How to Create a Modern Minimalist Bathroom
Written by Ruth Matthews of
Design SodaThe bathroom space is one of the most hardworking areas of your home, and one which is naturally suited to the hallmarks of form and function in minimalist design. Minimalist bathrooms that are executed thoughtfully are the opposite of sterile, they are calm chic spaces that feel easy and open to be in. Minimalism's great strength is in its simplicity and commitment to honest materials which create a natural luxe and wow factor. If you are looking for something bold and eye-catching then minimalism may not be for you, but if your style is a more natural, pared back look with understated sophistication then a minimalist bathroom is your design cue.
Bringing minimalist design into the home does not mean living in a clean white box, getting the balance right between what is concealed and what is displayed, what materials are used, and how to increase the feeling of openness is the sweet spot of this design look. In a minimal bathroom texture and materials do the hard work creating sanctuary-like spaces that are free from visual clutter. If you like to spend time unwinding and switching off in the bathroom, then a minimal scheme is perfect for you. Whether your style is rustic or industrial, there’s a minimalist bathroom to suit your preference.
Cohesion
Using classic minimalist materials in a bathroom can look stunning. Whether you are drawn to the sleek appeal of marble on every surface, or the textural interest of materials like concrete, slate and terrazzo, cohesion is a hallmark of the utilitarian look of minimalist bathrooms.
Echoes and Commonality
A textbook minimalist bathroom would use the same
tiles throughout to create a calm ambience and cut through the noise of distractions. However, you may want to define different zones in the bathroom through the use of different tiles. Choosing tiles that work well in contrast is a great idea, and if you use tiles that have the same dimensions you can create cohesion and commonality between different layers of interest. Spend some time on the small details, grout in
natural colours that mirror your materials for example, and you will create a cohesive minimalist space that feels effortless.
Bringing in Warmth
If you are drawn to the modern Scandinavian minimalist style, then you will likely be choosing black or nickel fittings. Combined with
stone or
concrete-effect tiles this look could feel a little cold. Using a warm neutral paint for the walls and natural wood, whether this be on floors, with a rustic stool, or on vanity units, is an effective way of bringing warmth to a space whilst making a play of texture and grain.
Storage
We all, naturally, want our bathrooms to feel as clutter free as possible, but nowhere is this more important than in the minimalist bathroom. Before looking at storage take time to interrogate the number of products you have in the bathroom, an edit-down which leaves just those pieces you really need, or actually use, will reward you with a calm sanctuary-like space. You will want to house bathroom necessities in hidden storage, or that which is slimline, keeping surfaces clearer.
Space and Layout
Minimalist bathrooms are perfect in smaller spaces. Consider how functions can be built into your bathroom design, a wall-hung toilet and basin could leave room for a built-in toiletries nook in the shower. Creating a walk-in shower will remove some of the unnecessary visual fuss of a built-in one and increase flow, but if this isn’t practical you will want to use a glass screen over a shower curtain. Placing all water utilities on one side of a room will not only create a focal point but will also contribute to the minimalist design of your room.
Bringing in Nature
Modern minimalist spaces are all about nature. Heavily informed by biophilia, which means an appreciation of nature, a minimalist space will signal this link by using materials found in nature such as
wood-effect floors, mirroring nature's shapes with honeycomb tiles, or adding plants to create a link between outside and in.
Straight Lines
A minimalist bathroom uses lines to define space. Alongside tiles and housing in of utilities, look for simple modern sink designs. The 90 degree lines of a square or rectangular sink is a great way of showcasing modern minimalist style.
Accessories
To increase the feeling of luxe in your minimalist space you should look to accessories that will elevate the look. Organic shapes, simple silhouettes, apothecary-inspired toiletries, luxe linens, and objects in natural materials like glass and clay, all underline the natural beauty of simplicity.
