Modern Bathroom Designs Yield Big Returns In Comfort and Beauty

Bathroom renovations are undisputedly one of the few home improvements that will see a good return on investment when it’s time for resale. Some trends come and go, but clean, modern bathroom decor is here to stay.  If you can’t afford a full bathroom redo, incorporating some of the latest innovations in fixtures or tile can upgrade a dated bathroom to a more functional and modern decor.

Today's bathroom fixtures are more spare, but have increased functionality and are easy to clean. This minimalist bathroom allows the fixtures to be the focal points of the room.
Today’s bathroom fixtures are more spare, but have increased functionality and are easy to clean. This minimalist bathroom allows the fixtures to be the focal points of the room.
Today's modern soaking tuns are deeper and can offer a more relaxing bathing experience.
Today’s modern soaking tuns are deeper and can offer a more relaxing bathing experience.

Deep, stand-alone soaking tubs are the way to go, offering just as many features as the old whirlpool tubs but with more style and design interest.  Because the water source is plumbed separately, there can be more options for tub placement in modern bathroom decor.

The P3 comforts washbasin combined with the L-Cube bathroom furniture by Philippe Starck by Duravit.
The P3 comforts washbasin combined with the L-Cube bathroom furniture by Philippe Starck by Duravit.

With a wide footprint and smooth ceramic finish, this washbasin is typical of modern bathroom decor.

Teuco Accademia Limited Edition Oro collection bathtub, made from Duralight®.
Teuco Accademia Limited Edition Oro collection bathtub, made from Duralight®.

If want a little more bling in your bathroom, there is the Oro Collection from Teuco, which demonstrates the design advances made possible by new materials like Duralight®.

Another Limited Edition Academia tub by Teuco, this time in a navy blue pin-stripe.
Another Limited Edition Academia tub by Teuco, this time in a navy blue pin-stripe.

Who says that your bathtub has to be all white?  For this who prefer a bit more color in their modern bathroom decor, this Teuco tub is a color statement.

Soaking tub from the Wetstyle Cube Collection.
Soaking tub from the Wetstyle Cube Collection.

Still deep and inviting, this rectangular tub from Wetstyle features a comfort backrest and two types of trays to hold any bathing necessities.

The high shine of this tub only highlights the spectacular wood grain.
The high shine of this tub only highlights the spectacular wood grain.

Turning to a natural material like wood does not have to mean a less luxe bathtub.  This highly polished wooden model brings enough warmth to modern bathroom decor while still feeling fresh.

The sunburst pattern of the wood construction is very dramatic.
The sunburst pattern of the wood construction is very dramatic.
KHIS tubs are available in 3 different models, with 3 different finishes. You can also choose the bottom of the bathtub in your choice of wood or stone.
KHIS tubs are available in 3 different models, with 3 different finishes. You can also choose the bottom of the bathtub in your choice of wood or stone.

KHIS, which makes hand-crafted wooden tubs like this one, believes in the “natural flow of time and experience.” The color is dark brown, almost black, thanks to the thermal process that heats the wood to 215°C. This makes the wood extraordinary water-resistant and durable.  KHIS bathtubs also have eco-friendly post- processing, either with natural linseed oil or hot wax.

Although Flaminia is an Italian company with a long history, today it creates fixtures in cutting edge designs like this tub.
Although Flaminia is an Italian company with a long history, today it creates fixtures in cutting edge designs like this tub.

Flaminia creates modern soaking tubs like this one on display in the Miami Design District Showroom of the Poltron Frau Group.  Flaminia, an Italian company founded in 1954 when a ceramic worker’s strike led 23 young workers to establish their own company.

One of our favorite piece in the Cape Cod collection is the tub. It features an optional shaped headrest, which enhances the comfort. They are made from a new material called durasolid, which has a warm ‘feel,’ We love the matte look. It comes in a free-standing model, back-to-wall and corner version.
One of our favorite piece in the Cape Cod collection is the tub. It features an optional shaped headrest, which enhances the comfort. They are made from a new material called durasolid, which has a warm ‘feel,’ We love the matte look. It comes in a free-standing model, back-to-wall and corner version.

Launched early in 2015, Cape Cod by Philippe Starck is another beautiful line of bathroom fixtures and furnishings that offers a variety of design options.

