30+ Designer-Approved Bathroom Remodel Ideas For 2023
Before you start swinging the sledgehammer to demolish your outdated bathroom, you should first decide on a new design. To help you make design decisions that you'll love for years to come, we summed up some of the best trends and predictions. From contemporary to transitional, must-have technological features, and the best layouts, check out these designer-approved bathroom remodel ideas.
Find inspiration on color palettes, fixtures, and vanities to create a peaceful retreat in your own home that fits your style and needs.
Bathroom Trends for 2023
The National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) interviewed over 700 designers and specifiers (remodelers, general contractors, architects, etc.) from all over North America to learn more about current and upcoming trends.
The report covers design aesthetics that will be trending over the next three years and discusses tech features you don't want to sleep on if you're renovating your bathroom soon. Before we dive into interior design trends, here are some of the most popular practical features you should know about.
Maximize Your
Space
When it comes to your master bathroom, space is key. If you have a bigger budget to work with and the space is currently not utilized well, it may be time to take down a few walls and change the layout of your bathroom (and surrounding rooms). Increasing the size of the overall master bathroom and removing bathtubs to make room for spacious showers are two design choices that are expected to gain popularity.
If your floor plan allows it, consider a separate room for the toilet. Besides getting real peace while you're sitting on your throne, it also creates more of a spa-like feel in your bathroom.
Turn Up
The Heat
Walking into a cold bathroom first thing in the morning might get your juices flowing but if you know your bathroom will be nice and warm, it may be easier to get out of bed! Heated floors and shower seats are popular features in newly renovated bathrooms and it's easy to see why. Because the heat is distributed more evenly throughout the room when it's coming from below your tiled floors, your bathroom floors will not only be nicer to walk on but will also dry much faster.
A heated shower bench allows you to relax or sit down while you're waiting for your hair mask or when you're shaving. If you're planning to grow old in your home, it's also a safety feature that gives you the chance to recharge or stay safe when you're feeling unwell.
3. Think Ahead
Besides heated shower seats, there are other accessibility features you should consider when remodeling your bathroom. Even floors, aesthetically pleasing grab bars, and surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain can be huge reliefs if you're renovating your forever home.
4. Smart bathrooms
Never underestimate technology, especially when remodeling your bathroom. While it may not be a space where you consider technology to be a key factor, features like programmable showers, TVs in mirrors, or a voice-controlled plumbing system will become staples in the modern bathroom. Consider a self-cleaning toilet if it's within your budget. It's expected to be one of the most popular tech features in the upcoming years.
Contemporary Bathroom Ideas
Besides the technological and practical trends, there are also clear winners when it comes to interior design trends. Contemporary bathrooms are among the most popular design choices and will continue to be a go-to for many homeowners when revamping their spaces. Take a look at some of our favorite ways to incorporate this design into your bathroom below.
Less
Is More
For a true spa vibe, a minimal approach is key. Clutter-free surfaces, an open layout, and clean lines will make you feel like a modern royal every time you set foot in your bathroom. If you're opting for a darker color palette, recessed ceiling lights and windows will help brighten the room. Warm wood tones can break up the contrast between the otherwise sterile black and white features. To control clutter in the shower, build a shower recess or niche.
Create
Bright Spaces
Nothing beats natural light. Large windows or skylights are in style and will elevate your bathtub alcove. If you're worried about strangers looking in through your windows, consider a tinted or frosted glass. You'll still get the benefits of natural sunlight brightening your space without feeling exposed to the outside world while you're taking a shower. Windows will also allow you to save energy, as you need less artificial light and can simply open them to let fresh air in instead of running your vent all day.
Ditch
The Doors
A shower without a door or curtain? What can sound messy is also a luxurious trend gaining in popularity. Open showers or wet rooms are in style and make for great features in a spacious en suite bathroom. The larger shower enclosure will allow you to install various showerheads or panels and you'll never have to worry about a wet shower curtain sticking to your legs again. Plan the space thoughtfully to ensure that the water will drain properly and you don't flood your entire bathroom every time you take a shower.
