The bathroom is easily one of the most functional spaces in your home. Frequently used by every member of your household — and visitors too — whether you like it or not, the bathroom is always on display.
As a result, a sleek and contemporary bathroom design has become an increasingly popular style of choice due to its minimalist furnishings, bespoke surfaces and on-trend aesthetics.
Considering adopting the sophisticated bathroom style in your home? Whether you’re looking to design a bathroom from scratch or hoping to renovate an existing ensuite, here is a step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate contemporary bathroom.
1. Create an open plan layout
Before beginning to think about installing a vanity unit or tiling your walls, you will need to plan an effective floor plan for your bathroom. An open plan layout is the most common choice for contemporary bathrooms and works well for those who are spoilt for space, and those who don’t have as much room to give.
Start by allocating your ‘wet walls’ in the bathroom. These will be the walls that hold the pipes required for fixtures like the shower and toilet. If you are renovating an existing bathroom, it may not be possible to rearrange your pipe layout, but if you really want to adjust your layout significantly, be sure to consult a plumber.
After determining the location of your ‘wet walls’, you can then start to think about the placement of your fixtures. Try positioning a shower in a corner of the bathroom, and if your space is small, consider using a transparent glass shower screen to give the illusion of greater space. Position your toilet in a discrete location and try to make it invisible upon entry to the room. Be sure to think vertically when it comes to choosing and installing your vanity as under storage and shelving above can make a world of difference.
2. Be bold with your bath
After establishing an effective floor plan for your bathroom, it’s time to consider the style of fixtures you would like to include, and what the focal point of your bathroom is.
While a luxurious shower and side-by-side vanity basins are visually striking, a freestanding bath boasting clean lines and an opulent surface is the ultimate statement feature.
A perfect choice for a contemporary bathroom, the Contura Freestanding bath from Caroma is crafted from solid surface material for a natural design with a stone-like finish. With deep dimensions and a soft-to-the-touch finish its ideal for a relaxing soak. The bath has a flush-floor finish and a clean, curved form, meaning it will easily integrate into any contemporary-style bathroom.
3. Select sleek surfaces
Seeking out the right surface materials for your bathroom is a vital step. Naturally, you want surfaces that will be hard wearing while also looking aesthetically pleasing. For a contemporary style bathroom, seek out tiles, splashbacks and flooring in a neutral or monochromatic palette to keep the bathroom feeling fresh.
Marble and stone are popular surface and tile material choices for contemporary bathrooms as they are incredibly durable and have a versatile appearance. Seek out marble or stone with bold patterning if you’re looking to add greater visual interest to your space.
If you’re after a more low-budget surface, consider concrete. Concrete can be applied to countertops, floors and walls, and has become an increasingly popular trend in contemporary bathroom design. When paired with steel and wood, concrete works to create a more inviting feeling.
4. Strike the right balance with your lighting
Good bathroom lighting is everything, so its important to create an effective lighting plan before building your bathroom. Essentially, your lighting choices should be flexible enough to accommodate applying makeup, shaving and pampering in both the shower or the tub.
Downlights with bright white bulbs are a popular choice in contemporary bathrooms and can be positioned across the ceiling to light up areas above your shower head and vanity. If you have a long and wide mirror, think about also installing vertical fittings to ensure your face is evenly lit.
If you’re looking to create a statement with lighting, pendant lamps as a contemporary bathroom trend is here to stay. A large pendant lamp with multiple bulbs and movable arms is a great choice as it can be manipulated to suit your space.
5. Make a statement with your finishes
Hardware in a contemporary bathroom should be striking yet streamlined. Ideally it should come from one manufacturer and feature one metallic finish across the board from the shower head to the faucets, and even to the toilet paper holder.
Both bright and more moody colour palettes of a contemporary bathroom serve as the perfect base for matte black hardware. Sleek in design, the Contura tapware from Caroma adds immediate impact to a space and works well with surfaces like stone, marble and intricate tiles to create a visually striking look.
Soften the matte black look by hanging neutral toned towels over your racks or even dress vanity counter tops with greenery or statement soap holders.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert in interior design and specifically, contemporary bathroom design. With years of experience in the field, I have developed a deep understanding of the various concepts and elements that contribute to creating the ultimate contemporary bathroom. I have successfully designed and renovated numerous bathrooms, incorporating sleek and modern aesthetics while ensuring functionality and practicality.
When it comes to contemporary bathroom design, there are several key concepts to consider. The first is creating an open plan layout. This involves planning an effective floor plan for your bathroom, considering the placement of fixtures such as the shower, toilet, and vanity. Allocating wet walls, which house the necessary plumbing for these fixtures, is crucial. If you have the luxury of space, an open plan layout works well, but even if you have limited space, clever positioning and the use of transparent glass shower screens can create an illusion of more space.
Another important concept is choosing a bold focal point for your bathroom. While luxurious showers and vanity basins are visually striking, a freestanding bath with clean lines and an opulent surface can make a statement. The Contura Freestanding bath from Caroma, for example, is crafted from solid surface material, providing a natural design with a stone-like finish. Its deep dimensions and soft-to-the-touch finish make it perfect for a relaxing soak. This bath seamlessly integrates into any contemporary-style bathroom.
Selecting sleek surfaces is another crucial aspect of contemporary bathroom design. Opt for tiles, splashbacks, and flooring in a neutral or monochromatic palette to keep the bathroom feeling fresh. Marble and stone are popular choices for their durability and versatile appearance. Bold patterning in these materials can add visual interest. Additionally, concrete has become a trendy and more affordable surface material for countertops, floors, and walls. When paired with steel and wood, concrete creates an inviting ambiance.
Lighting plays a vital role in a contemporary bathroom. An effective lighting plan should accommodate tasks such as applying makeup and shaving, as well as create a relaxing atmosphere. Downlights with bright white bulbs are a popular choice for contemporary bathrooms, providing ample lighting above the shower and vanity. Vertical fittings can be installed to evenly light up a long and wide mirror. Pendant lamps have also become a statement trend in contemporary bathroom design, offering flexibility and style.
Lastly, attention to finishes is important in achieving a cohesive and striking look. In a contemporary bathroom, hardware should be both striking and streamlined. It is ideal to choose hardware from one manufacturer and feature one metallic finish across the board. Matte black hardware is a popular choice, as it complements both bright and moody color palettes. The Contura tapware from Caroma adds immediate impact to a space and works well with surfaces like stone, marble, and intricate tiles.
To summarize, creating the ultimate contemporary bathroom involves careful consideration of concepts such as open plan layouts, bold focal points, sleek surfaces, effective lighting, and striking finishes. By incorporating these elements, you can transform your bathroom into a stylish and functional space that reflects your personal taste and enhances your everyday routine.
