The fixtures and finishes are where you can really put your stamp on a bathroom design, but before you get to the fun stuff like picking out paint colours and wallpaper, you need to make some serious considerations about how to get the most out of the space.
To create a functional bathroom design, you must make the most of the available space. Decisions about the room's layout and functionality are crucial. It entails deciding where to put the bathtub if you have room for one and want to use it, and planning the shower layout for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Whether or not your bathroom can accommodate a certain size and style of vanity. Determine if a door is necessary for a principal suite, what kind of door would be optimal for privacy and use, or if a door should be installed at all.
If you're in the process of designing or renovating your own bathroom, you might find it helpful to peruse these examples of bathrooms in a variety of styles and sizes for inspiration, whether you're starting from scratch to create an elegant hotel-style master suite, renovating an existing guest bathroom, or making the most of a small studio apartment bathroom.
Symmetry
Lauren Lerner, of Living with Lolo, a design firm, installed a wall-length countertop and mirrors, symmetrical sinks, and pendant lighting to make the most of the space available in this main bathroom despite the presence of a window. The double sinks provide symmetry to the otherwise chaotic design, giving it a sense of refinement and purpose.
Built-Ins
The floor-to-ceiling cabinetry in this lavatory by Nancy Charbonneau of Charbonneau Interiors creates a luxuriously bespoke atmosphere. Towels, artwork, and other miscellaneous items can be neatly stacked in open and closed shelves and cabinets, respectively, while extra drawers and cupboards can be used to conceal the inevitable mess that inevitably ensues. To keep the room feeling open and airy, a huge mirror was installed in the wall in between the built-ins.
Lighting
Lighting is an integral component of interior design, yet bathrooms are notorious for having bright, unattractive lighting. The bathroom, designed by Rhianna Jones of Tidal Interiors, features a chic built-in wall-to-wall shower niche illuminated by LEDs for an extra touch of glamour.
If you like to take your showers at night, the ambient light will provide a comforting glow while also providing an extra source of light in a room that otherwise receives little to no daylight. Do not attempt to install lighting in a shower without first consulting a professional who can guarantee that the installation is both secure and watertight.
Divided
While open-concept bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular, there is much to be said about a multi-occupant space that features separate but interconnected areas that can be closed off for seclusion if necessary, as in this example by Emily Henderson Design.
Seamless
This enormous bathroom was tiled from floor to vaulted ceiling line by interior designer Cathie Hong of Cathie Hong Interiors to subtly define the area and make it easy to clean. The bathroom's tub and walk-in shower are separated by transparent glass doors that also let in natural light from nearby windows.
Windows
The luxury of a shower with a window. Showering in this California bathroom with marble tile by Lori Gentile Interior Design is a pleasure because of the abundance of natural light provided by two large windows and a built-in window bench, perfect for lounging as you shave your legs or let your hair mask fully absorb.
Ledge
The inside was designed by Mindy Gayer, founder of Mindy Gayer Design Co., who installed a ledge to conceal the tub's plumbing. Even though it serves a functional purpose, this design choice can be used as a stylish display for ornaments and accessories, or as a spot to set down a bottle of wine while relaxing in the tub.
Suspended
Having a toilet that is suspended from the ceiling gives a bathroom a more modern look and feel, is much easier to clean, and helps to keep the area looking open and spacious. Art, plants, flowers, or other decorative items may be easily changed out on the ledge created by the concealed plumbing behind the toilet in this roomy bathroom by interior designer Maite Granda.
Open Plan
This open concept double shower and bath by Cathie Hong of Cathie Hong Interiors is a strong example of minimalist design. The glass doors may be left open to let in natural light and breezes from the surrounding windows, or closed to keep water in the shower where it belongs. Two concealed shower heads face in opposing directions, one towards the tub and the other towards the view in the separate toilet and shower area.
Built-In Tub
Even though free-standing garden tubs with sculptural details are currently all the rage, a traditional built-in tub is a better choice for those who want a minimalistic, easy-to-clean design. The plumbing for the bathtub is concealed behind a cabinet that Desiree Burns is the owner of Desiree Burns Interiors installed on the right wall of this main bathroom.
Wall Tile
Tile or stone that extends from floor to ceiling in a bathroom has become a popular design choice since it is easy to maintain and makes the room appear more expansive by tricking the eye into looking higher. A large black stone slab covers the far wall in this luxurious Chicago high-rise bathroom designed by Alexis Bednyak Design and Searl Lamaster Howe Architects. White stone shower walls reach the high ceiling.