Floating
Vanities
Floating vanities with slab doors are a great way to create the illusion of space in a small, contemporary bathroom. You can leave the space below the vanity empty to allow for easy cleaning or decorate with baskets to store towels, cleaning supplies, and toilet paper. Wall-hung vanities may be a bit more labor-intensive during installation, but will make your bathroom feel larger and more airy.
9. Indirect Lighting
Bright lights can be uncomfortable when you're getting ready in the morning or are trying to relax before bedtime. Installing indirect lights is a great way to create a more enjoyable atmosphere. Whether you decide on recessed ceiling lights, dimmer lights, or mirrors with LED lights—opt for white light and a high color rendering index for a more authentic light.
10. Trendy tiles
To elevate the design of your tub or shower enclosure without breaking the budget, pick white subway tile. You can lay this tile in a herringbone pattern for a more dramatic effect or stick to the classic offset pattern to elongate the space.
Transitional Bathroom Ideas
The transitional design style is characterized by a clever mix of traditional and modern elements which creates a cohesive interior and is especially popular in bathroom design. Use glass, metal, ceramic, and wood for a modern feel and add traditional elements like chevron tile or an old-school clawfoot tub for a special touch. Read more about ways to create a transitional bathroom in your home and draw inspiration from a few beautiful spaces.
Combine
Multiple Spaces
We've addressed that maximizing your bathroom space is going to be a game-changer, but you'll also want to consider how you can combine the spaces and create a better flow in your master suite. Attaching a walk-in closet to your master bath is a great way to turn a small or overlooked space into a functional room.
If you don't like the idea of walking through your bathroom to access your closet, consider switching the two. Walk-through closets offer greater privacy in the bathroom and act as a sound barrier between the bedroom and bathroom.
Make Room
For Two
Spacious showers are in! If your bathroom is on the smaller side, consider removing the bathtub and installing a shower enclosure that's big enough for two. You can install glass doors that reach all the way to the ceiling to create a statement piece that gives the illusion of a larger space. A big shower also allows for a shower bench which is disability and elder-friendly—two features that are becoming increasingly important for homeowners.
Free-standing
Bathtub
A free-standing claw-foot bathtub can add personality to your bathroom and is also a great way to save some money if your existing bathroom has an old tub of this kind. Refinishing a claw-foot tub takes a bit of work and expertise but with the right products and patience, you'll gain a beautiful accent piece that is functional and has a rich history. Keeping other design elements like the vanity, toilet, and colors more modern or contemporary creates a beautiful transitional design aesthetic.
Pick Matching
Fixtures
For cohesive design, choose matching plumbing fixtures throughout your bathroom. Colors like matte black, gold, and brass are trending and add a nice contrast to an all-white or gray bathroom. Consider larger faucets with sprayers for your sink and bathtub to make cleaning easier. Voice or touch-activated faucets will also become more widespread features in bathrooms in the 2020s.
15. Double-sink vanity
If you're sharing the bathroom with a partner, having a second sink can be a game-changer. Double-sink vanities give everyone their own space so you never have to fight over your bathroom schedules again. A larger vanity also provides more storage space and surface area that you can decorate or use to display products you use daily.
16. Glass sink
While white sinks are practical and timeless, picking a material other than white porcelain can be a nice way to switch things up and incorporate a unique twist. Glass bathroom sinks are an elegant feature that is probably best to reserve for a bathroom that won't be used by children.
17. Storage space
Opting for vanities and other bathroom cabinetry that is big enough to store your towels or linen is going to help you keep the space clean and tidy. You'll also want to consider how many personal hygiene items and cleaning products you like to keep in your bathroom so you can order the right size cabinets. Vanities with electrical outlets in drawers or cabinets are a plus as they hide cables and will make it easier to keep them organized.
