Discover the latest bathroom design ideas to modernize your home and make it more accessible.
From lighting to tiles and fixtures, bathroom remodels come with so many design choices. But if you’re hoping to remodel your home this year, we recommend embracing simplicity, uncluttered surfaces, and minimal patterns. Here are five of the latest bathroom trends to gain inspiration, plus accessible-friendly ideas so your home won’t lose function or style.
1. Matte Black Finishes
Although chrome fixtures remain the most popular option for bathroom remodels, black finishes add beautiful contrast to minimalist homes. Black hardware is versatile because it complements most colour schemes, especially white tiling for a classic look and bathrooms with bright accent colours. Or, you can achieve a modern twist on the farmhouse style when pairing it with wood accessories.
Black vanity and shower fixtures are also ideal for low-maintenance homes. Compared to chrome or brushed nickel, matte hardware is easier to clean and hides fingerprints or water droplets well. Any built-up grime won’t stand out, so skipping cleaning day isn’t a big deal.
Lastly, consider matching your light fixtures and grab bars with a black finish. Grab bars are a no-brainer for making your bathroom safer (they can support up to 500 pounds of force!) and come in different colours, including black, chrome or bronze. Like in the image above, consistent fixtures bring harmony to your bathroom for a streamlined look.
2. Neutral Colours
With any renovation, choosing colour schemes is one of the trickiest decisions to make. Luckily, neutral palettes have trended over the past few years and are predicted to last. Predominantly white bathrooms are popular, but combining white with greys, taupes, and blacks is timeless too.
Whether your bathrooms have natural lighting or not, these palettes create a calming and inviting space, perfect for decorating the rooms you use every day. And starting with these colours makes it easy to add contrasting elements or create any interior style you envision.
Neutral palettes also don’t have to be all white. If you prefer darker designs, choose from charcoal or slate greys and browns versus muted shades for lighter styles. Other tones that bring subtle contrast to the lighter schemes include blue-grey or blue-green wall colours.
As for choosing tiles that match your colour scheme, we recommend straying away from busy or competing patterns. Refined tiles for your flooring or shower (such as porcelain and marble) create a tranquil environment. They help reduce eye strain and fatigue from overstimulation, especially for homeowners living with neurological conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or Traumatic Brain Injuries.
3. Double Mirrors
Double mirrors are built for vanities with two sinks, typically found in primary bathrooms for decorative purposes. Installing two mirrors, rather than one flushed against the wall, adds pleasant symmetry to a room and gives a unique framed look. You also have more design freedom because they come in different shapes and finishes—like oval for contemporary bathrooms or square for traditional. Plus, if you prefer a bold style, frames can be statement pieces fitted to your home.
Speaking of a custom fit, mirrors are easy to adjust for people using wheelchairs or perch seats in their bathrooms. Prefabricated angled mirrors that meet universal design standards are a convenient option (see the image above), or you can hang regular mirrors on a slight downward angle. Whichever style you choose, though, it’s best to use double mirrors for spaces with plenty of natural lighting, as they’re less reflective than single wall mirrors.
4. Floating Vanities
These vanities are otherwise called “wall-hung” or “wall-mounted” cabinets and give the illusion of a larger bathroom. They instantly draw your eyes down to the wall-to-wall flooring, accentuating your tiling pattern and layout.
Floating vanities are a popular choice among our clients since the extra space makes it easier to reach bath products, stand next to the sink, or use a perch seat for extra balance. There are also options to install a countertop-only or partial cut-out vanity. These allow a wheelchair to roll under for easy reach and offer ample space to turn around.
With all these benefits in mind, floating vanities are well-suited for modern, minimalist homes but may be best to avoid if your bathroom leans towards traditional. Check out our renovation gallery to find more vanity ideas like this!
5. Curbless Showers
Another accessible-friendly yet stunning design trend is flooring that seamlessly flows into your shower. Curbless showers not only give a spacious appearance to your bathroom but allow people of every age and ability to use it freely. Without a curb barrier in the way, wheelchair or mobility device-users can enter and exit the shower safely.
This bathroom feature is also easier to clean because water doesn’t pool in corners. And although curbless showers are more expensive to build, many designers agree they add great function and style for remodels with larger budgets.
All in all, renovating your bathroom may seem daunting at first, but choosing modern design ideas will ensure you’ll love your new space for years to come. For more inspiration or advice, check out our accessibility-based renovation services to start your remodel today.