ceramic wall tiles in this bathroom staple add depth yet give the appearance of wall covering without sacrificing durability. “When designing the sinks, again, durability was a priority, so we thought quartz would, but not wanting to sacrifice the naturalness of natural stone, we decided to use both—putting natural stone in the middle between the sinks and using quartz in a waterfall piling around the sinks,” noting the homeowners. They love the end result and how the natural wood gives the space an organic and earthy feel with the gold hardware providing a splash of muted glamor.
5. Add contemporary lighting
An elegant pair of pendants adds a touch of glam to this white bathroom. Hot pink accents in the faucet and mirrors only add to the dazzling design.
Even if you don’t have the time or budget for a complete bathroom overhaul, updated lighting punches above its weight when it comes to modern bathroom designs without investing a lot of money or manpower. “Contemporary fixtures and materials can be used to design a modern bathroom,” says Oshri Adri, co-founder of Adri + Dahlman Interiors, based in Great Neck, New York. “When adding decorative lighting, consider using pendant lighting over traditional sconces,” she continues, adding that in this bathroom, their company surrounded the custom vanity with modern pendant lights to make the space “airy and fresh.”
Also read: Bathroom Vastu: 8 Ways To Create An Uplifting Ambiance In And Around The Bathroom
6. Have fun with sitting
Whether it’s a chaise longue for a piece of art or a great seating area for reading your favorite magazine while you dry off a soak in the bathtub, there’s no reason to be ashamed of bathroom chairs. “We love incorporating seating into bathroom design,” says Alison Wilkinson, director of the Wilk Design Workshop in Seattle, Washington, who is an advocate of everything from a small bench to a fuller built-in bench under the window. which can also be a “perfect place to chat with a partner at the end of the day”. Plus, “since it’s such a small element in the space, think of something out of the box,” says Wilkinson, who likes to use sculptural seating that draws visual attention (like this U-shaped stool) or adds a new color or texture that contrasts. items in the room.
7. Install a floating vanity
Floating is the new black. “Installing a floating vanity in the bathroom will instantly make the space feel more modern as a traditional vanity would usually be flush with the floor,” says Adri. “In this bathroom, we designed a custom floating vanity that features flat panels,” she explains, noting that the simple drawer door design makes this floating vanity more contemporary.
Also read: How to declutter your home room by room, according to professional organizers
8. Splurge for dual shower heads
Life is short. Don’t waste time waiting for your partner to get out of the shower. For the same project above, Wilkinson and her team installed two shower heads in a large walk-in shower. “Professional families are busy and can’t always wait for a designated morning shower time,” says Wilkinson. “The convenience of a double shower was something this family knew they would enjoy regularly,” she explains, noting that if you’re not going to install a full hydrotherapy shower combo, look for a thermostatic shower head and handheld unit “for added convenience and flexibility.”
9. Dry niche design
Nothing says spa more than a designated bathroom. Not only do the design details make storage more stylish, but it also serves as a great way to display favorite products.
Also done in the same bathroom as the tip above, Cole says a “dry spot” or recessed shelf should be installed (we especially love this idea if you’re looking for modern bathroom designs for small spaces). That way, you can “make space for display-worthy skincare, plants, and design items without cluttering your vanity,” she says. Cole is also a fan of the waterfall edge of bathroom vanities, since it “not only makes practical sense (especially when the design requires the vanity to be next to the bathtub), but it heightens a sense of luxury for those looking to create a spa-like experience at home.” Anything that gets us closer to feeling like we’re in a zinc-infused bubble bath these days, we’ll take it.
