10 Contemporary Bathroom Ideas to Modernize Your Space

Contemporary style can mean different things to different dwellers, but generally speaking, modern design incorporates of-the-moment materials and up-to-date design trends. If you can find it all over your Instagram feed and flooding your Pinterest boards as of late, chances are it's current, aka contemporary.

As if creating a space that's worthy of posting isn't renovation motivation enough, opting for a modern bathroom design aesthetic—think sleek lines, natural materials, a neutral color palette, gilded finishes, and minimalist undertones—is the best way to balance today's trends with elements you'll love for years to come. And the best part is the look is one that suits spaces and budgets, both large and small. 

Whether you're planning a total overhaul or you just want to update your bathroom on a limited budget and schedule, these modern bathroom design ideas inspire your next makeover.

01 Stick With A Neutral Color Scheme

Modern 2-Light Wall Sconce with Clear Fluted Glass, Asymmetrical Double Tube Sconce Wet-rated Bathroom Light Fixture Over Mirror, Hardwired Wall Mount Lamp for Bedroom, Hallway, Living Room

This bathroom is the epitome of a contemporary color scheme. The bright white base, accented by cool grays and brass, and tied together with warm woody shades will remain on trend for years to come.

02 Use Black Fixtures

A bathroom doesn't need to be completely gutted and renovated from floor to ceiling to make an impact. Something as simple and swapping all the fixtures in your white bathroom to black hardware is an easy, but visually striking contemporary update.

03 Get Creative With Tile Layouts

We're huge fans of the subway-tile look lately, but this bathroom displays a new way to lay the classic porcelain look. Installing them in a basketweave layout (mixing vertical and horizontal application) looks fresh and new.

04 Mix Metallic Accents

Curl Perforated Sconce 2-Light - Modern Light Fixture for kitchen, Bedroom Wall Sconces

Who said you can't mix metals when designing a space? This bathroom seamlessly combines brass fixtures with a silver mirror frame and gold lighting accents, making this a modern retreat.

05 Try Floor-To-Ceiling Tile

Aside from your kitchen, there are few rooms in your home that can handle a floor-to-ceiling tile installation. When's the last time you saw tiled walls in a living room? Do yourself a favor and use that to your advantage. The end result will look so expensive and totally polished.

06 Paint Your Bathroom Black

There's no better way to modernize a space than to paint it in the darkest shade of black. Shiny surfaces and metallic accents bring light to this moody space, making it feel so luxe and not the least bit washed out.

07 Let Your Tile Do The Talking

If there are two things that scream contemporary design, it's chevron application and marble material. This shower incorporates both in the most modern display we've seen in a while.

08 Install A Striking Shower Setup

Glass shower doors are a modern step up from the traditional shower curtain, but this French-inspired industrial look with black metal window panes screams contemporary design.

09 Skip The Clawfoot Tub

Elegant Alabaster Refinement Pendant - Natural Alabaster with Steel and Tumbled Brass - Ideal Hanging Light Fixture for Bedroom, Perfect Pendant Light for All Your Bedroom Needs

We love a clawfoot tub as much as the next interior enthusiast, but when you're going for an updated look, skip the classic go-to. Instead, install a more modern-looking freestanding tub like this one.

10 Let Your Textures Do The Talking

You don't need a ton of color to give your space the visual interest you're seeking. If you're sticking with shades of white and grey, choose your textures wisely. The vertical subway tile, paired with woodgrain floors and shiny glass shower doors do the trick, without the need for loud hues.