Bringing the beauty of nature indoors with natural materials and clean, geometric shapes is a popular trend in modern bathroom design. The combination creates a relaxing spa-like atmosphere perfect for starting and ending your day. From stone surfaces to wood accents, here are some of the top ideas for achieving this stylish look in your bathroom remodel.
Stone Surfaces For A Natural, Organic Look
Stone is one of the most popular natural materials used in modern bathrooms. The organic textures and earthy neutrals of natural stone complement the sleek, geometric features commonly found in contemporary bathrooms. Here are some of the top options to consider:
Marble
Marble is a classic luxury material that has stood the test of time. The soft veining and swirls of marble create visual interest and no two slabs are exactly alike. Marble comes in a range of neutral colors like white, gray, and beige that work well as a backdrop in a modern bathroom. Use marble for surfaces like:
- Vanity countertops
- Shower walls and shower pan
- Bathtub surround
- Floor and wall tiles
One consideration is that marble stains easily, so proper sealing and maintenance is required.
Travertine
For a lighter, more rustic stone look, travertine is an excellent choice. The beige and brown hues have a distinctly organic feel. Travertine is a type of limestone characterized by small pits and holes that make each tile unique. Use it for:
- Shower floors – the holes allow for drainage
- Backsplashes
- Accent walls
- Freestanding bathtubs
The porous nature of travertine requires sealing to prevent stains and discoloration over time.
Slate
Slate offers a darker, richer grey and blue-grey stone look. The fine layers that form slate lend a subtle cleft texture. Slate works well for statement walls, shower surrounds, and floors in modern bathrooms. It’s also an ideal material for building a custom stone sink or vanity.
Quartzite
As a metamorphic form of quartz, quartzite combines the brightness and hardness of quartz with beautiful natural veining. Quartzite has a high-end look but requires less maintenance than marble. Use quartzite for vanity countertops, tub surrounds, backsplashes, and shower walls.
Wood Accents For Warmth
The addition of wood accents adds warmth and natural texture to balance the sleek, hard surfaces in a modern bathroom. Wood tones also complement stone materials. Here are some ways to incorporate wood:
Floating Wood Vanity
A floating wood vanity makes a bold contemporary statement. Go for a solid slab style in a light wood tone. This works especially well with marble or quartzite countertops. Use accent lighting and under-cabinet lighting to create a focal point.
Wood Mirror Frame
Framing the bathroom mirror in wood adds rustic charm. Distressed wood finishes look particularly striking against stone tile walls. Opt for chunky barnwood-style frames or modern geometric shapes.
Wood Shelving
Add custom wood shelving in the shower or above the toilet for handy storage and display space. The rich wood shelves pop against tile walls and enhance the spa-like vibe. Open shelving also contributes to the airy, modern aesthetic.
Wood Ceiling Accents
Wood planks used on the ceiling add natural texture and warmth. Complement stone walls with light wood beam accents or bleached wood panels. This helps brighten the space and makes the room feel more open.
Wood Stool
A wood stool or bench by the vanity provides a nice perch when getting ready. Choose a minimalist modern style crafted from solid wood. This can match the vanity or provide an interesting wood accent.
Geometric Features For Contemporary Style
Angular, geometric forms juxtaposed with organic shapes are hallmarks of modern style. Here are some ways to incorporate geometric details:
Hexagon Floor Tile
Hexagon floor tile is currently on trend and gives floors visual interest. The unique shape fits well with the modern aesthetic. Opt for large-scale hex tiles in muted natural tones like beige, gray, or taupe. Use varying shades for definition.
Geometric Patterns on Walls
Make a statement with graphic wall tile featuring tessellated shapes or geometric motifs. Hexagons, triangles, diamonds, and chevron patterns all complement the linear look of contemporary style. Black and white is a popular modern color scheme.
Rectangular Bathtub
For a sleek, minimalist look, choose a rectangular or square soaking tub in white to contrast stone shower walls. Many modern tubs feature straight sides and sharp angles. Built-in recessed tubs also seamlessly integrate.
