At one time, bathrooms were purely functional spaces where we began and ended our days, but in recent years the way we think about them has really changed. Bathrooms are now often seen as at-home wellness centres: the place in the home where we can relax, pamper ourselves, and feel rejuvenated.
You don’t need to have a huge bathroom to make it feel like a calm space in which we can unwind – and you also don’t need to spend a fortune. You might be looking to totally overhaul your bathroom, but you may also be interested in the small changes that can make the biggest difference.
So, to get you inspired – no matter how big your bathroom – here are eight bathroom design ideas.
1. Minimalist bathroom design styles
If you’re planning to give your bathroom a total overhaul, you might want to think about choosing a minimalist design. Bathrooms can often be cluttered spaces, especially if they’re on the small side, and a minimalist aesthetic is an ideal way to counteract this.
Minimalist bathroom aesthetics are simple, calming, clean, and clear. Bathroom walls are a light colour, usually white, and often functional items like towels and hand soap provide the only decor – perhaps with the odd houseplant too.
If you have a small bathroom, a minimalist aesthetic works especially well, as the light colours and plain walls make the room look larger and airer. Aside from pale colour palettes, the easiest way to create a minimalist bathroom is to use hidden storage – so mirrored cabinets are a feature of almost all minimalist bathrooms.
Though the room is simple, you can still make a bold statement. For example, you could choose black features against a white wall to create contrast, or choose gold or antique brass fixtures to give the room character. As a general rule, if you don’t use items on a daily basis, they shouldn’t be in your bathroom!
2. Traditionalist bathroom design styles
Minimalist decor isn’t for everyone, and if you’re thinking about doing up your bathroom but don’t fancy that design, you may want to consider a traditional aesthetic. These can also work really well in smaller bathrooms, as colours are usually light or neutral, which creates the illusion of space.
While traditionalist bathrooms should also be clean and uncluttered, unlike minimalist bathrooms they should also be comforting and classic – and luxury-focused decor is much more of a feature. Fluffy hand towels, tiled walls, wooden or tiled floors, and statement plants are all popular.
Some traditional bathrooms go for darker palettes, and these work really well in larger bathrooms. Though, whether you prefer dark or light colours, sticking to a neutral palette will keep the room looking simple yet elegant. Granite, marble, or ceramic countertops are often used too.
If you’re lucky enough to have a large bathroom, you might want to think about a freestanding bath. The Victorians were especially keen on freestanding baths, and this classic feature adds a real element of luxury to your bathroom. Vintage-style mirrors and fittings can also help to complete the look.
3. Glamorous bathroom design styles
If you’re dreaming of a bathroom that evokes a real sense of elegance and luxury, then marble might be the material for you.
A timeless classic, marble will make your bathroom look chic and expensive, and because it’s so versatile, it can be used anywhere in the room, from the floor to the shower walls to the countertops.
Another feature that adds plenty of glamour is a big, beautiful mirror. If your bathroom is small, this will really open up the room, and if it’s dark, it’s a good substitute for natural lighting. Having some feature lights above or around the mirror is another effective touch.
Statement lights are also popular features in glamorous bathrooms; often ornate chandeliers or modern light fittings. If you want a more colourful bathroom, you don’t have to stick to marble. Gold effect fittings, like gold sinks and accessories, look great too – and of course, freestanding baths will always look glamorous!
4. Navy bathroom design styles
Not everyone is a fan of a plain white bathroom, so if you’re after some bold colour, navy could be the ideal shade for you.
In recent years, navy has been one of the most popular colours when it comes to interior design – not just for bathrooms, but for bedrooms and living rooms too.
Navy creates a sense of luxury without being so overtly glamorous – although, because this shade is dark, it’s better for larger bathrooms that have plenty of natural light. Similar colours like slate blue and royal blue also work really well in bathrooms and can conjure up images of a night sky or stormy sea, which creates a lovely ambience.
The supporting colours often make or break this look. White will always look wonderful next to navy, and it stops the dark colour from looking oppressive. If you like the idea of a navy bathroom but aren’t entirely sure, you could always have a navy feature wall, which looks classy and bold without being overpowering.
In terms of fitting and fixtures, both black and white look smart against navy – but if you want to add a touch of luxury, go for gold. Because navy is a dark and simple colour, you can be a bit flashier with your finishes without it looking gaudy!
5. Pastel bathroom design styles
If you love the idea of incorporating colour in your bathroom but aren’t a fan of navy, then why not think about adding some pastels?
