To say that minimalist Scandinavian design has had a renaissance in recent years is an understatement. And, while less is not always more, when it comes to restrooms, it’s often better to opt for clear counters, minimal trinkets, and an overall clean and ordered vibe.
However, this does not imply you must adhere to modern or Scandinavian-inspired design at the expense of your personal style and flare. Minimalist style may be as daring as you are—if done well. Take a look at the 12 remarkable minimal bathrooms below to see how effective a simple environment can truly be.
Mixed Metals
According to Kathy Kuo, interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, one of the simplest ways to improve your bathroom while maintaining a minimal aesthetic is to change focus points—such as plumbing or lighting. “These details are simple to alter and contribute significantly to the completion and elevation of any room. To add a delicate touch, I enjoy working with mixed metals and mirrored finishes.”
Simple Lighting
Due to the prevalence of mirrors in bathrooms, it is critical to choose the appropriate lighting to preserve a classy and tranquil mood. “A basic statement pendant light paired with delicate sconces above the vanity are ideal from a design and functionality standpoint,” Kuo explains.
Squared-off Sink
Andra DelMonico, Lead Interior Designer at Trendey, proposes using a pure white squared-off sink to create a statement and minimalist aesthetic. Straight lines and sharp 90-degree corners create a modern yet simplistic feel in your bathroom. “For tiny bathrooms, a compact square sink works best because it does not take up too much counter space,” DelMonico explains. “Larger bathrooms can benefit from a rectangle sink, which provides additional sink area.”
Open Showers
Remove the tub, shower curtain, and any other shower enclosures to create more space in the shower. DelMonico recommends a wet room with no enclosure around the shower for the most minimum shower experience. However, for others, this may be excessively cold, which can be remedied by putting a frameless glass panel. DelMonico believes that by doing so, the water and heat will be trapped without interfering with the sight.
Natural Elements
Occasionally, minimalism might come out as frigid and sparse. By incorporating natural components such as wood, you can avoid the usual Scandinavian minimalistic aesthetic and instead provide warmth and a spa-like vibe to your minimalist bathroom. “Select a wood species that is both attractive and durable enough for the bathroom. “Teak, bamboo, or hardwoods are all excellent choices,” DelMonico explains. “You can utilize the wood to create a basic plank shower floor, a floating vanity, cupboards, an accent wall, or full bathroom flooring.”
Focal Medicine Cabinets
Medicine cabinets have a dual duty in a minimalist bathroom: they conceal storage and can double as wall art if you find one that is particularly lovely. “If you’re simply decluttering, you may easily replace an existing mirror with a wall-mounted medicine cabinet,” recommends Katie Burnet, Interior Designer at Rumor Designs.
Hotel-inspired Extras
Going simple is often highly cost effective—it leaves room for a few opulent assets that will assist give your bathroom an edge without overwhelming the space. Consider apothecary-style bottles to give your counter tops a sumptuous, hotel-inspired finish.
Transport to the Eighties
“When it comes to designing a minimalist bathroom, I adore the idea of being inspired by the 1980s,” Jennifer Burt, Mississippi Home Staging Expert at Mississippi Maximalism, adds. “Establish the mood with a basic gold chrome mirror in an oval or organic shape. Keep texture to a minimum across the rest of the bathroom. Colored tile can be used to create interest.”
Matching Luxe Linens
Kirsten Fisher, Founder & CEO of Imagine Home Organization, recommends assessing your towel situation. Any worn-out or ratty towels can make your bathroom appear sad—even more so if you’re going for a minimalist motif. Consider investing in a new pair of fluffy white “hotel towels” or opt for a monochromatic style for a consistent, neat appearance.
Easy to Clean Surfaces
A portion of what makes a good minimalist area superior is how clean and neat the surfaces appear. This means you should consider choosing extremely durable products and surface types to ensure the bathroom remains immaculate. According to Beth Halpern Brown, an Atlanta-based interior designer, this includes quartzite, quartz, stone, and ceramic tiles rather than marble—which requires extensive maintenance.
Opt for Shower Seating
A stylish wooden stool will not only enhance the aesthetics of your open shower, but will also serve as a fair consolation prize if you’re working with a bathroom that lacks a tub. Consider white oak or teak, both of which are resistant to dampness and water.
Go Green
Whether you’ve kept your accessories and visual interest to a minimum or opted for a neutral color scheme, adding a few of bathroom-friendly plants will help break up the monochrome design while also purifying the air. If you’re working with little light, a snake plant is a good choice; otherwise, consider a fern or a spider plant.
