Your bathroom shouldn't be a forgotten corner of your home. Well-thought-out modern bathrooms make you feel good as you go about your routines. Despite what you may think, modern bathrooms are more than just basic fixtures and sterile tiles (although if that’s what you like, go for it!); they’re full of opportunities for personalisation. Whether you’re going for ‘statement’ or ‘serenity’, modern design offers endless possibilities to turn your bathroom into a space you love.
But first, what does it actually mean to have a modern space? Modern bathrooms don’t all look the same, but they do share certain characteristics. Here are the key elements of modern bathroom design:
The first step to any successful bathroom transformation is the layout. Here are some ideas to set the tone for your modern bathroom reno:
Embrace an open bathroom layout by opting for a walk-in shower instead of an enclosed shower or bathtub/shower combo. Much like the idea of an open-plan home, open bathroom layouts create a sense of openness and make the space feel larger. Frameless glass panes and a rainfall showerhead are a go-to here.
Built-in storage solutions are essential in a modern bathroom. Think built-in cabinets that blend into the walls or recessed shelves. This will also help keep everything off the counters and window sills, showing off your carefully chosen modern tiles, vanity, shower and toilet.
Modern bathroom layouts efficiently use every inch of space. Niches and recesses built into the shower walls create storage for toiletries and other shower essentials. They also eliminate the need for often clunky and outdated shower caddies.
Looking for a little bit of inspiration? Let’s get to the fun part. Here are a few decor styles perfect for modern bathrooms:
The minimalist design movement shares lots of similarities with modern decor — the primary being the idea that less is more. White and neutrals are a favourite here, creating a feeling of airiness in even the darkest of bathrooms. While some mistake minimalism for emptiness, it's actually all about intentionality. Well-chosen tiles, textiles and decor are perfectly acceptable as long as they adhere to the core principle of simplicity.
Black and white is a timeless combination and a high-contrast take on the modern bathroom. There are so many ways to make black and white feel modern — incorporate black marble countertops or a statement wall using black tiles or paint. Another option is keeping your bathroom primarily white but creating a more subtle contrast with matte black tapware.
Some people prefer a lived-in look; others something a little more polished. If you fall into the latter category, you might be drawn to the crisp, beautiful bathrooms you’d see in an upscale Byron Bay or Bali beach house. We love how glossy white square and subway tiles pair with antique brass tapware and accessories to create a look that’s both modern, relaxed and intentional.
Modern Australian bathrooms are all about a eucalyptus-inspired colour palette. Our Modern Australian Style Sample Pack is a gold mine for inspiration — from green kit kats and large-scale ivory travertine look tiles to brushed brass tapware. Pair with light oak wood, neutral textiles and dried botanicals to cap off the look.
Forget the builder-grade fixtures — your bathroom deserves better. Explore bathware, tapware and accessory ideas to tie your modern bathroom together.
Floating vanities create a clean and modern look, making the bathroom feel more spacious. Opt for vanities with clean lines and add minimalist hardware in chrome, brushed nickel or matte black. V-groove vanities hit all the style points for modern bathrooms — clean lines, simple design and hidden storage.
Modern tapware is all about form and function. Our Yabby tapware range has this down; our taps, spouts and showers are designed to suit any style, but look particularly good in modern bathrooms. They come in cool-toned finishes like chrome, matte black or gunmetal. Plus, they're built to last, so you won't be replacing them anytime soon.
Don’t sleep on the accessories — a good door handle goes a long way in a bathroom. We reiterate: modern bathrooms are all about clean lines. Think sleek instead of fussy — well-designed glass hardware and accessories are key. They sit neatly on your beautiful tile or shower glass without being distracting. The fewer bits and pieces in your bathroom, the more modern and spacious it will feel.
From black-and-white bathrooms to a touch of Australiana, there's a lot of inspiration here to spark your creativity. Think of this as your launching pad for a modern bathroom that looks great without sacrificing functionality. So play around with the ideas you saw here and pick the bits that you love.
Looking for more inspiration? Browse our huge range of tiles, tapware and bathware online or visit us at our Sydney showroom to see them in person.
Layla is a creative at heart, with an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design and being the Senior Marketing and Ecommerce Coordinator here at TileCloud she has a passion for staying up to date with the latest trends within the industry. Known for going down a rabbit hole on Pinterest and being a sucker for a good mood board to kick off any project.
