Do you beeline to your gym’s sauna or get a little too excited about the sweat-cold plunge cycle at a spa? Better yet: Is a bathroom remodel on your horizon? It’s time to consider a steam shower. We’re seeing the feature incorporated more and more in homes beyond luxury new builds—but don’t call it trendy. Steam has been used as a wellness practice for thousands of years, and perhaps we’re all just catching on now. Designers across the U.S. are bringing this perk into their practice more regularly, whether for their own houses or client projects. 

“As more and more people have the flexibility to work from home and work out at home, I do anticipate a rise in popularity,” says Jennelle Butera of Hudson + Bloum Design. Read on for all the details on what it takes to put in a steam shower at home.

What Is a Steam Shower? 

Simply put, a steam shower starts with a briefcase-size generator, which heats H2O from a water line until it vaporizes. The steam is then released via a steam line and steamhead in your shower wall—and voilà! Enthusiasts name-check all kinds of health benefits that steam can provide: stress relief, muscle recovery, skin hydration, and more.

When it comes to steam showers, one label reigns supreme: Mr. Steam. The 100-year-old brand is beloved by designers for its heritage, range of packages, and features like music streaming and aromatherapy. “We have used only Mr. Steam for the past 10 years,” Butera divulges. “It is great quality and our clients have never complained.”

How Much Does a Steam Shower Cost? 

Martha Orellanas, vice president of marketing at Mr. Steam and a 30-year industry vet, puts the main price range of a steam shower between $2,000 and $7,000, and notes that it can go up to $10,000 with more bells and whistles (like the aforementioned aromatherapy and music). But looking in the other direction, she adds that a basic setup can come in under $2,000. It might sound like a lot, but it’s important to weigh the cost against your alternative routine. “How much money do we spend going to spas, or how much money do we spend going to a gym?” asks Orellanas. 

There are more budget-friendly options out there, too. In designer Nick Poe’s experience, an expensive unit isn’t necessary to achieve steam in a small space. When he redesigned his downtown New York City apartment, he had to build the bathroom from scratch, so he installed a more affordable 6-kilowatt generator from Amazon to make his tiny tiled bathroom a respite. 

How Do You Install a Steam Shower? 

Short answer: It’s not a DIY. “We always ask if [clients] want a steam shower because this changes the design of the shower,” Butera says. “It needs to be planned out properly.” Orellanas echoes this sentiment, explaining that while you might be able to swap in an upgraded toilet later, you can’t do that with steam; it’s best to include it in your initial remodel plans if you think you might want it. Marissa Corvino of Corvino Designs adds that it’s smart to also mention your plan to your general contractor and electrician. In addition to the power line and the steam line, you’ll need a drain line leading away from the shower.

The generator power you choose should align with your shower sizing—Mr. Steam has a handy calculator for this. Think about it like the BTUs of an air conditioner, says Orellanas. What size space do you want to fill with steam, and how quickly do you want the process to start? The bigger the space, the more BTUs, the larger the unit. That said, there is such a thing as going too big (or high). “The ceiling height really should be 7 to 8 feet, no more,” Orellanas advises. That’s because steam rises, and if you want to enjoy the benefits, you need to contain it.

Speaking of the generator, you’ll want to install yours in an accessible nook with an electrical outlet near the shower: in a crawl space; hidden in a built-in shower bench; or concealed in millwork like a side cabinet, vanity, or closet. “We used a base cabinet in our home office, which is located adjacent to our primary shower,” Corvino says.

Installation doesn’t end there. You need to consider the steam outlet, which Orellanas says you should place 6 inches to 1 foot from the floor (you want the steam coming out as low as possible).

Then it’s about where to put the controls. If you’ve built a shower bench into your design, you want the temperature and/or feature panel at shoulder length next to where you sit so it’s easy to reach. Mr. Steam has integrations for entertainment like Spotify and even Netflix. You can use its panels to preset a time for steam to heat up or to release essential oils for aromatherapy. Corvino adds that a wireless remote add-on allows you to toggle the steam on and off and control the temperature from your phone.

Finally, any ceiling lighting within the shower needs to be wet-rated, and, to that end, ventilation is key, too. That’s because the shower glass or watertight space has to seal in the steam, and you’ll need proper flow to remove moist warm air from the room to prevent mildew, says designer Tricia Portelli of Scribe Studio. 

What Should Your Steam Shower Look Like?  

One of the main design considerations for steam showers is materials. Naturally, nonporous stone is the ideal choice. “Porcelain tile is probably the best tile for a steam room, because it’s really sealed and you don’t have to take care of it,” Orellanas explains. “The grout line should be very thin as well.” Butera tends to opt for ceramic and porcelain, too, over natural stone, because they hold heat better. “Natural stone tends to dissipate the steam and cools the space faster,” she says. 

In its Deer Valley, Utah, project, for example, Hudson + Bloum used ceramic tile on the walls and shower lid, marble for the bench, and marble mosaic on the shower floor. “We like to use mosaics on shower floors for a nonslip surface, and more grout joints equals better grip when wet,” says Butera. Nobody recommends a fully wood interior; instead, consider teak for a bench or seat.

As for the doors, instead of one large glass partition, Corvino recommends two smaller doors that allow less steam to escape as you enter and exit. That’s the design she chose for her New Jersey brownstone bathroom. “Pivot hinges on double shower doors are a power move,” she states. They save on bathroom space, and when the doors are wet, she swings them inside the shower to dry off. Alternatively, designer Amber Lewis often favors multipane doors and glass, if that’s your thing, and she always fully encloses showers.

