Contemporary Bathroom Ideas

When talking about interior styles, it can be hard to truly pinpoint a certain look since the post-modern era ended, however in this blog we’ll breakdown what a ‘contemporary’ interior actually looks like and how to apply this design theory to your bathroom space to help complement the rest of your home. We’ll discuss what we mean by contemporary style along with some contemporary bathroom ideas.

Basically, contemporary means things that are modern and current with the styles of the moment. In the 2020’s this is defined as neutral, sleek, and uncluttered. Although there are no hard and fast rules to designing any space, there are a few guiding pointers to ascertain a truly contemporary style. This guidance can be broken down into four main categories of colour, structure, texture and furniture.

A neutral palette of off-whites, white, beige, and black are the focus for this style and work particularly well for contemporary bathrooms. Black is often used as a grounding colour however you can also add in pops of bolder colour that play against the neutrals if you want to brighten the space.

Contemporary style is epitomised by clean lines, whether it be a structural element like an exposed brick wall or bold curvatures to art you’re hanging on the wall, strong but clean lines are key. They require space around them to stand out.

Differing textures are a great way to add interest to a clean space and break up a neutral scheme. Metal work, stone, and clear glass along with heavily textured fabrics like jute all add textural detail. If you want to add pattern then think monochromatic, bold and keeping it simple, like stripes. Structural plants in simple containers can also work well to not only bring life and texture into the space but also a pop of natural colour.

Contemporary furniture is an interesting juxtaposition of bold but simple. Pieces should be clean, smooth, and uncluttered. Also consider the material, natural fibres such as wool, cotton, jute, and linen but also more luxurious fabrics like silk. Whatever the piece, it should feel bare and structural.

Here’s three contemporary bathroom looks we think you’ll love.

Mix it up with concrete on the wall, especially good for those contemporary small bathrooms where a walk-in shower is essential. Ground the space with accents of black, like the tapware and accessories and then bring in some natural accessories to harmonise between the lighter and darker shades, rattan and jute work particularly well for this.

Flute Sage Decor, Dulux Easycare Bathroom Soft Sheen in Willow Tree, Black Shower Head

A wet room is the perfect solution for contemporary small bathrooms, choose a tile that has slip resistance but also works on the wall to help the room flow. The rest of the room is about experimenting with those clean lines, contrast the grid like Atro tiles with soft rounded features. Flute has a reeded design which softens the tile surface, especially in the attractive sage shade which complements the grounding black metal accents. Continue the circular theme in your fixtures and accessories, a rounded basin, an ovoid mirror and even a carved side table. Natural, untreated wood is a great texture to add into the space as the grain is often rounded and fluid, matching the other softer lines you’ve introduced into the room.

Hartley White, Minton Hollins Country Rustic White, Dulux Easycare Bathroom Soft Sheen in Nutmeg White, Reeded Vase

Exposed brick is a great way to add structural and textural interest but the brick that you have isn’t always aesthetically pleasing. Recreate the same effect in a colour of your choice with the Hartley tile range. The white, when used with a matching white grout, is a great way of adding texture in a minimalist setting. Contrast the size and finish of the tile with a different splashback, here we’ve used square glossy tiles from the Minton Hollins range.

Keep the look fresh with streamlined fixtures, clear or reeded glass and warm it up by opting for a stone basin and brass detailing and an oak wood effect tile on the floor.

Are you tempted to give contemporary style a go in your bathroom? Shop our range of bathroom tiles to find the right match for your renovation, or get more inspiration from our guide to modern bathroom ideas.