14 Ideas for Modern-Style Bathrooms

By
Anabelle Bernard Fournier
Anabelle Bernard Fournier
Anabelle Bernard Fournier is a freelance writer who specializes in home decor and interior design. She's been writing about interiors since 2012 and focuses on bathroom design and personalizing a home.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 08/30/21
Modern bathroom with wood cabinet surrounded by white walls and countertops

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Modern style can be mean different things to different people, but generally speaking, when we refer to modern design, some of the same concepts and strategies are often found: geometrical shapes, neutral or basic colors, little to no decorative flourishes, and natural materials.

If you're remodeling a bathroom in a modern home, you'll be inspired by some of these examples from prominent designers. 

  • 01 of 14

    Modern Simplicity

    Illuminated modern, luxury home showcase bathroom
    Hoxton/Tom Merton / Getty Images

    This bathroom by Stephani Buchman, via Houzz has all the hallmarks of a modern design: simple geometric shapes (dominated by squares and rectangles), the predominance of white with a little neutral gray, a natural stone backsplash, and little in the way of decoration.

    The fresh flowers definitely make the room here. Not only do they add a touch of color (which you can change according to your mood), but they also make the bathroom less sterile, and more homey and welcoming. 

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  • 02 of 14

    Open-Plan (Derek Swalwell)

    Elegant, modern home showcase interior bathroom
    Hero Images / Getty Images

    Another feature of a lot of modern-style bathrooms is an open plan, usually involving transparent glass walls around showers. This is especially good in smaller spaces.

    This bathroom uses a "wet-room" style and distinctly modern elements: geometrical shapes in basic squares, a monochrome color scheme, and minimal decorative elements (again, a few flowers seem to do the trick). 

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  • 03 of 14

    Warm Modern (Rusal Construction)

    natural textures in a modern bathroom
    Rusal Construction

    Not all bathrooms have to be cold and sterile to be modern. Take this example, a contemporary primary bathroom by Rusal Construction, via Zillow: The space is warm, inviting, welcoming. We still have the focus on geometrical shapes (in this case, egg-like shapes via the sink and tub), a simple color scheme (warm neutrals), and minimal decorative elements. Wood and stone (or convincing look-alikes) are typical modern features.

    This one definitely has more decoration than most modern bathrooms, but the decorative items are simple, with basic shapes: empty frames, paddles, and candles.

    About This Term: Primary Bathroom

    Many real estate associations, including the National Association of Home Builders, have classified the term "Master Bedroom" (or "Master Bathroom") as discriminatory. "Primary Bedroom" is the name now widely used among the real estate community and better reflects the purpose of the room.


    Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome.

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  • 04 of 14

    Ultra-Modern

    See-through tub in a modern bathroom
    Homestratosphere

    This bathroom, found on Homestratosphere may be the epitome of modern. A floating vanity makes the space look bigger, wall-sized windows make the bathroom seem like part of the landscape, and the transparent freestanding tub has almost no visual presence in the room.

    This bathroom definitely has "minimal footprint" in mind. Every element is chosen to occupy as little space as possible—both physically and aesthetically. The transparent tub definitely makes this space!

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  • 05 of 14

    Glamorous Simplicity (Studio Isle)

    gold and marble in a modern bathroom
    Studio Isle

    This marble bathroom by Studio Isle uses a lot of modern decor staples, along with a touch of glam thanks to its golden hardware and its all-marble design. The rigid application of square and rectangular shapes is contrasted only by the curves of the faucet spouts. 

    Note how the temperature control handles for the sink are on the side, rather than on the top next to the faucet. This is an interesting choice that brings more attention to the rectangular shapes that dominate this bathroom.

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  • 06 of 14

    Dark and Relaxing (Bau-Fritz GmbH& Co. KG)

    slate gray tile modern bathroom
    Bau-Fritz GmbH & Co. KG

    Modern bathrooms don't always go with the white, gleaming look. Sometimes dark is also modern, as with this modern bathroom space by Bau-Fritz GmbH &Co. KG, via Houzz,  dominated by a dark gray slate tile.