There are alternative ways to craft a steam shower if your preference is to not install a unit or you have space constraints. In one case, Portelli crafted a completely enclosed shower outfitted with a transom window to create the same effect.“ The choice to extend the enclosure all the way to the ceiling, coupled with the shower’s relatively compact size, facilitates the rapid generation of steam when taking a hot shower,” she explains. The operable window is key: It allows you to air out the shower as you move onto the rest of your self-care routine. 

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Kohler has been playing with its archival colors in all kinds of ways lately, reissuing greens, pinks, yellows, and more for its bathtubs, sinks, and toilets. The eye-catching moves continue with the company’s latest collaboration with artist-designer Dr. Samuel Ross and his industrial design studio SR_A. Yes, you’re seeing straight: It’s bright orange.

Formation 02, a limited-edition silhouette for the Eir smart toilet, is the second entry in Ross’s Formation line with the brand, preceded by an architectural faucet made from a new composite material called Neolast. The electric hue draws inspiration from Tiger Lily, a color Kohler introduced in 1967 for various applications in the bathroom and a signature of the designer. 

Brutalist in style, the commode’s shape pays homage to the velocity and power of water. Unique molding and tooling techniques result in a base with dramatic angles and texture, not unlike cliffs or crags carved over time by water. Combined with the orange color, Formation 2 would make a serious statement in an all-white, windowless powder room, funky pool house, or a maximalist main bathroom. (This isn’t the first time we’ve been taken with an orange toilet—peep the tangerine surprise in this Paris apartment.) 

It still comes with all the features of the Eir: a heated seat, customizable cleansing, nightlight, hands-free opening/closing, automatic flush, and a touch-screen remote. “Formation 02 combines our industrial expertise and technological prowess with our strong belief in the power of creativity to challenge and drive forward progress,” says Scott Edmunds, vice president of Kohler Marketing. The piece will debut at Milan Design Week this year and be available at sra.kohler.com on April 16. Who said shower tile was the only way to go bold in the bathroom? 

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Damp swimsuits flung on the edge of the tub, stacks of sandy beach towels, half-empty sunscreen bottles—a coastal bathroom sees it all. It arguably has to work harder than any ordinary bathroom, usually because there are a slew of guests sharing the space. At the same time, you want your bathroom to feel like an escape, a vacation from your vacation, if you will. While painting the vanity seafoam green and hanging a photograph of a sunset over the toilet might seem like your only options, we’re here to tell you that there are hundreds of other ways to design a coastal bathroom that don’t fall into the cheesy category. Ahead, we spotlight nine of our favorites.

The Coastal Bathroom That’s Like a Walk by the Beach

Kerrie-Ann Jones’s bathroom floor is reminiscent of a rocky landscape. The Australian stylist was so obsessed with Palladiana-patterned terrazzo that she decided to replicate the look on a much more impressive scale in her Sydney bathroom with large-format offcuts of marble. Some of the chunks are scraps from the fireplace; others were sourced from suppliers on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree. 

The Surfer-Cool Coastal Bathroom

Raili Clasen is an expert in surf style (seriously, she has a whole book dedicated to it that’s set to release in April). In this teen’s bathroom, the designer shows us how it’s done with on-theme art and a two-tone canvas shower curtain.

The Mediterranean Coastal Bathroom

At his former home in Majorca, British designer Matthew Williamson leaned into sunny Mediterranean life by swathing the bathroom in locally sourced tile and painting the window frame, walls, and ceiling himself to match the lemon hue. 

The Coastal Bathroom Guests Can Enjoy

When Ashley Clark’s Newport Beach clients asked her to trick out their guesthouse, she went for a more industrial feel with a bucket sink from Kohler and a rope-lined mirror. The Skout designer took things a step further by extending the look to the surrounding wall, which is wrapped in cork so people can pin up their surfing pictures.  

The Sand-Disguising Coastal Bathroom

The first-floor bathroom in this Jersey Shore house had to be able to stand up to little ones running in and out, flinging wet swimsuits around, and coming in with sandy feet. That’s why Kevin Bennert of OAK Design Project viewed it as a wet room and clad all the walls in beige zellige tile.  

The Well-Lit Coastal Bathroom 

For this project, Clasen’s design plan boiled down to one piece: a Heath Ceramics light fixture crafted by ceramist Stan Bitters. Yes, we’re referring to that pendant in the corner that looks like it is an ancient artifact (or piece of coral) plucked from the bottom of the ocean.  

The Zen Coastal Bathroom

Coastal doesn’t have to equal the ocean. Any body of water will do for inspiration, including a koi pond. Temple Studio’s Koromo linen wallpaper fits right in at this New Jersey beach house. Making the most of the small space, Studio DB opted for a clear glass backsplash so not a single fish goes unnoticed.

The Warm Red Coastal Bathrooms

Cool tones aren’t the only way to go in a coastal bathroom. Alex McCabe, cofounder of Australian design brand Kip & Co., put deep red terracotta tile in one of her beach house bathrooms and soft pink zellige in the other. The latter is a nod to a restaurant she visited in Bali.  

The Graphic Blue Coastal Bathroom

If you are going to go with a classic blue subway tile, make it interesting with an unusual layout. In this Lido Island home, designer Erika Marini of Fixe Design House created a ticking pattern by extending the top band of blue tile into the white concrete tile that covers the rest of the wall. 