Organic And Natural Bathroom Ideas
The third most desired design style for bathrooms in the upcoming years is an organic or natural approach. Greens and wood tones can make your bathroom room feel more spacious and calming. Sustainable design ideas will become increasingly popular, especially among millennials. Here are some of the best ways to incorporate this design into your renovation.
Decorate
With Plants
Decorate your bathroom with lots of plants to make it feel like a true oasis. Plants like peace lilies or bamboo will be very happy in this humid environment. If you don't have a green thumb, you can opt for a green accent wall, organic textured rugs, or a pretty shower curtain. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, some plants also have health benefits. Hanging dried eucalyptus leaves in your shower can help reduce stress, clear your sinuses, and relieve pain.
Waterfall
Showerhead
A luxurious way to upgrade your shower is to install a waterfall showerhead. While it's not as functional as a handheld showerhead that's mounted to the wall, a rainshower or waterfall showerhead will make you feel like you're on vacation every time you step in the shower. If your shower is big enough, you can always install multiple showerheads so you can decide what kind of shower you're in the mood for on the spot.
Opt for
vessel sinks
Vessel sinks sit on top of your bathroom cabinet rather than being mounted into your vanity. They're easier to install and the attention-grabbing shape is a great way to add interest to a space. Whether you pick glass, concrete, or stone for your vessel sink, ensure that the cabinet you're installing them on isn't too tall since the sink will be sitting on top of it. Vessel sinks are also a great way to give the illusion of higher ceilings because they increase the space between the countertop and the ceiling.
Matte
Black Finishes
Matte black faucets and hardware finishes are stylish and calming. If you incorporate these black details throughout your bathroom, you'll achieve a cohesive design that will elevate the natural aesthetic of the space. High-quality matte black fixtures are just as easy to clean and maintain as chrome or nickel, but contrast beautifully with white porcelain sinks or marble shower enclosures.
22. Open Shelving
Open shelves are a great way to add storage space and decor to a bathroom. Shelves are an affordable alternative to cabinets and allow you to utilize vertical space. You can hang a shelf above the toilet to store toilet paper, add a shelf between vanity mirrors to store hygiene products, or place one behind the bathtub and decorate with soaps and plants.
23. Luxurious flooring
Instead of tile or stone, opt for luxury vinyl wood plank or engineered wood for a more natural and organic feel. Make sure the wood or vinyl are water-resistant so you don't have to worry about damaging the floors in this wet environment. Choose a dark color for more contrast or a light wood optic for a softer aesthetic.
Other Bathroom Designs
If contemporary, transitional, or natural aren't your personal favorites, there are plenty of other interior design styles that are great choices for your new bathroom. Check out some of our favorites below and find out how you can add subtle touches or make bold statements in your bathroom.
Farmhouse
Style
For a farmhouse feel, create an accent wall with white shiplap behind your vanity. Choose a rustic vanity with plenty of storage space and opt for black hardware. To carry this aesthetic throughout the room, hang mirrors with black frames and install matte black plumbing fixtures. A freestanding modern bathtub and open shower will make the room feel timeless while keeping the farmhouse vibe.
Eclectic
Style
If a white and bright bathroom is too boring for your taste, you may love an eclectic look. To make the space pop, pick a colorful wallpaper and create an accent wall. Choose a theme like florals, 1920s art deco, or birds of paradise, and decorate your bathroom to complement your statement wall. Keep in mind that a busy wallpaper will already add a lot of funk to the space, so keep all other decor minimal. Incorporate a few plants, paint your vanity in a corresponding color, and get a cute rug to keep your feet warm while you wash your face in the morning and voila—you have a very personalized, beautiful, and eclectic bathroom.