The round Cape Cod Basin is set in a modern, minimalist console with chrome. The basins are made from high-strength ceramic with an elegant finish, called duraceram.
The round Cape Cod Basin is set in a modern, minimalist console with chrome. The basins are made from high-strength ceramic with an elegant finish, called Duraceram.
Cape Cod basins have a rim thickness that measures only five millimeters that is surprisingly strong and impact resistant. They are available in three shapes: round, square and this intriguing tri-oval.
Cape Cod basins have a rim thickness that measures only five millimeters that is surprisingly strong and impact resistant. They are available in three shapes: round, square and this intriguing tri-oval.

L-Cube bathroom furnishings by Duravit can be combined with any of the fixtures.  Here, they are set with the Cape Cod line.  All the pieces are designed to work without hardware, which can disturb a sleek aesthetic, and include a soft-close mechanism.

Kubista wall-mounted vanity from LaCava.
Kubista wall-mounted vanity from LaCava.

Wall-mounted vanities, such as the one above by La Cava, are becoming more popular. This type of modern bathroom vanity keeps the floor clear and easy to clean, while still offering ample storage space.

Small touches can boost the retro vibe and still have a modern feel. Check out the shower knobs on the tile wall and the fixture for the sink.
Small touches can boost the retro vibe and still have a modern feel. Check out the shower knobs on the tile wall and the fixture for the sink.

Modern bathroom decor does not have to mean sharp corners, chrome and a white palette. This updated bathroom style includes elements with a more traditional feel. The modern edge is enhanced by red brick tile and dark wood — combined with the edge of a modern glass shower.

This dresser-style vanity offers plenty of storage space as well as room for hanging hand towels without taking up wall space.
This dresser-style vanity offers plenty of storage space as well as room for hanging hand towels without taking up wall space.
Even with an extra large, flush-set washbasin, this vanity still has a generous amount of counter space because the basin is set to one side.
Even with an extra large, flush-set washbasin, this vanity still has a generous amount of counter space because the basin is set to one side.

In addition to many styles of wall-mounted vanities, modern bathroom decor is seeing more large washbasins in place of double sink vanities. With cabinetry mounted to the wall, there is no fear of warping the wood f your bathroom furnishings if water spills on the floor.

Decor details like a more opulent light fixture and a mirror that has curved lines softens the look of angular modern bathroom fixtures.
Decor details like a more opulent light fixture and a mirror that has curved lines softens the look of angular modern bathroom fixtures.

If your tastes run more toward a rounded basin, this style still melds well with a sleek, wall-mounted vanity. Combining softer details with a modern bathroom vanity makes the style versatile.

Doubling up on a small vanity,each with its own mirror, works well for many people.
Doubling up on a small vanity,each with its own mirror, works well for many people.

Although a dramatically center-set modern washbasin is visually appealing, double vanities can be important for families on the go. Having two, smaller separate modern vanities with sinks is a functional, yet still modern, option.

Modern and wall-set, this duet of individual vanities has a retro feel thanks to their shape and design.
Modern and wall-set, this duet of individual vanities has a retro feel thanks to their shape and design.
Yet another example of a double vanity is this rectangular design. With one-piece construction, cleaning is a breeze because there are no seams or grout on the surface.
Yet another example of a double vanity is this rectangular design. With one-piece construction, cleaning is a breeze because there are no seams or grout on the surface.
L-Cube bathroom furnishings by Duravit can be combined with any of the fixtures. Here, they are set with the Cape Cod line.
L-Cube bathroom furnishings by Duravit can be combined with any of the fixtures. Here, they are set with the Cape Cod line.

The L-Cube by Philippe Starck is a perfect base for double- or single-vanity style bathrooms. All the pieces are designed to work without hardware — which can disturb a sleek aesthetic — and include a soft-close mechanism.

Modern wall-mounted vanities

Many modern wall-mounted vanities lack the storage space typical of traditional styles with cupboards or drawers underneath.  A variety of options exist for adding storage to modern bathroom decor, from Starck’s L-Cube to the off-set design above.

In addition to traditional basin styles like this one, Kast makes sophisticated trough and wedge style basins as well.
In addition to traditional basin styles like this one, Kast makes sophisticated trough and wedge style basins as well.