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Anyone who has ever renovated a property will insist you add an extra 30 percent of your total cost to your budget. The line item? The unexpected. Usually, an unforeseen leak, a finicky heat pump, or a foundation crack. But for photographer and director Harper Smith and her husband, Cameron Duddy, the bass guitarist for the band Midland, it amounted to an entire kitchen remodel. In the process of renovating the Dripping Springs, Texas, home they’ve owned for nearly a decade, they discovered that the exterior walls had been poorly constructed—all of them would need to be torn down, including the ones supporting the kitchen cabinets. “We ended up having to rip out the kitchen against our will,” says Smith. The silver lining: The drab, brown space was “zero percent cute,” so they were at least able to justify the reno from a style perspective.

Right away, the couple; their designer, Amy Pigliacampo; and their contractor, Strong Roots Development, started thinking of clever ways to make the surprise project less expensive. Giving up on having a “badass full slab” of Calacatta Viola marble for a backsplash was one such solution. “I could find some slabs that were affordable, but the pieces were all too small or there wasn’t a beautiful violet tone to them,” Smith recalls. Most quotes were in the $9,000 to $10,000 ballpark. “So it was like, I’m either going to spend a bunch of money on a slab that’s not the right color or we’re going to have to find a different way.” That different way was tile.

A little research led them to Artistic Tile’s 18-by-18-inch honed marble tile. Compared to other Calacatta Viola tiles Smith sampled, these were the only ones within her budget that didn’t have a glossy printed appearance. Between the materials and labor, Smith guesses their backsplash cost them a mere $1,800. “Plus the company was great to work with; a couple broke and they sent new ones right away,” she says. (Editor’s note: Right now the brand is only carrying 24-by-24 and 12-by-24 options.)

Viola Reale 24-by-24-Inch Marble Tile , Artistic Tile

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The only real instruction Smith and Pigliacampo gave the tile installer was to group the pieces that had the most dramatic veining over the stovetop. Their logic: Those six tiles are the first thing you see when you’re walking down the stairs in the morning.

This clever fake-out wasn’t just applicable to the kitchen. The couple’s shower is swathed in large 12-by-24-inch black terrazzo tile from Direct Stone Source, but the hack is even less noticeable because the pattern is so busy and the dark grout blends right in. “It seems seamless,” says Smith.

As for the floor tiles, those were all made by Smith and Duddy in her mom’s ceramic studio after they decided they couldn’t afford Cle Tile’s Fornace Brioni collection. “I had a kiln and a husband who was totally down to help,” shares Smith. The only thing better than saving $8,000 on material costs is making the stuff yourself.

Terrazzo Nero Matte 12-by-24-Inch Porcelain Tile, Direct Stone Source

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The post This Kitchen Backsplash Looks Like a Stone Slab, But Costs $8K Less appeared first on domino.

When we recently saw the founder of a tile company cover his own kitchen walls in zellige tile, it proved to us that this trend really isn’t going anywhere. Personally, I get why so many people are drawn to the raw texture, the slight imperfections, and the color variations of Moroccan tiles, but as a design editor who sees a lot of the same materials play out in homes (zellige backsplashes being one of them!), I’d be nervous to commit to it myself. But a temporary, affordable, DIY-friendly version? That I can get behind. 

While scrolling TikTok the other day, I was served an ad for Smart Tiles (the brand also has an Amazon store). I’m familiar with the products, thanks in part to Alexandra Gater, the serial rental renovator who has used the company’s peel-and-stick tile in a number of her projects. (She once broke down for me how she installed the brand’s pink Metro Ava option in her tiny kitchen.) But what I saw on my screen wasn’t the typical white subway or patterned antique tile I’m used to seeing from adhesive-geared brands. The Morocco Sefrou tile in green looked a whole lot like actual zellige. 

Smart Tiles Morocco Sefrou Green Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

Sefrou Green Peel and Stick Backsplash (5 Sheets), Smart Tiles ($38)

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For starters, Smart Tiles has the tonal range you’d expect to see in Moroccan tile (because the real things are made individually by hand, no two are ever exactly the same). The sheets also have a slight gloss to them, which appears to help them shine when the light hits just right—not unlike zellige. So what do they look like in situ? Designer Shelby Eanes covered (most) of her bathroom walls in them and they look pretty legitimate, especially with the walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Peale Green. 

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On the company’s website, the tile has a 4.8-star rating and around 1,600 reviews. A customer in Australia raved about how quickly it arrived and another said their only learning curve was cutting the tile to fit around switch plates and outlets (a sharp X-Acto knife will do the trick). The imagery on the website mostly shows the tile applied in a vertical stack, but you can orient the 12-by-9-inch sheets in a horizontal fashion, too. 

There are fewer reviews on Amazon, but we did happen to find them in design blogger Kiva Brent’s “storefront,” aka the place where she saves her top-recommended products. If green isn’t your color, here are a few more faux zellige tiles we’re eyeing.

More Smart Tiles Peel-and Stick-Backsplashes

Rabat Pink Peel and Stick Backsplash (5 Sheets), Smart Tiles ($38)

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Morocco Tangier Peel and Stick Backsplash (5 Sheets), Smart Tiles ($55)

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Orange Safi Peel and Stick Backsplash (5 Sheets), Smart Tiles ($38)

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Beige Oia Peel and Stick Backsplash (5 Sheets), Smart Tiles ($38)

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The post I Could Have Sworn These $40-Per-Pack “Tiles” Were Actually Zellige appeared first on domino.

