20 Modern + Minimal Bathroom Design Ideas

Leave the frills to traditional, the patterns to eclectic and the shiplap to farmhouse. Modern bathroom design is all about clean and simple, neutral and natural.

October 13, 2021

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Photo By: Richardson Properties, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

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Photo By: PureWest Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Keep It Minimal

Sparse is the name of the game in modern design. Clean, streamlined and simple, this soothingly neutral bathroom is a welcome retreat. The floor tile delivers the look of wood without the worry of water damage and establishes warmth in the mostly gray palette.

From: Richardson Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

Try Something Daring

Just because modern style likes simplicity doesn't mean it can't embrace drama. Black and white tiles in crisp geometrics ground this contrasting bathroom. A sleek black freestanding tub gets the benefit of natural light pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling window, while a starburst chandelier adds a note of midcentury modern charm to the space.

See More Photos: 50 Black and White Bathrooms We Love

From: Erica Bryen Design

Made for Water

Fully luxurious but completely of the moment, wet rooms make for visually stunning designs. Built entirely with water-friendly materials, this expansive tiled space not only houses the shower but also the freestanding bathtub. Flaxen-colored glass tiles give the room a serene and incandescent quality.

From: Village Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

Just a Touch of Color

The centerpiece of this avant-garde bathroom is the squared-off soaker bathtub. While modern design sticks to a mostly neutral palette, color is not off-limits. Aim for earthy shades, but these muted blue-gray vanities add a similar aesthetic.

From: Kerra Michele Huerta

Uncomplicate Your Design

Before modern style came into vogue — around the 1940s — most traditional design styles relied heavily on ornamentation and elaborate decor. Modern design embraces a simplified aesthetic that leans on straight lines rather than curves. This orderly bathroom sticks to squared-off lines in the flat-front cabinets and drawers, simple geometrics such as the rectangular mirror, and plenty of storage that ensures an uncluttered environment.

Learn More: Modern Design Style 101

From: Furman and Keil Architects

Stay Streamlined

Another simple way to modernize your bathroom is to leave off the hardware. This white oak vanity — sans pulls and knobs — is topped in a three-inch Calcutta Covelano countertop that also flows up to the ceiling as an impressive backsplash.

From: D2 Interieurs

Open Up

Modern homes are often designed with an open-concept floor plan. Typically, that layout doesn't extend to the bathrooms since walls are needed for privacy. However, this bright and open home is able to create the feel and look of open concept in this en suite bedroom with large windows, smart wall placement and a vaulted ceiling.

From: Robert Young Architects

Find the Just-Right Pattern

While distinct patterns aren't a hallmark of modern design, we're giving this one a pass because of its natural blend. The pebble-tile focal wall is bold and serene at the same time, creating a spa-like atmosphere. Floating above the marble tile floor, a clean-lined double vanity brings a depth of color into the space.

From: @properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

Play With Texture

Texture — both tactile and visual — plays a starring role in this crisp-yet-warm bathroom. A stone slab countertop pairs with a walnut vanity, menswear-inspired fabrics cover the walls and the entire room is grounded in a contemporary mosaic tile.

From: Deborah Wecselman

Lay a Serene Stage

A brilliant white setting is a jumping-off point for this spa-worthy bathroom. Oversized rectangular tiles laid in a running bond pattern elongate the shower walls, and a freestanding soaker tub is a perfect spot to relax at the end of the day.

See More Photos: 75 Dreamy, Spa-Inspired Bathrooms

From: THREE SALT DESIGN Co.

Select the Right Vanity

Floating vanities are a smart choice for modern bathrooms since they instantly create an uncluttered look. For this rustic-meets-modern bathroom, the floating vanity merges the two styles with weathered woods, onyx stone countertops and sleek vessel sinks. Oversized rectangle tiles add deep color underfoot.

See More Photos: 40 Bathroom Vanities You'll Love for Any Style

From: Dustin Gerken

Rethink Your Mounting

Along with a floating vanity, wall-mounted sink faucets lend a more modern vibe to your bathroom. Brass hardware and light fixtures convey a timeless yet current presence to this streamlined space.

From: Breeze Giannasio

This Not That

Look for smooth over textured, sharp edges over rounded and asymmetrical over symmetrical. A polished waterfall-clad vanity blends natural woods with ebony stone and tilework. Built to accommodate the window and its natural light, the vanity features an offset backsplash and single pendant light.

See More Photos: 20 Dreamy Bathroom Lighting Ideas

From: Erica Bryen Design

Choose Flush Cabinets

For modern bathrooms, opt for flat cabinet doors instead of elaborated molded or Shaker ones. An exposed wood grain finish brings an organic sensibility to the pale cabinetry of this bathroom, which is surrounded by classic subway tile — a material that works for all design styles. Gold pulls add a touch of metallic glam to the space.

From: Natalie Myers

Go All White

Devoid of color, this light and airy bathroom is a breath of fresh air. The sleek soaker tub centers the space and takes full advantage of the views out the picturesque window. Open shelving lines the walls to keep all bathroom essentials right on hand.

See More Photos: Crisp & Clean: White Bathroom Ideas

From: Houlihan Lawrence and Luxury Portfolio International®

Crafted Contemporary

Designed with a wet room aesthetic, herringbone-laid tiles cover all the walls of this bathroom, and patterned square floor tiles in shades of gray continue into the shower with a zero-edge effect. Cutouts allow the opening of drawers without the need for pulls.

From: Butter Lutz Interiors

Work With Your Design Elements

Lay materials to visually expand your space. Floor-to-ceiling tilework pairs smokey glass stripes between large white rectangles. The horizontal combo enlarges the room and allows your eye to flow seamlessly from the vanity to the shower. Even though the vanity features a darker wood tone, its floating installation adds airiness to the room.

See More Photos: Our Fave Bathroom Tile Design Ideas

From: Windermere Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Make a Scene

When your home has vistas of the Grand Tetons, you take every opportunity to soak it in. A small window brings natural light into this calming bathroom, but more importantly, it provides a framed view of the surrounding landscape. Pale woods and pebble tile bring in an organic sensibility that feels right at home.

From: Design Associates Architects

Contemporary High Living

Luxe up your modern bathroom. This classy bathroom is understated sophistication at its best with a walk-in shower and floor bedecked in marble. Chrome fixtures and hardware add an oh-so-sleek shine and reflective quality to the space.

From: Jennifer Stoner Interiors

Stick to Neutrals

Grays, whites, blacks and taupes are the key hues for a modern bathroom design. Since modern design leans into natural materials, the color palette reflects earthy, nature-inspired shades. Textured gray tiles line the oversized shower and blend with the soothing gray walls. An oversized basketweave tile grounds the space with pattern and texture.

From: PureWest Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®