Transform your dated and tired bathroom into a sleek, modern oasis with a stylish remodel. A bathroom renovation allows you to not only update the aesthetics of your space, but also improve functionality and layout. With smart planning and design choices, you can create a bathroom that is both beautiful and highly functional. This guide will walk you through the process of planning, designing, and executing a sleek, modern bathroom remodel.
Why Remodel Your Bathroom?
There are many great reasons to remodel your bathroom:
- Update the look – Remodeling allows you to swap out dated and worn finishes and fixtures for sleek, modern elements that reflect your personal style. Out with the old tub and tile surrounded by floral wallpaper, and in with a spacious walk-in shower, floating vanity, and neutral palette.
- Gain functionality – When remodeling, you can reconfigure the layout to gain functionality that works better for your needs. Add more storage, improve lighting, install a double vanity if there’s room, and add universal design elements like grab bars and a curbless shower entry.
- Enhance comfort and relaxation – By updating fixtures, surfaces, and layout, you can enhance the comfort of your new bathroom. Install a soaking tub for relaxing baths, heated floors for getting out of a warm shower, and a space designed for your routines.
- Boost home value – Bathroom remodels offer excellent return on investment. A major remodel can recoup over 60% of costs at resale, while even minor updates can increase home value.
Whether you want a total transformation or simple refresh, a bathroom remodel is a smart investment that allows you to create your dream space.
Planning Your Sleek, Modern Bathroom Remodel
Careful planning is crucial for a smooth bathroom remodel. Mapping out details ahead of time prevents delays and headaches down the road. Here are important steps for planning your sleek, modern bathroom renovation:
Set Your Budget
The very first thing you should do is set a realistic budget. Bathroom remodels span a wide range of costs. On the lower end, expect to spend $3,000-$6,000 for a minor update focusing on surfaces and fixtures. For a full gut remodel of a standard 5×7 bathroom, plan on $15,000-$30,000. High-end custom bathrooms with luxury finishes can reach $50,000 and beyond.
Factor in not only materials and labor, but also permits, demolition, plumbing and electrical work, flooring, lighting, ventilation, and contingency costs. Meet with contractors to get accurate estimates. Then determine a comfortable budget and make adjustments to your design plan if needed.
Define Your Goals
Clarify what you want to accomplish with the remodel. Do you want to fully gut and reconfigure the layout to gain more space and storage? Or will simple surface updates like new tile and fixtures achieve your aesthetic vision? Outline must-have features along with nice-to-haves. This will inform layout and design choices.
Prioritize changes that improve usability and function, like walk-in showers for aging in place, ample lighting, and storage solutions. Safety should also be top of mind, with slip-resistant flooring, grab bars, and tempered glass stall doors.
Choose a Style
Nail down the overall style and aesthetic for your new modern bathroom. Sleek, minimalist designs feel fresh and contemporary with neutral colors, clean lines, and ample surfaces. Or add warmth with natural wood accents and greenery. Browse inspiration images to identify elements you’re drawn to, from surfaces to color schemes to layouts.
Focus on creating a soothing, spa-like ambiance with high-end materials and a simple, uncluttered look. Having a clear style direction will guide all your design choices.
Hire Pros
Unless you have remodeling experience, hire professional contractors to tackle the work. A general contractor will oversee the entire project from start to finish. You’ll also need to hire specialists like plumbers and electricians.
Only use licensed, insured, experienced pros with excellent references for bath remodels. Get at least three written estimates so costs can be compared. Check reviews and inspect examples of past work. Ensure you get along well–communication is key for a major renovation.
Finalize the Layout
Evaluate how your current bathroom is configured and make a layout plan for the remodel. Consider bumping out walls or removing non-load-bearing walls to create more space if needed. Decide on the ideal placement for the vanity/sink, toilet, shower, tub and each fixture.
Ensure the layout is safe, logical, meets code requirements, and works with the existing plumbing and venting. Allow ample room to move around each area. Mark measurements on your floor plan and outline traffic flow.