Whether you live in a rental, a fixer-upper, or your dream space, chances are there’s a room or two in your home that can use a decorative upgrade. While areas such as a bedroom or living room are relatively easy to change up—swapping in new throw pillows or a rug can go a long way—there are a few other rooms that require just a bit more effort.

But not that much more. For instance, a bathroom often falls short of any sort of major decorative change because it can seem intimidating, but we’re here to tell you that doesn’t always have to be the case. In that spirit, we compiled a list of easy ways you can upgrade your bathroom without spending a fortune. Here’s how.

Upgrade the Basics

When it comes to decorating, there are only a handful of opportunities for making changes in a bathroom—especially if you’re working within a small space—and a toilet paper holder is one of them. Consider swapping out your landlord special in favor of a more statement-worthy alternative, like the one above by James Shaw. Wall-mounted holders are fairly easy to install and they instantly impart even the most compact of spaces with a rich and stylish accent.

NewMade LA Toilet Paper Holder, West Elm ($55)

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Wiggle Toilet Paper Holder, Anthropologie ($48)

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Mind the Vanity

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for outdated bathroom cabinets, but if you’ve already got IKEA ones, it can be a breeze to add new fronts via brands like Semihandmade and Superfront. Both offer style-focused facades, custom-made to fit any cabinet from IKEA’s expansive collection. Short of that, you can also simply replace the existing knobs on the cabinet doors to give an instant facelift.

Geometric Cabinet Front, Superfront

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2 Drawers for Godmorgon, Semihandmade ($308)

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Invest in New Textiles

Never underestimate the power of a bold textile. And yes, that applies to the bathroom as well. For renters who find themselves at a loss for making decorative upgrades that may skew toward the permanent side, textiles are an ideal way to add a burst of color to an otherwise monochrome space. And because painting a bathroom is a project few of us are willing to take on in a rental, it’s an alternative we can definitely get behind.

Dusen Dusen Field Stripe Bath Towel, Nordstrom ($58)

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Bath Towel in Warm Red Happy, Baggu ($44)

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Deck the Walls

Another easy way to elevate walls? Utilize art to instill a cozy vibe fueled by decorative thought and intention. Even if you have room for only one piece of wall art, it can make quite a statement against bland, bare walls. And if your space and rental constraints permit, bring in an intricate wallpaper to establish a fresh aesthetic. Consider it a simple way to introduce a major dose of color and pattern to an otherwise monotone space.

C’est Très Nice Art Print, Framebridge ($300)

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“Crown For The Keeper” Painting by Georgia Elrod, Tappan Collective ($1,800)

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Experiment With Tiles

Statement tile is at the top of this year’s leading trends, and with good reason. While a complete gut reno can typically err toward the expensive side of a budget, implementing a wall accent with a chic tile display is one way to get around it. Not only will you save on not having to buy tile for the entirety of the bathroom, but you can splurge on a more expensive tile you would otherwise consider to be out of your budget.

Get crafty with an eclectic assortment of tile, and don’t be afraid to filter in mixed materials. Case in point? This beautifully curated vignette from designer Jessica Hansen’s Portland, Oregon, home, filled with Popham tile.

Dot Dash 6 Tile in Plein Aire, Fireclay Tile ($20)

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Way Cooler Tile, Concrete Collaborative ($175)

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Rethink Metallics 

Swap out existing fixtures and hardware to invite a refreshing element. Opt for a matte black faucet to impart your vanity with a mod upgrade or even a lustrous brass showerhead for a luxe finish. Take things a step further by bringing in an array of potted greens to implement an element of liveliness—a bonus and a must for a bathroom that lacks windows or natural light.

The Filtered Showerhead in Jet Black, Jolie ($165)

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Newport Widespread Bathroom Faucet, Rejuvenation ($449)

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Accessorize

Even the most tired and outdated spaces can be instantly elevated with the addition of a bath caddy—but not the ones you lugged to the shower in college. Be it for function or purely for form, a caddy not only provides extra storage in small spaces, it invites the addition of decorative accessories. Add a luxe upgrade to your tub by pairing it with a chic caddy topped with potted greens, a candle, and your bath-time essentials.

Wooden Bath Tray, Crate & Barrel ($80)

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Byredo Sweet Grass Candle, 8.5 oz, Nordstrom ($94)

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Think Details

For those looking to make a handful of low-commitment changes that require little effort or money, swapping out smaller accessories can go a long way. Bring in a new wastebasket, replace existing canisters and jars, or splurge on luxe soaps and bath goodies. Filling your space with items that excite you will help transform your bathroom into a mini oasis you can look to for the ultimate R&R session.

Hold Everything Stacking Glass Canister, Medium, Williams Sonoma ($45)

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Porcelain Medium Canister, Matte Black, Pottery Barn ($33 was $39)

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The post 8 Simple Swaps for a Mini Bathroom Revamp appeared first on domino.

You haven’t heard what happiness sounds like until you listen to someone describing what it’s like to use their newly remodeled bathroom. “Every time I walk in, I feel like I’m in a dream,” a DIYer once told us. “There’s this peaceful moment when you walk in. Like: Oh, this makes sense!” described another. For some, creating the ultimate sanctuary is the goal; for others, it’s building a space that is easy to keep clean and organized. We’ve seen homeowners and designers go above and beyond to make their bathrooms special, whether that’s searching high and low for a transparent resin tub or installing a towel warmer to make bath time with a baby a little more pleasant. No matter how dated or quirky your bathroom is to begin with, the 10 bathroom remodel ideas ahead will get you one step closer to that pure-bliss feeling. 