Linear Tile Patterns
Use rectangular tiles or mosaic sheets to create interesting linear patterns in the shower. Stacked, horizontal, or vertical installations make narrow spaces appear larger. Continue patterns across walls and floors for a graphic, contemporary vibe.
Square Vanity Sink Basins
Square sinks and geometric forms complement the linear look of contemporary bathrooms. Floating square vanities that butt up against the wall make a modern design statement. Or select square sink basins supported on a wood vanity.
Square Hardware
From faucets to drawer pulls, opt for square and rectangular-shaped hardware and fixtures. This enhances the geometric feel and provides interesting accent points throughout the space.
Natural Textures & Materials
In addition to stone, wood, and geo-patterns, here are some other ways to bring natural textures into a modern bathroom:
Textured Plaster Walls
Consider a troweled plaster finish for walls in place of tile. The textured and mottled look has a modern yet organic feel. It also serves as an interesting backdrop to wood accents and marble tile.
River Rock Shower Floor
Lining the shower pan with smooth river rocks creates a serene spa-like space for unwinding. It brings natural texture underfoot without being slippery.
Natural Stone Vessel Sink
Rough-hewn stone vessel sinks are works of art. Paired with modern chrome legs or mounts, the organic basins contrast with the vanity and faucetry.
Natural Woven Shades
Use natural woven bamboo or rattan shades on windows for privacy and natural texture. Soft filtered light enhances the Zen-like vibe.
Cork Accents
Introduce snippets of cork on floating shelves or as a backsplash. Cork offers texture and also absorbs sound in the bathroom.
Jute Rug
Place a natural fiber jute rug on the floor as a softer, textured accent between stone, tile, or wood. Use a sisal rug in front of the tub for added comfort.
Warm & Cool Neutral Color Schemes
Since stone and wood dominate modern bathrooms, you’ll want a neutral color palette. Both warm (beige, brown) and cool grays work well. Here are some ideas:
Warm Neutrals
- Cream/tan/beige stone or porcelain tile
- Light oak wood tones
- White cabinetry
- Champagne metals like brass and gold
Cool Neutrals
- Gray and white marble
- Dark walnut or ebony wood tones
- Quartz countertops in icy grays
- Silver metal accents
Mixing warm and cool neutrals together adds nice contrast. For example light marble subway wall tile paired with dark wood cabinets or warm wood flooring with cool gray porcelain tile walls.
Don’t be afraid to use color as an accent. Pops of color in towels, rugs, artwork and greenery give the space a lively element. Blues and greens work nicely for accent colors in modern bathrooms.
Geometric Tile Design Ideas
From floor tile shapes to wall patterns, geometric tiles are trending in modern bathrooms. Here are some stylish ways to implement geometric tiles:
Hexagon Floor Tile
Covering the bathroom floor with large-scale hexagonal tiles in light beige or gray creates an eye-catching geometric foundation. The unique shape fits well with modern and contemporary styles. Use varying tile shades for definition.
Stacked Rectangular Tiles
For the shower floor and walls, stack rectangular stone or porcelain tiles vertically to create slim columns of texture. Continue the stacked pattern across the shower pan for a streamlined look.
Framed Accent Walls
Frame recessed niches, shelves or the mirror with rectangular tiles. This sculptural detail draws attention to architects choice focal points. Choose contrasting colors to make it pop.
Geometric Mosaic Tile
Sheets of small mosaic tiles make a big impact. Cover the shower floor, niche or a section of wall with tessellated shapes like hexagons, triangles, diamonds or starbursts. Black and white geometric mosaics pair well with marble.
Herringbone Pattern Tile
The visual movement of a herringbone tile layout brings delicate detail to contemporary bathrooms. Use it on the bathroom floor, shower walls or vanity backsplash. Opt for stone or porcelain herringbone tiles.
Geometric Wallpaper Accent Wall
For a major style statement, try geometric or graphic peel-and-stick wallpaper on one wall. This lets you change up the look over time. Use sparingly to highlight the vanity or tub.
