Three Things You Can Learn from This Bathroom Design

This high contrast, modern bathroom is definitely on my favorite projects lists. It’s clean, dramatic and bright (and totally reflects the homeowners). Even if this space isn’t your particular style, there are three things I think you can learn from this design.

1. You can go dark. (But here’s how to do it.)

You can go dark with your tile (or paint) as long as you have a way to balance it out. Here we have all black tile floors, shower stall and even a large cabinet. However, this space gets nice natural light and to keep that light bouncing around, the walls and ceiling went a bright white.

We also made sure to add adequate lighting via sconces and can lights throughout the space. After all, this is a space where the homeowners will get ready and you don’t want someone applying makeup in the dark.

*Note: There are always times to break the “rules” so don’t come at me when you see a majorly dark, moody space in the future. I do what I want.

2. Branch out from your basic vanity solutions.

If you’re looking to renovate a bathroom, I encourage you to look beyond the typical bathroom vanity solutions. Revamp an old dresser. Opt for a floating vanity. Use separate furniture to add storage.

In this space, we haven’t sacrificed any storage, but we have upped the overall appeal of the room by pairing a floating vanity with a tall, standalone curio cabinet. Sure, we could have created custom built-ins, but this feels more interesting and I love the texture (cane front doors) the curio cabinet added to the design.

Lovely Tip: Not designing a bathroom? This idea can be applied to every room. Think out of the box. Don’t use matching furniture sets, use furniture pieces in new ways, get creative...

3. Mix finishes (always).

Unless a client requests to have all the finishes the same (it’s your home - do what you want), I am going to mix metals. That could be brass and matte black as you see here or silver with gold, etc., but mixing metals (when done well) immediately adds a designer feel to the design. Typically all one finish falls a little flat. Varying your finishes can add dimension to the design and more interest.

I mean, just think how different this bathroom would feel if you had all matte black or all brass finishes. (Or let’s not, cause…hard pass.) The combination of black and brass allows us to draw attention to exactly where we want you to focus - the mirrors and lights - rather than on say, the towel hooks.

Lovely Tip: To thoughtfully mix and match metals, keep in mind this simple rule - repeat each finish at least twice. (Example: Brass mirror frame and brass vanity pulls.)

OK, off to contemplate renovating my kids’ bathroom. I hope this gets you thinking about some of your spaces as well.

What to see the full bathroom details (budget, services used + all the photos)? Here you go!