Save a Sad Shower-Tub Combo

Tubs are practical on so many levels, especially if you have little ones in the house. But when combined with a shower, the result often comes out looking like the “before” scenario above: minuscule and dingy. Investing in a graphic tile surround and a deep soaking tub can change all that. In this Los Angeles home, designer and architect Susan Nwankpa Gillespie covered the interior shower walls with a combination of two Zia Tile hues (Rouge and Casablanca) and clad the facade in amber zellige tile. 

Carve Out a “Shower Room”

If a tub is just not your jam (or, like in Anastasia Casey’s case, it takes 40 minutes to fill up), use it as an opportunity to expand your shower zone. The Identité Collective founder built off the pipes that were already there and added a second showerhead by the glass-block window (where the tub used to be), as well as a wand, which comes in handy when the dog needs a scrub-down. 

Paint Over Tile If You Don’t Have the Funds to Replace It…

Think of ugly, large-format tile as a blank canvas. At least, that’s what British designer Hannah Drakeford saw when she decided to apply two coats of V33 Renovation Floor and Stair Paint to her floor tile, laminate countertops, shower screen metalwork, and radiator. She then made it waterproof by adding one coat of Zinsser Bullseye 123. 

DIYer Nicole Christopher took a similar approach in her tiny Vermont bathroom by using Benjamin Moore’s Atrium White inside the shower in the brand’s Bath and Spa finish and Vintage Vogue green for the paneling and built-ins surrounding it. Her whole project rang in under $500. 

…Or Skim Coat Over It

Meet Leanne Ford’s quick fix for a dated bathroom. The DIY relies on SureCrete, a type of cement-based overlay, which can be applied directly onto an existing surface and made waterproof with a concrete sealer.

Push Your Vanity to the Limits

The pedestal sink was a strong giveaway to designers Alex Boudreau and Hayley Cavagnolo that this kids’ bathroom used to be a powder room. To make up for the major lack of storage, they scrapped it for a double vanity with open shelves and lots of lower cabinets painted in a creamy white and buttery apricot combo.

Invest in an Addition 

By shaving off part of this Seattle home’s kitchen, the architects at Best Practice Architecture gained a 30-square-foot micro bathroom addition that could accommodate a Japanese soaking tub, called an ofuro. It acts as a threshold between the interior and the deck, with a folding window wall opening up to vistas of the cherry and maple trees outside. 

Hide the Toilet

The toilet used to be the focal point of this New Jersey bathroom, but now it’s tucked away in a proper water closet with a pocket door that’s framed with wide slabs of Calacatta Fantastico marble. 

Go Dark

In her new Tudor home, Casey designed a cavelike shower swathed in dark green soldier-stacked tile with matching grout. She insisted on a curbless layout so the experience of walking inside the cocooning area is 100 percent seamless. 

Finesse the Details 

Sometimes the best bathroom remodel ideas are the simplest. For this Spanish-style home, the trick was rounding out a vanity corner here, adding marble trim there, and spotlighting the existing sauna with a see-through door. 

Flip Your Tile Orientation 

Natalie Myers of Veneer Designs ditched the two individual vanities in this main bathroom and turned them into one unit. Then she swapped the shower and tub placement to optimize the layout and ensure the most frequented spot was bathed in natural light to really achieve that zen feel. By switching the horizontal tile into a vertical format on the wall, the room appears larger than it really is.

The post 10 Spa-Like Bathroom Remodel Ideas, Whether You Have $500 to Spend or $25,000 appeared first on domino.

We have a lot to thank the modern design movement for: the airy open-floor plan, a focus on natural light, and the use of no-nonsense materials and clean lines. In a bathroom, that translates to a serene sanctuary that couldn’t make self-care look cooler. 

But oftentimes when you hear “modern,” your mind conjures a sparse, white room. Not exactly the most inspiring place to start the day, right? Keep scrolling for 13 modern bathroom ideas that show how to create a minimalist space that is still filled to the brim with personality and style. For your consideration: calming (and flattering!) lighting, an energizing grout color, and a maximum-zen soaker tub.

Draw Some Dramatic Lines

There’s nothing better than re-creating the feeling of a spa at home. For their L.A. client, Studio Shamshiri added a walk-in tub lined in Moroccan zellige tile that’s framed by a stunner of a floor-to-ceiling window. If you’re lacking the square footage (and full-blown budget) to pull off this quiet luxury look, start by placing your tub against a window and/or adding a plant (the taller the better), then integrating as many long, vertical lines as possible.

Create a Zen Cocoon

In this wabi-sabi-inspired Brooklyn haven, dark, textured walls (achieved with a plaster treatment and color-matched to the bedroom walls), all-black floor tile, and concrete vanity work in tandem with the warm, walnut beams and storage units. Let this be your sign to finally try out modern bathroom ideas with a moodier palette.

Behold the Power of a Dimmer

Often overlooked but key to a considered, contemporary bathroom is low lighting. Designers Jesse Rudolph and Joelle Kutner of L.A.’s Ome Dezin used dimmers to set the mood in this minimalist space. From there, they streamlined every design element, from the custom oak vanity with an inset sink in leathered Cipollino marble (also found on the floors and shower bench) to the fixtures.

