The Art of Bathroom Design

Season Four, Episode Three | Transcript

The Bathroom as a Sanctuary

Bathrooms are spaces of relaxation and retreat, a corner of your home where you can escape, recharge, and enjoy a moment of privacy.

Clients want spa-like bathrooms, with soft colors, natural materials, and luxurious textures that bring the outdoors in and soothe the senses.

Key Bathroom Design Priorities

Designers begin by asking homeowners how they live day-to-day and what level of luxury or simplicity they want. The best bathroom designs:

• Blend comfort and function, with intuitive layouts and durable materials.
• Use natural finishes and soft tones to feel calm and timeless.
• Feature quality lighting and layers of warmth through textures and materials.

Heated floors, large windows, and generous showers are also becoming essentials rather than luxury upgrades.

Bathroom Material & Tile Trends

The range of materials that are now able to be used in wet spaces like bathrooms is growing by the day, but the right choice depends on budget, lifestyle, and design intent.

• Handmade or tiles manufactured to look handcrafted provide warmth and character.
• Natural wood cabinetry and matte finishes soften sleek contemporary designs.
• Simple patterns and tone-on-tone palettes prevent the space from feeling cold or overly busy.

Many homeowners are drawn to neutral, organic color palettes accented by bold tile details like herringbone shower walls or mosaic nooks.

Bringing Warmth to Modern Bathrooms

Modern bathrooms do not have to feel stark. (Unless that is your preference!) Using texture and tone brings visual warmth to a space while maintaining a clean, modern look:

• Linen-look porcelain or textured tile floors.
• Natural wood or rift-cut oak cabinetry.
• Layered lighting, including sconces and under-cabinet accents.

By mixing textured materials with clean lines, you can enjoy the best of both modern design and cozy comfort.

Bathroom Cabinetry & Storage

Bathroom cabinetry plays is a vital part of organization and aesthetics.

• Floating vanities create a lighter, more open look while adding visual space.
• Under-cabinet lighting adds a warm glow and a subtle night-light effect.
• Custom, U-shaped drawers wrap around plumbing traps maximize every inch of storage.

For budget-minded homeowners, semi-custom and ready-made options can still deliver a high-end look when paired with thoughtful finishes and decorative hardware.

EnSuite Lighting & Ambiance

Layered lighting design transforms how a bathroom looks and functions. Our designers recommend layering:

• Task lighting around mirrors for grooming.
• Accent lighting in niches, showers, or under vanities for warmth.
• Smart lighting controls for color, temperature, and dimming.

Recent innovations include LED-lit shower niches and color-changing lighting systems integrated with digital controls for spa-like customization.

Smart & Luxury Bath Features

Technology has made its way into every aspect of bathroom design. Popular innovations include:

• Smart toilets and bidet seats with motion sensors, heated seats, and personalized settings.
• Digital showers that control temperature, water pressure, and lighting via touchscreen panels.
• Heated floors on timers, so the space is warm before you wake up.
• TVs set behind mirrors for discreet entertainment.

The modern bathroom is as much about experience as it is about function.

Layouts That Work

Smart bathroom layouts save time, space, and even relationships. Our design team emphasizes creating opportunities for privacy and personal space for bathrooms that will have two users.

Popular configurations:

• Separate vanities for partners or dual en suites.
• Walk-in or doorless showers, often with built-in benches and custom drains.
• Freestanding tubs as sculptural focal points that replace dated deck tubs.

Heated floors and proper ventilation (with humidistat-controlled fans) keep bathrooms spaces comfortable, healthy, and mold-free.

Powder Rooms, Kids’ Baths & Pool Baths

While primary baths get the most attention, secondary baths and powder rooms offer opportunities for creativity.

• Powder rooms are the perfect room for bold wallpaper, unique vanities, and statement lighting.
• Jack-and-Jill baths allow siblings to share plumbing areas while keeping private grooming spaces.
• Pool baths often include easy-access showers, changing benches, and laundry setups to handle outdoor living needs.

These smaller spaces can express personality while maintaining function and flow.

The Return of Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a comeback, especially in powder rooms and accent walls. Today’s designs feature modern patterns and textures that are bold yet sophisticated.

When used thoughtfully, wallpaper provides a custom touch that complements a home’s overall design scheme.

Bathrooms are not an afterthought! They’re central to how homeowners experience comfort and daily life. When thoughtful design, smart technology, and a focus on wellness combine, modern bathrooms become personal retreats.