Transforming your bathroom into a relaxing oasis doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. We’ve rounded up some of the best bathroom design ideas from this week’s top interior design stories to help make your bathroom remodeling dreams a reality. From small DIY updates to full luxury bathroom suites, these tips will inspire you to create the bathroom of your dreams.

Utilize Natural Lighting and Skylights

Bringing more natural light into your bathroom instantly makes the space feel more open and inviting. Skylights are a wonderful way to flood your bathroom with natural sunlight. Install a skylight or solar tube to brighten up your shower and give the illusion of more space.

You can also add more windows or enlarge existing ones if possible. Opt for privacy glass or textured window treatments to allow light in while maintaining discretion. Consider positioning mirrors across from windows to amplify the sunlight.

Create the Illusion of Space with Mirrored Cabinets

Mirrored cabinets, especially on the sink wall, visually double the size of your bathroom. The reflection creates the illusion of a more expansive space.

Look for mirrored medicine cabinets or vanities to add storage and enlarge the feel of a small bathroom. Install floating mirrored shelves on the wall opposite the vanity for amplified spatial effects.

Mirrored tile on one wall adds depth and brightness. Mirrored backsplashes, wainscoting and accent walls can make efficient use of mirror reflections too.

Add Character with Vintage Finds

Vintage charm and old-world character can add visual interest to your bathroom. Keep an eye out for antique vanities, clawfoot bathtubs, pedestal sinks and unique faucets at salvage yards and antique shops.

Distressed factory carts make novel vintage sinks. Old dressers and cabinets can be retrofitted into vanities. Look for vintage wall sconces, mirrors and accent shelves to complete the look.

Adding just a few vintage or antique elements mixes up the design and creates an eclectic, curated feel. The imperfections and patina of aged goods add warmth and personality to modern bathrooms.

Create a Spa Look with Natural Textures

Bring the look and feel of a spa into your own bathroom with natural wood and stone textures. Stacked stone walls or slate tile wainscoting exude nature and style.

Wood elements like floating shelves, vanities, and matte wood cabinetry add organic texture. Consider wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile flooring for the visual appeal without the moisture concerns of real wood.

Warm metallics like antiqued bronze or textured gold accents compliment the natural vibe. Add greenery with potted plants or a living wall for a total zen sanctuary.

Design a Multi-Functional Space

Maximize unused space in your bathroom by creating zones and multi-functional elements. Turn a standard bathtub into a spa retreat with a tub-side bench for candles and bath essentials.

Install floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets above the toilet area for added storage. Look for vanities or console cabinets with hidden compartments or drawer organizers.

Use the back of the door for towel bars, hooks, and caddies. Consider glass shower doors to open up floor space and cabinets built into wall studs for bonus storage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Design Tips

What are some small bathroom design ideas to maximize space?

Some excellent small bathroom ideas include using wall-mounted faucets and floating vanities, installing corner shelves and vertical storage, choosing materials like glass shower doors and mirrored cabinets, going for neutral colors, and utilizing lighting.

How can I make my bathroom look more modern?

To give your bathroom a modern feel, try using clean lines, simple forms, and minimal ornamentation. Bold geometric tile, floating vanities, frameless shower doors, vessel sinks, and matte black or gold fixtures help achieve a contemporary vibe.

What are trending bathroom colors for 2023?

Earthy and neutral bathroom color schemes are popular this year. Expect to see lots of white, beige, tan, brown, slate grey, sage green, and terra cotta. Bold black accents and brass hardware add flair.

How do I choose fixtures and hardware for my bathroom?

When selecting bathroom fixtures, choose high-quality materials like brass, copper or stainless steel for durability and style. Match metal finishes throughout the room. Opt for drip-free, water conserving faucets and showerheads. Pick versatile pieces that coordinate with your decor.

What type of flooring works best in bathrooms?

Water-resistant materials like porcelain or ceramic tile, natural stone, and vinyl planks are ideal for bathroom floors. Avoid real wood, which can warp. Mosaic tile, hexagons, and large format tiles are trendy options. Add texture with grout color.

Should I get an open or closed shower?

Open showers create an airier, spa-like feel and showcase beautiful tilework. But they require strict moisture control and drain maintenance. Closed showers offer more privacy and contain water spray. Frameless glass doors provide a modern update on classic tubs.

How do I add storage to my small bathroom?

Optimize storage with narrow floating shelves, wall-mounted cabinets, pedestal sinks with space below, rolling carts, over-the-toilet racks, medicine cabinets, and low-profile vanities. Baskets and bins keep things organized. Consider converting adjacent closets or walls into storage space.

What lighting works best in bathrooms?

Install layers of ambient, task, and accent lighting in the bathroom. Overhead can lights, LED track lighting, and recessed downlights provide general illumination. Undercabinet lights, pendants, and sconces supply task lighting. Wall sconces flanking the mirror offer accent lighting.

How can I update my bathroom on a budget?

Some affordable bathroom updates include repainting the walls, replacing fixtures like faucets and showerheads, switching out dated light fixtures, refreshing caulk and grout, swapping in new hand towels and shower curtains, and decluttering surfaces and cabinets.

Conclusion

Upgrading your bathroom doesn’t have to drain your wallet or take months of remodeling if you focus on strategic high-impact changes. Little improvements like installing more lighting, incorporating space-expanding mirrors, or laying new tile flooring can make a big visual difference.

Take inspiration from these trending bathroom design ideas to create a sanctuary tailored to your style and space. With smart planning and creative problem-solving, you can design the elegant, spa-like bathroom of your dreams on any budget and in any size space.