Mixed Materials
Mixing up the materials in an otherwise all-white bathroom can add visual interest and prevent the space from looking clinical. Southern California's Mindy Gayer is the owner of Mindy Gayer Design Co. used vertical shiplap to highlight the room's high ceiling in this bathroom. The half-wall that separates the bathroom from the shower features the same white wood that runs throughout the rest of the room.
Dutch Door
All-white surfaces are warmed by brass fixtures and glitzy lighting in this airy and sophisticated bathroom by Jessica Risko Smith of JRS Design. The real star of the show, though, is the outside Dutch door that can be opened partially for fresh air and light.
Industrial Partition
If you're creating a bathroom, don't feel like you have to limit yourself to just one design style. Lisa Gilmore, of Lisa Gilmore Design, created this unusual bathroom with a large shower enclosed by a daring black metal grid glass divider. This industrial element forms a striking counterpoint to the bathroom's posh tiling and floral wall coverings.
Wall Tile Surround
The floor-to-ceiling wraparound tile backsplash by Mindy Gayer Design Co. defines the shower and soaking tub space in this compact bathroom. To keep things simple, the showerhead is suspended from the ceiling directly over the bath's centre. The designer omitted the shower curtain to keep the space looking airy, but included a towel hook and built-in niches on either side.
Pass-Through
In a bathroom designed like a long, narrow corridor, clearing out the central aisle will make it easier to move around and will also improve visibility. Desiree Burns, of Desiree Burns Interiors, painted a beautiful bathroom with a pass-through a minty green to give it a unique air while not drawing too much attention to itself.
Double Shower
Using a wall of graphic patterned tile,JRS Design's Jessica Risko Smith is an interior designer made the double shower heads in this huge bathroom nearly invisible. To minimise splashing and maximise floor space, the tub is placed neatly under the windows, and the adjacent glass shower walls vanish into the wall.
Vanity Wall
Designed by Lisa Gilmore of Lisa Gilmore Design, this spacious main bathroom features a separate vanity area with a wood vanity, ample storage space, a comfy chair, an attractive gold mirror, and charming antique lighting.
Double Niche
Why settle for just when you may have two bathroom niches like in this space by Malcolm Simmons is a design contributor to Emily Henderson, which is ideal for storing and separating products used on a daily basis and those used for a weekly at-home spa day.
Framed Perspectives
Making use of sightlines and perspectives may make a large room feel more intimate and a small one feel more open. Tidal Interiors designer Rhianna Jones installed an inset wood-clad nook over the enormous double vanity in this California bathroom, which also features subtle backlighting and a broad mirror that reflects light from the sliding glass doors on the other side of the room.
Wood Accents
By installing a wood-clad vanity and wood-effect tiling in the shower, Tidal Interiors' Rhianna Jones is an interior designer who brought some natural warmth into a sleek black and white bathroom.
Dark Wood
The bathroom's sleek, modern style is grounded by the use of dark wood on the vanity and tall adjacent storage cabinets, a decision taken by Flourish's Jenn Bannister, an interior designer. The natural light and privacy-preserving qualities of opaque glass are combined in a slim vertical window.
En Suite
This master bedroom suite features a massive walk-in shower created by Studio KT's Kara Thomas, who matched the room's colour scheme (mostly black and grey) with that of the adjacent dressing area to create a sense of unity and fluidity.
Wall To Wall Tile
Creative use of design finishes can often be the most effective approach to increase the feeling of spaciousness in a bathroom. This attractive bathroom design is the work of Laura Brophy, of Laura Brophy Interiors, is an interior designer and has a monochromatic tile scheme.
Faux Windows
Sarah Latham, of Latham Interiors, used straightforward rectangular mirrors to reflect the sliding glass doors and windows on either side of the bathroom, expanding the space's visual field, amplifying natural light, and expanding the window's reflection.
Wet Room
If your railway-style bathroom is sufficiently wide, consider implementing the space-saving and efficient wet room concept by Flourish Interior Design's Jenn Bannister, in which the shower and tub are located against the right wall.
Upcycled Vanity
Consider repurposing an old wooden table or dresser by installing a sink and a watertight countertop to use as a bathroom vanity. A. Naber Design's Abbie Naber, for instance, transformed a mid-century modern buffet into a gorgeous, fully-stocked bathroom vanity.
Privacy Wall
Design firm If Walls Could Talk's Jamaica-based employee Joelle Smith carved out a private space for the toilet, complete with two windows and partial wall concealment, in this otherwise open-concept shared bathroom.
