Your Guide to a Modern-Style Bathroom
See the colors, features and details that pros use to create this clean, streamlined look in the bath
Laura Gaskill
26 March 2020
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
Whether you’re tackling a bathroom remodel with the help of a bathroom designer, architect or contractor, being able to pin down your favorite style will help get your project off to a smooth start. If you love a sleek, streamlined look and clean spaces that keep the emphasis on the architecture, modern style might be right for you. Read on for the need-to-know details about this popular bathroom style, including key elements, color palettes, fixtures and finishing touches.
Modern-Style Bathrooms at a Glance
- Floating vanities with flat-panel doors and drawers
- Minimalist faucets and hardware
- Frameless mirrors
- Streamlined or integrated lighting
- Neutral, minimalist color palette
- Repetition of finishes and materials for cohesive look
What You Won’t Find in Modern Bathrooms
- Carved door faces or ornate knobs
- Elaborate molding, millwork or wainscoting
- Bright colors and bold patterns, except perhaps as a small accent
- A mix-and-match approach to materials and finishes rather than simplicity and consistency
Neutral Color Palette
The focus of a modern-style bathroom is on the architecture and structure of the key pieces, which means the color palette tends toward crisp, clean white, subtle neutrals and black. Pops of color show up in the form of accessories such as bath towels and plants.
Colors for modern bathrooms:
The focus of a modern-style bathroom is on the architecture and structure of the key pieces, which means the color palette tends toward crisp, clean white, subtle neutrals and black. Pops of color show up in the form of accessories such as bath towels and plants.
Colors for modern bathrooms:
- Neutrals. Dove gray, slate, taupe, beige, putty
- Black and white. Architectural white, matte black
- Pops of color. Fire engine red, navy blue, royal blue, chartreuse, teal
Floating Vanity
A wall-mounted vanity appears to “float” above the ground, creating a light, streamlined look that works well in a modern bathroom. For the top of it, opt for engineered quartz, marble, granite or a solid-surface material in a neutral hue. Pair with undermount sinks (as seen here) for a seamless look with easy-clean practicality.
Shop for modern floating vanities on Houzz
A wall-mounted vanity appears to “float” above the ground, creating a light, streamlined look that works well in a modern bathroom. For the top of it, opt for engineered quartz, marble, granite or a solid-surface material in a neutral hue. Pair with undermount sinks (as seen here) for a seamless look with easy-clean practicality.
Shop for modern floating vanities on Houzz
Design Detail: Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks can make a striking alternative to undermount sinks in a modern bathroom or powder room. Look for simple rounded or rectilinear shapes in white, glass or stone.
Browse modern vessel sinks in the Houzz Shop
Vessel sinks can make a striking alternative to undermount sinks in a modern bathroom or powder room. Look for simple rounded or rectilinear shapes in white, glass or stone.
Browse modern vessel sinks in the Houzz Shop
Freestanding Bathtub
A roomy freestanding tub is a popular choice for those who love to soak. But instead of a classic claw-foot or pedestal style (which reads traditional), go for a sleeker, sculptural modern tub. If you like the look of a freestanding bathtub but want to increase accessibility, another option is to choose a partially freestanding tub — these are freestanding tubs partially enclosed by a wall or ledge, as seen in this space from Loft Interiors.
Find modern freestanding bathtubs in the Houzz Shop
A roomy freestanding tub is a popular choice for those who love to soak. But instead of a classic claw-foot or pedestal style (which reads traditional), go for a sleeker, sculptural modern tub. If you like the look of a freestanding bathtub but want to increase accessibility, another option is to choose a partially freestanding tub — these are freestanding tubs partially enclosed by a wall or ledge, as seen in this space from Loft Interiors.
Find modern freestanding bathtubs in the Houzz Shop
Glass Shower Enclosure
Whether clear, colorful, textured or frosted, glass shower enclosures keep modern bathrooms looking spacious and sleek. An open shower (like the one seen here) is made up of one or more glass shower panels without a door. If you do opt for a hinged or sliding glass door, be sure to select simple, modern hardware that won’t break up the clean lines of the glass.
Modern Bathroom Essential: Know Your Options for Shower Glass
Whether clear, colorful, textured or frosted, glass shower enclosures keep modern bathrooms looking spacious and sleek. An open shower (like the one seen here) is made up of one or more glass shower panels without a door. If you do opt for a hinged or sliding glass door, be sure to select simple, modern hardware that won’t break up the clean lines of the glass.
Modern Bathroom Essential: Know Your Options for Shower Glass
Design Detail: Wall Niches
If your modern bathroom has a glass shower surround, every detail within the shower counts, so keep products neat and within reach with well-designed niches. You may want to measure your most frequently used products before committing to a design to ensure the finished product will work for your daily life.