Transform Tile With Colorful Grout

“I love color, but I still wanted the space to be calming,” says London-based Lindsey Isla of the bathroom renovation she completed with her fiancé. To achieve a soft but dynamic space, Isla leaned on geometric lines and an edited palette—the peachy pink hue on the walls carries up to the ceiling, while the green grout matches the mint green faucet (and lilac pops up throughout the house). The project proves basic white square tile can unlock plenty of personality with the right design.

Commit to an Ethereal Color

This icy blue and white bathroom shows how easy it is to embrace modern bathroom ideas while making them your own. According to L.A. designer Alexa Lameiras of Two Muse Studios, “We wanted to do natural wood cabinets in the primary bathroom to bring some warmth into the space, but the [client] was adamant about painting the vanities blue.” The result is like floating on a cloud.

Make a Moody Romantic Remix

Don’t feel like you need to stick to an era; there’s power in mashing up timelines. Designer Analisse Taft-Gersten, founder of ALT for Living, and her husband did just that in their Connecticut home. Here, the dramatic black stone vanity (made with extras from the new fireplace) looks even more contemporary in contrast against a Victorian-inspired marble-print wallpaper. The best of both worlds.

Follow Surf-Minded Simplicity

If you were wondering how to apply modern bathroom ideas to a casual-cool home, this 390-square-foot cabin in the cliffs of Cape Town is your answer. Architect Alexander McGee salvaged materials whenever possible—including sourcing pine wood from a scrapyard that now decks out the entire bathroom. Matte black hardware and trim create a crisp visual contrast that stays true to the essentials-only surf shack vibe. Call it new wave–modern. 

Jazz Up Black and White Tile

This abstract ceramic tiled bathroom found in the NYC home of Devin and Mike Shanahan has a breezy, improvisational vibe. However, Devin eschewed random placement by creating her own letter-slash-numbering system to communicate the desired look to their subcontractor. “I had fun with it, but I am not sure [he] ever wants to see me again,” she says, laughing. The graphic pattern’s small scale still makes a big impact.

Add a Highlighter Hue

Who better than a Berliner to tap for the coolest modern bathroom ideas? A single pop of neon in the form of a chartreuse vanity, paired with a prefab sauna wrapped in plywood and floor-to-ceiling windows, make this airy space feel like being in a boutique hotel while brushing your teeth in the morning.

Bring in Curve Appeal

When Shanty Wijaya and James Mulyadi of design-build firm Allprace renovated their Spanish-style Los Angeles home, they drew inspiration from Catalan modernism—and brought the drama to every single room, including the guest bathroom. Groovy terracotta tiles, rounded glass partitions, and ample skylights accented with wood beams make the space contemporary and cozy.

Go Big With Small Square Footage

As far as modern bathroom ideas go, this color-drenched space dials up the fun. The sculptural pink pedestal sink makes a statement, especially sitting in front of the full-wall, half-moon motif backsplash. “It doesn’t really tie into any of the other architecture,” says Kate Balsis, cofounder of Concrete Collaborative, of the powder room in her family’s California property. “But it’s such a concentration of style that then flows out to the rest of our home.”

Get Playful With the Details

There’s so much to love about this kids’ shared bathroom from U.K. designers Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead of 2LG Studio, who are known for using playful shapes and impactful hues. Between the monochrome color palette and mix of materials—the floor is a poured resin for easy cleanup and the mirror adds an element of fun to the sophisticated space, which also features a marble wraparound backsplash—it’s clear this space is a master class in modern design.

Channel a Spa in the City

Jazzy terrazzo floors and a custom Japanese ofuro soaking tub work together to create a spalike primary bathroom that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The space exudes minimalism and functionality in all the right ways. “I lived in Japan for a year, and it’s always been my adult dream to have this tub,” says Brooklyn homeowner Linda Bui. “The wood smells so good.” When in doubt, always go with your senses.

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You know good bathroom ideas when you see them—that cool gallery wall in the WC of your favorite bar, a clever paint pairing in a friend’s powder room, the genius layout at a boutique hotel spa. The best bathroom ideas have serious range: Small details bring a smile, mid-lift projects transform a room, and complete renos manifest into a magazine-worthy scene that still feels authentically yours.

Like any project worth the effort, brilliant bathroom ideas cover all levels of skill, budget, and time commitment. To help you get started on figuring out how to make your bathroom a standout space, we pulled inspiration from 14 of our favorite homes—from a stylish storage solve to a cool rental upgrade.

Think Outside the Typical Shower-Bathtub Box

If you thought you didn’t have room for a shower and a freestanding bathtub, well, get ready to tear up your blueprints. French style setter Garance Doré’s entire Mar Vista, California, home exudes peaceful vibes, but the airy bathroom—with its rain showerhead floating above a round soaker tub and subtle glass partition—far surpasses any typical shower-bath combo expectations.

Stick to a Material Theme

We’ll be the first to say it: Wood-on-wood can look outdated as far as bathroom ideas go. But in jewelry designer Malia Mau’s Los Angeles home, natural wood is the anchor for a seriously cozy space. Polished concrete floors and matte black fixtures offer a cool contrast, while the floating vanity gives the room’s Scandi sauna vibes a streamlined modern twist.

Add Sneaky Storage You’ll Want to Show Off

It doesn’t matter how little or how much you have to stash in that “hidden” vanity drawer; it’s going to get disorganized and your counter space will become cluttered. We love the optical illusion that plays out in designer Evgenia Merson’s solution for a San Mateo, California–based client: Vanity! Towers! Add two slim cabinets on either side of your mirror for extra storage space—they’ll even make the room look taller.