Storage Nook
Sarah Latham, of Latham Interiors, made excellent use of the space in this bathroom by incorporating a built-in closed and open storage nook that does not interfere with the use of the bathroom's existing shower.
Textured Wood
If your bathroom has a generous footprint, you may maximise its usefulness by dividing it up into separate zones. For instance, interior designer Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions installed a towel wall with hooks and a teak seat to create the illusion of more space in the roomy enclosed shower in this luxurious bathroom.
Odd Angles
Bathrooms with unusual angles can be turned into a design element by following the lead of Latham Interiors' Sarah Latham. She gave the shower a more streamlined appearance by tiling it in contrasting tile and installing clear bespoke glass doors.
Unique Window
The cement tile floors, walnut-fronted cabinets, and matte black Brizo fixtures in this bathroom are just a few of the aesthetic touches added by Erin Williamson Design. The hexagonal window set into the far wall of the shower and bordered by plain white tiles is what makes this otherwise standard design stand out.
Under The Eaves
Under the roof overhang of this English country home by NORD for Living Architecture is a black garden tub illuminated by a skylight. White painted shiplap and a farmhouse sink complete the rustic look. The predominantly monochromatic colour scheme prevents any cutesiness from creeping in.
Railroad Style
As seen in this railroad-themed restroom designed by The tub is owned by Cathie Hong of Cathie Hong Interiors tucked away at the far end of the room, directly beneath a window. The long, rectangular room was given a sense of depth by the use of dark grey tile laid in a herringbone pattern that served as a backsplash and continued into the floor.
Large Scale Art
This opulent high-rise bathroom by Ginger Barber of Ginger Barber Interior Design features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view and serve as the room's natural focal point. The designer, however, hung a large work of art on the wall beside it to provide the eye with a new point of focus and to inject some much-needed colour and life into the otherwise modern, monochromatic room.
Wall Of Mirrors
Making your own unique ornaments is one method to give your bathroom a more personalised look and feel. A gorgeous framed mirror hangs above each sink, while wall sconces and a ceiling lamp provide additional soft lighting in this expansive bathroom by Kendall Wilkinson Design.
Built-In Nooks
The design was brought into harmony by the installation of a shallow ledge and built-in nooks on the wall to the left of the doorway by Desiree Burns Interiors. These features provide additional storage space for bathroom accessories and decorative things.
Obscured Glass
Privacy was maintained while natural light was allowed in during Erin Williamson Design's renovation of this 1915 California home by installing concealed glass in the windows and doors.
Stone Cut
If you have the room, funds, and desire, a statement bathtub can be the focal point of your bathroom remodel. A freestanding tub made of sculpted stone floats in front of a wall of windows in this luxurious space designed by Kendall Wilkinson of Kendall Wilkinson Design. Sliding screens in the Japanese style can be adjusted for privacy and light control.
Window Seat
Seating in a bathroom can turn it into a restroom if you have the luxury of extra room. Desiree Burns, of Desiree Burns Interiors, designed this roomy bathroom with a window seat wide enough for two between the double vanities for extra storage and a spot to relax and enjoy the view while applying foot cream or getting a pedicure.
Double Wall-Mounted Sinks
It's not necessary to have a double sink vanity in every multi-occupant bathroom. JL Design's wall-mounted industrial sinks in this kids' bathroom are set at just the right height to provide each sibling their own area.
FAQs About Home Builders
In general, you'll have three types to choose from—master, guest and half—but the choices for how you configure and design these are just about infinite.
Main bathrooms are often an extension of a home's main bedroom; they're typically located within or adjacent to the main bedroom. For this reason, you may simplify some design decisions if you want to mirror or at least emulate the bedroom's design.
A bathroom with a sink, toilet, and a bathtub or shower.
A Three-piece bathroom (3-piece bath) is a restroom with three plumbing fixtures: a sink and a toilet, plus one other fixture.
There's no rule that every bathroom in your home has to be the same colour or be decorated in the same style. However, if you like a similar style throughout, it's probably a classic style that will be beautiful in any bathroom.
Conclusion
Choosing the tub's position, shower's design, and vanity's size and style creates a good bathroom. Online bathroom models vary in size. Lauren Lerner of Living with Lolo maximised the small bathroom with a wall-length countertop, mirrors, matching sinks, and pendant lighting. Custom ceiling-high cabinetry by Nancy Charbonneau of Charbonneau Interiors made the area sumptuous and unique. Rhianna Jones of Tidal Interiors created a luxury wall-to-wall shower niche with LED lights.
