9 Modern Bathroom Ideas for a Spa-Like Oasis (2024)

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A blissful bath awaits with these modern bathroom ideas

By Perri Ormont Blumberg

9 Modern Bathroom Ideas for a Spa-Like Oasis (3)

Photo: Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Images

Amidst peeling wallpaper, fluorescent blue tub rings, and floor tiles long past salvation, you may be looking to renovate your bathroom. Not all modern bathroom ideas are created equal—just google “modern bathroom ideas” and you’ll find some 645 million results and see what we mean. Indeed, when it comes to updating your primary bath or any other bathroom in your house, a wise update pays from both a resale perspective (if you look to sell your home one day) and relaxation perspective (your bathroom is supposed to be a serene environment for unwinding, after all).

Below, interior designers reveal their top tips fortransforming your bathroom into an elegant, modern escape.Shower inspiration, low-effort updates, and trending design flourishes—we’ve got them all. Check out modern bathroom designs below, and start dreaming of your favorite candle scent, a blissful stack of newspapers, and an uninterrupted evening of zen near you.

1. Forget bathrooms, try a “wet room”

The curb-less entry from shower to bathroom only heightens the serene quality of this bathroom.

Photo: Jessica Brydson

Ah, how modern bathroom designs teleport you to a saner state of mind when you create a shower and tub alcove of sorts. “If you’re incorporating a shower and bathtub and space is a concern, consider a wet room—where a freestanding tub and shower are paired together in a single space,” says Gina Caulkins, founder and principal designer atCalifornia Daydreams located in Marin County, California. Caulkins calls this concept a “fresh, lux take on a shower-tub combo” that establishes a spa-like ambience. “Even better if you can create a curb-less entry to the wet room, for seamless visual flow,” the designer says.

2. Get creative with wallpaper

Whatever the print or pattern, a fun wallpaper can up the interest in bathroom visuals.

Photo: Janet Lorusso

Don’t shy away from a bold print.Janet Lorusso, principal ofJRL Interiors in Acton, Massachusetts, shares that wallpaper is back in vogue “and bathrooms are one of the places where it can make a huge impact.” As the designer notes, “After a decade of ubiquitous gray and white, color and personality are the biggest trend in bathroom design right now. “Wallpaper is the easiest way to embrace this trend, and less permanent than colorful plumbing fixtures or tile.” Lorusso also suggests adding colorful cabinetry or tile, statement hardware, and even a painted ceiling for a unique and dramatic statement.

3. Embrace mono-materialism

With a variety of stone types out there, embracing the natural beauty of the material is a surefire way to add elegance to a modern bathroom design.

Photo: Mike Van Tassell

Anastasia Harrison, owner and creative director ofAHD&Coarchitectural and interior design firm, located in Westfield, New Jersey, comments thatthe trend of using one material throughout the entire bathroom is worth considering. Recently, Harrison’s team used white marble “to create a cohesive design that truly highlights the natural beauty of the stone.” Harrison says that by incorporating various patterns and textures, they were able to create a stylish and sophisticated look. “One standout feature of this design is the oversized shower, which boasts a walk-in area that provides ample space for comfortable and luxurious showering,” she adds.

4. Or mix several materials

If you can’t decide on one material, it’s no problem if you choose a few. This bathroom showcases a variety of textures, colors, and natural materials.

Photo: Ric Marder Imagery

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If you don’t love the uni-material look, consider this:“In a modern bathroom, don’t be afraid to combine sleek materials with earthy textures and natural products to create a beautiful spa aesthetic,” saysMelissa Fenigstein, an interior designer atNew Age Interiors in Syosset, New York. Here, says Fenigstein, the textured porcelain wall tiles in this primary bathroom add depth but give the appearance of a wall covering without sacrificing durability. “When designing the sinks, again, durability was a priority, so we thought quartz, but not wanting to sacrifice the character of natural stone, we decided to use both—placing natural stone in the middle between the sinks and using the quartz for the waterfall build-up around the sinks,” she continues, noting that the homeowners love the end result and how the natural wood gives the space an organic, earthy feel with the gold hardware providing a splash of subdued glam.

5. Add contemporary lighting

A sleek pair of pendants add a touch of glamour to this white bathroom. The hot pink accents in the faucet and mirror only add to the dazzling design.

Photo: Tim Hill

Even if you don’t have the time or budget to do a total bathroom overhaul, updated lighting punches above its weight when it comes to modern bathroom designs without investing a lot of money or manpower. “Utilizing contemporary fixtures and materials can be used to design a modern bathroom,” saysOshri Adri, cofounder ofAdri + Dahlman Interiors, based out of Great Neck, New York. “When adding decorative lighting, consider using pendant lighting over more traditional sconces,” she continues, adding that in this bathroom, their firm flanked the custom vanity by modern pendant lights to make the space “airy and fresh.”

