Modern, traditional, Scandinavian, opulent… There are so many bathroom styles to choose from, it can be hard to pin down the one that’s right for you. Of course, style is important, but functionality and practicality are also key for a bathroom designed to last.

Many new builds opt for a contemporary style to complement minimalistic architecture. A modern bathroom is also incredibly usable, characterised by a feeling of open space with minimal clutter and clean lines.

Here, we break down the five elements that characterise a contemporary bathroom.

Effective lighting

Lighting is the finishing touch that can not only elevate the look of your bathroom but enhance its functionality and make a small space feel airy. When creating the layout, try to embrace the natural light available through the placement of skylights or windows. Consider whether you’d like statement lighting near mirrors or a heated lamp.

There’s no need to follow a one-size-fits-all approach – you can create bespoke lighting that’s bright over the vanity where it’s needed, and dimmable for long, lazy soaks in the bath.

Efficient storage

Gone are the days when a mish-mash of oozing bottles would clutter bathroom surfaces. In the modern bathroom, everything has its rightful place, from skincare products to towels.

A tidy space creates a much more enjoyable and functional bathroom for all, makes cleaning easier and allows a contemporary design to sing. Work with your builder to seamlessly integrate storage into your design, thinking creatively with the space you have available.

Open space

An open, free-flowing design is much more aesthetically pleasing than a bathroom where your items feel cluttered or squeezed in. When planning your bathroom layout, consider how you can create this feeling of airiness. Even if you don’t have much space to play with, the illusion of open space can be created with clever design quirks such as floating vanities, open showers, freestanding bathtubs, light colours and strategically-placed mirrors.

Double basins

Could double basins be the secret to a successful marriage? Anything that helps you co-exist harmoniously in the bathroom must certainly help. Every day becomes a luxe, hotel-style experience with this functional design feature, which means you can keep your bathroom space gloriously separate from your partners.

Functional materials

When choosing tiles and fixtures, consider longevity and practicality as well as style. After all, the bathroom is one of the most highly used and frequently cleaned rooms of the home, so this will make life easier for you in the long term – meaning you can enjoy your bathroom rather than finding constant cleaning a chore.

Consider materials that are easy to clean – for example, you might find matte black taps look fabulous, but keeping them pristine is tricky. Above all, your bathroom should work for you and your family’s needs and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Looking for inspiration for your custom bathroom design? Get in touch with our friendly team today.