18 Bathroom Remodel Ideas That Will Completely Refresh Your Space

Hang Patterned Wallpaper

A bathroom is the perfect place to add a splash of personality with some fun, colorful, or geometric wallpaper. “In this bathroom, I used a tone-on-tone gray plaid wallpaper to infuse a funky vibe,” says Heather Mastrangeli, founder and principal of Innovatus Design. Be sure to use vinyl wallpaper—it can better withstand moisture.

Create a Long Shower Niche

If there’s one place in your home that never seems to have enough storage, it’s the shower. “Make sure to include storage in the bathing areas,” says interior designer Jennifer Carter, principal and lead designer of Studio Envie. Adding an extra-long niche, ledge, or shelf makes it so much easier to store all of your self-care products, including shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, and soap. 

Add Built-Ins

If you have the space, consider adding built-in storage to your bathroom. Most homes have linen closets, but storing towels and other bathroom items in the room where they’ll actually be used makes them much easier to access. Gabrielle Bove, founder and principal of Opaline Interiors, suggests adding a tall, built-in cabinet next to your vanity—that way, all of your toiletries are within easy reach.

Mix Marble and Vintage Wood

Sometimes, the most unexpected pairings are the most beautiful and visually striking. The combination of Carrara marble and dark stained wood is a great example and delivers both timeless beauty and effortless sophistication.

“The marble on these counters pairs beautifully with rich cabinetry, creating a serene and polished atmosphere,” says Jessika Gatewood, founder and principal of Gatewood Designs. You can also try other, more surprising combinations, like darker marble and lighter wood.

Source Vintage Elements

Secondhand shopping isn’t exclusive to your closet or home décor. A vintage vanity can create a unique bathroom aesthetic, especially when paired with a custom sink.

“In this project, my client wanted a jewel box of a powder room,” says interior designer Bambi A’Lynn Bratton. “We transformed a gilded antique piece into a vanity and topped it with a custom, hand-poured concrete sink.” The unlacquered brass tap is the finishing touch that pulls the whole room together.

Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tile is used frequently in bathrooms, but it's typically contained to the shower floor or to a small ledge or niche. Instead, try using it on the main bathroom floor—it will make an even bigger impact.

“We used an intricate, natural stone mosaic in this bathroom to add movement and interest to the space,” says Mastrangeli. Combining subtle, calming colors with these detailed designs will result in a bathroom that feels luxurious yet understated.

Floating Tub Shelf

If you have a freestanding tub, then a floating shelf will provide easy access to all of your bath products. This feature delivers functional storage that can evolve alongside your shampoo and soap needs, while also elevating these everyday objects, making them as beautiful as the rest of your bathroom. Choose a hue that matches your wall color if you want it to blend in, or add a little contrast with a bolder palette.

Source Your Favorite Fabric

When it comes to shower curtains or drapes, you’re never limited to in-store options. "You can always choose your favorite fabric and have it made into a shower curtain for an alcove tub,” says Bove. Choosing something you love will make your bathroom feel more unique, adding a more whimsical, personal touch.

Try an Arch

Playing with shapes and geometry can make a big impact; adding an arch or two creates a beautiful contrast to sharp, clean lines. “An arch can go a long way in softening the harsher lines of vanities and countertops,” says Carter. If you’re not doing a full remodel that allows you to reshape doorways, consider adding arched accents, like mirrors.

Add a Handheld Shower

Sometimes, the smallest improvements can make the biggest difference. Handheld showers are a perfect example. These can round out a shower system, and they’re affordable—especially when compared to other, more substantial bathroom renovations. Handheld showers offer additional flexibility too, and can be used for everything from washing your hair to grooming a pet.

Install a Wood Ceiling

One of the most luxurious aspects of a sauna is the wood paneling, so why not add a similar element to your bathroom? Many avoid using wood in this space, but it has the potential to truly elevate a room, says Mastrangeli. Some types of wood, like bead board, can be stained in countless colors to match your décor palette while adding a touch of sophistication to your bathroom.

Add Tile Trim

Subtle details like tile trim may not be the first thing you notice when you step into a bathroom, but they can really tie the room together. These pieces can create a finish transition or an edge to the tile, says Carter, elevating your bathroom. If you see tile trim, it’s a sure sign of a carefully-planned design.

Use Glass Tile for the Shower

Glass tile adds a bit of depth to your shower. It's particularly handy when remodeling a smaller space because it can help create a bit of separation. “When I selected this greenish-blue glass tile, I couldn’t wait to see it installed,” says Mastrangeli. “I paired it with a matte hexagon floor tile and varied accent tiles on the back wall.” The end result? The whole room sparkles from the moment you walk in. 

Mix Two Different Finishes

Try using a combination of two different finishes on your cabinet pulls, handles, plumbing fixtures, and other bathroom hardware. “This gives the bathroom a more curated look that feels less sterile,” says Bove. Play with different pairings, like stained brass and polished nickel—one of Bove’s go-to combinations.

Use a Consistent Color Palette

If you want to create a space that's tranquil and soothing, opt for a consistent color palette across all materials. “This is calming to the eye and can be juxtaposed with an unexpected color,” says Bove. You can always change the décor pieces, towels, and bathmats if you want to switch things up down the line.

Add a Freestanding Tub

Built-in bathtubs are the norm, but a freestanding tub can instantly make your bathroom feel like a swanky spa. They add a sophisticated look, and can really open up the space, says Lindsie Davis, founder of interior design firm Blueberry Jones. As an added bonus, these tubs are much easier to clean than their built-in counterparts.

Mix Wallpaper With Tile

If you want to create a bathroom that makes a statement, consider playing around with wallpaper and tile. “This client wasn’t afraid to go big with beautiful, contrasting patterns,” says Bratton. “We added new, patterned tile and wallpaper to the space, but kept the colors in the same family to balance things out.”

The combinations and possibilities are endless—even if you want to keep the color palette more neutral, you’ll still benefit from the juxtaposition of the smooth tile and crisp wallpaper.

Add Convenient Power Outlets

There’s nothing more frustrating than not having electrical outlets exactly where you need them. During your remodel, pay close attention to the placement of outlets, and consider where you’ll likely need them most.

“A GFCI outlet should be easily accessible for hair dryers, hot tools, charging, electric toothbrushes, and other accessories,” says Mastrangeli. Planning ahead and thinking strategically will pay dividends in the long run.