There’s no denying that minimalism is having its moment in the sun. It’s a lifestyle marked by clarity, simplicity, and willfulness – an urge to live with nothing but the essentials.
Despite its perks, minimalism is not for everyone. But if there’s one place in your household that can benefit from a pared-down, “less is more’ aesthetic,” it’s the bathroom. You want clear counters, little clutter, and a clean, soothing vibe so you can unwind after a hard day.
While removing surplus towels and empty bottles is an obvious first step, it’s not all. Contrary to popular belief, minimalist bathrooms don’t have to be boring. To truly ace the minimalist décor, you’ll have to balance negative space with beautiful statement pieces.
If you want to embrace minimalism in your bathroom, but are not sure how, we’ve got your back. Whether it’s adding smart storage solutions or picking the right wall colors, we’ll walk you through six ways to create a minimalist bathroom that sparks joy every time you walk inside.
1. Double-Down on Storage
Managing clutter in any room is a challenge, but it’s especially tough in the bathroom – due, mainly, to limited square footage. Thankfully, clever storage solutions abound, such as medicine cabinets that hide away toiletries or under-the-sink boxes for robes and towels. The possibilities are endless.
Often, bathroom storage can double as appealing design features. One way to incorporate “storage-as-design,” is to utilize custom-made cabinets. Not only do custom cabinets help reduce unnecessary clutter, but they can also reinforce a bathroom’s overall vibe, no questions asked. It’s a win-win!
Cabinets aside, try and get hooks or bins to store/hang your items. You can also turn plain wooden crates into laundry baskets. It’s a great way to save on your remodeling budget.
2. Stick to a Neutral Color Scheme
Most minimalist bathrooms rely heavily on subdued color palettes and monochromatic designs. However, they aren’t all just shades of white and beige. If you’re looking to break the pattern, try saturated shades of grey and rich wood tones to give your bathroom a bold look without the razzle-dazzle. Pastel shades such as mint green and cherry-blossom red can also add a calming touch to bathroom interiors.
Do you want to stick to a white-based color scheme? We suggest you opt for a creamy white with a buttery-warm base to make things look less sterile. This classic version of the traditional white adds some warmth to a cold, dark space. What’s more, the gorgeous neutral shade can go well with softer accent colors such as lavender and light pink.
Note that the most attractive minimalist bathrooms usually stick to one or two colors. Any more than that and you risk compromising the serenity of the space.
3. Add Rich Textures
Textures can make or break a minimalist bathroom. A symphony of textures such as wood accents, natural stone, or glass panels can cut through the monotony of the space.
You can also take a more subtle route by implementing decorative wall coverings, floral arrangements, or even colored rugs to soften any harsh looks.
It’s worth mentioning that cleanliness is a big part of minimalism. Remember this when choosing textured surface types for your walls and countertops. We recommend you settle for something easy to wipe down and maintain.
4. Install a Shower Seat
You’d be surprised how much of a gamechanger a shower seat can be, especially if you don’t have room for a tub. Here are a few crucial reasons you should add a shower seat to your minimalist bathroom.
- Improved safety: A shower seat can come in handy if you have elderly family members. Shower seats can reduce the chances of falling, improve comfort while bathing, and support seniors with mobility issues.
- Increased relaxation: Few things can beat a good soak after a long day. However, if your bathroom lacks a tub, a shower seat is the next best thing. Imagine being able to sit under a hot shower as the steady stream of water washes all that stress away.
- Added storage: If you’re not sitting in the shower, you can use the seat to arrange essentials such as shampoo, soap, and other toiletries. It serves multiple purposes!
When choosing a shower seat, be mindful of the material it’s made from. Ideally, you want something that can withstand high humidity, grime, and water damage. For example, white oak or teak is perfect for wooden shower seats, or even stainless steel and plastic for something more modern.
5. Consider Metal Accent Pieces
You really can’t go wrong with classic white marble, but if you want to take your bathroom interior to the next level, metal fixtures are the way to go. Brass, copper, and stainless steel give off a cool, chic vibe and can work with a ton of other materials to create visual intrigue. Plus, they’re durable, kind to the eyes, and can lend an airy feel to the entire space.
Remember, though, you don’t have to smother your entire bathroom in metal. Accents are meant to be just that – accents. Even simple fixtures, such as brass taps or a metal-frame mirror on the wall can make a huge difference.
6. Swap Out Curtains for Glass Doors
Minimalist bathrooms look great when nothing is breaking up the space visually. And while shower curtains do keep prying eyes out, they can also eat into your space. What can you use instead? How about glass doors?
Using transparent glass panels makes a bathroom, in general, feel more spacious. Clear glass generates a feeling of openness – an ambient feature that’s crucial to minimalist bathrooms. However, if you don’t have the budget for glass doors, a clear shower curtain could do the trick.
The Bottom Line
Minimalist styles are suited to bathrooms where organization is needed. But just because you’re chasing a sleek aesthetic doesn’t mean you have to forego design flair. It’s crucial to remember that when it comes to a minimalist design there are seldom any “right” answers. As long as you’re working towards a clean, airy, organized, and functional space, you’re headed in the right direction.
Need some help to turn your bathroom into a minimalist haven? Check out Holland Custom Cabinets for smart cabinet designs. Our precise craftsmanship and high-quality materials can bring your dream cabinet designs to life. For more information, get in touch with us today.