If you’re looking for a calm, relaxing bathroom that also provides a sense of warmth, pastels are the perfect go-to colour – and they work just as well in small rooms as large ones.
Pastels are far more versatile than you might think. Depending on the colour you choose and the rest of your bathroom decor, they can make the space look modern or give it a vintage appeal – and using classic metal fixtures will help create a more traditional aesthetic, if that’s what you’re after.
Popular pastel colours include soft blues, yellows, peaches, and pinks, and these look just as good on painted walls as they do on tiles. For something a little more subtle, sage green has the soft, muted look of pastels but can feel a little more mature – although it’s still uplifting.
Once you’ve picked your colour, the next step is to choose your fixtures. If you want to add some contrast to your pastels, black fixtures add a more urban appeal, whereas white creates a softer look. If you’re big on accessorising, look for matching pastel hand towels!
6. Monochrome bathroom design styles
Not a fan of pastels or navy, but also not sure a plain white bathroom is for you? In that case, monochrome might be the look for you.
Monochrome bathrooms are elegant, classic, and will never go out of style. Black and white will always look good together, and you can achieve the monochrome look in many different ways.
A black and white tiled floor is one of the most popular features of a monochrome bathroom – and these can be classic squares or more unusual geometric shapes. Or, you can have fully black or white walls with contrasting counters and fixtures. If you have black walls, for example, white basins and toilets will look elegant.
Monochrome bathrooms are all about getting the balance right: white is usually more prevalent than black, but this doesn’t have to be the case as long as you’re placing the contrasting colour in the right places. White keeps the rooms feeling clean and fresh, while black provides richness and depth.
However, stainless steel, gold, and brass fixtures all look good in monochrome bathrooms, so you don’t have to stick to those two colours. If you want to add warmth to the room, add some colourful towels or natural decor and accessories, like wooden shelving, basketwork, candles, and plants.
7. Rustic bathroom design styles
Many people prefer their bathrooms to have a more homey appeal, so if that sounds like you, and you want your bathroom to look warm and cosy, you could consider a rustic design. To create a rustic bathroom, you need to focus on natural colours and textures – in particular, wood.
Farmhouse-style wooden shelves are an easy and cost-effective way to get your bathroom looking more rustic. Although for a more dramatic look, you might want to buy some wooden furniture. The contrast of wooden stools, storage units, and accessories will give your bathroom a cosy cottage or farmhouse vibe.
Other natural materials like stone are common features of rustic bathrooms – and this can take the form of stone walls, stone-style stinks, or flagstone floors. Walls are often painted white, though if you prefer neutral colours like olive and stone, they work really well too.
If you don’t have the money or time to do your bathroom up properly yet, there are plenty of small touches that will help create a rustic appeal. For example, a second-hand wooden stall, a wooden framed mirror, and some dried flowers in stone or ceramic vases.
8. Bohemian bathroom design styles
If you’re a creative, artsy person – or you don’t want to be boxed into a certain aesthetic – then a bohemian bathroom might make you feel right at home.
Boho-bathroom designs are an eclectic mix of different styles and combine various colours, textures, and patterns to create a look that’s entirely unique.
Boho bathrooms often use worn pieces from different time periods and regions. Though, instead of buying some vintage-looking furniture, you might want to think about upcycling some old wooden pieces you already have. Not only will this save you money, but you’ll be surprised at how stylish the end result is.
Bohemian bathrooms often have bold, patterned wallpaper; while others favour natural, earthy colour schemes and plenty of vibrant artwork. Natural textures are big in boho bathrooms, from naturally textured lighting designs to wicker storage baskets.
An essential feature of any boho bathroom is to feature greenery – and using a variety of plants, in different colours and sizes, further helps to create a unique, textured look. Some boho bathrooms have greenery in every nook and cranny, and believe there’s no such thing as too many plants in one room. Although, of course, you can always go for a more subtle look!
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re looking to make small upgrades or are planning a full overhaul, having a stylish bathroom can make a big difference to your home. It can also totally transform your wellness and beauty routine, and make it feel like a treat rather than a chore.
If you don’t have the money for a full bathroom upgrade, remember there are many small things you can do that will make a big difference. Rather than having your wall tiles replaced, for example, you can simply buy some white tile paint and achieve that sleek, minimalist look for a fraction of the price.
Similarly, a lick of paint can make a major difference, as can the addition of big mirrors (ideally with hidden storage behind, so you can declutter) and beautiful houseplants.
For more interior design inspiration, you might want to check out our article; 18 home decorating ideas.