    The light wood furniture and white fixtures bring a needed touch of light, color, and organic feel. Notice the minimal hardware and how the shape of the sinks echoes the size and shape of the tiles.

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  • 07 of 14

    Minimalist White (Jose Campos)

    white minimalist modern bathroom
    Jose Campos

    Minimalism is a major feature of modern decor—and this bathroom by Jose Campos is as minimal as it gets: all white, focused on function, and without any fluff.

    This bathroom is certainly stark but also rather serene. You can easily imagine freeing your mind from daily worries in a space that has nothing to distract you.

    17 Classic Gray and White Bathrooms
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  • 08 of 14

    Mid-Century Modern

    wood wall in a modern bathroom
    Homestratosphere

    Modern style also extends to what designers call "mid-century," a decorating style inspired by the sensibilities and building practices of the 50s and 60s. 

    In this modern bathroom, found on Homestratosphere, it's the rounded corners of the vanity that gives the space its mid-century vibe. The dark wood paneling contrasting the neutral beige tile also contributes to this typically mid-century modern bathroom.

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  • 09 of 14

    Intriguing Modern (Pental Surfaces)

    dark modern bathroom
    Pental Surfaces

    This modern bathroom by Pental Surfaces, via Zillow, features an interesting mix of styles, but it's definitely modern. Just have a look at the variety of geometric shapes, from the circular mirror to the cylindrical pedestal sink and triangular light fixtures. These are all contrasted by small, dark, rectangular tiles.

    The distressed wood of the floating shelf and single wooed chair adds a touch of organic material that makes all the difference here. Definitely on the masculine side, this bathroom is a cool, intriguing exploration of modern design features.

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  • 10 of 14

    Modern Luxury (Lars Gitz Architects)

    white modern bathroom with rocks
    Lars Gitz Architects

    The modern style is great for small spaces but can be even more striking when applied to larger areas. In this beautifully luxurious modern primary bathroom by Lars Gitz Architects, you have a sofa, a double-sided fireplace and a bed of river rock for the tub.

    Of course, the predominance of white—along with the lack of decorative elements—makes this bathroom eminently modern. The tile adds some visual movement to the design while recalling the shape of the river rock. 

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  • 11 of 14

    Wet-Room Modern

    modern bathroom design idea
    Impress Photography

    If you lack the space for both a tub and a shower, why not combine the two in the same area? This wet-room style bathroom, found via Houzz, uses its space effectively very effectively. Note the slight incline of the tile that helps water drain. 

    Modern features include the all-over dark tile, the simple shapes of the tub and toilet, and the decorative touch via plants and flowers. 

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  • 12 of 14

    Modern in Black and White (John Wheatly)

    black and white modern bathroom
    John Wheatly

    For those who prefer more than one color, try combining black and white for a striking yet super-modern contrast. In this modern bathroom by John Wheatly, black and white define the space and the shapes for a harmonious minimalist effect.

    But the most interesting thing in this bathroom is the cool geometric mosaic: Are they cubes or hexagons? The tiles provide visual interest and movement. 

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  • 13 of 14

    Bright Accents

    grey and yellow modern bathroom
    hayneedle

    Remember: modern doesn't mean colorless!

    Modern bathrooms can accommodate color very well, especially if it's a single, bright shade. Yellow (as in this contemporary primary bathroom) red, blue, or green—as long as it's a saturated hue and used as an accent, it will enhance your modern design.

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  • 14 of 14

    Compact Modern (M House)

    modern bathroom with black tile floor
    M House

    This small yet mighty modern bathroom by M House features a lot of the things we've seen so far: black and white styling, clean geometrical shapes, and organic decorative elements. The stool is a wonderful detail—its shape recalls the smooth lines of the tub.

    The flowers on the windowsill and the cowhide rug add softness and warmth in what would otherwise be a stark and minimal space.

40 Tips for Decorating a Modern Primary Bedroom