For light and air, prop open the outer Dutch door. Removing the central aisle improves eyesight and movement. Sightlines and perspectives may personalise large spaces and open up small ones. Design finishes open up bathrooms. LauraBrophyInteriors.com Laura Brophy mirrored the sliding glass doors and windows on either side of the bathroom with larger rectangular mirrors to add space and light. Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors created a closed and open storage nook without impeding the shower to maximise space.
This Ginger Barber Interior Design bathroom is famous for its expansive view and floor-to-ceiling windows. The left entryway wall's short ledge and built-in nooks produced harmony. Create custom bathroom accessories. A wall of windows frames an elegant stone tub. If you have space, adding seats could make your bathroom a restroom. JL Design wall-mounted industrial sinks conceal and control light in this kids' bathroom.
Content Summary
- It would be best to make the most of the available space to create a functional bathroom design.
- Whether or not your bathroom can accommodate a certain size and style of vanity.
- Only attempt to install lighting in a shower by consulting a professional who can guarantee that the installation is secure and watertight.
- While open-concept bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular, there is much to be said about a multi-occupant space that features separate but interconnected areas that can be closed off for seclusion, if necessary, as in this example by Emily Henderson Design.
- The bathroom's tub and walk-in shower are separated by transparent glass doors that let in natural light from nearby windows.
- Having a toilet suspended from the ceiling gives a bathroom a more modern look and feel, is much easier to clean, and helps keep the area looking open and spacious.
- The luxury of a shower with a window.
- This open-concept double shower and bath by Cathie Hong of Cathie Hong Interiors is a strong example of minimalist design.
- The glass doors may be left open to let in natural light and breezes from the surrounding windows or closed to keep water in the shower where it belongs.
- Two concealed shower heads face opposite directions, one towards the tub and the other towards the view in the separate toilet and shower area.
- Even though free-standing garden tubs with sculptural details are currently all the rage, a traditional built-in tub is a better choice for those who want a minimalistic, easy-to-clean design.
- The floor-to-ceiling wraparound tile backsplash by Mindy Gayer Design Co. defines the shower and soaking tub space in this compact bathroom.
- To simplify things, the showerhead is suspended from the ceiling directly over the bath's centre.
- Clearing out the central aisle in a bathroom designed like a long, narrow corridor will make it easier to move around and improve visibility.
- Designed by Lisa Gilmore of Lisa Gilmore Design, this spacious main bathroom features a separate vanity area with a wood vanity, ample storage space, a comfy chair, an attractive gold mirror, and charming antique lighting.
- Tidal Interiors designer Rhianna Jones installed an inset wood-clad nook over the enormous double vanity in this California bathroom, which also features subtle backlighting and a broad mirror that reflects light from the sliding glass doors on the other side of the room.
- This master bedroom suite features a massive walk-in shower created by Studio KT's Kara Thomas, who matched the room's colour scheme (mostly black and grey) with the adjacent dressing area to create a sense of unity and fluidity.
- Creative use of design finishes is often the most effective approach to increase the feeling of spaciousness in a bathroom.
- This attractive bathroom design is the work of Laura Brophy Interiors, an interior designer and has a monochromatic tile scheme.
- Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors used straightforward rectangular mirrors to reflect the sliding glass doors and windows on either side of the bathroom, expanding the space's visual field, amplifying natural light, and expanding the window's reflection.
- If your railway-style bathroom is sufficiently wide, consider implementing the space-saving and efficient wet room concept by Flourish Interior Design's Jenn Bannister, where the shower and tub are located against the right wall.
- Design firm If Walls Could Talk's Jamaica-based employee Joelle Smith carved out a private space for the toilet, complete with two windows and partial wall concealment, in this otherwise open-concept shared bathroom.
- If your bathroom has a generous footprint, you may maximise its usefulness by dividing it into separate zones.
- This opulent high-rise bathroom by Ginger Barber of Ginger Barber Interior Design features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view and serve as the room's natural focal point.
- Making your unique ornaments is one method to give your bathroom a more personalised look and feel.
- If you have the room, funds, and desire, a statement bathtub can be the focal point of your bathroom remodel.
- A freestanding tub of sculpted stone floats in front of a wall of windows in this luxurious space designed by Kendall Wilkinson of Kendall Wilkinson Design.
- Seating in a bathroom can turn it into a restroom if you have extra room.
- It's okay to have a double sink vanity in every multi-occupant bathroom.