Key Design Elements for a Sleek Modern Bathroom
The materials, finishes, features, and details you select will bring your sleek, modern bathroom design to life. Keep the following elements in mind as you plan:
Simple, Streamlined Cabinets and Vanities
Sleek, minimalist vanities with clean lines establish the modern look. Floating vanities visually expand the space. Opt for frameless cabinetry in a neutral wood tone or crisp white. Understated hardware and an uncluttered look exude modern appeal.
Integrate the sink seamlessly into the countertop material for a streamlined, sculptural look. Quartz, porcelain, limestone, and concrete offer sleek options. Include an integrated or vessel sink design.
Undercabinet or recessed lighting provides task illumination. Maximizing storage with drawers, pull-out organizers, and a streamlined medicine cabinet keeps items neatly tucked away.
Large-Format Tile and Neutral Colors
Clean, simple large-format floor and wall tiles in neutral hues of white, gray, and beige give a seamless, contemporary look. Twelve by 24-inch or larger tiles minimize grout lines. Porcelain and ceramic tiles offer sleek, modern options that resist moisture and stand up to daily wear.
Natural stone like marble, travertine or limestone can provide organic texture. Glass, mosaic, and metallic tiles work nicely for accents. Arrange tile patterns in a straight stack or herringbone for modern appeal. Use dark grout for dramatic contrast.
Keep the color palette minimalist, limiting it to one or two neutral tones alongside black and white for crisp contrast. Paint the ceiling, trim, and cabinetry in matching soft white or gray. Bold tiles or black accents make a statement.
Open, Spacious Walk-in Showers
Replace a cramped tub shower combo with an open, spacious walk-in shower for a modern, spa-like experience. Frameless glass doors allow the sleek tilework to take center stage. Opt for an extra-large showerhead and additional body sprays.
Curbless entry, zero-threshold showers seamlessly connect to the bathroom floor for an accessible, modern design. Include built-in shelving and benches for functionality. Choose sleek metal fixtures over shiny chrome.
Opt for linear drain designs. Use large-format tiles on walls and mosaic tile designs on floors for visual interest. Specify waterproof shower systems and vapor-proof lighting.
Free-Standing and Clawfoot Bathtubs
While walk-in showers are trending, a sleek standalone tub can provide a relaxing oasis in your modern bathroom. Stunning sculptural options include oval, rectangular or round. Select a crisp white color.
For a vintage-modern blend, consider a clawfoot tub placed on a matte black or brass finished frame. Situate it near windows, or design custom privacy screens or curtains. Ensure plumbing and access allow for this focal feature.
Keep lines clean with wall-mounted faucets. Install a hand shower and minimalist fixtures. Surround with serene, spa-like decor such as floating shelves, fluffy towels and low maintenance plants.
High-Tech Fixtures
Integrate smart high-tech fixtures that save water, energy, and hassle in your modern bath remodel. Touchless and motion activated faucets and toilets conserve water. LED lighting saves energy and provides optimal illumination.
Digital shower systems let you program customized settings for each user. High-tech toilets provide heated seats, temperature-controlled washlets, air drying, odor extraction, and touchless flushing.
Voice activated mirrors offer the latest technology, like playing music and accessing playlists. Integrate water leak detectors, smoke and CO monitors to prevent damage.
Sleek Hardware and Plumbing Fixtures
Sleek, contemporary bath hardware and plumbing in matte black, brushed gold, or matte white finishes replace dated, builder-grade shiny chrome. Look for clean-lined modern designs.
Widespread faucets with lever or cross handles allow precise temperature control. Overhead rainfall showerheads provide immersive soaking. Hand showers are great for rinsing hair and cleaning.
Coordinate finishes between faucets, shower fixtures, cabinet hardware, and other details for a cohesive modern style.
Designing Your Modern Bathroom Remodel
Now it’s time to pull all the elements together into a cohesive design for your sleek, modern bathroom remodel.