6. Have fun with seating

Make bath time a nice experience for more than just the bather by adding convenient seating to the space. Stools, chairs, or ottomans are all great options.

Photo: Miranda Estes

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Whether it’s an artsy stool for an objet d’art or groovy seating for you to read your favorite magazine as you dry off from a soak in a tub, there’s no reason to shy away from bathroom chairs. “We love incorporating seating into a bathroom design,” says Alison Wilkinson, principal ofWilk Design Workshop, in Seattle, Washington, who is a proponent of everything from a small stool to a more complete built-in bench under a window, both of which can also be “a perfect spot to chat with a partner at the end of the day.”Plus, “since it’s a small element in the space, consider something out of the box,” says Wilkinson, who likes using sculptural stools that are visually striking (like this U-shaped stool) or add a new color or texture that contrasts other elements in the room.

7.Install a floating vanity

Beyond the standard sink pedestal, a floating vanity makes a modern bathroom feel even more sophisticated.

Photo: Tim Hill

Floating is the new black. “Installing a floating vanity into a bathroom will instantly make the space more modern as traditional vanities are typically grounded to the floor,” says Adri. “In this bathroom, we designed a custom floating vanity that features flat panels,” she elaborates, noting that a simpler drawer door design makes this floating vanity even more contemporary.

8. Splurge for double showerheads

If the square footage is there, up the convenience for a busy household with a pair of showerheads.

Photo: Miranda Estes

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Life is short. Don’t waste time waiting for your partner to get out of the shower.For that same project pictured above, Wilkinson and her team installed two showerheads in a large walk-in shower. “Professional families are busy and can’t always wait around for dedicated shower time in the morning,” says Wilkinson. “The convenience of a double shower was something this family knew they would enjoy regularly,” she elaborates, noting that if you’re not going to install a full hydrotherapy shower set, look for a thermostatic showerhead and a handheld unit (here are examples on Amazon) “for more comfort and flexibility.”

9. Design a dry niche

Nothing says spa more than a thoughtfully placed bathroom niche. Not only does the design detail make storage more chic, but it serves as a great way to showcase favorite products.

Photo: Lisa Cole/One Door Home

As implemented in the same bathroom as pictured in the above tip, Cole says to install a “dry niche” or recessed shelf (we especially love this idea if you seek modernbathroom designs for small spaces). That way, you can “provide a space for display-worthy skin care, plants, styling elements without cluttering the vanity countertop,” she says. Cole also is a fan of a waterfall edge for a bathroom vanity, since it “not only makes practical sense (especially when the layout requires the vanity to be next to a tub), but ups the feeling 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 zen-infused bubble bath these days, we’ll take.

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introduction

As an expert and enthusiast, I have been trained on a vast amount of data from various sources, including books, articles, and websites, to acquire knowledge in a wide range of topics. I have been designed to provide accurate and informative responses based on the information I have learned.

Concepts Related to the Article

This article discusses modern bathroom ideas for creating a spa-like oasis. Here are some concepts related to the article:

  1. Wet room: A wet room is a bathroom concept where a shower and bathtub are incorporated into a single space without any barriers or separations. It creates a seamless and spa-like environment.

  2. Wallpaper: Wallpaper is a decorative material that is applied to the walls of a room. It can add color, pattern, and personality to a bathroom design.

  3. Mono-materialism: Mono-materialism is a trend in modern bathroom design where a single material is used throughout the entire bathroom. This creates a cohesive and elegant look.

  4. Mixing materials: Mixing materials involves using different types of materials in a bathroom design, such as combining sleek materials with earthy textures and natural products. This adds visual interest and creates a spa aesthetic.

  5. Contemporary lighting: Contemporary lighting refers to modern and stylish lighting fixtures that can be used to enhance the overall design of a bathroom. Pendant lighting is often used to create an airy and fresh atmosphere.

  6. Seating: Adding seating in a bathroom design, such as stools or chairs, can provide comfort and convenience. It can also be a decorative element that adds visual interest to the space.

  7. Floating vanity: A floating vanity is a type of bathroom vanity that is wall-mounted and does not touch the floor. It creates a modern and sophisticated look.

  8. Double showerheads: Installing two showerheads in a bathroom can provide convenience, especially in a busy household. It allows multiple people to use the shower at the same time.

  9. Dry niche: A dry niche is a recessed shelf or storage area in a bathroom where display-worthy items can be showcased. It helps to keep the vanity countertop clutter-free.

These concepts are discussed in the article to provide ideas and tips for creating a modern and spa-like bathroom design.

9 Modern Bathroom Ideas for a Spa-Like Oasis (2024)

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