Concrete has been used in kitchen fixtures for some time and fans will be happy to see it making it;s way into modern bathroom decor. UK-based manufacturer Kast uses tints and precision blends of additions to create a vast spectrum of finishes for its concrete products.

Kreoo describes these hand-carved marble basins as having "light curves that burst like a flower."
Kreoo describes these hand-carved marble basins as having “light curves that burst like a flower.”

Bowl No. 1 in Kreeo’s Nabhi collection is a stunning, organically shaped washbasin, reminiscent of a large seashell. Either on a single vanity or as part of a pair, pictured here, it is a dramatic and functional statement for a modern bathroom.

The master craftsmanship used to carve these bowls is evident in their undulating, delicate curved rims.
The master craftsmanship used to carve these bowls is evident in their undulating, delicate curved rims.
KolpaSan's newly launched basin.
KolpaSan’s newly launched basin.

This new wash basin by KolpaSan is stunning. The ample bowl and thin profile are visually different from most basins.

Thin wash basin

Although it has an Asian design sensibility, this wash basin design would meld with any bathroom style.

The sleek and spare look of the basin is enhanced with a minimal, rustic wood frame.
The sleek and spare look of the basin is enhanced with a minimal, rustic wood frame.

This free standing washbasin is crafted from the same material as the tile wall.

The washbasin by Stirone is paired with the Ciane single lever mixer faucet.
The washbasin by Stirone is paired with the Ciane single lever mixer faucet.
Versatile and modern, this retro double vanity is suitable for smaller spaces.
Versatile and modern, this retro double vanity is suitable for smaller spaces.

Yet another example of modern bathroom decor with a retro feel.  The turned legs and curves of the vanity lend a softer feel to the piece. Nonetheless, it would pair well with a modern soaking tub or other spare fixtures.

This wooden countertop basin is a stunning piece for any modern bathroom.
This wooden countertop basin is a stunning piece for any modern bathroom.
Philippe Starck created these fixtures for Duravit, with whom he has had a history of collaboration.
Philippe Starck created these fixtures for Duravit, with whom he has had a history of collaboration.

ME by Philippe Starck washbasins, presented by Duravit, come in a variety of sizes to fit any bathroom configuration.

ME sink Setting from Philippe Starck

Rimless toilets and sleek, easy to clean washbasins are just some of the features in ME by Philippe Starck.

Minimal metal structures hold up the spare basin and shell-style tub.
Minimal metal structures hold up the spare basin and shell-style tub.

It may look like just another minimalist wash basin set up, but the wall mounted faucet adds a different dimension to the room.

The exposed plumbing is of an appealing design and adds interest to the wash basin installation.
The exposed plumbing is of an appealing design and adds interest to the wash basin installation.
Newform, an Italian design company, produces these remarkable fixtures.
Newform, an Italian design company, produces these remarkable fixtures.

Sleek pedestal sinks are accentuated by the spectacular metal plumbing work that hangs from the ceiling.

Silenzio by Antonio Lupi is made of Corian and, once encased in the wall, is brushed and plastered to match the wall where it is installed.
Silenzio by Antonio Lupi is made of Corian and, once encased in the wall, is brushed and plastered to match the wall where it is installed.
The washbasin almost disappears in the wall, it is like a "naked" sink that can be dressed in many different finishes.
The washbasin almost disappears in the wall, it is like a “naked” sink that can be dressed in many different finishes.
Modern shower walls often incorporate more than just fixtures.
Modern shower walls often incorporate more than just fixtures.

Walk-in showers and shower rooms can be incorporated in modern bathrooms.  This one features a green wall and two widely placed shower heads to accommodate multiple individuals.

Glass enclosed and portable, these sauna facilities can often be customized.
Glass enclosed and portable, these sauna facilities can often be customized.

For those who have the room and the budget, self-contained sauna rooms can be installed in in any home.  Rather than a rustic feel, these models have a sleek look that would easily meld with any modern home decor.

The wood detailing in the seats and walls is particularly interesting in this sauna room
The wood detailing in the seats and walls is particularly interesting in this sauna room

With modern bathroom decor, your imagination — and your budget — are the only limits.  Innovations in bath fixtures and furniture are advancing the comforts and design elements you can include in your bathroom. It’s now even easier to reflect your lifestyle and your preferred design aesthetics in bathroom decor.