A person may want a modern bathroom but not know how to achieve that goal. Minimal, orderly, and clean are three words they may use to describe what they want, but this makes the design process more complex.
The finished product must be precise and pleasing to the eye. What do homeowners need to consider when designing this room?
The Layout
The design process begins with the layout of the room. Certain elements must be present in the room, such as a toilet and sink. Next, the owner may want a bathtub or shower if the area will be used as a full bath.
Once it has been determined which major elements will be present in the room, size considerations come into play. A layout cannot be created until the owner knows the elements will fit in the intended spaces.
Try different layouts to see which is most appropriate for the space. In most cases, the owner will find they are limited in terms of the layout due to plumbing fixture locations.
Moving these fixture locations requires a much larger project when work is being done in an existing bathroom. If the bathroom is being designed from the ground up, the owner has more options with the layout.
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Minimalism in the Bathroom
Keep it simple. This is the key to modern design. However, many people struggle with this concept, as they worry the room will look bland.
One way to add a dynamic feel to this space is to use textured materials. Porcelain tile with a weathered look is one example of how a person can keep the design simple while adding visual interest to the space.
Wall-Mounted Fixtures
Wall-mounted fixtures fit well in a modern bathroom design. They make cleaning the room easier and enhance the beauty of the room at the same time.
Making the move to a wall-mounted toilet allows the owner to move the toilet without cutting into the floor and moving the floor drain. The plumbing already exists in the wall, making the transition between the two styles easier.
However, the toilet is only one of several fixtures that may be mounted on the wall. Many homeowners choose a sink faucet they can mount on the wall and pair it with a sleek modern vanity.
Other people opt to mount a storage cabinet on the wall or open shelves. Once a person considers how they can best make use of the wall space in this room, the ideas begin flowing.
Consider square or rectilinear fixtures and accessories. They infuse any space with a modern feel. However, before making a purchase, compare the square and rectilinear options with circular fixtures to find the ones that are right for the space.
Material Considerations in a Modern Bathroom
Once it has been determined where the major elements will be placed, the homeowner must determine which materials to use in this room. Modern bathrooms lend themselves to many material options. Choose from porcelain or tile—materials that have been in use for centuries but still provide a modern feel—or go with a more contemporary option, such as concrete.
Many other options should be researched before making a choice. Glass tile, mosaic tiles, and Venetian plaster are three materials that should never be overlooked in this process, and consider doing nothing more than painting the walls. Metal accessories and wood cabinets need to go on the list of items to look at as well.
A Monolithic Bathroom
The definition of monolithic is indivisible and uniform, making this concept ideal for a modern bathroom. To create this look, limit the use of materials in the room to one. For example, install marble walls and floors in the bathroom, using minimal grout when doing so.
This provides a seamless look and makes the bathroom look and feel luxurious. However, larger slabs increase the cost of the project significantly, so some grout lines are to be expected.
Align the wall and floor tile grout for a uniform look. This is a sign of a well-designed bathroom. Before laying the first tile, think about what each tile will line up with when it is in place. Changes may need to be made to the design once this is considered.
Unique Finishes
Unique finishes allow each owner to create a bathroom that is truly their own. Industrial finishes are a great way to accomplish the goal of creating a bespoke bathroom.
For example, a concrete bathroom is one that will stand out because color and texture can be added to the material to create a distinct look. This ensures no two bathrooms look exactly alike.
Combine these finishes with industrial hardware. Modernism actually has its root in the Industrial Revolution. Today, people use this hardware to add character to the room while maintaining a modern design.
Blend the Classic and Modern
Incorporate a few classic features into the modern bathroom. A claw-foot tub serves as an excellent example of a classic item that fits into a modern design. In fact, many people choose to use a free-standing tub as the focal point of their modern bathroom.
Coordination is Key
All elements in a bathroom need to come together to create a cohesive look. When choosing a new element, always consider those that are already in place. Finishes should coordinate, and the overall design should match.
Many people choose to purchase a set to avoid issues in this area, but that isn’t necessary so long as the fixtures, finishes, and accessories fall into the same general group.
Many people view the bathroom as a strictly functional area of the home. However, it can be so much more than this with the right design and execution of the design plan. The planning stage is typically the longest portion of the process because any changes made after the project begins are costly.
Work with a professional to minimize or eliminate the need for changes. This helps to keep the project on time and within budget so the homeowner can begin enjoying their updated bathroom in the shortest time possible.
