It's never a bad idea to go modern when designing a bathroom — whether it's a small half bath, guest bathroom or spacious primary suite. There's a big difference between a bathroom that's bland and one that is thoughtfully curated and full of personality. Not sure where to begin? Here, we're sharing the best modern bathroom ideas to help jumpstart the design process.
There are so many ways to introduce charm and style into your contemporary bathroom design — think eye-catching wall coverings, tile, hardware, lighting and beyond. That might mean hanging a funky mirror on the wall above the vanity, installing bathroom shelves for added storage or opting for trendy textures (ribbed designs are especially big at the moment). Prefer a setup that's a bit more simple in nature? You can't go wrong with classic black and white tones, neutral vanities and timeless white clawfoot tubs, either.
Keep in mind that you can execute a modern bathroom remodel without breaking the bank, so you'll find many budget-friendly ideas below. Sometimes all that's needed to majorly make over your space is swap out a builder-grade lighting or shower head for something a little more current. Keep reading for a ton of inspiring home ideas, many of which blend in popular design styles like mid-century, farmhouse, vintage and coastal.
1
Fixed Shower Doors
To make your bathing area appear more sleek and minimalistic, opt for a half shower door. It's an excellent design choice for small bathrooms as the space will feel more airy, too.
RELATED: 40 Stunning Walk-In Shower Ideas to Inspire Your Bathroom's Design
2
Irregular Wall Mirrors
Make like Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors and go for multiple mirrors in the bathroom for an open, contemporary feel. The ribbed detailing on the vanity adds a mod style and textural flair to the space.
3
Sky-High Marble
Take a cue from designer Robin Wilson and design a monochromatic bathroom by bringing your floor covering up to the walls. This marble design looks elegant, especially when paired with gold fixtures.
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4
Ceiling Mounted Mirrors
Don't let oversized windows in the bathroom cramp your style. Take note from A1000XBetter and position your vanity to enjoy the views of your yard, then install mirrors that hang from the ceiling so that you won't sacrifice function.
5
Glamourous Gold
This neutral bathroom is far from boring. Interior designer Jessica Risko Smith makes this space feel both peaceful and glam with plenty of gold accents, ranging from the side table beside the tub to the wall sconces hanging above the vanity.
6
Statement Lighting
Bye-bye, boob lights. Say hello to fixtures that are a bit more stylish instead, like this wavy number that hangs above the bathtub. Little details of this nature will go a long way in making your bathroom appear more sophisticated.
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7
Honeycomb Floor Tiles
Jessica Stull, owner of Parker Interiors, installed honeycomb-shaped floor tiles in this bathroom, which add a bit of visual interest without overwhelming the simple space.
RELATED: The Best Places to Buy Tile for Every Budget
8
Think Pink
Just because you're designing a modern bathroom doesn't mean you need to entirely steer clear of color. Here, a pink vanity really pops in this otherwise neutral bathroom and makes the space feel welcoming.
RELATED: 12 Top Paint Color Trends for 2023, According to Designers
9
An Element of Surprise
Rather than designing a classic black and white bathroom and calling it a day, design firm Pappas Miron worked an unexpected blue hue into the space in the form of a stylish mirror.
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10
Chevron Tile
Getting ready each morning is a real treat when you're greeted with a shower as lovely as this one. Designed by Melinda Kelson O'Connor Architecture & Interiors, this bathroom features stunning deep blue chevron tiles that are bound to put a little pep in your step.
11
Glass Chandelier
What could be more relaxing than unwinding from the day in a clawfoot tub while basking in the glow of a luxe chandelier? Nothing, if you ask us! Bring boutique hotel vibes to your own home with a setup like this one.
12
Gorgeous Brass Hardware
Designed by Nicole Hirsch Interiors, this bathroom features well-placed brass fixtures and hardware that give the setup a crisp and contemporary feel.
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13
Unique Marble Vanity
We often see wooden vanities with marble tops in the bathroom, but feel free to go all in with stone if you wish. Designer Sarah Barnard did just that in this small space, finishing off the look with a floral-inspired light fixture that is also an attention grabber.
14
Geometric Wallpaper
The bathroom is an excellent opportunity to go bold and task a risk when it comes to your wallpaper pattern. Here, a graphic black and white print instantly makes a statement in this space designed by Eclectic Home New Orleans.
RELATED: The Latest Wallpaper Trends Designers Are Loving
15
Whimsical Floor Tiles
Who says the bathroom has to be super serious? If you crave a dose of playfulness in your space, consider installing a floral tile pattern like this one, which is full of cheer and a dose of whimsy.
