Modern style can mean different things to different people, but when we talk about modern design, we often see the same concepts and strategies: geometrical shapes, neutral or basic colors, little to no decorative flourishes, and natural materials.
Some of these examples from prominent designers will inspire you if you’re remodeling a bathroom in a modern home.
Modern Simplicity
This bathroom by Stephani Buchman, via Houzz, has all the hallmarks of a modern design: simple geometric shapes (dominated by squares and rectangles), a predominance of white with a touch of neutral gray, a natural stone backsplash, and minimal decoration.
The fresh flowers definitely brighten up the space. They not only add a splash of color (that you can change depending on your mood), but they also make the bathroom feel less sterile and more homey and welcoming.
Open-Plan (Derek Swalwell)
Another feature of many modern-style bathrooms is an open floor plan, which typically includes transparent glass walls around showers. This is especially useful in cramped quarters.
This bathroom employs a “wet-room” style as well as distinctly modern elements, such as geometrical shapes in basic squares, a monochrome color scheme, and minimal decorative elements (again, a few flowers seem to do the trick).
Warm Modern (Rusal Construction)
To be considered modern, not all bathrooms must be cold and sterile. Consider this contemporary primary bathroom by Rusal Construction, as seen on Zillow: The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and welcoming. The focus is still on geometrical shapes (in this case, egg-like shapes via the sink and tub), a simple color scheme (warm neutrals), and minimal decorative elements. Wood and stone (or convincing knock-offs) are common modern design elements.
This bathroom is definitely more decorated than most modern bathrooms, but the decorations are simple, with basic shapes: empty frames, paddles, and candles.
Ultra-Modern
This bathroom, which was discovered on Homestratosphere, may be the pinnacle of modernity. A floating vanity expands the space, wall-sized windows make the bathroom appear to be a part of the landscape, and the transparent freestanding tub has almost no visual presence in the room.
This bathroom was designed with “minimal footprint” in mind. Every element has been selected to take up as little space as possible, both physically and aesthetically. The transparent tub completely transforms this space!
Glamorous Simplicity (Studio Isle)
This marble bathroom by Studio Isle incorporates many modern decor staples, as well as a touch of glam thanks to the gold hardware and all-marble design. Only the curves of the faucet spouts contrast with the rigid application of square and rectangular shapes.
It’s worth noting that the temperature control handles for the sink are on the side, rather than on top, next to the faucet. This is an intriguing choice that emphasizes the rectangular shapes that dominate this bathroom.
Dark and Relaxing (Bau-Fritz GmbH& Co. KG)
Modern bathrooms don’t always have to be white and gleaming. Dark can also be modern, as seen in this modern bathroom space by Bau-Fritz GmbH &Co. KG, via Houzz, which is dominated by a dark gray slate tile.
The light wood furniture and white fixtures add much-needed light, color, and an organic feel. Take note of the minimal hardware and how the sinks’ shape echoes the size and shape of the tiles.
Minimalist White (Jose Campos)
Minimalism is a key feature of modern design, and this bathroom by Jose Campos is as simple as it gets: all white, focused on function, and devoid of frills.
This bathroom is certainly stark, but it is also peaceful. You can easily imagine freeing your mind from daily worries in an environment devoid of distractions.
Mid-Century Modern
Designers refer to “mid-century” style as a decorating style inspired by the sensibilities and building practices of the 1950s and 1960s.
The rounded corners of the vanity in this modern bathroom, found on Homestratosphere, give the space a mid-century vibe. The dark wood paneling, which contrasts with the neutral beige tile, adds to the overall feel of this mid-century modern bathroom.
Intriguing Modern (Pental Surfaces)
This modern bathroom by Pental Surfaces, courtesy of Zillow, has an interesting mix of styles, but it’s unmistakably modern. Take a look at the geometric shapes, which range from the circular mirror to the cylindrical pedestal sink and triangular light fixtures. All of this is offset by small, dark, rectangular tiles.
Modern Luxury (Lars Gitz Architects)
The modern style is great for small spaces, but it can be even more eye-catching in larger spaces. Lars Gitz Architects designed this luxurious modern primary bathroom with a sofa, a double-sided fireplace, and a river rock tub bed.
Of course, the use of white and the lack of decorative elements make this bathroom extremely modern. The tile adds visual movement to the design while also evoking the shape of a river rock.
Wet-Room Modern
If you don’t have enough room for both a tub and a shower, why not combine the two? This wet-room-style bathroom, discovered on Houzz, makes excellent use of its available space. Take note of the tile’s slight incline, which aids in water drainage.
The all-over dark tile, the simple shapes of the tub and toilet, and the decorative touch of plants and flowers are all modern features.
Modern in Black and White (John Wheatly)
If you like more than one color, try combining black and white for a striking yet ultra-modern contrast. Black and white define the space and shapes in this modern bathroom by John Wheatly, creating a harmonious minimalist effect.
The cool geometric mosaic is the most interesting feature of this bathroom: Is it a cube or a hexagon? The tiles add visual interest and movement to the space.
Bright Accents
Remember that modern does not imply colorless!
Color works well in modern bathrooms, especially if it’s a single, bright shade. Yellow (as in this modern primary bathroom), red, blue, or green—as long as it’s a saturated hue and used as an accent, it will complement your modern design.
Compact Modern (M House)
This small yet powerful modern bathroom by M House incorporates many of the elements we’ve seen thus far, including black and white styling, clean geometrical shapes, and organic decorative elements. The stool is a lovely touch, with its shape reminiscent of the tub’s smooth lines.
The flowers on the windowsill and the cowhide rug soften and warm up an otherwise stark and minimal space.
