Your master bathroom is your oasis. It’s where you go at the end of a long day to wash away the stress, to practice self-care, or to prepare for the day ahead. The bathroom is more than just another room in the house; it’s a sanctuary for relaxation, reflection, and continued well-being.
Not only that, but your bathroom is where you literally and figuratively bare your authentic self, so your interior design should be a reflection of what that means to you.
Recent events have left many of us feeling anxious and drained. As a result, today’s remodeling trends lean heavily towards comfort and relaxation. Spa-like bathrooms with high-end amenities and eco-friendly textiles are the way of the world right now, and there are many exciting possibilities to consider.
Exploring Design Styles
In years past, we’ve seen an explosion of stark and minimalist bathroom design trends. Many homeowners love this look because of its clean, sleek, and enduring aesthetic. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classics: black and white are bathroom color staples that have endured in one form or another through the decades. There has also been a rise in Scandinavian-inspired simplicity, a style that reflects an affinity for warmth, depth, and the beauty of nature.
Ostensibly, the less cluttered your bathroom is, the less cluttered your mind will be—and that’s sure to appeal to many modern homeowners.
And while this modest style is not going anywhere, we’re also starting to see some bathroom design that leans away from simplicity.
For some homeowners, it’s all about embracing beautiful things. Forget minimalism: some people just want to appreciate the finer things in life! That’s why you might start to see bathroom trends that take a more no-holds-barred approach to self-care and relaxation. In many cases, this means style and glamor, with plants in gilded pots dangling fronds over bathtubs, intricate tilework, and a variety of items (think sculptures, freestanding towel rails, and even luxurious furniture) that make the home’s occupants feel happy.
No matter what style makes you feel most at home, there are no wrong answers. Indulge your senses, and it will always feel just right.
Choosing Countertops
Quartz has become one of the most popular choices for countertops in recent years. It’s beloved for its beauty, hardiness, and stain resistance, making it the perfect choice for the bathroom. Quartz is a processed natural stone that comes in a veritable rainbow of colors, textures, and patterns, so it lends itself to any décor palette. It is dense, non-porous, and heat-resistant, so it stands up to hairstyling appliances, water splashes, bumps, and scrapes. Plus, unlike other natural stones like marble, it needs minimal care to stay fresh and gorgeous. Finally, because quartz is an engineered stone, it can be cut to any size or shape, making it perfect for oddly sized bathrooms or custom vanities.
Quartz countertops are an investment, but they’re significantly less expensive than natural granite—another popular countertop option. Although both are lovely and durable, quartz is much more versatile and long-lasting. The classic elegance and durability of quartz countertops will serve you for many, many years to come.
If you’re looking for an alternative to stone, concrete is a popular choice in modern design. Although it’s not traditionally viewed as something you’d see in a high-end bathroom, you might be surprised at its beauty and versatility. Concrete countertops are smooth, sleek, and beautiful in their simplicity, and the options for colors and finishes are rapidly expanding. And depending on how you design the rest of your space, they don’t have to look industrial—unless you want them to. Concrete is naturally eco-friendly, highly durable, and low maintenance. Cleaning up spills promptly is necessary with concrete, but if you invest in sealing and waxing the countertops periodically to help maintain their finish and protect them against stains, maintenance is a snap. When you invest in concrete countertops, you can be sure you’re getting something unique, elegant, simple, and ultimately versatile.
Bathroom Flooring and Tilework
Tiles have been the go-to selection for bathroom flooring for eons. Bathrooms are, as dictated by function, wet, and the floor and walls require a surface that can stand up to moisture. That’s why so many homeowners choose tile: both ceramic and porcelain are non-porous and highly durable, making them ideal for a steamy bathroom setting.
Subway tiles are an eternal favorite for bathroom décor. These days, they’re so ubiquitous that some feel they’re overused, but we tend to think of them as an enduring classic. This neat, bricklike design with a twist is an ideal choice for homeowners who want to be stylish, and there are some great ways to steer clear of a clichéd look. To liven up your subway tiles, play with patterns, like herringbone, or use contrasting grout colors to create a three-dimensional effect.
In 2021, homeowners are forgoing tiles with tiny, dizzying patterns in favor of bold, eye-catching designs. That’s not to say that every bathroom floor or backsplash has to be screaming for attention, of course; a single-color bathroom with a statement floor tile design can be very effective. Tiles with block colors, oversized prints and patterns, saturated hues, unique shapes, and even colored grout are an excellent way to boost your bathroom’s style factor without doing a complete renovation.
Texture plays a big part in tile selection, as well. From raw, matte surfaces to glossy, hand-painted finishes, there’s a wide array to choose from. There are even tiles designed to look like wood, which is a great way to incorporate a “natural” element into your bathroom without having to worry about warping and rotting.
Whether you’re using eye-popping tile as your focus feature or allowing it to subtly complement the rest of your design, don’t be afraid to play around with tile in your bathroom. And tiles don’t just have to be relegated to the floor! Visually appealing tile is great for a bathroom wall or accent, too.
Fittings, Fixtures, and Finishings
The soaker tub is having a renaissance in 2021. Much more versatile and space-efficient than its traditional built-in counterpart, the soaker tub is as stylish as it is luxurious, and can be used as a statement or focus piece in the bathroom. These freestanding beauties come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for almost any space—and the name of the game is a good, deep soak, which is undoubtedly what you’ll get when sinking into one of these luxuriant tubs.
Homeowners who enjoy a moody and minimal look will be attracted to the “dark fixture” trend. Black, matte fixtures are modern, stylish, and visually striking without being garish. As any fashionista will tell you, black goes with everything, so this trend complements any palette. And for individuality, brushed black fixtures are a gorgeous alternative to the glossy chrome that’s been everywhere for decades.
Metallics are incredibly trendy in 2021; copper, brass, and gold are having a moment. Of course, silver fixtures haven’t gone anywhere—you’ll still see them in many a stylish bathroom—but 2021 is giving other metallic tones an extraordinary chance to shine. Whether it’s bright and glossy or brushed matte, you can’t miss with metallic fixtures in your bathroom.
Smart Features
Weird as it might sound, the digital age is coming to a bathroom near you. While you’re probably most focused on the style of your fixtures, consider that you can also upgrade them with smart capabilities. Now, it’s possible to preset your shower temperature and turn it on with the tap of a button. You can also monitor water usage, warm your toilet seat, adjust the bathroom lighting, and even check your emails and the weather on your smart mirror. Customize your bathroom to be the most relaxing, efficient space possible, and you won’t want to leave.
The most important thing to remember about your bathroom décor is that trends come and go. Classic design, high-quality materials, and reliable fixtures will always be in style. And when you’re considering your budget, weigh it against the upgrade to your comfort and quality of life. Ultimately, if it makes you feel happy and relaxed in your home, you can’t ask for more.
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