Re-create the Perfect Patina

Want to channel a classic old bathroom? A little wainscoting can go a long way. Take a cue from Houston-based content creator Ryia Jose, who dipped hers in an eye-catching glossy burgundy hue (inspired from her childhood in India). A pair of fabric sconces and console-style sink keep the theme going without overpowering the room’s petite proportions, while the delicate tiled floor wraps it all up in a nostalgic bow.

Blur Outdoor and Indoor With Twin Showers

An outdoor shower is a dream—but an indoor and outdoor shower seamlessly connected and equally attractive? That takes things to another level. To make the most of the coastal lifestyle at their Montauk, New York, home, fashion designer Maria McManus and her husband doubled their shower setup. Inside, the clapboard and plaster-style walls, rain shower fixtures, and wood floor feel entirely luxe but look as relaxed as a beach day.

Upgrade a Rental From Floor to Ceiling

Renters can make a big impact with a few small updates: Add wallpaper, flip the vanity doors, and swap out your bathroom accessories. But there’s a major wow moment hiding in designer Katherine Thewlis’s Tennessee ranch-style rental: the popcorn ceiling. Wait, you can’t see it? Of course not—that’s the beauty. A set of wood slats were placed on the ceiling, banishing the texture without damaging a thing.

Make Subtle Color the Main Character

Sometimes successful bathroom ideas can be achieved by simply focusing on the basics: a white tiled floor; a floating vanity sans hardware; and textured wall tile in a warm, light-bouncing shade of apricot that flatters anyone who steps inside. You won’t find extravagant fixtures or fancy design moves in Surrounded by Color founder Robin Heller’s Baltimore home, but it makes you feel (and look) great.

Feature Expected Materials in Unexpected Places

Marble in a bathroom may not sound entirely new, but tucking it in a space generally reserved for long-forgotten wood—as seen here in Ome Dezon design studio cofounders Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph’s L.A. home—is A+ in our book. Lining the arch in the same luxe material as the vanity counter creates depth, plus it frames the space perfectly.

Bring Cottage Vibes to Every Corner

Worn wood-plank floors give off a cozy, rustic look in textile designer Molly Mahon’s English country cottage, but it’s the pattern-on-pattern that really drives the cottagecore theme home. Inspired by the Bloomsbury Group (who vacationed in a town nearby), Mahon layered wallpaper and textiles in the same print but in differing scale and colorways. The lesson? Don’t be afraid to mix and match within a set palette and pattern.

Consider a Spa-Level Soaking Tub

Yes, you will need a bit of budget for this move. But if you’re already considering a freestanding bathtub, look into a Japanese soaking tub to transform your space into the ultimate zen retreat. L.A. designer Shelby Kass had her hinoki wood tub custom-made after visiting a Japanese onsen. Layer in serene neutrals and a view of greenery, and you have major bathing ASMR.

Swap Out the Shower Door for Something Architectural

An easy way to reset your bathroom? Switch out the shower door. If you don’t have the space, budget, or time for a reno—or if you’re renting—this is a relatively quick project. For inspiration, take a page out of interior designer Amber Lewis’s (literal) book, where she sings the praises of enclosing your shower in its own little world. It’s where everyone gets their best ideas, after all.

Ditch Tile for Swoon-Worthy Stone

If you want to invest in a really special wall moment, consider skipping the tile and going for an ethereal stone to cover your walls. Designer Jen Samson set the bar very high with a client’s bathroom in Laguna Beach, California, which is elegantly draped in jade green marble, from the vanity countertops to the massive shower, creating a calming cocoon. The white tile floor is simple, offering a great balance for the stone to really shine.

Bathe the Room in Monochrome

The peachy pink bathroom in musician Lourdes Hernández’s Los Angeles home is an exercise in subtle statement making: You don’t need to cover an entire room in tile to get a full-on color-wash effect. Choose one area to tile, like the bathtub or shower, then match your paint color and carry it all the way up the walls. Another detail we love: The hexagon shape softens the room and adds interest to the monochrome space. File this under foolproof bathroom ideas.

Go Big With an IKEA Hack

We love Sarah Sherman Samuel for many reasons, but the guest bathroom in her Michigan family home is high on the list. It gets better: The superlong vanity is actually an IKEA hack. Samuel took two Godmorgon pieces, swapped out the door fronts with designs from her Semihandmade line, and unified them with one massive slab of sleek marble—proving the best bathroom ideas are about following your vision (and getting a little scrappy).

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If you thought it was antithetical to wallpaper a room filled with heat, humidity, steam, and water splashes, think again. Covering your bathroom in wallpaper is possible, but you’ll need to adhere (literally) to some guidelines to ensure its integrity over time. I learned the hard way when I revamped my beach cottage bathroom and didn’t do any research prior to starting the job—let’s just say I’ve got my fingers crossed some of the mistakes I made don’t come back to haunt me. To save you the headache, I followed up my DIY by asking wallpaper pros to share their top tips for a successful outcome.  

Mistake No. 1: Not Choosing the Right Wallpaper  

Experts stress vinyl wallpaper is the best choice for a bathroom, followed by a fabric-backed vinyl paper known as type II. I chose a traditional wallpaper for my recent remodel because I fell in love with its tropical design and I’m not a fan of the subtle shine that sometimes comes along with vinyl treatments. “The fact is, moisture, mildew, and bacteria won’t degrade vinyl,” says Frank Vega, a manager at Waldwick Wallpaper & Paint. “If you’re not going with a vinyl-based wallpaper, at least opt for one where the manufacturer has incorporated water-resistant materials to help the paper hold up to moisture.” 

