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8 popular bathroom styles that just might inspire a remodel

Darcey Gohring
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Bathrooms are one of the most popular rooms to revamp in a home. The design you select says a lot about who you are and what your personal style is. Finding the right one can be overwhelming. Do you gravitate toward a modern aesthetic? Maybe you love traditional? How about a rustic or farmhouse look? Which of these popular bathroom designs speaks to you? Sometimes, the best place to start is with a little inspiration. Here, we explore a few of the most popular bathroom styles and highlight the hallmarks of each to help you determine your perfect match.

traditional bathroom
Ambient Ideas/Shutterstock

Traditional

This look relies on paying homage to classic details. It will include attention to architectural detail by using decorative trim and paneled cabinetry. Lines will be more flowing, and the materials used will have a timeless feel. A clawfoot and pedestal tub would fit right into this space. Counters are often made of marble, quartz, and granite. For lighting, chandeliers or antique-inspired sconces are the favorites.

Trademark details:

  • Furniture-style vanity with trim
  • Classic lighting with shades
  • Luxurious stone counters and flooring
  • Free-standing tub
  • Elegant fixtures and hardware
rustic bathroom with stone walls

Rustic

No frilly or fancy trim here. Rustic interiors pull inspiration from the outdoors by incorporating organic elements like reclaimed wood and natural stone. Think solid pieces that create a cozy, warm feel without any fussy details. A feature wall with aged wood or rough stone detailing is the perfect backdrop in a rustic space.

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Trademark details:

  • Use of rough natural stone
  • Wood flooring
  • Bringing elements of the outdoors in
  • Sturdy fixtures with a classic aesthetic
sleek modern bathroom
Max Vakhtbovych/Pexels

Modern

Sleek and streamlined, these bathrooms offer a clean look with strong lines. Pieces throughout the space should be geometric with no fussy detailing or ornamentation, and surfaces should be uncluttered. Color is often minimal, but a striking detail such as an unusual natural stone can make a design stand out.

Trademark details:

  • Sleek, clean lines
  • Glass enclosures
  • No fussy ornamentation
  • Minimal-style hardware and lighting
transitional style bathroom

Transitional

Transitional takes modern and traditional elements to create a look that includes timeless components yet still feels current. When done well, it doesn’t veer too far in one direction or another. Instead, it perfectly marries the two for just the right balance. It can also be a good compromise if two people involved in the decision-making have different aesthetics.

Trademark details:

  • Feels timeless yet contemporary
  • Shaker-style cabinetry
  • Uses classic elements with updated application
  • Clean, unfussy hardware
Mediterranean style bathroom
Ksenia Chernaya/Pexels

Mediterranean

This look gets its inspiration from the sunny coastal regions that border the Mediterranean Sea. It imparts a global feel with warm woods, brick, stone, hand-painted tiles, and earthy colors. Rich wood tones and furniture-style pieces bring a vintage European vibe to this space.

Trademark details:

  • Global-inspired lighting
  • Unusual architectural detail
  • Warm paint colors
  • Antique-inspired cabinetry
boho inspired bathroom

Boho

If you are looking to create a relaxing, retreat-inspired space, boho may be for you. This popular look is about mixing in well-worn pieces from all over the world from different time periods. It is more about telling a story than sticking to one style. Think patterned rugs, organic global accents, plants, and groupings of candles.

Trademark details:

  • Eclectic mix of vintage pieces
  • Use of organic materials
  • Plenty of botanicals
  • Unique lighting
industrial style bathroom

Industrial

The industrial look is a nod to the utilitarian practicality of factories and warehouses. It incorporates simple, tough materials that are free of ornamentation. There is nothing frilly about an industrial space—the pieces selected should be solid and sturdy. When it comes to color, minimal and aged weathered surfaces reign.

Trademark details:

  • Practical, sturdy pieces
  • Use of metal piping
  • Sturdy lighting fixtures
  • Minimal color
farmhouse style bath

Farmhouse

Channel your inner Joanna Gaines for the ever-popular farmhouse-style bathroom. Homespun, simple elements that play off the inviting charm of a rural setting make this look long-lasting. Nothing too ornate or trendy with the farmhouse look, just the comfort of an uncomplicated, rustic design done in a way that feels fresh.

Trademark details:

  • White shiplap
  • Rustic cabinetry
  • Black wrought iron
  • Use of classic materials such as subway tiles

Choosing the right style is key when it comes to redesigning your bathroom. Each one has its own characteristics, but you will have a space that feels like home by finding the one that speaks to you.

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