Minimalist
Style
If you prefer simplicity and serenity over a cozy atmosphere, perhaps a minimalist bathroom design is best suited for you. Stick to a neutral color palette like white, maple wood, and silver, or create a moody feel with a darker palette like black, gray, and ash wood. If you do opt for a darker color palette keep in mind that natural and artificial light is essential to brighten the room enough. To keep your vanity clutter-free you can hang mirrored cabinets that double as storage space. An open glass shower or wetroom creates an open feel and will fit beautifully with your minimalist aesthetic.
27. Traditional Style
In a traditional home, you may want to carry that style into your bathroom. Traditional bathrooms don't have to be dark and dusty. Stick to a light color palette for the floors and walls to highlight a beautiful traditional wood vanity. Opting for white, modern features when picking your bathtub, shower, sink, and toilet will create a timeless design that you'll love for years to come.
28. Coastal
For a coastal or nautical bathroom, add navy and light blue hues to your design. A fish scale tile pattern can create a gorgeous shower enclosure, but you can also bring in the nautical vibes with some white shiplap. Add subtle accessories and don't overdo it—too many seashells, seagulls, and palm trees can quickly look like kitsch.
29. Mid-Century Modern
For a mid-century modern feel, pick a dark wood vanity that floats or has the iconic straight or needle-point legs that characterize MCM furniture. Choose a floor tile with a fun geometric pattern, and use brass, copper, or black hardware. You can incorporate warm textures with a subtle rug and spice up the walls with mirrors that match your plumbing fixtures.
30. Industrial
If you live in a studio with exposed brick walls, leaning into the industrial style will result in a bathroom that matches the rest of your home. But even without this wall feature, you can create an industrial look by incorporating lots of blacks, natural woods, concrete, and metals into your design. Consider a steel-frame, French shower door for a classic yet unique design feature.
Before + After Bathroom Remodel Inspiration
The idea of remodeling your bathroom can be daunting. When everything is gutted, you're looking at exposed walls, and construction dust fills the air—imagining what your new bathroom will look like may help alleviate some of the stress you're experiencing.
Take a look at these beautiful before and after images to get excited about your own renovation project! Just use the slider going left to right to see these amazing transformations.
Out With The Old
Without changing the floor plan, this couple went with a classic, airy, and bright transformation. A white subway tile backsplash with black accents and warm wood tones help elevate the white and keep it from swaying too feminine. Open shelving, marble countertops, and a double farmhouse style sink finish off the kitchen.
Source: Peggy Haddad Interiors
Let There Be Light
In a bathroom that feels this constricted, opening up the walls and adding windows is the best design choice you could make. The natural light highlights the pretty white tub and allows the natural wood elements to shine. The floating vanity makes the room appear taller and will make cleaning the floors easier for the lucky homeowners who get to use this bathroom every day.
Source: Light & Dwell
Fixer Upper
The 80s will always hold a special place in our hearts but this bathroom had to make way for something new. By evening out the floors and updating everything from the tub to the mirrors on the wall, the space now feels more spacious and open than before. A freestanding double vanity with mirrors above each sink creates the perfect bathroom for two.
Source: Katie Lamb
Tropical Getaway
An island vacation is great to fill up your cup but this tropical bathroom lasts forever! With a funky wallpaper, gorgeous black and white floor tiling, and dark green wood trim, this boring bathroom was transformed into an eclectic oasis. Plants and gold accessories complement the lively spirit of this bathroom and make it a truly unique space.
Source: Audenza
(Social: @audenzahome)
A True Masterpiece
These dated 90s fixtures had to make way to create a chic spa-like bathroom. While the footprint of the shower remained the same, it now appears larger and turned into a gorgeous focal point thanks to the new tiles and glass enclosure. A spa isn't complete without a sleek, freestanding tub which fits perfectly below the large window.
Source: Heather & Scott Home & Design
Whether you're thinking about adding some pep to your powder room or want to splurge on a new master bathroom so you can cancel your spa membership for good, we hope these ideas and trends spark inspiration. Don't forget to order your new bathroom cabinets in time to complete your remodel and enjoy your renovated space.