Spa-Like Bathroom Features
Creating a relaxing, spa-like ambiance is a hallmark of modern bathroom style. Consider these features that lend a soothing, Zen-like quality:
Stone Shower
Cover the shower walls and even floor with marble, travertine or slate tile. The all-stone look helps emulate a Roman bath. Include a large rainfall showerhead for a true spa experience.
Freestanding Bathtub
A sculptural freestanding tub makes a striking statement. Position it by a window or under accent lighting. Opt for an oval, egg-shape or square tub. White blends in while greys and blacks contrast dramatically with stone walls.
Double Vanities
His and hers double vanities give you plenty of prep space. Opt for matching floating wood vanities or two stone slab vanities for ample counter area. Make sure to include two mirrors.
Towel Warmers
Heated towel racks help complete the spa vibe while being incredibly practical. Opt for sleek chrome or stainless steel towel warmers.
Plant Life & Greenery
Plants infuse tranquility and life into bathroom spaces. Display greenery on floating shelves, the vanity, or windowsills. Ferns and bamboo work well in humid bathroom environments.
Candles & Soaps
Include natural candles, essential oils, soaps, bath salts and plush towels. This enhances the sensory experience and relaxation.
Dim, Adjustable Lighting
Install layers of lighting on dimmer switches to set the desired ambiance. Use accent lights, sconces and candles for a soft glow.
Modern Color Palette Ideas
Color can make a significant impact in a bathroom. When designing a contemporary space, focus on a neutral color palette accented by bold pops of color. Here are some effective color schemes:
Black, White & Gray
A classic modern color combination, black, white and gray work well together. Use graphic black and white geometric tile with gray stone walls. White cabinets and fixtures keep the space bright.
Earth Tones
Stick with warm earth tones like beige, tan, brown and terracotta. Creamy natural stone paired with wood cabinets and an organic textured tile backsplash exude zen-like simplicity.
Blue & Green Accents
Pops of blue and green bring life to modern bathrooms. Use aqua towels, rugs, and artwork. A bright teal vanity or cool sea glass tile backsplash prevents all neutrals from feeling flat.
Metallics
Shiny metallic accents in silver, gold, brass and bronze add glamour. Try gold frame mirrors, brass sconces, or an oil-rubbed bronze sink. Metallic mosaic tiles bring dynamic texture.
Vintage Patterns
Vintage tiles, Moroccan patterns, or concrete tiles with patina offer an interesting contrast to sleek modern materials. Use sparingly as an accent wall or below a claw foot tub.
Bold Bathroom Art
Make the bathroom a gallery with impactful contemporary art prints. Black and white abstract photography and colorful modern art make strong focal points.
FAQs
What flooring works best in modern bathrooms?
Porcelain and ceramic tile are most popular, but there are also many options. Large-scale hexagon tile, stone, stained concrete, cork, and wood plank floors suit the modern aesthetic.
What colors should I avoid in a contemporary bathroom?
Avoid dated color choices like avocado green, bright blues, and pinks. Stick to timeless neutral palettes with black, white and natural earth tones for the most design longevity.
What kind of tub works best in a modern style bathroom?
Freestanding tubs make a sculptural statement. Look for clean, geometric forms – round, oval, square or rectangle shaped. Neutral colors like white, gray and black work best. Built-in recessed tubs also integrate seamlessly.
Should I choose marble or quartzite for the vanity?
Quartzite is lower maintenance since it doesn’t stain easily like marble. However, both materials complement the modern style beautifully. Quartzite offers a brighter, harder surface while marble provides soft veining.
How do I add warmth to a contemporary bathroom?
Wood accents like floating shelves, mirror frames and wood plank walls add organic warmth. Also, opt for brass fixtures over silver. Plants and natural light help soften the space as well.
Conclusion
Creating a modern bathroom with natural materials and geometric details results in a soothing, contemporary space. Use stone tile, wood accents, rectangular shapes, and neutral colors balanced with texture-rich materials. This guides the aesthetic while maintaining a serene spa-like ambiance. Materials like marble, quartzite, wood plank tile, and hexagonal floor tiles lend organic contrast to slick surfaces. By blending modern and natural elements, you can design a bathroom that is luxuriously modern yet tranquil.
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