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16
Wood Slat Cabinetry
With a design that feels calm yet luxurious, this bright interior features fresh white walls, modern fixtures and large floor tiles. For a bit of contrast, there's a wood slat vanity that brings in a natural, earthy element.
RELATED: Bathroom Vanities That Are Next-Level Chic
17
Matte Black Details
Trendy yet timeless, matte black details make any interior feel more sleek. Here, the team at We Three Design goes for black light fixtures, wall tiles and a bathroom faucet to breathe life into this white room.
RELATED: Elegant Black Bathroom Ideas for a Timeless and Classic Look
18
Marble Shower Walls
Modern and minimal, this large shower designed by Collected Interiors features neutral marble tiles — plus, a built-in bench and open shelving in the same material.
RELATED: Stunning Marble Bathrooms That Radiate Polish and Style
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19
Moody Modern
Take a cue from Avery Cox Design and try a dark-hued color palette. This sleek bathroom is defined by its deep green wall tiles, black and white marble shower and black trim along the doorway.
RELATED: Green Bathroom Designs That Are Peaceful and Refreshing
20
Floating Vanity
Instead of extending all the way to the floor, this wood vanity is mounted to float on the wall — which gives this bathroom a chic feel and creates the illusion of more space.
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in modern bathroom design, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. Here are the key points:
Modern Bathroom Design:
- Modern bathroom design focuses on creating a sleek and minimalistic space with clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic.
- It involves incorporating elements such as eye-catching wall coverings, trendy tile designs, unique hardware, and stylish lighting.
- Classic black and white tones, neutral vanities, and timeless white clawfoot tubs are popular choices for a more simple and elegant modern bathroom design.
- Budget-friendly ideas can be implemented to achieve a modern bathroom remodel without breaking the bank, such as replacing builder-grade lighting or shower heads with more current options.
Specific Design Ideas:
- Fixed Shower Doors: Opting for a half shower door can make a small bathroom appear more sleek and minimalistic.
- Irregular Wall Mirrors: Using multiple mirrors in the bathroom can create an open and contemporary feel. Ribbed detailing on the vanity adds a mod style and textural flair.
- Sky-High Marble: Bringing the floor covering up to the walls with marble design can create an elegant and luxurious look, especially when paired with gold fixtures.
- Ceiling Mounted Mirrors: Installing mirrors that hang from the ceiling can maximize views from oversized windows without sacrificing function.
- Glamorous Gold: Adding gold accents, such as side tables and wall sconces, can bring both peace and glam to a neutral bathroom.
- Statement Lighting: Choosing stylish fixtures, like a wavy number hanging above the bathtub, can elevate the sophistication of the bathroom.
- Honeycomb Floor Tiles: Installing honeycomb-shaped floor tiles can add visual interest to a simple bathroom design .
- Think Pink: Incorporating color, such as a pink vanity, can make a modern bathroom feel welcoming.
- An Element of Surprise: Adding unexpected elements, like a stylish mirror in an unexpected blue hue, can make a classic black and white bathroom more interesting.
- Chevron Tile: Using deep blue chevron tiles in the shower can create a stunning and energizing space.
- Glass Chandelier: Installing a luxe chandelier above a clawfoot tub can create a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere [[11]].
- Gorgeous Brass Hardware: Well-placed brass fixtures and hardware can give a bathroom a crisp and contemporary feel [[12]].
- Unique Marble Vanity: Going all-in with stone, such as a unique marble vanity, can create a striking focal point in a small space [[13]].
- Geometric Wallpaper: Bold wallpaper patterns, like a graphic black and white print, can make a statement in a modern bathroom [[14]].
- Whimsical Floor Tiles: Installing floral tile patterns can add playfulness and cheer to a bathroom design [[15]].
- Wood Slat Cabinetry: Incorporating wood slat cabinetry can bring a calm and luxurious feel to a modern bathroom [[16]].
- Matte Black Details: Using matte black details, such as light fixtures, wall tiles, and faucets, can add sleekness to an interior [[17]].
- Marble Shower Walls: Neutral marble tiles for shower walls, along with built-in benches and open shelving, can create a modern and minimalistic look [[18]].
- Moody Modern: Embracing a dark-hued color palette, such as deep green wall tiles and black trim, can create a sleek and contemporary bathroom design [[19]].
- Floating Vanity: Mounting a wood vanity to float on the wall can create a chic feel and give the illusion of more space [[20]].
These ideas can help you create a modern and stylish bathroom that reflects your personal taste and preferences.
