Get inspired by timeless colors, trendy shower tiles, small space solutions and more.
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 bath 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 builder grade lighting or a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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WENDY CONCANNON
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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.
PAIGE RUMORE
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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.
SARAH WINCHESTER STUDIOS
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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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STEVEN DEWALL
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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.
SARA ESSEX BRADLEY
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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
AMY BARTLAN
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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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ANDRIY BEZUGLOV
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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
ALLISON CORONA
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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
NICOLE DIANNE PHOTOGRAPHY
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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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LINDSAY BROWN
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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
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Floating Vanity
ANDREA CALO; DESIGN BY AVERY COX DESIGN
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.
SUZANNA SCOTT
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Geometric Shower Tiles
Typically when we think of modern interiors, neutral colors come to mind — but a playful shade can feel just as fresh and clean. Here, Regan Baker Design opts for geometric tiles in a peachy hue along the floor and shower wall.
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NATHAN KIRKMAN
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Grandeur and Glam
A few easy ways to add instant glam to the bathroom: floor-length curtains, gold accents, artwork and statement lighting. If you have the luxury of space, install a chandelier over your bathtub.
MADELINE HARPER
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Double Vanity
While this isn’t your traditional double-sink vanity, interior designer Anastasia Casey places two identical vanities side by side to create a smooth, streamlined style.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTISTIC TILE
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Marble Wall Tiles
Toeing the line between modern and traditional, marble accents are a great way to add intrigue and depth to your bathroom design. Here, Artistic Tile‘s marble tiles make a statement and pair beautifully with black fixtures and a dark gray vanity.
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TRINETTE REED / STOCKSY UNITED
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Light and Bright
This bright interior is defined by clean whites and grays — plus a surge of natural light. For a bit of contrast, there’s a wood vanity and matte black fixtures.
MOLLY CULVER
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Deep Soaking Bathtub
For an elevated feel, let your soaking tub serve as the focal point of your bathroom. Take a note from interior designer Meredith Owen and situate a white freestanding bathtub under a bright window.
JUSTIN JORDAN
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Sleek Cabinet Hardware
Even if your vanity is older, swapping out the hardware can instantly give it a modern flair. Here, interior designer Bethany Adams goes for sleek half-circle pulls in matte black.
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MOLLY CULVER; DESIGN BY MEREDITH OWEN INTERIORS
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Dark Hues
Whether with patterned wallpaper, colorful wall paneling or a deep paint color, use rich shades to make a modern space feel moody. The best pairing? Gold accents.
RELATED: Beautiful Bathroom Paint Colors for the Ultimate Oasis
CARMEL BRANTLEY
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Simple and Symmetric
With minimalist hardware and a light wood grain, this double vanity creates a symmetric look. Interior designer Bonnie Wu adds identical mirrors and light fixtures on each side to complete the design scheme.
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Clear Glass Shower
ERIKA BIERMAN
Use a glass enclosure to create a dedicated shower space, while making the room feel larger. To keep the design cohesive, interior designer Allison Knizek chooses a geometric wall tile for inside and outside of the shower.
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CAROLINE SHARPNACK PHOTOGRAPHY
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Wood Floating Shelves
Turn an awkward alcove into extra storage with a few floating shelves, like Well x Design does here with a raw wood style. Fill each level with modern decor, like crisp white towels, plants and sleek canisters.
RELATED: Creative Small Bathroom Storage Ideas to Make Your Space Feel Twice as Big
MOLLY CULVER
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Organic Feel
An essential of the modern aesthetic is natural (or nature-inspired) materials, textures and patterns. Here, designer Meredith Owen keeps the space clean and neutral with marble flooring, light wood cabinetry and a pop of greenery.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTISTIC TILE
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Mix and Match Tiles
Floors, walls, shower: there are so many surfaces that can be tiled in the bathroom. To craft this striking design, Joy Street Design combines various patterns from Artistic Tile.
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JILL WELLER
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Gold Fixtures
Gold accents are a subtle way to add warm to a bathroom space. Opt for a gold bathroom faucet, shower hardware and lighting fixtures — then, sprinkle in decor.
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Subtle Shades
MIRANDA ESTES
Keep your style clean and minimal while also bringing in calming colors, like pale pinks, light blues or earthy greens.
RELATED: Stunning Blue Bathrooms That Are Sure to Bring a Sense of Calm
ALLISON CORONA
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Classic Checkerboard
Checkerboard flooring has a timeless and traditional feel, but can also look super trendy and modern when paired with the right accents. Here, We Three Design goes with white walls, light wood cabinetry and gold hardware.
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JUSTIN JORDAN
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Naturally Bright
Consider yourself lucky if your bathroom is flooded with natural light. Elevate that brightness with white cabinetry, overhead lighting and trim like interior designer Bethany Adams does here.
EMILY KENNEDY; DESIGN BY STRUCKSURED
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Dark Shower Tiles
While white shower tiles can help make a space feel larger, dark and deep hues add depth, dimension and contrast (especially when paired with white walls).
MOLLY CULVER; DESIGN BY MEREDITH OWEN INTERIORS
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Makeup Station
If you have extra room, build a makeup vanity in the same material as your bathroom sink. Add an acrylic chair and a second mirror, and you’re set.
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MADELINE HARPER; DESIGN BY ANASTASIA CASEY
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Wall of Windows
Use opaque glass windows (even with a bit of texture) in the shower or near a bathtub to bring in natural light without sacrificing privacy.
NICOLE DIANNE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Inspired by Nature
Natural wood tones, live greenery and organic textures are great ways to connect back to nature. Here, Collected Interiors takes it a step further with a tree-lined wallpaper.
EMILY KENNEDY PHOTOGRAPHY
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Modern Meets Rustic
To create this chic interior, the design team at StruckSured plays with a mix of rustic (textured cabinetry and a distressed area rug) and modern (a marble countertop, white vessel sink and black fixtures).
RELATED: Beautiful Rustic Bathroom Ideas for the Coziest Space Ever
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BETHANY NAUERT
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Calming Grays
Stick with cool and clean gray hues for a modern feel. To keep the space interesting and avoid a monochrome look, designer Amy Peltier brings in different shades and textures.
MOLLY CULVER; DESIGN BY MEREDITH OWEN INTERIORS
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Abstract Art
Use artwork to give your space a pop of color, whether over the bathroom vanity, near the soaking tub or on a blank wall.
ERIKA BIERMAN
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Gray Versus White
If you want contrast but are afraid to go too dark, settle on medium gray tones like designer Allison Knizek does here for the walls and countertop.