Choose Fixtures and Surfaces
Select fixtures and finishes that align with your aesthetic vision and meet your functionality needs. Visit showrooms to view products like tile, vanities, toilets, tubs, and hardware to make selections.
Many sleek modern bathroom designs use a neutral color palette of whites and grays paired with wood accents and black metal fixtures. But feel free to get creative with bolder touches like a vibrant mosaic tile wall or modern concrete sink.
Be sure to choose durable, low maintenance materials that withstand moisture and everyday use. Get contractor input on products to ensure quality.
Design Proper Lighting
Proper lighting is essential in modern bathroom design. Plan layers of light for mood as well as task needs:
- Install recessed can lights on the ceiling for ambient illumination. Dimmer switches allow adjusting brightness.
- Incorporate task lighting at the vanity with either recessed or undercabinet fixtures. Wall sconces on each side provide even lighting.
- Light the shower and tub areas with recessed cans or vapor-proof fixtures.
- Accent lighting, like LED strips under floating shelves or in cabinets, adds a dramatic touch.
- Natural light boosts ambiance. If possible, add windows and skylights. Choose translucent glass surfaces to allow light through dividers.
Automate lighting with occupancy sensors, dimmers, and remote control. This saves energy and allows customizing settings.
Include Proper Ventilation and Extraction
Proper ventilation and humidity management ensure comfort and prevent mold and moisture damage. Strategies include:
- Install a bath fan rated for the square footage of the room that runs for 20+ minutes after showering. Choose ENERGY STAR models.
- Use an exterior venting fan rather than recirculating models for best performance.
- Add supplemental vents and ducting if natural ventilation is inadequate.
- Select humidity-resistant drywall and mold-resistant paint.
- An exterior vented skylight boosts air circulation while allowing natural light.
With good planning, you can have stylish design along with the right ventilation to keep your modern bathroom fresh.
Preparing for Your Sleek Modern Bathroom Remodel
Careful preparation helps ensure your bathroom remodel goes as smoothly as possible. Follow these tips before starting work:
Create a Detailed Schedule
Collaborate with the contractor to create a start-to-finish project schedule. Identify target dates for each phase, such as demolition, rough-in work, installation of new fixtures/finishes, and final touches. Build in some cushion for potential delays.
Factor in time for inspections between phases and final walkthroughs. Know estimated durations for tasks like applying and curing grout. Mark key dates like shower glass installation so the bathroom isn’t unusable.
Arrange Alternate Bathroom Facilities
Since the bathroom will be out of commission during much of the remodel, set up alternate facilities ahead of time. Options include:
- Installing a portable toilet outside
- Renting a toilet trailer
- Using a bathroom in another area of the home
- Showering at a neighbor or family member’s house nearby
Pack toiletries, medications, and supplies you’ll need. Even a minor remodel can take 2-4 weeks.
Remove and Protect Belongings
Empty the bathroom completely, storing items elsewhere or donating old towels and supplies. Remove art, accessories, and anything you want to keep.
Protect existing finishes in areas outside the bath. Carefully pack away delicate décor or valuables just to be safe. Photograph the bathroom before demolition so you have a record.
Purchase Big Items
Order longer lead-time products like custom shower doors early. Shop smart – many bath materials can take 4-6 weeks to ship. Order tile, vanities and fixtures once layout is finalized. Avoid last-minute delays waiting for items to arrive.
With upfront planning, you can kick off your sleek, modern bathroom remodel with confidence!
Demolition: Tearing Out Your Old Bathroom
Demolition is an exciting first step of the remodel, allowing you to tear out worn and outdated bathroom elements to make way for fresh new finishes. Here’s an overview of the demolition process:
The contractor will first disconnect and cap plumbing and electrical. Protect areas outside the bath from dust and debris. They’ll remove surfaces carefully, starting at the top. This includes:
- Old exhaust fans, vents, lights and plumbing fixtures
- Sink, toilet, tub and surround
- Cabinetry and countertops
- Flooring and wall surfaces like tile and drywall
- Door and window trim, if being replaced
As layers are removed, the contractor will check for leaks, mold, rotted studs or other issues. This allows addressing problems before new finishes are installed.
