Knowing how to design a bathroom is about understanding the look you want to achieve, combined with the core functionality you can’t live without. Before embarking on a design project, we first look to design inspiration to get a sense of what our clients like — and, equally important — what they don’t. For bathroom design inspiration in 2021, we’ve compiled classic bathroom designs from recent projects that are sure to transcend. Look no further for timeless bathroom design ideas you’ll love to live with for years to come.

Master Bathroom Designs

First thing’s first: let’s establish how master bathrooms are categorized. By definition, a home’s master bathroom contains a shower and a bathtub and adjoins the largest bedroom in the house.

For creating a sweet escape through your master bathroom layout, first consider the elements you’ll want. Do you want body sprays, hand showers, or rain heads? How many shower heads would you like? Do you prefer classic fixtures, or a sleek, more modern aesthetic? With so many possibilities, it’s important to know what you like before diving in, so here are a few of our favorite master bath design ideas.

Master Bathroom Design Ideas

1. The ultimate luxury master bathroom: a mosaic tile standing shower.

2. For small master bathroom ideas, it’s about balancing proportions, including the space-saving toilet and narrow bathroom vanity.

3. Light and clean bathrooms (also how to make a small master bathroom look bigger.)

4. Bathroom shower design ideas: We love a glass shower for an unobstructed, open and airy feel.

5. The vintage-inspired bathroom, including unlacquered brass fixtures for an antique feel.

Full Bathroom Design Ideas

What is a full bath? Before diving into full bath design, let’s define exactly what “full bath” means in the world of residential architecture. Full bathrooms contain three to four plumbing fixtures: a toilet, a sink, and either a shower or a bathtub, or a combination of both. Now that we’ve squared away what is considered a full bath, here are a few of our clients’ favorite full bath design ideas: 

1. The classic white bathroom (but add a fun tile or pattern for visual interest, and a pop of blue for a calming vibe).

2. Room with a view: Embrace a mountain or beach view to just about any bathroom for the ultimate tranquility.

3. Add a pop of color with a bold vanity that complements the adjoining bedroom’s larger palette.

Powder Room Design

What is a powder room? And what is a half bath? Because we hear these two terms used interchangeably in the world of design, these are both great questions. The simple answer is that they are, in fact, one in the same. A powder room is a secondary or “half bathroom” that consists of a toilet and a vanity or face basin. It is normally located near guest rooms or living rooms to best accommodate visitors to the home. These compact rooms are typically smaller than the standard bathroom, but they’re highly convenient (and can benefit your home’s selling potential).

Last but not least, we’ve compiled some inspiring half bath ideas for redesigning or redecorating your powder room. In this category, of course, our favorite small bathroom design ideas and half bath decor are all about clever space saving and tricks to appear larger: 

1. Smart storage alcoves and floating shelves.
2. Punchy powder room wallpaper for using a fun pattern in small doses. 
3. Generous vanity mirror for reflecting light and enhancing perception of space.
4. Rethinking the powder room vanity: the corner sink.

Remodel or Redesign?

Whether you’re taking a sledge hammer to your old bathroom and giving it a full remodel, or simply adding new fixtures, wallpaper, or storage, we hope this dose of design inspiration helps to kickstart your next project and move forward with ideas for creating a space you love (that won’t go out of style).