Considering using a removable wallpaper? “Unfortunately, peel-and-stick’s low-tack adhesive can be susceptible to steam, which can warm and loosen the paper,” says Vega. It can also be more difficult to install because it doesn’t slide into position. “You have to line things up carefully even before it touches the surface, which can be tough in bathrooms, which tend to have a lot of tight spaces,” notes Timothy Whitaker, vice president at T. Whitaker Painting, Inc.

Mistake No. 2: Not Prepping the Walls

People like to use wallpaper to hide the sins of their walls—like cracks, holes, nail pops, or rough textures—and while that can be a smart tactic, you’ll still most likely need to do some surface prep like spackling or skim coating. “You can’t just stick wallpaper up over any old wall,” says Vega. “Especially in a bathroom where there’s always going to be moisture and steam at play and where surface imperfections will allow that steam an entry point to lift your paper.”   

Mistake No. 3: Not Priming the Walls

I never asked my installer what type of primer he was planning on using (here’s hoping he primed at all!). Looking back, I would have made sure he was applying a mold-resistant wallpaper primer. “This type of primer allows the wallpaper glue to do its job rather than be absorbed by the wall’s pores,” notes Whitaker. “Unlike regular paint primer, wallpaper primer is made so it won’t soften while the wallpaper paste is drying, which could result in lifted seams.” If your shower gets a lot of use, consider using an adhesion-promoting primer in conjunction with a wallpaper primer. “You apply it two hours after your regular wallpaper primer,” Whitaker explains. “The adhesion promoter keeps seams from coming loose in moist situations and stays tacky, allowing the wallpaper to slide into position. The downside is it can be messy to work with.”

Mistake No. 4: Not Installing an Exhaust Fan 

At the moment, I have a vintage pendant lamp hanging from the center of my circa 1924 bathroom ceiling, but after researching for this article, I decided to do the prudent thing and replace it with an exhaust fan—an important addition, especially if there are no windows in the room. “Steam is one of the best ways to remove old wallpaper, so you can see why it’s important to control the level of heat and steam in a bathroom,” says Vega. “A high-velocity bathroom exhaust fan or a dehumidifier will extract excess moisture from the air so it doesn’t settle on the paper,” he says. “It’ll also prevent mold and bacteria from growing.” Whitaker suggests connecting the fan to the light switch to ensure it always goes on when you’re in the shower.

Mistake No. 5: Wallpapering the Area Between the Ceiling and the Shower 

Vega notes most homeowners (like me!) instinctively want to paper any visible drywall up to the ceiling for a uniform look. “Yet it’s just above the showerhead where steam and heat are at an all-time high and where you’ll see wallpaper degrade the most,” he says. “Consider tile or a shower surround that goes to the ceiling, or cover the area in a mildew-and-moisture-resistant paint, in a color that complements your wallpaper.”

Mistake No. 6: Not Turning Down the Heat Setting on Your Water Heater

My three kids weren’t too happy when I turned the temperature on our water heater down to 120 degrees, but doing so reduced the amount of heat and steam in our bathroom, saving not only the wallpaper but also a few dollars on my energy bill. Will that reduction solve my moisture problems and eliminate the need for an exhaust fan? “Nope,” says Vega. “But it will help.” 

Mistake No. 7: Not Sealing the Wallpaper’s Edges and Seams

Sealing a wallpaper’s edges is one of the best ways to prevent water and moisture from sneaking behind your paper. Here’s one thing I did right: My installer applied a beading of clear silicone to the areas where my wallpaper meets the tile. “You can also add silicone around an unprotected vanity to keep any splashes from loosening your paper,” notes Whitaker.

Mistake No. 8: Not Creating a Buffer for the Wallpaper at the Sink 

If you’re renovating your bathroom, creating a buffer between the splash area around the vanity will help prolong the life of your wallpaper. “I suggest nonporous glazed tile,” says Vega. 

Mistake No. 9: Not Picking the Right Glue

Opt for a commercial-quality clear paste that won’t degrade early or reveal itself if you don’t line up your paper perfectly. “The thick adhesive in a heavy-grade paste can also bridge minor gaps on the wall’s surface, such as roller stipple or a less than perfect spackle repair,” says Vega. Another option: a vinyl-over-vinyl adhesive (VOV). “Unlike most regular wallpaper adhesives, this one isn’t water soluble and has the added advantage of being stickier,” says Whitaker. “The installer would lay out the room, marking where every seam would fall, then brush a 1-inch-wide line of VOV on the wall behind every seam and around the edges to guarantee nothing will ever come loose.” There is a drawback to this adhesive, namely it makes wallpaper removal more difficult down the road. 

Mistake No. 10: Not Cleaning Your Wallpaper

Between toothpaste splatter, hair spray, and makeup powder residue, bathroom walls can get dirty fast. “Give traditional paper a cleaning with a soft microfiber cloth or dry sponge,” says Whitaker. “For vinyl wallpaper, dip a microfiber cloth in warm water and dish soap and gently wipe.”

Mistake No. 11: Not Keeping a Backup Supply of Wallpaper

Life happens and bathroom walls can get damaged. “I had a customer with a burst pipe who had to re-wallpaper her entire bathroom because she didn’t have a spare roll and her wallpaper was discontinued,” says Vega. “I had another who got hair dye on her wallpaper yet wisely had an extra roll, and her fix was minimal.” 

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