Bag debris as it’s generated. At the end, thoroughly clean the area and ventilate to remove dust. Now the fresh blank canvas is ready for bath reconstruction and new modern elements!
Rough-In and Plumbing for Modern Bathroom Remodels
With your bathroom stripped back to the studs, it’s time for rough-in work and new plumbing installation for the modern remodel.
Plumbing Rough-In
The plumber replaces old drain and supply lines and positions new pipes and vents within the wall framing. Customizing the plumbing layout to match your new bath design is crucial. Consider details like:
- New drain and vent locations to align with relocated fixtures
- Rerouting supply lines for toilets, sinks, tubs and showers
- Extending water supply to shower body sprays and cleaning systems
- Installing in-floor heating systems under tile
Ensure pipes are properly sized, sloped and vented. The goal is optimal water flow and pressure for each fixture.
Electrical and Mechanical Rough-In
Electricians handle wiring for lighting, fans, and outlets. This includes:
- New recessed ceiling lights and accent lighting
- Outlets, including dedicated circuits for large appliances
- Bath fan wiring
- Heated floor, towel warmer and other electrical systems
- Any audio, video, or home automation systems
The HVAC pro extends ductwork for heating and air conditioning. Bathrooms require dedicated exhaust fans and humidity control. Now your sleek, modern bath is prepped for finishes!
Installing Bathroom Finishes and Fixtures
The fun part of the remodel begins as you start installing attractive new finishes and fixtures in your modern bathroom space. Here’s an overview of the process:
Tile Installation
Your tile installer will prep the surfaces and carefully lay out the tile design. Large-format rectangular or square tiles are typical for contemporary looks. Interesting patterns like herringbone add visual appeal. Dark grout provides modern contrast.
Shower benches, niches and curbless entry are tiled for a seamless look. The tile extends out onto the bathroom floor. Grouting and sealing complete the process. Remember, proper prep and waterproofing ensures long-lasting tilework.
Plumbing Fixtures and Hardware
With surfaces protected, it’s time to mount the sleek new sinks, faucets, tub and/or shower systems. Your contractor will hook up supply lines, install drains, and test for leaks.
Install matching modern hardware like towel bars, shelves, and robe hooks. Keep lines clean and minimalist. Add accent lighting under floating vanities and shelving.
Paint and Trimwork
Walls are prepped, primed and painted in your chosen hues. Trim install includes crown molding, baseboards, door and window trim. Paint or stain trim to match your design palette. Add panels, wainscoting, or chair rail trim for dimension.
Lighting and Electrical Finishes
Recessed can lights provide ambient light. The electrician will hang decorative fixtures like linear pendants and sconces. Undercabinet LED task lighting illuminates the vanity. Install dimmers for ambiance control.
GFCI outlets, towel warmers, and heating systems are powered up. Check and test all electrical before inspection.
Completing Your Modern Bathroom Remodel
You’re in the home stretch once fixtures are installed. Now it’s time for the finishing touches:
Install Cabinetry and Vanity
Custom cabinetry and vanity tops are brought in once paint is dry. Carefully mount and secure the vanity while protecting surrounding surfaces. Set vessel or undermount sinks and faucets into the countertop. Add modern hardware like matte black pulls.
Shower Door Installation
After allowing tile to fully cure, measure and install frameless shower glass doors. Use leveling spacers to hang doors perfectly plumb. A sleek walk-in shower fully completes your modern bath vision.
Caulk and Seal the Bathroom
Caulk along countertops, base trim, and tile edges with flexible, waterproof silicone. Use non-yellowing clear caulk to keep your fresh white bath pristine. Seal grout and granite. Ensure all transitions are watertight.