Contemporary Bathroom Ideas

Contemporary bathroom ideas are clean, simple and streamlined rather than fussy or overstated. Modern decor may incorporate the gleam of chrome and tile or integrate the natural textures of stone and wood. When you're dreaming of ideas for a bathroom that's fresh and up to date, think about eliminating any accents, accessories or fixtures that are overly ornate.

In a contemporary bathroom or a teen bathroom, function naturally arises from form. Space is a key element in modern bathroom ideas, not only for aesthetic reasons, but for practical purposes. When you remove the clutter from your room, you have more space for personal care. Contemporary bathroom ideas begin with clearing unnecessary supplies, cosmetic products, towels or storage accessories from this space and leaving more room for your daily routines.

Contemporary Bathroom Colors

Color ideas for a contemporary bathroom can be muted, echoing the shades of nature, or they can be bright and bold. The gray, ivory, green and brown hues of the beach or forest can turn a bath into a natural spa. Accent the vanity or the edge of the tub with simple accessories, like a wooden bowl filled with natural soap and river rocks, or a simple set of beeswax candles. In a family room or kids' bath, primary colors can be combined with white or chrome for a playful, fun decor. Choose eye-catching elements like a bright red hamper or colorful towel pegs.

Contemporary decorating ideas for bathrooms make the area as open and bright as possible. In a small room, color ideas should enlarge the area rather than making the room appear cramped and crowded. White, ivory, pale yellow and blue paint and tile can open up a room and create a sense of spaciousness, even in a miniature half bath. Wall mirrors can be placed strategically to create depth and dimension. Replace the frosted glass around your tub or shower stall with clear glass for a more open look.

Use natural lighting to your advantage when you're planning your contemporary bathroom ideas. If your room has windows, use clear glass and sheer, simple window treatments to bring as much daylight as possible into the area. If there aren't any windows in the room, consider installing a window or even a fixed skylight to illuminate your personal care space. The natural sunlight will enhance your contemporary color scheme and make the area a brighter, more welcoming space.

Limestone, granite and travertine bring the natural hues of stone to your floors, shower stall or vanity. For a modern alternative to tile or vinyl flooring, consider bamboo floors. Bamboo is a sustainable yet visually appealing flooring material that may be purchased in planks, tiles or woven flooring. Cork or teak flooring may also be used to bring the textures and colors of nature to your personal retreat.

Ideas for Modern Bath Fixtures

Minimalist contemporary bathroom ideas focus on stripping away any unnecessary features and creating a pared down decor that's soothing to the eye. The fixtures in a modern bath have a low profile and clean lines. Bathtubs, sinks and toilets may be angular and geometric or contoured with natural curves, depending on your personal preferences and the theme of your contemporary bathroom ideas.

Water conserving plumbing fixtures are an important addition to your contemporary bathroom ideas. In the modern bath, sinks, showers and toilets minimize the use of water. Low flush toilets and low flow shower heads can reduce water usage significantly. With our current concerns about the health of the environment, using water conserving fixtures reflects environmental responsibility as well as a new aesthetic emphasis on understated bath elements.

Sleek, metallic fixtures and fittings can accent a pristine white decor or highlight more masculine contemporary bathroom ideas. Modern faucets have simple lines and understated finishes. A vessel sink is the ultimate in simplicity, no more than a bowl placed on top of your vanity. A recessed medicine cabinet with a mirror provides an area for shaving or hair care without intruding on the interior space in a small bath. Recessed niches and shelves take up very little space, yet they create room for towels, supplies and other items.

Your creative contemporary bathroom ideas can be colorful and eclectic as well as sleek and subtle. If your tastes run toward the unusual or exotic, experiment with bright colors and exotic accents from your local import store. Shop for fixtures and fittings in offbeat shapes to accent your sink, shower and tub.

Contemporary bathroom ideas give you the opportunity to identify areas of your space that are crowded or cluttered. If you need extra storage space, think about storing extra cleaning supplies or linens in another part of the house. The ideal contemporary bathroom is functional and efficient as well as aesthetically pleasing and up to date.

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