Turn Your Shower Niche Into a Design Star
If your modern bathroom has a glass shower surround, every detail within the shower counts, so keep products neat and within reach with well-designed niches. You may want to measure your most frequently used products before committing to a design to ensure the finished product will work for your daily life.
Turn Your Shower Niche Into a Design Star
Minimalist Faucets
Wall-mounted or single-handle faucets in polished nickel, chrome or matte black create a modern, minimalist look. For consistency, choose one metal finish and repeat it throughout the bathroom. In this space from architect Elaine Richardson, even the sink drains are matte black, echoing the sink and bathtub faucets.
Shop for modern bathroom faucets on Houzz
Wall-mounted or single-handle faucets in polished nickel, chrome or matte black create a modern, minimalist look. For consistency, choose one metal finish and repeat it throughout the bathroom. In this space from architect Elaine Richardson, even the sink drains are matte black, echoing the sink and bathtub faucets.
Shop for modern bathroom faucets on Houzz
Streamlined Lighting, Frameless Mirrors
Lighting in modern bathrooms is clean, simple and streamlined. Look for sleek wall sconces, lighted mirrors and recessed lighting. Mirrors are sleek and frameless, with or without medicine cabinets.
Find modern bathroom vanity lighting
Lighting in modern bathrooms is clean, simple and streamlined. Look for sleek wall sconces, lighted mirrors and recessed lighting. Mirrors are sleek and frameless, with or without medicine cabinets.
Find modern bathroom vanity lighting
Finishing Touches
In a modern bathroom, every detail matters. Add that perfect finishing touch with a stack of colorful or beautifully textured neutral towels, a wall-mounted towel warming rack and modern planter.
In a modern bathroom, every detail matters. Add that perfect finishing touch with a stack of colorful or beautifully textured neutral towels, a wall-mounted towel warming rack and modern planter.
Your turn: Are you a fan of modern style? Describe or show us your favorite modern-style bathroom in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Your Guide to Modern Style
Browse photos of modern-style bathrooms for inspiration
Find a bathroom designer to get your project started
Shop for modern bathroom products
More on Houzz
Your Guide to Modern Style
Browse photos of modern-style bathrooms for inspiration
Find a bathroom designer to get your project started
Shop for modern bathroom products
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Architecture
What is an Architect… And How Do I Work With One?
By Niki Bruce
Get expert advice on why you might need an architect to design your new home
Full Story
Living Rooms
Yes, You Can Do Without a Sofa in the Living Room!
This is how to create a more appealing and cosy atmosphere in your living room without the need for a sofa
Full Story
Most Popular
14 HDB Walk-in Wardrobes to Copy
In a housing typology that's not designed to have walk-in wardrobes, these designs are just the solution
Full Story
Most Popular
4-Room BTO Flat: 1 Floor Plan, 3 Different Looks
By Jasmine Goh
Think you're limited by your flat's cookie-cutter layout? These three homes – and their designers – show otherwise
Full Story
Working with Pros
What is an Interior Designer… And How Do I Work With One?
By Niki Bruce
Hear expert advice to understand the role an interior designer plays in your renovation process
Full Story
Bathroom Ideas
8 Sneaky Ways to Disguise HDB Piping
By Disa Tan
Though these bathroom pipes are in plain sight, they certainly aren't unsightly
Full Story
Interior Design
Golden Rules of Interior Design Everyone Should Know
There are guidelines will stand you in good stead in your renovation or decorating project
Full Story
Kitchen Guides
The Key Measurements You Need to Know to Design Your Kitchen
Understanding spatial relationships, building dimensions and work zones will help you get the ideal kitchen setup
Full Story
Most Popular
Why Build a Platform Bed
Need more reasons to ask your designer to custom-build a platform bed for your room? Here are six
Full Story
Working with Pros
What is a Renovation Contractor… And How Do I Work With One?
By Niki Bruce
Get expert advice on why you might need to work with a renovation contractor for your new home
Full Story
Another very helpful article from Laura! These are all tasteful modern designs, but the most striking feature is how spacious they all look.
I attribute this spaciousness - what most of us are looking for in a small space - to elements such as neutral colours, matching tiles on floors and walls (with matte finish for the floors, of course), floating fixtures, glass screens, and large mirrors. And most importantly, carefully planned storage for all the items in everyday use so as everything is in its place and the counters are clear of clutter.
But the modern design elements are just the beginning - this style can be individualized with complementary wall mirrors (not just frameless), interesting wall sconces and/or pendant lighting, ceramic art, basketware, not to mention greenery and brightly coloured towels. Modern style can provide a practical, streamlined foundation to a multitude of individual designs.
One is nicer than the next. Very informative. Thanks
Absolutely stunning. Clean, calm, uncluttered.